First of all, please tell us about your success story, what difficulties you faced and what stage you are at now?

Thank you for affording me this opportunity to share my experiences with young and aspiring professionals. It is a privilege to offer personal insights that may resonate with and hopefully provide a source of motivation to others.

I have worked with BGI Legal, Georgia’s top ranked law firm, for the past 9 years, recently becoming the Head of Litigation Practice of BGI Legal. But my professional journey began 14 years ago, at BDO, where I spent my initial five years. Over the last decade and a half, I have accumulated valuable experiences that have shaped my career path.

Being a legal practitioner is a demanding yet a rewarding career choice. One of the major difficulties I faced early on was that at the outset of my career I did not have a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve in a largely male-dominated industry. When I embarked on my legal career, the landscape was quite different in terms of gender equality. This was a significant obstacle, but it also fueled my determination to succeed. I knew that I had to continuously improve my skills, network, and take calculated risks to break through these barriers.

Over the years, I’ve evolved both personally and professionally. In the beginning, I started with corporate and tax law, advising and assisting clients in company reorganizations and the formation of holdings to providing support in various business transactions and offering guidance and representation in tax-related matters. The breadth of experience of the first few years in the profession gave me a clearer perspective and a deeper understanding of the possibilities and goals I aimed to achieve. These experiences were instrumental in propelling me to my position at BGI Legal, where I started as an associate. Being an associate at BGI presented me with opportunities to tackle more complex and diverse projects. During my time at BGI, I contributed to various significant projects, including advising leading pharmaceutical companies on adjustments to their business models in Georgia, guiding largest social media platforms on launching various projects and applications in Georgia, assisting tech-giants with the advice in electronic communications and copyright laws for expanding their applications and/or broadcast services in Georgia, and, most notably, representing industry-leading companies in intricate legal disputes, with some cases leading to the establishment of significant court precedents in corporate law and achieving landmark victories in the field of IP law.

Another aspect of the intricate world of lawyering lies in the fact that the success we may encapsulate in a single sentence often entails dozens of overtime hours and even countless sleepless nights. Success, while immensely rewarding, never comes effortlessly. In tandem with these accomplishments, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of making your voice heard and articulating your rightful place in the professional landscape. My heartfelt advice to emerging women leaders is this: do not hesitate to raise your voice, assert your worth, and articulate the dedication and hard work that entitle you to your well-deserved recognition and success.

There have been instances when I held back from celebrating my accomplishments, but I’m grateful to BGI for lending their ear once I found the courage to speak out. My sincere recommendation to every young professional is this: whenever that inner voice tells you it’s time and you’ve earned it, don’t hesitate to voice it.

At this stage in my career, I can confidently say that the journey, with all its challenges and hurdles, was undoubtedly worth it. Nevertheless, I recognize that this is an ongoing process. As one ascends the professional ladder, greater responsibilities invariably follow. I look forward to the continued growth and development of our litigation practice, and I am dedicated to contributing to the success of our team and the broader legal landscape. This role represents not only personal accomplishment but also the collective effort and determination it took to get here.

At this point of my career, I find myself in a professional landscape that is much more welcoming and supportive of women’s contributions. I’ve reached a position where I can make a positive impact and contribute to this transformation. I’m committed to being a part of this ongoing change, and I strive to ensure that the next generation of women entering the workforce faces fewer obstacles and enjoys more opportunities for success.

What section or achievement would you outline from your career history and why?

One of the most memorable chapters in my career unfolded when my involvement played a crucial role in BGI Legal’s victory in a complex legal battle on behalf of a multinational confectionery giant. The outcome was the registration of a trademark based on truly exceptional legal grounds – “distinctiveness acquired through use.” The Georgian Trademark Authority rendered a crucial verdict, acknowledging that remarkable sales volumes and extensive advertising campaigns of the particular product in Georgia had enabled local customers to unmistakably associate the requested trademark with the corresponding goods.

In another remarkable success that holds a special place in my heart, BGI reached a significant milestone: Through my active participation, we successfully enabled another international giant to register a geographical indication as a trademark. Our efforts not only secured this achievement but also played a pivotal role in guiding the Georgian Trademark Office to align its practices with EUIPO guidelines, setting a precedent in the industry.

