Michaela Marandu, a Partner at Clyde & Co, a law firm based in Tanzania shares details about her time with ILFA host firm Clyde & Co London in 2014 and her professional life in general.
Tell us about your pre-ILFA profile and motivations for applying to the programme?
Before ILFA, I worked for boutique law firms based in the heart of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I was mainly doing corporate and commercial litigation work.
I heard about the ILFA secondment through a friend and I was keen on gaining experience working for Magic Circle law firms based in London. This was largely my motivation for applying for the programme
What were the key highlights of the ILFA secondment experience?
Aside from the good experience I gained, through the ILFA secondment I managed to build my network of counsel in and out of Africa. It has been both invaluable and supportive to my line of work.
What was the greatest challenge during the ILFA secondment?
Moving around London for a first-time visitor was initially challenging, but I finally got the hang of it!
What is your story since the ILFA programme?
The ILFA secondment certainly helped build my profile, and pushed me to encourage other lawyers to apply for the programme – I also joined the ILFA National Committee in Tanzania in order to help other Tanzanian lawyers gain international experience.
Name one area of professional development that you would most value assistance with at this stage in your career?
My mission to encourage more law firms and organisations to sponsor an ILFA candidate.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would say to my younger self that the law business is more than just legal services – it’s about making connections, building networks, understanding culture and practice.
What are the main issues facing you as a lawyer today?
Accessing reliable and up to date information can be an issue at times depending on the situation.
Who are your key inspirations?
Dr. Kibuta Ongwamuhana who I met at Clyde & Co when I joined the Dar es Salaam office; and Robert Franklin who supervised me on my secondment in London.
What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
Mentoring and encouraging young lawyers through social events, seminars and workshops.
Final words
The ILFA secondment is to me more than a capacity building programme for African lawyers – it is an opportunity to see and understand the legal profession at an international level.
