Page 62 - NYLJ Professional Excellence 2021

DISTINGUISHED LEADERS

What is the best advice for someone considering a career no better profession to join than the legal profession. If you
in law, or someone already in the profession who is are already a member of this great profession, please take
seeking to make a greater impact? The legal profession advantage of the exceptional opportunities available and help
provides fantastic opportunities to fight for and defend the make the change that our society needs.
rights of the underprivileged and those from marginalized Remember, if you are not part of the solution, you are
communities. part of the problem. Standing idly by on the sidelines is no
If you would like to make a difference in society, there is longer an option.

What are some of your proudest recent achievements?
I achieved for my clients all over the world in
am particularly proud of the outcomes I have

high stakes disputes. Over the past several
months, I successfully defended a European
pharmaceutical client against breach of con-
tract claims in an arbitration arising out of a bil-
lion-dollar drug collaboration. I obtained a $300
million award on behalf of a Philippines gaming entity cut out
of a casino development. And, finally, in a billion-dollar uranium
supply dispute arising out of the Fukushima nuclear disaster,
I defended my client—a Japanese nuclear power operator—
against 96% of damages sought by the counter-party. These vic-
tories in these diverse disputes make the hard work worthwhile.
Name a lawyer or mentor whose leadership inspired you.
I had the great honor of collaborating with the Honorable
Judith Kaye while she was Chair of the New York International
Arbitration Centre. She was a tremendous role model for female
lawyers: from her signature red heels, to her unparalleled
judicial career, to her second-act spearheading the found-
ing of NYIAC after her retirement from the bench. She never
wasted a moment.

How are the business and profession of law changing, and
how should lawyers adapt for the future? Over my career,
I have had the pleasure of witnessing the growth of women
lawyers practicing at the top of their fields. When I first began
HAGIT practicing law, there were maybe two or three women lawyers
practicing international arbitration at the highest echelons of
law firms. Now I count at least 20 women international arbi-
MURIEL tration partners in New York alone as friends. It’s a welcome
development that will only continue.
ELUL What is the best advice for someone considering a career
in law, or someone already in the profession who is seek-
ing to make a greater impact? It may be cliché, but follow
Partner at Hughes Hubbard & Reed your passion. Passion for your practice area will drive you to
put in the effort required to get great results for your clients,
develop deep collaborations in the legal community and give
you a rich and rewarding career.

60 October 2021 | Photo: Hughes Hubbard & Reed