A personal section of my career history that I wish to spotlight as truly exceptional, with the hope that it may inspire and motivate others, is the one when I finally decided to pursue higher education in Brussels during the pandemic. This was a particularly challenging yet rewarding experience. I decided to further my studies in the midst of a global health crisis, and I faced unique obstacles, including loads of materials to study, newborn baby and strict curfews and restrictions. The decision to pursue this opportunity wasn’t easy, but I was determined to continue my professional growth and education despite the circumstances. It was a true test of resilience and time management, balancing my academic commitments with caring for my baby and adhering to pandemic-related restrictions. The experience taught me that with the right determination and adaptability, it’s possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges and I hope it will serve as a reminder that embarking on your educational journey and striving for your dreams can happen at any point in life, even when faced with significant challenges like parenting.

Prior to that, I would remember the episode when I was promoted to a position of a Senior Associate. This promotion marked a pivotal transition in my role, requiring me to shift from a performer to a supervisor. As a Senior Associate, I took on new responsibilities that involved managing and delegating tasks, overseeing team members’ performance, and contributing to the firm’s strategic decision-making. This transition was a fascinating and enriching experience that provided me with insights into the complexities of leadership and team management.

As is obvious from these stories, one cannot overemphasize the importance of continuous learning and growth in one’s professional journey and the value of adaptability when confronting challenges.

As we know you recently become a Head of Litigation Practice at “BGI Legal”. Tell us more about your company and your current activities there.

BGI Legal is the leading full-service law firm in Georgia, and it is a great responsibility to be serving as the Head of the Litigation Practice at this firm. The firm has been a legal market leader for the last two decades, and its track record is nothing short of exceptional. The firm has earned a strong reputation for its work in various legal areas, including its litigation and transactional practices. The firm is known for its dedication to both local and international clients, serving their diverse legal needs while adhering to the highest professional standards. Our client base includes major foreign investors, lending institutions, national companies, joint ventures, diplomatic missions, and international organizations.

As the Head of the Litigation Practice at BGI Legal, my current activities involve a range of responsibilities to ensure that we continue to uphold the firm’s reputation and serve our clients effectively. In my role as the Head of Litigation Practice at BGI Legal, I lead a dynamic team focused on resolving complex legal disputes and providing strategic legal counsel to our clients. Our work involves a diverse range of litigation matters. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of legal professionalism and excellence, and our goal is to provide effective and efficient legal services that address the unique needs of our clients.

Currently, we are actively expanding our litigation team to enhance our capabilities and ensure that we continue delivering exceptional, business-friendly and commercially sensible service to our clients.

Tell us a few words about your future plans as a head of litigation practice. Is there any initiative or project that you are planning to launch nearest future?

As the Head of Litigation at BGI Legal, my future plans revolve around two key objectives. First and foremost, I am committed to maintaining and further elevating our own standard of legal services. Second, the legal landscape is constantly evolving, and I recognize the need to adapt and stay ahead of these changes. To achieve this, we must evolve in step with our clients’ ongoing needs. Notably, there has been a recent surge in the volume of disputes, making it imperative that we expand our litigation team. This expansion will allow us to not only meet the increased demand for our services but also to ensure that each team member receives the support and mentorship needed to gain the experience and expertise required to excel independently. My vision is to lead a dynamic and forward-thinking litigation practice that is responsive to the shifting legal landscape, anticipates the needs of our clients, and equips our team with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed.

Finally, limiting ourselves to the traditional question, what would you advise aspiring professionals and young people who are now taking their first career steps?

As I reflect on my own journey and the valuable experiences that have shaped my career, I genuinely advise aspiring professionals to embrace exploration. It is entirely okay not to have everything figured out right away. In fact, it’s perfectly normal. Use this early stage of your career to explore diverse opportunities and experiences. Try different roles, industries, and projects. You’ll learn what resonates with you and where your true passion lies. Don’t be afraid of engaging in new tasks. It’s natural to feel apprehensive about new challenges. To conquer that fear, simply begin by engaging in the task you find intimidating. As you continue to work on it, you’ll notice your anxiety gradually disappearing, making way for greater clarity and confidence.

I also firmly believe that it is also crucial to seek for mentors. Mentorship can be a game-changer in our career. Find mentors who can provide guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate your professional journey.

Another critical factor in achieving success is those around you, whether at work or at home. Surround yourself with a strong support team, including colleagues who encourage and uplift you. They can be a source of guidance, inspiration, and emotional support as you navigate your career.

Remember that continuous learning is the cornerstone of staying relevant and competitive in your field. Never stop learning. The professional landscape is constantly evolving, and being adaptable and open to new knowledge and skills is crucial. Seek out opportunities for growth and development.

And lastly, speak up and claim your success. Do not underestimate the power of your voice. It’s essential to advocate for yourself and confidently claim your accomplishments. The world is filled with talented individuals, and it’s your responsibility to ensure your hard work is recognized and acknowledged.