Tim Elliott
Welcome to Lawgical, the UAE’s first regular legal podcast from HPL Yamalova & Plewka DMCC, here, high up in Dubai’s Jumeirah Lake Towers. Today’s podcast is a break from the norm, I think, but it’s certainly a topic that befits a dynamic law firm. In my time coming here to record podcasts with Ludmila, I’ve always felt—and I mean this sincerely—there’s an energy here. There’s always something going on, a great deal of enthusiasm in the air. There always seems to be a strong team ethic, a team effort happening as well. For someone who works in isolation a lot of the time, it’s refreshing to come into an office like this.
It’s also fair to say this is a young, dynamic law firm—although that changes when I walk through the door! One of the signs you can tell a law firm is dynamic is by talking to its interns. That’s what Lawgical today is all about. Of course, the firm’s managing partner, Ludmila Yamalova, is here. It’s nice to see you.
Ludmila Yamalova
Great to see you too, Tim. Thanks for being here and for your warm words about the firm and its energy.
Tim Elliott
I do mean it sincerely, Ludmila. Now, I’m going to let you introduce today’s guests. I’ll just give them a little preamble. Both are interns here—interesting characters. I’ll let you introduce our female guest first.
Ludmila Yamalova
Before introducing them, I’d like to introduce the concept of internships at the firm. The idea to start offering internships began years ago—maybe seven or eight years. Part of it was my enjoyment of young talent and energy; it’s always refreshing to have fresh blood and perspectives.
I also remember, early in my career, there were a few kind souls who offered me opportunities that inspired and motivated me, lifting my spirits and helping me believe in myself. They made the professional world—and law, in particular—exciting. That’s something I’ve wanted to replicate here. Let’s be honest: the impression many have of lawyers and law firms is that they’re stiff, boring, and not very human or warm.
Tim Elliott
You’re right. For many, a law firm conjures images of leather-bound books, mahogany furniture, and men who probably should have retired years ago. But this firm is anything but that.
Ludmila Yamalova
Thank you, Tim. That’s precisely our objective—to break away from the norm while staying true to ourselves. One realization I had early on was that I perform my best when allowed to be myself. Creativity flourishes in an open, supportive environment. When I feel stifled or intimidated, my interests dull, and I can’t be my best.
When I started my firm, I wanted to create an environment that encouraged independence, creativity, and growth—not just for me but for everyone who works here.
Tim Elliott
That’s admirable, Ludmila. Now, tell us about today’s guests.
Ludmila Yamalova
Sure. Aisha Ghaffari is our current intern. She’s been with us for nearly two months now and is from the UAE. Interestingly, she’s our first Emirati intern, which aligns with our goal to provide locals with an opportunity to experience working in a law firm.
Our second guest is Andrew Riyad, who recently completed his internship. He joined us during an interesting period—right after the COVID-19 lockdowns. Andrew is a dynamic individual with great energy and enthusiasm.
Tim Elliott
It sounds like you’ve had an interesting journey with both interns. Aisha, I’ll start with you. Tell us about your journey to this internship. What made you choose this firm?
Aisha Ghaffari
At the time, I was studying Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Leeds in the UK. I’d taken some legal modules, like International Law and Business Law, which sparked my interest in law. When I returned to Dubai due to the pandemic, I decided to explore opportunities here before committing to a full-time job. I started Googling law firms, came across HPL Yamalova & Plewka, and noticed they had a podcast. I listened to it and decided to apply.
Tim Elliott
The podcast brought you here?
Aisha Ghaffari
It did! I found it insightful and engaging, which motivated me to learn more about the firm.
Ludmila Yamalova
That’s something we always appreciate—when candidates show genuine interest. Aisha stood out because she had taken the time to research us, listen to our podcast, and understand our ethos.
Tim Elliott
That’s an excellent example of doing your homework. When you first walked into the office, what were your impressions?
Aisha Ghaffari
Honestly, I was super intimidated. This was my first internship and my first real office experience, so I wasn’t sure if I was capable. But after the first couple of days, I started to feel more at ease. Everyone here was so accommodating and helpful.
Tim Elliott
It sounds like you settled in quickly. What were you hoping to gain from this experience?
Aisha Ghaffari
To learn. I didn’t know much about the UAE’s legal system, having studied abroad. I wanted to use this time to make mistakes, learn from them, and better understand the practical side of law.
Ludmila Yamalova
And she’s done just that. Aisha has shown great curiosity and willingness to learn, which has been a pleasure to see.
Tim Elliott
Andrew, let me turn to you. You completed your internship over the summer. Tell us about your decision to apply here.
Andrew Riyad
It’s a funny story. I initially applied two years ago, but I only had a two-week break at the time, which wasn’t ideal for an internship. HPL Yamalova & Plewka encouraged me to reapply when I had more time. Last summer, when COVID-19 disrupted my travel plans, I found myself in Dubai for four months and decided to try again.
