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Maneesha Howard
In-house team
London office
Moscow Testimonial 1
A 6-year Australian-qualified Real Estate lawyer working with a leading US firm
What first attracted you to Moscow?
I have always been attracted to Moscow and Russia in general, mainly due to my family background. Also when I decided I was ready to move overseas, I wanted to go somewhere different, not just culturally but also in terms of business opportunities and the way business operates generally.
What were your biggest fears before the move?
That I would not be able to "translate" my Australian legal skills and experience to those required at an international law firm without having first worked in London.
How did you find the process of actually moving out to Moscow?
Without having much Russian language it was more challenging than I imagine moving to somewhere like London would have been. However, with the help of a good real estate agent (who can help not only with finding a flat, but also with fitting out your flat, getting the internet connected etc.) it was a relatively straightforward process. Also you can do a lot of internet research into apartment rentals and locations before you arrive, and there are plenty of real estate agents who have websites in English and who specialise in helping foreigners settle into Moscow.
What is the work like?
The work varies - it can range from having quite a lot of responsibility in terms of drafting documents and leading negotiations, to editing the English in a non-native speaker's document. Also working in an environment where two languages are used has its own issues. I have had a few "lost in translation" moments, from which I've learned that you have to work closely with your Russian colleagues to make sure that you understand each other correctly, and also to learn about Russian business culture and business negotiations.
What is it like living in Moscow?
Moscow is really an exciting place to live, there is so much history around you and so many things to see and do. Also many restaurants and shops are open 24 hours, and I don't think I have ever been faced with "sorry the kitchen's closed" as is often the case back home. It can be trying sometimes, such as in the winter (not necessarily because of the cold but because of the lack of sun!) and until you settle in and have worked out your work/life balance. But once you've settled in, it is a lot of fun.
What fears (if any) turned out to be unfounded?
I had no real fears, except perhaps being worried about having to wear fur in winter which I didn't feel too comfortable about. I couldn't believe how many other types of coats and lined boots there were to choose from, so for those of you who have the same concerns, fear not!
What one piece of advice would you give to anyone coming out there that you wished someone had mentioned to you?
Take your time to settle into life in Moscow, and don't push yourself to do too much when you first get there. I knew some basic Russian before I came, and I couldn't imagine coming here without it. Although you don't need much to get by, and some people can live here without any at all, it really does help, so I would recommend taking a few classes before you come. It will also help with adapting to the culture and making friends. I had also travelled to Russia a few times before moving here. If you do have any major concerns, and are serious about coming here long term, I think it would be a good idea to take a short trip here first.
Moscow is often rated the world's most expensive city in which to live - how expensive have you found it to be?
Very expensive! Rents are particularly expensive, and when you look around at the shops and the way people dress, you can see just how much money there is in Moscow. If I find something that costs the same as it would at home, I now consider this to be cheap. It is possible to shop around and find things for less, but often the travel and time involved is not worth your while. Having said that, not everything is expensive, for example I recently bought tickets to the Bolshoi Theatre for $25.
The majority of people who have never travelled to Moscow always have concerns regarding security – how have you found living there?
I have found it a fairly safe place to live - no less safe than any other big foreign city. And, like any big city that you've been to where you don't have a good command of the language, you have to take some simple precautions.
Have you ever regretted your decision moving there?
Not at all.