According to Grand View Research, the worldwide legal services market was worth $849.28 billion in 2020 and is predicted to increase at a CAGR) of 4.4 percent between 2021 and 2028. Legal processes are an essential aspect of practically any business's everyday operations. Everyone is responsible for developing privacy rules, contracts, due diligence investigations, and lawsuits. Having said that, today, outsourcing legal services has become more advantageous for organisations as it allows them to focus entirely on other vital company processes. Furthermore, law firms are investigating various methods to aid their clients in reducing risk and compliance expenses. However, regardless of business verticals, it is critical for a law firm to be capable of catering to clients' different issues and expectations.

This is where Anna Grigorieva & Co. LLC, also known as AG Advocates, a prominent law Firm having its headquarter in Limassol, Cyprus, which has currently opened new office in Dubai, UAE, offers a wide range of local and international legal services. All services are tailored to the specific needs of the clients, whether they are worldwide enterprises or average/high net worth individuals.

In an exclusive meeting with Women Entrepreneur Magazine, Anna Grigorieva, Partner & Managing Director of Anna Grigorieva & Co. LLC walks us through her personal and professional journey along with the unique traits of her Firm.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table. Tell us about your expertise as a law professional.

My educational journey began in 1992, when I started studying Law at Ural State Law Academy. By 1997, I had obtained both a bachelor's and a master's degree in law from the said institution. Thereafter, I started my bachelor's degree in Economics in 1998 at Ural State Technical University in Ekaterinburg, Russia, and graduated in 2001. Meanwhile, I had relocated to Cyprus, so I continued my education online. This was a difficult voyage at first since I had to study, adjust to a new place, and learn at the same moment a foreign language. After a few years, I was able to become a fully certified lawyer in Cyprus and a partner at a respected Law Firm .

As a law professional, I have extensive experience in corporate and commercial affairs, international tax planning, immigration, and real estate. And as a registered insolvency practitioner, I have insolvency and restructuring experience.

What motivated you to establish your own law practice? Tell us about the various services and capabilities that Anna Grigorieva & Co. LLC 's is largely known for? What makes the firm unique?

I've always been ambitious, and starting my own business has always been my ultimate aim in life. I wouldn't say that a single event in my work 'triggered' or became my inspiration to start a business. Instead, I would claim that all of my business movements and initiatives were aimed at achieving this goal. It was only a question of time for me.

AG Advocates provides high-quality legal and advisory services. Corporate & commercial, banking & finance, international tax planning, real estate, trusts & wills, immigration law, and bankruptcy & restructuring are our core areas of competence. Our services are further enhanced by our connected firm, Sinirma, which provides fiduciary services. Sinirma Limited provides a comprehensive variety of corporate services and guidance, including but not limited to the incorporation of legal entities in Cyprus, the provision of nominee services, corporate and secretarial services, corporate administration services, banking services, payroll services, tax planning, and accounting services.

Our Firm prioritises quality above quantity. We are committed to providing comprehensive legal and professional solutions in the fields of law mentioned above. We firmly believe in providing our clients with the highest level of expertise and specialization in these fields of law while achieving the best possible results for their business needs. This is what sets us apart from our competition.

Throw some light on the various roles and responsibilities that you shoulder at the firm? What are some of the most pressing business challenges that you face in your current role and how do you mitigate these challenges?

I am the Managing Director and Founding Partner of Anna Grigorieva & Co. LLC. My responsibilities are varied. On the one hand, I am in charge of the company's human resources - managing, coaching, training, and motivating lawyers and other members of our team. On the other hand, I am in charge of the company's general operations. This includes business development and strategic planning for business growth, as well as ensuring that exceptional and comprehensive legal solutions are provided to meet the needs of our clients and that the company operates in accordance with all domestic, European, and international rules and regulations.

“My team and I pride ourselves on providing responsive care and fresh thinking to our clients and working with the highest level of professionalism”

Without a question, the last two years have been the most difficult and critical moment for any business. The COVID-19 epidemic has had a catastrophic economic impact, prompting some businesses to close their doors. I am pleased to report that, as AG Advocates, we were able to resolve this problem swiftly and smoothly. This was largely owing to the robust risk management procedures and stress testing in place ahead to the pandemic's breakout. As a consequence, our organisation has enough cash on hand at all times to cushion the effect of extraordinary and unusual risk occurrences. In this scenario, we were able to invest in high-level technical means that made communications and working at home more effective and efficient.

What is your vision for Anna Grigorieva & Co. LLC's next growth phase?

My current goal is to expand into new areas and establish new commercial ties on a global scale. As a result, we decided to go a step further and open an office in Dubai, UAE. Nonetheless, our dedication to our current clients remains our first priority, which is why we continue to grow and adapt to new technological procedures in order to provide timely client service.

Drawing from your experience as a successful entrepreneur, what would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Young ladies must understand that success is not just determined by one's educational background. Certainly, having a good educational background is important, especially during your early steps in the profession. Nevertheless, what truly matters and will set you apart from your competition is your character strength. The commercial world is difficult and cutthroat, with no room for sensitivities and weaknesses - especially for a young woman in such a male-dominated field. You must be tough and self-sufficient, work hard, and not be afraid to take chances. After all, success is earned, not gifted.

Recognitions Awarded So Far

Insolvency and Restructuring lawyer of the year, Cyprus 2022 Global Law Experts Annual Awards 2022;

Leading Complex Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency Adviser of the Year ­ Cyprus, 2019;

International Tax Planning Law Firm of the Year ­ Cyprus, 2018;

Leading Complex Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency Adviser of the Year ­ Cyprus, 2018;

Leading Adviser of the Year ­ Cyprus, 2017;

Most Outstanding Boutique Law Firm ­ Cyprus, 2017; and Russian Business Woman of the Year Award ­ 2017.

A Business Leader You Admire

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