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 Maree Myerscough (nee Costello) is a lawyer working in the Singapore office of Latham & Watkins LLP. Latham & Watkins is a global law firm employing more than 2,100 attorneys in 12 different countries. It was recently ranked as the #2 among US law firms in The American Lawyer’s 2008 “A-List”. Maree is a member of the Singapore office of Latham & Watkins, representing international clients in corporate, financial and project financing transactions in Asia.
Maree graduated from UOW with an BA/LLB (Hons I) in 2002. Maree was an active member of campus life during her time at UOW, including as President of the Golden Key Society and involvement in the Law Students’ Society. In her Golden Key role she initiated the inaugural Illawarra Graduate Careers Fair, the first locally-based graduate careers fair in the region. Maree also served on the Academic Senate and was a member of various faculty committees.
Before commencing her legal career in the Sydney office of Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Maree spent two years abroad, backpacking for six months in Europe, working for one year in London and another six months backpacking in China and South East Asia.
Why did you want to work overseas and in Singapore in particular?
I had not planned to work in Singapore, or even Asia for that matter. My original plan was to move back to England. London is such a wonderful city and I knew that if I went back there I would have a fantastic time in London itself and in all of the European travel destinations that living in London allows. However, whilst contemplating offers with English law firms, the opportunity to interview with Latham & Watkins in Asia arose. Compared with London or New York, moving to Asia is the road less traveled for Australian lawyers. The more I looked into Latham as a firm, the growth opportunities in Asia and the benefits of living the expatriate life in Asia, the more I was attracted to taking this different route.
Why did you decide to work in the field you are working in?
My legal practice in Singapore is of a transactional nature and involves structuring, negotiating, documenting and advising on corporate, financing and project documents. I am particularly enjoying working in project finance. Currently I am working on proposals for power projects in Bangladesh and Vietnam and an upcoming project involves a wind farm in South Korea. It is fascinating to learn about the technical aspects of these power projects, the pros and cons of the various fuels and how these massive projects are put together. It is also quite an exciting time to be working in the projects area, given the current global focus on the pending energy crisis.
Did you apply to work in Singapore or did you apply for a position with Latham & Watkins LLP and were placed in Singapore?
Latham were recruiting for both their Hong Kong and Singapore offices so at that stage I contemplated both. Whilst Hong Kong was appealing as a major financial centre, Singapore appealed from a lifestyle perspective. Singapore is a first rate city. It is so clean and efficient, so you get the cultural benefits of living in Asia along with the first class facilities and efficiencies that Singapore offers. As expatriates we also have a very comfortable life here.
Did you require additional professional qualifications to practice overseas?
Yes, I did have to obtain additional legal qualifications beyond my Australian qualifications. The large-scale transactions that we advise on are usually governed by either English or New York law. On joining Latham I had the choice to either re-qualify under the English or US legal system. I chose the English system so I am now also qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales. As a foreign law firm in Singapore, Latham & Watkins does not practice Singapore law. We engage local law firms to advise on the Singapore law aspects of our transactions.
Most of the transactions that we are involved in do not just involve one country. We are often engaged not only to prepare the main transaction documents, but also to coordinate the legal issues and required documentation of the various countries in which the transaction is connected. I spend a lot of time dealing with local counsel throughout Asia, including China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and Taiwan. The differences in the legal regimes are certainly evident, particularly in Indonesia where the notary system is used. It is often quite a colourful experience dealing with the different cultures and balancing tight deadlines.
What do you see as the benefits of progressing your career overseas?
Whilst the Australian legal and financial market is very sophisticated, it does not offer the diversity and range of work that is on offer abroad, whether in Europe, the Americas or Asia. The opportunity to work on complex and innovative transactions in emerging markets in Asia is very appealing.
I have also found a marked difference between working in a large law firm in Australia to being part of a small Asian office of a global firm. Working in a smaller office means that there is a greater variety of work on offer and smaller teams, so you get to take on issues that you may not otherwise have had the opportunity to in a larger office. Sometimes it is a steep learning curve, but I believe that in the long run I will benefit both professionally and personally from the experience.
What do you see as the personal benefits of working and living overseas?
My husband and I are making the most of the travel opportunities that arise from living in the “hub” of South-East Asia. It is easy to take off on a flight from Changi airport on a Friday evening and be in Thailand in a couple of hours or catch a bus to Malaysia or a boat to Indonesia. We have visited all of Singapore’s neighbouring countries and have also started exploring further afield, such as Korea and we have plans to visit Japan in the next few months. Next weekend we are looking forward to a scuba-diving trip to Tioman, a small island off the east coast of Malaysia.
Working with Latham & Watkins has also meant that I get to travel beyond Asia for various firm events. So far I have attended conferences in Phoenix, Arizona and Washington D.C.
What advice would you give to fellow alumni who are thinking of working overseas?
Explore all your options thoroughly and, if possible, go and visit the city you want to work in before committing to it. I have heard stories of people who had a picture of what it would be like to work in a particular city, only to find out later that it was not what they had in mind. I also would not necessarily be too quick to pursue overseas career opportunities over gaining quality experience in Australia. The training I got in my first years as a lawyer at Mallesons was excellent and without having such a foundation I believe I would not have been so equipped to deal with some of the situations I am faced with now.
Finally do not underestimate how well regarded a degree from UOW is valued. I never cease to be impressed by how far-reaching the university’s reputation has reached. I am always proud to highlight that I studied at UOW.
What are the challenges of working overseas?
The biggest challenge is being away from family and friends, which I miss a lot. Fortunately we get a lot of visitors, we have a constant stream of family and friends coming to stay with us. We have a great apartment, right in the heart of the city, next to Chinatown and within walking distance to the river and nightlife.
I do not have any language barriers to deal with in Singapore, but when traveling in other parts of Asia it can get more difficult. I recently spent a week working in our Shanghai office, and with my very limited Chinese vocabulary it was sometimes quite a struggle! Working with clients and other law firms throughout Asia has also been a big eye opener. My patience threshold has definitely increased, particularly in dealing with Indonesian clients!
Has working overseas been everything you thought it would be?
Everything and more. Singapore has certainly offered a lot more than we initially expected. Singapore is often persevered as being just a great place to “shop and eat”. Fortunately Singapore offers a lot more than the glitzy shopping malls and yummy hawker stores. We are making the most of the outdoor activities.
How long do you plan to stay in Singapore for?
We plan to stay in Singapore for the foreseeable future. We are thoroughly enjoying the expatriate lifestyle and are making the most of the travel opportunities at our doorstep.
What are your goals and ambitions for the future?
I am open to lots of things. As long as I am still enjoying what I am doing and am being challenged I will continue on this path. I would also be open to working in another country in Asia or perhaps somewhere in Europe, but at the moment we are very happy in Singapore.
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