My legal life: Ruslan Ughrelidze, Lawlex Solicitors

From the crumbling Soviet Union to the bustling courts of London, it’s been one heck of a journey. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Growing up in post-Soviet chaos, I saw the law as a beacon of order in a world that often seemed dark and uncertain.

As a child, I watched justice be warped and twisted, but I also saw the power of truth and principle. My family instilled in me a sense of right and wrong that no system could erase.

So I set my sights on law - not for prestige or profit, but because I believed in its ability to cut through rhetoric and bring clarity. It seemed an antidote to the confusion I saw growing up. Fast forward a few years and the dream has only gotten stronger. I traded in my fur hat for the distinguished role of a solicitor advocate and haven’t looked back.

Why did I move to the UK to study law? Well, it wasn’t for the weather! Now, let’s take a detour to my time in the army. While it may seem worlds away from legal practice, the military taught me invaluable lessons. Discipline, strategy, and negotiation skills have proven surprisingly relevant in the legal battles I fight. After completing my service, I moved to the UK to pursue my long-time dream of studying law.

The UK, with its rich legal history and esteemed solicitors, seemed like the perfect place. I was drawn to the rigour and practicality of the English legal system – it felt sturdy enough to weather any storm.

'Who knew I’d yearn so intensely for my grandmother’s khachapuri!

Adapting to a new country, a new legal framework, and a new language was like trying to do a cryptic crossword puzzle in the dark. Culture shock and homesickness crept in too – who knew I’d yearn so intensely for my grandmother’s khachapuri! The warm, cheesy flavours of that beloved Georgian staple had nurtured me since childhood. So, finding that unique comfort food in London’s cosmopolitan maze certainly tested my perseverance in those early days.

But quitting was never an option – tenacity runs deep in my blood. So I embraced the growing pains, leaned on new friends and kept my eyes fiercely on the prize.

I studied law at the University of Hertfordshire and went on to complete the postgraduate diploma in legal practice at the University of London. Gaining experience was crucial so I cut my teeth tackling corporate immigration, human rights and commercial litigation matters. Over time, I cultivated legal skills and cultural fluency that enabled me to take on more complex cases.

The intense effort paid dividends when I qualified as a solicitor advocate. Gaining extended court rights has empowered me to provide continuity of advice from case inception through to trial. This holistic approach helps unlock creative, client-focused solutions without losing sight of commercial realities. Though the road was not easy, earning these practice rights remains one of my proudest accomplishments.

On the surface, an expat lawyer from the former Soviet Union and the polished halls of London law seem worlds apart. But the common thread is my affinity for complexity and change. Instability forces you to adapt quickly while staying grounded in core principles – I apply that to my legal work.

My background gives me an outsider’s fresh perspective – I don’t take cultural nuances or standard practices for granted. That flexibility serves me well when crafting arguments or navigating thorny cross-cultural quarrels. I can walk clients through different angles tailored to cultural sensitivities abroad.

Practising law in London feels like paddling class five rapids at times – treacherous but absolutely thrilling. The intellectual intensity keeps me firmly on my toes, while the city’s kinetic multi-layered culture fills me with wonder even after all these years.

But that variety also makes each win more meaningful. Whether it’s a hard-fought arbitration victory or an 11th-hour application to keep a family together, I relish helping people overcome complex barriers with practical guidance through the legal labyrinth. The gratitude and relief my advocacy unlock makes those long nights burning midnight oil worth it.

After nearly two decades in the UK, London’s vibrant sprawl feels as much like home as the country of my birth. Being able to weave cultural fluency and a global perspective into my legal work still feels like an extraordinary privilege every day. I can only hope to channel this phenomenal opportunity and experience toward helping more people in need of clarity. There’s always room in this great city for lawyers who aspire to higher ideals of service, justice and positive change.