Vanda Kopic is a junior associate in our international arbitration practice

How was your passion for the world of international arbitration born?

I was born in Croatia and in 2011 I moved to Milan where I started studied law at Bocconi University. I chose to live in Milan as I’ve always found it to be an international city that would offer me many opportunities.

During my time as a student, in particular at an exchange program in Berlin, I discovered the world of international arbitration and it fascinated me right away. Towards the end of the course, during a job fair organized by the university, I got to know Giovanni Minuto, a professional from the BonelliErede International Arbitration Team with whom I had already come into contact with during my experience at the International Commercial Arbitration Moot. By then, I knew I wanted to work in this field in fact, in April 2017, I started a pre-graduate internship in BonelliErede’s international arbitration practice, as it was already one of a few Italian law firms with a consolidated and renowned team. Over the next few years, I was able to grow professionally, becoming a junior associate in 2019. At the same time, the team also grew further.

What it is like to work on your team?

It is no coincidence that the international arbitration practice is one of the most international within BonelliErede. In fact, we boast professionals with different professional backgrounds who come from all over the world, for example from countries such as Colombia, Egypt, the United States and the Netherlands.

Although most of the team is based in the Milan office, we work closely with people across all of our offices, in particular in London and Cairo.

I deal with international arbitration, in particular in the fields of international commercial and investment arbitration in the construction, infrastructure, telecommunications, oil & gas and energy sectors. The assignments I follow are vary and require in-depth knowledge of the sector of reference; at the end of each one, in fact, you can consider yourself an expert in that specific subject.

What do you like to do when you are not busy filing a memory?

In the evening I love going to concerts, whereas during the day I go to museums and exhibits with friends. Recently, I happened to rediscover my passion for interior design and vintage furniture. While furnishing my apartment during lockdown, I discovered a whole new world made up of vintage furniture and lamps.

In particular, I am attracted to Italian design and mid-century modern design from the 70s. I enjoy going around Milan to look at the many different vintage markets and hunt for new pieces to add to my collection. My favourite is near Piazza della Repubblica, where I’ve found many interesting items.

I am fascinated by objects that have already had a previous life and therefore have their own story to tell. And how can you not like to come home with a new item and dream about where it may have been before.