In October 2023 we announced the launch of a new Legus European Internship, allowing a number of Russell-Cooke associates to spend a week in a European member firm, and for us to host their solicitors in turn. As part of our blog series on the subject, we asked our own Satinder Johal about her time interning with Köster Advocaten in Haarlem, The Netherlands and what she's learnt from taking part in the programme.
Q: Why did you enjoy the internship?
It was a great opportunity to experience and learn about the law in another jurisdiction. Everyone was extremely welcoming and it was fantastic to engage with people from different seniority levels such as newly-qualified lawyers through to partners.
Even though I did spend time in different departments, I had good exposure in to the commercial and corporate department which I was mostly interested in. I noticed that there were many similarities in how commercial and corporate law is practised in the Netherlands. As I have personally witnessed Köster’s way of working and have built good relations with a few of the lawyers there, I feel more confident in being able to refer clients who require commercial / corporate assistance.
Q: Can you give us an overview of what you did?
I had exposure to different departments at Köster such as employment, commercial and corporate, bankruptcy and litigation. I am glad I spent my time in these departments as I wanted to see how they interact. I have observed that in England, there is often overlap between departments, and I found the same to be true at Köster as well.
Whilst working with these teams I was involved in carrying out legal research; reviewing corporate and commercial documents and reporting to the partner with my comments; attending client calls (Teams calls); visiting / attending court for a property related dispute; discussing matters with the partners; and attending internal meetings.
I also attended a team meeting to discuss a recent decision made in a high-profile case; and the other was a junior board meeting.
I also attended a junior lawyer’s event with a few of the junior lawyers which was open to all the junior lawyers in the Netherlands. This event then turned into a Dutch rave which was a lot of fun!
Q: What have you taken away from the experience?
I have built some excellent connections at Köster and I will definitely reach out to them in the event a client needs assistance with a matter in the Dutch jurisdiction.
It was useful and interesting to see how Köster’s operates and the similarities of how the commercial and corporate team works. Similarly to Russell-Cooke, there was a huge overlap with certain other departments within the firm such as real estate and litigation.
The junior lawyer’s event included talks from various different inspirational people from various different backgrounds and ended with a Dutch rave. The talks given by the various individuals, although in Dutch (translated for me into English), were motivating as each individual spoke about the tough times they have faced in their careers and how they over came this as well as the peaks of their careers.
Q: What would you say are the benefits of this programme?
It is great to see how law is practised in other jurisdiction; build connections in other jurisdictions; understanding how laws operate from day-to-day; feeling part of a wider team not just as lawyers at Russell-Cooke but also part of the Legus team.
And some slightly more fun questions...
Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
I am actually a kick boxer (which takes most people by a surprise).
Q: Who inspires you?
I am deeply inspired by senior lawyers who possess extensive knowledge and experience in commercial and corporate law. Their expertise and dedication not only drive my ambition but also serve as a profound source of motivation. Observing their ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, provide strategic counsel, and uphold the highest standards of professional integrity fuels my passion for this field. Their achievements and commitment to the law are a constant reminder of the impact that skilled legal practitioners can have on the business world, and they inspire me to strive for excellence in my own legal career.
Q: What is the last book you read?
The Honeymoon
Q: What would your dream weekend look like?
Dream weekend would include a spa, afternoon tea, nice evening dinner, a long stroll and ending the day with a movie or something pretty relaxing.
Q: If you could have dinner with a famous person/character from film, book or TV, who would you choose?
Steven Bartlett
Satinder Johal is in the corporate and commercial team advising clients on corporate and commercial affairs, startups and real estate matters.
Get in touch
Call us on +44 (0)20 3826 7550 or complete our enquiry form.
