Rachel Turner
What is your current role, or what are you working on?
I am a partner with Pinsent Masons LLP specialising in international arbitration. I came to Mainland China intending to stay for a year; 20 years later and it has been a fabulous ride and total privilege. My practice is primarily focused on dispute resolution in the energy, infrastructure and construction sectors. I advise many of the large state-owned Chinese contractors on their projects all over the world. A number of my clients are currently focused on Saudi Arabia, including on some of the giga projects (US$10 billion+) as part of Vision 2030 national plan, which is exciting to be a part of.
What is your proudest achievement?
In work: winning is always great, but comprehensively winning and getting all of our costs without deduction on a very high-value, challenging technical dispute with a great client and a fantastic collaboration over 3 years was a moment to be truly proud.
Outside of work: birthing two gigantic babies without drugs. My mother always told me I would be amazing in childbirth. She was vague on the specifics, and it turned out she was definitely wrong but it still gave me confidence to get through it. I hope my girls don’t read this, as I have told them they have nothing to worry about…
There are now 25 hours in a day! How would you spend your extra hour?
Walking my rescue dog Winifred and listening to an audiobook. I have always loved reading and discovering audiobooks has been a revelation. Having someone else read to you means you can multitask, and it also gave me the confidence to tackle books perceived as difficult.
If you weren't a lawyer, what would you do?
I started my career in civil engineering and later transitioned to law. I could have easily stayed in engineering and been very happy, or something to do with psychology in which I have an interest as it plays an important part in dispute resolution. So, if I had to start again now, I would study psychology.
Your favourite food haunt is...?
In Shanghai we usually end up in Fat Cow. The burgers, beers, salads and shakes are heaven-sent, especially if you happen to have picky teenagers. I am currently in Kuala Lumpur. This morning, I visited Tapestry in Chow Kit, which is a hard recommend. The space is wonderful, and the French toast is sheer decadence.