I worked in Freshfields' London office for seven and a half years, and then took the chance to relocate to the new Dubai office. I'd visited a couple of times, so I knew I liked the country, but moving there with my daughter was a big decision.
Freshfields made the move incredibly easy for me, organising everything from flights to shipping my furniture, setting up accommodation and sponsoring my three year visa. It's that kind of firm. I know when people look at my CV and see I've been here for nine years they'll understand how well they treat their people.
I arrived in the sweltering heat of August. It was a small office at that time but it's quickly grown. I'm now one of nine secretaries and I provide support for six lawyers. We've seen big changes and the busy atmosphere is great. I handle all kinds of tasks from dealing with diaries and arranging travel to day-to-day secretarial work. But because I work with a senior partner I have more responsibility, such as billing for client work. That involves keeping in touch with my colleagues in the finance team in London.
That's just one illustration of Freshfields' international feel, especially in Dubai. I work with people from Germany, Australia and Russia. Outside work I socialise with people from about ten different countries - and because Dubai is a small, tight-knit community I'll often bump into people from work. It's never a case of just nodding a hello; we always find time to have a drink or a chat. There's a common bond among people here that stems partly from people being away from friends and family.
I came here to push myself out of my comfort zone and that's certainly been the case. The opportunity Freshfields gave me has made me want so much more from my life.
Practice area:
Senior PA