In this series, we speak to our inbound and outbound seconded lawyers about their experience working at firms in different jurisdictions.
We dive into the differences in legal work, culture and what they've learnt from working in a new country. In this edition, we speak to Senior Associate Adam Bradley, who, in April of last year, was seconded from our Dispute Resolution team at Travers Smith to Madrid.
How long were you seconded and what was the nature of your secondment?
I spent 3 months in Madrid on an international program hosted by a leading Spanish law firm, who we know well and have worked with previously. During the program, I was able to blend servicing my existing Travers Smith clients with some experience of what it is like to work at a leading litigation and arbitration practice in Madrid. Nine other secondees also participated in the program, representing firms from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands and Peru. This has allowed us to further grow Travers Smith's connections with leading firms across the globe, and to gain insights into key issues in overseas legal markets.
How does being a litigator in Spain differ to practising in the UK?
Spain does not have the same distinction between solicitors and barristers that we have here. For court hearings, lawyers at Spanish firms therefore conduct the advocacy in front of the judge. I had the opportunity to attend a preliminary hearing whilst in Madrid, relating to a claim concerning the interruption of a contract by the Covid-19 pandemic. Although my Spanish lessons had not progressed to the point where I could understand everything (or indeed very much at all!) that was being said, it was interesting how the interactions between the lawyers and the judge appeared to be more informal than we often see in the UK. Whilst the formality and importance of legal proceedings is important to retain in certain scenarios (e.g. where witnesses are giving evidence), it has given me cause to reflect on whether interim hearings such as the one I saw in Madrid (where the parties were seeking to find sensible directions towards trial) might be conducted in a less formal manner in the UK. This might result in a less adversarial – and possibly a more productive – environment in which to resolve interlocutory matters.
Are there any lessons you might take back with you to the UK?
Secondments of this nature provide opportunities to reflect on our own working practices. For example, lunchtime is an important time of the day in Spain, not only to have a good meal (my host firm's in-house staff restaurant was excellent) but also to spend time catching up with colleagues. As busy professionals, it is often tempting to think that taking an hour to have lunch with colleagues is not the most productive way to make use of the working day. On the contrary, my experience in Madrid of making this the rule, rather than the exception, has taught me that it can play a key part in fostering good relationships with colleagues and provides an opportunity to have a proper break in the middle of the day (boosting productivity and mental wellbeing), without needing to jeopardise client service.
What makes the relationship between Travers and your host firm work so well?
A significant portion of Travers Smith's disputes mandates have a cross-border element. This can take various forms, including where clients face related claims in other jurisdictions, where they are seeking to enforce judgments or arbitral awards against assets based overseas, or where elements of claims brought in the English courts are governed by foreign law. We regularly collaborate with other leading independent firms around the world on these mandates; spending an extended period of time with one such firm in Madrid, which has an equally international outlook, has (I hope) helped both of our firms to improve our understanding of each other's legal cultures so that we can better serve our respective client bases.
What is your favourite spot in Madrid?
There are so many to choose from; each part of the city has its own distinctive feel. One of my favourite spots is Plaza de Olavide, close to where I was living in Chamberí. Formerly home to a covered market, it is now an octagonal-shaped plaza surrounded by a range of bars and eateries. An ideal place to unwind in the sunshine after the end of a busy week, with enough of a buzz about it but without being quite as overwhelming as some of the spots more popular with the tourist crowds!