Earlier this week, Rebeka Smolka, an intern with the international department at Robus, sat down with Alex Sviridov to discuss his legal career and journey to the city-on-the-hill, Haifa. Alex graduated from Kutafin Moscow State Law University in 2020 with a Master of Laws degree focusing on international private law and has five years of legal experience under his belt. He was already looking to make Aliyah when the war in his home country expedited the process. In this interview, Alex reflects on his legal career and talks about his aspirations to work as an attorney in Israel. His story mirrors that of many other young legal professionals, so we hope you enjoy it whether you are in the same boat or are simply interested in his perspective!
- Can you share your journey in the legal profession and what motivated you to make Aliyah to Israel?
My legal professional career started in 2018 with my boots on the ground. The firm I was working with immersed me in various litigation work from the start. Experience with a broad spectrum of clients and cases allowed me to learn and adapt quickly. In other roles, I dealt with intellectual property, consultancy disputes, and contract law. After spending some time advising the Deposit Insurance Agency of Russia, a case brought me to Haifa. Blown away by the beauty of the city, the community, and even the air, I decided to begin the process of Aliyah. Escalations in my home country sped up my relocation to the picturesque city. So, by 2022, I was living in Haifa and continuing to work with the Ukrainian firm I was employed with before my move. Eventually, I began to look for job opportunities in Israel and found LawFlex, a leading global legal outsourcing service. More than six months later, I am enjoying getting to know the vast network of great people working with me all over the world. Also, my work has allowed me to expand my expertise to new branches of the law. As I am still relatively early in my career, I am excited to see the future of my legal work in Israel.
- How has being in Israel influenced your business’s dynamics, particularly in navigating international legal frameworks and cultural differences?
For the most part, legal professionals in Russia do not have to be attorneys to practice law. In Israel, however, it is an entirely different story. Prospective lawyers must take the bar exam, entirely in Hebrew, and pass it before being able to practice within the legal framework here. To navigate this difference, I have had to shift my focus to improving and building my language skills. Now, I am on the path to becoming an attorney here and am looking forward to the potential for growth in the future. The work I am doing now as a freelancer with LawFlex has been incredible. Working with lawyers worldwide has given me a wealth of exposure to different legal approaches and helped me absorb knowledge and skills to expand my network. I am excited about what the next few years will bring as I continue to navigate the legal profession in Israel.
- What were some of the most significant cultural challenges you faced in Israel, personally and professionally, after your immigration?
So far, the most significant cultural challenge I have faced in Israel, personally and professionally, has been the language barrier. However, I am constantly improving my Hebrew, knowing this obstacle can be overcome with time and practice.
Another key difference I have noticed is the approach professionals have to work in Israel. The observance of Shabbat is refreshing in comparison to the sentiments in my home country that professionals should always be available and working. I think this fosters a more profound passion for the work that lawyers are doing here, and it is beautiful to see and be a part of.
- Based on your experience, what advice would you give to other lawyers contemplating making aliyah and continuing their legal careers in Israel?
My advice is to be brave and welcome in the change; it is always worth it in the end. Prioritizing learning Hebrew is also essential to continuing and building a legal career in Israel.
