Law firm strengthens international links

Lawyers from Shropshire and Spain have swapped offices as part of an international staff exchange that helps build closer links between legal firms across the globe.

Aaron & Partners took part in the latest IAG Global staff exchange with Valencia-based law firm Andersen, welcoming one of its lawyers to its offices before Family Law solicitor Grace Roberts joined the firm in Spain for a two-week placement. 

Grace spent the fortnight working alongside colleagues in Valencia, learning more about the Spanish legal system, sharing knowledge with the Andersen team and experiencing life in one of the country’s leading law firms.

Additionally, Grace immersed herself in Valencian culture, watching Valencia CF triumph against eventual La Liga winners Barcelona, visiting the city's renowned Oceanogràfic aquarium and sampling plenty of authentic paella.

Trainee lawyer María García Crespo spent two weeks with Aaron & Partners gaining experience across a number of departments while getting to know the local area and spending time with colleagues beyond the office.

Her visit included a range of social and networking events, and she joined colleagues at the Shropshire Tasty Trail - an event sponsored by the firm.

Grace said: "The exchange has been an incredible opportunity, both professionally and personally. Working alongside lawyers in another country gives you a real insight into a different legal system, but just as importantly it helps you build connections that continue long after the exchange has finished.

"One of the biggest benefits is developing an international network of trusted contacts. If a client comes to me with a matter involving another jurisdiction, I now have trusted contacts I can turn to whenever a client needs legal advice in another jurisdiction. Everyone at Andersen made me feel incredibly welcome and I couldn't have asked for a better experience."

Helen Watson, vice chair of IAG Global and senior partner and head of Employment Law at Aaron & Partners, said: "The programme gives our lawyers a fantastic opportunity to experience legal practice in another country while building lasting relationships with trusted firms across our international network. 

“Those connections ultimately benefit our clients too, helping us work seamlessly with overseas colleagues whenever legal matters cross borders. It's also a fantastic development opportunity for our lawyers, giving them experiences they'll carry with them throughout their careers."

The programme forms part of IAG Global's commitment to strengthening collaboration between member firms across the world by giving lawyers the opportunity to experience different legal systems, share knowledge and build lasting professional connections.

The latest exchange marks the fifth time Aaron & Partners has taken part in the IAG Global scheme, having previously partnered with firms in the United States, France, Germany and Belgium.