LEADERS CLUB | LAW — INSPIRING SUCCESS STORIES
We spoke with Anastasia Medvedskaya about responsibility in international law, cross-border disputes, and a leadership philosophy grounded in trust.
ANASTASIA MEDVEDSKAYA International Arbitration Specialist
Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how you arrived at where you are today?
I am a French-qualified lawyer (Avocat à la Cour), an Associate Member of Guernica 37 Chambers in London, and a legal counsel at The Mentors Group in Dubai. From the outset, my career has focused on resolving international disputes. I trained in international trade, arbitration, and public international law in Paris and The Hague, before working at leading international law firms. At Ernst & Young, I served as a Senior Quantum Consultant, concentrating on the financial dimensions of international arbitration cases.
The combination of legal and financial experience shapes the way I work today. I represent governments and private clients in cross-border, high-stakes disputes that often involve significant political and economic sensitivities. My practice brings together arbitration, sanctions, and public international law. My aim is to build clear and coordinated strategies across jurisdictions.
When did you realize that international law would be more than just a profession for you?
My encounter with international law was somewhat accidental. I was admitted to the University of Nanterre for my master's degree, where I had the opportunity to study under Alain Pellet, Jean-Marc Thouvenin, and Franck Latty. These professors offered not only knowledge but also the courage to think critically. The dynamic and multi-layered nature of international law profoundly shaped me intellectually.
How has working across different legal cultures influenced the way you think?
Cross-border work has taught me intellectual humility. At the beginning, I assumed that the legal system I knew best was inherently superior. Over time, working across different systems showed me that both common law and civil law traditions have strengths that make sense within their respective contexts. I came to understand that no legal culture has a monopoly on sound answers. A rule that appears complex or counterintuitive in one system may serve a meaningful purpose in another. Sound judgment does not come from adhering to a single framework, but from the ability to move between perspectives. Patience, attentive listening, and understanding context are essential.
What does "responsibility" mean to you in areas intersecting with public interest?
Responsibility means precision, restraint, and an awareness of the broader impact of decisions. Legal work is never confined to a single file. Reputation is built over years through careful choices and a consistent commitment to professional ethics.
How has your definition of success evolved over time?
At the beginning of my career, success meant titles and visible milestones. Today, success means the trust of my clients. Long-term trust has become the true measure.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Formal mentors provided technical discipline and analytical structure. Informal mentors, through their example and candid feedback, strengthened my judgment and resilience. These relationships accelerated my development and reinforced the importance of strategic thinking.
In the context of International Women's Day, what does being a woman in competitive spaces mean to you?
For me, International Women's Day is less about symbolism and more about accountability. Excellence must be recognized on equal terms, and access to opportunity should not be limited by invisible barriers. Working in these environments has underscored the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining intellectual independence. It also brings a sense of responsibility to help create spaces where women can progress without having to justify their presence or ambition.