This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Our Cookie Notice is part of our Privacy Policy and explains in detail how and why we use cookies. To take full advantage of our website, we recommend that you click on “Accept All”. You can change these settings at any time via the button “Update Cookie Preferences” in our Cookie Notice.
Technical cookies are required for the site to function properly, to be legally compliant and secure. Session cookies only last for the duration of your visit and are deleted from your device when you close your internet browser. Persistent cookies, however, remain and continue functioning on repeat visits.
CMS does not use any cookie based Analytics or tracking on our websites; see details here.
Personalisation cookies collect information about your website browsing habits and offer you a personalised user experience based on past visits, your location or browser settings. They also allow you to log in to personalised areas and to access third party tools that may be embedded in our website. Some functionality will not work if you don’t accept these cookies.
What has been the most challenging aspect of living through the COVID-19 restrictions and what did you miss most? | For the first weeks, it felt like I was in a science-fiction movie. But I’m very proud of the speed with which CMS adapted to the new situation. All our meetings moved into the virtual world and work continued as normal. We are talking about thousands of people suddenly working from home. I head the International Business Development team, which is a virtual team. So, one might think not much has changed for us. But this is not true – we moved to working from home overnight, some of us for the first time. It was therefore my most important task to keep the team together and keep the morale and energy up. Personally, the most challenging aspect was to maintain a work / life balance – it felt as if we never left work and there was a lot to do at the same time. It was like running an ultramarathon. |
How did you manage at home during lockdown? | I’m very lucky to have a good internet connection and teenage kids who can cook, so no problems there. It was business as usual. I enjoyed not needing to commute and being able to have lunch and dinner with my family on some days. |
What routines will you continue after the COVID-19 outbreak is brought under control? | I will try to keep the family going for a walk together and keep up my running. Sport and running help me cope with stress and build resilience. |
What have you learned about the working environment during COVID-19 and how might we change the way we work in the future? | I read research by Gallup which said that over 50% of surveyed employees do not want to go back to the office. Imagine the impact it will have on the office market. Several companies are already reducing office space or limiting office days. Also, the cooperation between teams has got better and they have often worked together to make the impossible possible. For example, developing multi-jurisdictional Expert Guides for over 30 countries within a week. |
To what extent has client service or client interaction been impeded during the COVID-19 restrictions? | Communications channels have changed, but client interaction has not suffered. Client communications have moved to telephone/video conversations and into the digital realm: webinars and the website played the main roles. Our dedicated COVID-19 Insight page experienced a record number of visitors. As for client service, we have delivered high level legal advice on multiple topics in a timely manner, which is sorely needed in these uncertain times. |
Social Media cookies collect information about you sharing information from our website via social media tools, or analytics to understand your browsing between social media tools or our Social Media campaigns and our own websites. We do this to optimise the mix of channels to provide you with our content. Details concerning the tools in use are in our privacy policy.