Caymanian, Sailaja Alla, senior associate at Harneys has returned to the Cayman Islands following a series of secondments in Hong Kong. The Cayman Islands Law School graduate spent a total of 4 years working in Asia and has resumed life on island with a wealth of valuable experience.

“Hong Kong is incomparable to Cayman,” Sailaja said. “It is a large, busy city where I was able to experience a completely different way of life. I feel very fortunate to have been able to work overseas and to grow both professionally and personally.”

Marco Martins, Managing Partner, Harneys said it was always a benefit when a lawyer is exposed to client work in different countries and regions. “Working abroad gives you the chance to develop skills which are essential in our business. There is a wider working environment where new techniques are learnt, and you are given exposure to a diverse range of clients, their expectations and ambitions. It can take you out of your comfort zone and challenge you, which are great attributes in a professional.”

Sailaja obtained her Bachelor of Laws at the Cayman Islands Law School (which is affiliated with the University of Liverpool), which she followed with a Master of Laws from the University of Sheffield, England and the Bar Vocational Course at the Inns of Court School of Law in London. She returned to Cayman and developed her career at local law firms before moving to Hong Kong. She was first employed by Harneys in Hong Kong, and they facilitated her move back to Cayman. She is using the new skills she acquired in Asia and is thrilled to be able to put them to use at the firm’s Cayman office.

Sailaja encourages young Caymanians to consider gaining some overseas experience. “It is an opportunity that can help develop your confidence and broaden your world view, which not only aids personal and professional growth but can also benefit the wider Cayman community.”

While in Hong Kong, Sailaja focused primarily on the formation, maintenance and restructuring of Cayman hedge and private equity funds. Her experience also covers a wide spectrum of corporate transactions.

Photo Credit: Sailaja Alla, Senior Associate, Harneys

Harneys

Harneys is a leading global law firm with offices in the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montevideo, London, Cyprus, Hong Kong and Singapore, with representatives in Brazil, Russia/CIS/CEE, Africa and New Zealand. Its lawyers are consistently recognised by top directories including Legal 500, Chambers and IFLR.

Harneys’ fast-growing, dynamic Cayman team reflects the firm’s core attributes of experienced commercial advice, transparent pricing and a promise to meet our clients’ timelines. Its clients include hedge fund managers, leading international law firms, major financial institutions and corporations.