What drew me to this firm was its diversity. The team profiles on the website showcased people from all over the world, which resonated with me. As someone who grew up in the UAE, I wanted to work in a place that reflected the country’s multiculturalism.
Tim Elliott
That’s a great perspective. How did you find the experience?
Andrew Riyad
It was incredible. I got hands-on experience with everything—consultations, hearings, drafting memos, and even client interactions. Every day was different, and I always felt like a valued member of the team, not just an intern.
Tim Elliott
That’s high praise. Ludmila, what stands out to you about Andrew’s time here?
Ludmila Yamalova
Andrew brought an infectious energy to the office. He was eager to learn and took on every task with enthusiasm. I remember assigning him a project, thinking it would take a week, and he came back within hours with a thorough, well-thought-out result. He’s a true example of how hard work and a positive attitude can make a difference.
Tim Elliott
That’s wonderful to hear. Aisha, can you share a highlight from your time here so far?
Aisha Ghaffari
One highlight was attending an online hearing with Zaid. The whole team was there to support him, and it was amazing to see the camaraderie and encouragement. It made me realize how much I want to work in an environment like this in the future.
Tim Elliott
And Andrew, what about you?
Andrew Riyad
One of my highlights was my first visit to Dubai Courts. It was both intimidating and exhilarating to see the legal system in action. Another was a conversation with Hanan on my first day, where she broke down the entire UAE legal system for me. That moment made me realize why I was here—to learn and grow.
Tim Elliott
It sounds like you both had transformative experiences. Ludmila, what have been your highlights with these two interns?
Ludmila Yamalova
There are too many to count. Both Aisha and Andrew came in knowing very little about the UAE legal system, but they were eager to learn. Watching them grow in confidence and knowledge has been incredibly rewarding.
Tim Elliott
Ludmila, you mentioned that both interns came in with limited knowledge about the UAE legal system. How did they progress?
Ludmila Yamalova
Their growth has been remarkable. Aisha, for example, didn’t know much about the UAE’s governmental workings or institutions when she started. She’s learned so much in such a short time—about ministries, courts, land departments, and more. She’s even shared some of this knowledge with her family, which is heartening to see.
Andrew’s journey was equally transformative. Despite growing up in the UAE, his university education didn’t cover much about the local legal system. During his internship, he not only learned about it but also started sharing his newfound knowledge with friends and family. Both of them are now standing taller, figuratively speaking, because they’ve gained this critical understanding.
Tim Elliott
Andrew, you mentioned sharing what you’ve learned with your friends. What has that experience been like?
Andrew Riyad
It’s been incredible. My friends and I grew up here, but none of us knew much about the legal system. After this internship, I’ve been able to share insights, like how Dubai Courts work or what steps to take for a specific legal issue. These conversations have not only been enlightening for them but also strengthened our connection to the UAE as our home.
Tim Elliott
Aisha, you’ve mentioned sharing knowledge with your family as well. How has that been?
Aisha Ghaffari
It’s been very rewarding. My family and even my sister’s friends have come to me with legal questions, and I’ve been able to provide advice or direct them to the right resources. It feels great to be able to contribute in that way.
Tim Elliott
That’s amazing. Ludmila, what advice would you give to anyone considering an internship here?
Ludmila Yamalova
First and foremost, come with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Be curious, ask questions, and take initiative. Our interns get a front-row seat to real legal work—not just the glamorous parts but the nitty-gritty details as well. We want them to walk away with not just knowledge but practical skills they can use in their careers.
Tim Elliott
Andrew, Aisha—any advice for potential interns?
Aisha Ghaffari
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The team here is incredibly supportive, and they genuinely want to help you learn. It’s okay to feel intimidated at first, but don’t let that stop you from engaging and making the most of your time here.
Andrew Riyad
I completely agree. Ask for help, and don’t hesitate to put yourself out there. The more curious you are, the more you’ll learn. This isn’t a place where you’re just making coffee or filing papers—you’re part of the team, and your contributions matter.
Tim Elliott
That’s excellent advice. Ludmila, any parting thoughts?
Ludmila Yamalova
I’m proud of both Andrew and Aisha for their hard work and growth during their time here. It’s interns like them who remind us why we started this program in the first place. They’ve left a lasting impact on the team and, I hope, gained experiences that will stay with them for life.
Tim Elliott
It’s been inspiring listening to all of you. Andrew, Aisha—thank you for sharing your journeys with us. Ludmila, as always, thank you for your insight and mentorship.
Ludmila Yamalova
Thank you, Tim, for hosting such an engaging discussion.
Tim Elliott
That wraps up this episode of Lawgical. If you have a legal question or need answers, you can WhatsApp us at +971 525251611 or visit lylaw.com and click “Contact.”
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