Partner promotions 2020 Meet our new partners 4

Meet Myfanwy Wood

What do you think sets Ashurst apart from other firms?

Ashurst's culture, combined with its commitment to excellence, is what really sets it apart from other firms. It is incredibly rare to be part of a firm which combines a supportive culture whilst at the same time maintains a dedication to excellence. Ashurst fosters collaboration, leadership and innovation in all of its people and is a firm in which you are genuinely supported to succeed.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to become partner?

Be brave and be resilient. Also, make sure to build a trusted network of mentors, supporters and friends. You cannot become partner on your own.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

Busking on the streets of Melbourne was my main source of income during my undergraduate degrees.

What are you most excited about in the next 12 months?

I am excited by the level of innovation shown in International Arbitration and the speed at which it is adapting to a changing world. As a party led process, International Arbitration is leading the way in technology adoption and procedural efficiencies to ensure it is an effective and efficient method of dispute resolution. These changes have been accelerated by the impact of COVID-19 and I think that the next 12 months will only see more innovation and leadership in this space.

How do you see the legal sector further transforming in the next five years?

I think the legal sector will continue to adapt to the needs of our clients. It will be more efficient and focussed, looking at the client's needs holistically. I also think that the legal sector will focus much more on diversity and ensuring that advisers reflect the world in which their client's operate and ensure a diverse range of opinions are heard so as to achieve the best outcomes.

Meet Larissa Toozoff

What do you enjoy most about working in the legal sector?

I love the problem solving aspects. For me, it is about understanding and really hearing our clients' needs and working with them to deliver products that not only address those needs, but that do so in a way that is elegant, makes sense for them and works in their business. I also really enjoy working with people; being able to forge ongoing relationships with my clients is extremely rewarding and enriching.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to become partner?

Think about what you bring to the table that makes your organisation stronger and what your contribution will be, and work on developing those. I would also advise a prospective partner to back yourself, be authentic and, at the end of the day, this is your partnership and you need to be prepared to drive your path forward.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself

While I like to think that I am descended from the Russian aristocracy, it is probably closer to the truth to say that I am under the rule of my canine overlord, a miniature schnauzer called Hildie.

What are you most excited about in the next 12 months?

This is a really exciting time of transition for me personally but also for organisations in the way we all work. In what has been a very strange and destabilising year for many, I'm keen to continue building our team of smart, motivated and commercially-minded lawyers and outstanding non-legal staff and to work with our excellent partnership team to deepen our existing client relationships and expand on what we can deliver for our government clients.

What will a law firm and partner of the future look like?

Aside from increasingly looking to technology to streamline service delivery, COVID-19 has brought the future forward, insofar as we have all moved much faster towards working together virtually and not physically. The law firm of the future will continue this movement, drawing together the best teams for our clients, irrespective of location, and its partners will effectively form and lead teams in this environment. It's never been more exciting to be in a truly international firm, where collaboration across the network is a real focus and that enables us to draw on the best experience from right across the globe.

Meet Karsten Raupach

What do you think sets Ashurst apart from other firms?

Our strong commercial approach sets us apart from other firms. Ashurst is a very professional, well organised firm which allows us to take a very commercial approach, and to provide fast, focussed advice at the highest standard.

What do you enjoy most about working in the legal sector?

To work in the legal sector and in particular in the field of restructuring, is very varied. I enjoy approaching problems with an open mind and thinking creatively in order to find solutions for my clients' problems. And, of course, I enjoy the interaction with my clients and team.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to become partner?

Keep calm, stay authentic and trust in your strengths.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself

I considered becoming a goldsmith or carpenter as an alternative to studying law.

What are you most excited about in your practice area/industry in the next 12 months

We are currently living in exceptional times with deep transformations in many industries, which provides opportunities for the RSSG practice area. I am excited to use my knowledge to help clients creatively solve problems and to further develop Ashurst's business and team.