Insights

1 June 2022

Written By

Rekha Rogers

In Conversation with Rekha Rogers

Rekha – tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a 4th year associate with quite a broad practice. Since qualification, I’ve worked on a variety of matters across a number of industries and sectors, including financial services and securities, energy and infrastructure, and data protection and cybersecurity, which have involved multiple jurisdictions and varying clients.

I have a real interest in environmental protection and so am working with the firm to further develop our ESG litigation practice. Given the real shift in global sentiment towards recognising and taking action to combat climate change across both private and public sectors, it’s no secret that companies, funds and governments are preparing to face a tidal wave of litigation in this area.

I think this represents a real opportunity for Pallas to help drive positive change in this space. Particularly in light of the emerging cynicism and politicism of certain players in the market, I really believe helping to craft solutions is increasingly important.

I’m also working with Fiona (Partner) to develop our low carbon and sustainable business operations policies.

Tell us more about your experience – what are you working on currently?

I’m working on a few different matters. One that has been of particular interest is the Mozambique tuna bond scandal which gets a lot of publicity, particularly because it adds to the slate of scandals that have emerged relating to Credit Suisse and its failure to implement proper corporate governance and risk controls.

The “scandal” arises from nearly USD 2 billion worth of loans that Credit Suisse arranged, issued to and subsequently syndicated on behalf of the Republic of Mozambique between 2012 and 2016.

The loans were issued to three special purpose vehicles (“SPVs”) incorporated and beneficially owned by the Republic of Mozambique and were said to be aimed at funding contracts entered into between the SPVs and a Lebanon/UAE based shipbuilder, Privinvest, for the supply of equipment for various maritime security projects and a tuna fishery.

It was then revealed that a number of individuals involved in negotiating the debt facilities, including Credit Suisse investment bankers and former Mozambican government officials, received significant “kick-back payments” to push the debts through, that the debts had been concealed from the IMF, and that they may also not have followed proper Mozambican law procedures.

A number of different cases are currently before the Commercial Court that broadly relate to the same factual issues and so are being case managed together with ours. We represent investment funds that purchased interests in the debt on the secondary market.

Are these the types of matters you enjoy?

Absolutely – I really enjoy these types of thorny factual and legal issues. Law is always at its most interesting when the issues you’re dealing with are complicated.

What else do you like about the law?

The relative plasticity of the law has always been intriguing to me. The practice of law is about the interpretation of language – which is fascinating. There is a creativity to litigation which I often think is underappreciated outside the disputes sphere (though I am aware that I’m biased!).

I also like the optimism of legal practice. As Paul Steinberg said: ‘If you want to change the world, change the rules’.

“I have a real interest in environmental protection and so am working with the firm to further develop our ESG litigation practice.”

You sound very optimistic about the evolution of the law…

I’m not blindly optimistic, but for the most part, I think that the public recognises that we need to change the way we have been living and this has contributed to a changing governmental and judicial attitude towards ESG issues, including combatting climate change, embedding social responsibility and increasing corporate transparency.

It is a slow process – but working with our clients to strategically spot and develop the right cases at the right times is definitely helping that process gain momentum and is really rewarding.

Meanwhile, how is the ESG litigation practice developing?

We already do a lot of pro bono work with Client Earth. Fiona, Kimmie (Associate and Pro Bono Lead) and I have also been providing strategic litigation advice to Mighty Earth, a global advocacy organisation which aims to promote biodiversity and to reduce deforestation and climate pollution, as to possible claims they may be able to bring.

Outside of pro bono, we are working on a few matters – but I’m not going to divulge the details!

What is life at Pallas like for Rekha?

We continue to be fantastically busy – we’re still riding high off the publicity storm surrounding the launch!

There is a definite hum of enthusiasm around the office, and we’re seeing new instructions rolling in every day which is brilliant. Everyone is working very hard to ensure that we really embed Pallas into the legal industry and it’s a real pleasure to work with such talented and motivated colleagues, and this motivates me too.

 

What is your proudest moment?

I don’t currently have a stand-out work moment, but I haven’t been doing this that long! I take pride in lots of little things  – well received articles, good drafting, organisation – these give me a lot of satisfaction and keep me motivated.

Outside of work, my proudest moment is probably completing a half ironman triathlon in 2018. I’m not a natural cyclist, and taking that on during a particularly busy working year was, in hindsight, not a good idea. That said, it was a euphoric feeling to cross the finish line and I’m incredibly proud of myself for not throwing the towel in (though I’m probably unlikely to do another one any time soon..!).

And what or who inspires you?

I appreciate this is not the most original answer, but I’d say my parents and my twin sister – they’re doctors in the NHS.

They have all always worked incredibly hard, but seeing how they, and their colleagues, upshifted during the pandemic, and how relentlessly they all continue to work is really inspirational.

It puts my day-to-day into perspective, which really encourages me to push myself, and to do something worthwhile.

Final reflections – what does the future hold for Pallas?

The first 100 days have gone by in the blink of an eye. I’m not at all surprised because no venture backed or founded by Natasha is ever going to do anything other than soar! Somehow, we’ve managed to create a brand-new entity that feels like it’s been running for years.

I think that we will continue to grow and I’m confident that we will continue to be instructed on lots of new matters. It’s been a wild ride and I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for Pallas.

The relative plasticity of the law has always been intriguing to me. The practice of law is about the interpretation of language – which is fascinating. There is a creativity to litigation which I often think is underappreciated outside the disputes sphere (though I am aware that I’m biased!).

Authors

  • Rekha Rogers

    Counsel and Environment and Sustainability Lead

    View Profile

Legal Updates Subscription Form

Back to Journal