The eprivateclient 50 Most Influential is the definitive rankings of the key players in the UK and offshore private client practitioner sector.

To showcase the achievements of those listed this year and to get to know them a bit better, eprivateclient has begun publishing a new Q&A series with our 2021 50 Most Influentials.

Today we hear from Justine Markovitz, chairperson of international law firm Withers. Justine is also a partner in the firm’s private client and tax team. She became global chairperson of Withers in July 2019. Prior to that Justine joined Withers in 1999, moving to Geneva in September 2005 to become head of its Geneva office. In 2011, Justine became head of Withers’ Swiss operations. In 2016, she was appointed joint divisional CEO of the firm’s global private client and tax team.

What have been your proudest personal/team achievements this year?

Working remotely totally seamlessly and being there to service the clients as if there was no global pandemic going on in the background.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don't be afraid to take some (calculated) risks.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

Accompanying clients on their journey through their business and personal lives.

What challenges do you see your firm/clients facing in 2021?

Adapting to new ways of working and keeping the team cohesion as strong as ever with less in person contact.

What does being named a 50 Most Influential mean to you?

It's an honour to be included in the 50 Most Influential – it means others value my role and input in the legal market.

What is the favourite part of your job?

Finding solutions to my clients' problems and taking the weight off their minds.

What made you choose to focus on private client work?

Working with individuals and families about their most personal and sensitive issues.

What book/luxury item would you want with you on a desert island?

A photo album.

If you were not in (and it is not) your current role, what would be your dream job?

This is it!

What’s your favourite hobbies/passions/interests outside of work?

Hiking in the mountains.

What one piece of advice has benefited you the most in your career? 

You can only do your best.