Modern Languages and European Studies alumnus Michael is a lawyer, academic and founder of the Llangwm Literary Festival. His course allowed him to live and work throughout Europe, something that had shaped his life and career.
We caught up with him to find out about his new book, Riding Through War and Peace, and how his “magical” time at Bath started it all.
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
Bath offered a fantastic degree in Modern Languages (French and Russian) and European Studies.
The degree was different from most languages degrees at the time, as it offered modules in politics and economics, and perhaps most importantly for me, a fully funded month in Russia at the end of the first year to allow beginners like me the chance to apply our language skills on the ground.
Did you have a particular career in mind when you chose your course?
Not really. I’d thought in broad terms of the diplomatic corps or working in some capacity within the European Union. I always wanted to write, and I guess I’ve achieved that now with my book, Riding Through War and Peace.
Can you tell us about your experience of studying here? Any favourite memories, or places to go on campus and in the city?
It was an amazing experience. It was a small and friendly university and campus life in the first year was a great chance to flex one’s freedom in a safe environment. The other students on the course were incredible, and in some ways, I learned as much from them as I did during my lectures. Totally different topics, of course!
I was lucky enough to live in Rainbow Wood Farm on Claverton Down in my final year. It was a dream house share – so close to campus, but on the edge of beautiful countryside, and with great friends. I’d often see deer dart from thickets during my morning runs.
Sometimes we used to go to The George in Norton St Philip to imbibe the spirit of Russian poetry over a pint or two. It was a magical time.
Were you a part of any societies or sports clubs during your time at Bath? What did you enjoy most about them? 
I acted in plays in English, French and German. It was a wonderful way to develop language and have fun. I was a keen runner and used to play men’s lacrosse. I also learned how to make pottery in the Arts Barn in the first year. Somehow there was time to fit in all these activities.
Describe your career journey since graduating. What is a typical day like in your current role?
My first job out of Bath was working as assistant to the General Director of the Poltava Petroleum Company in Ukraine. Ukraine was full of hope then. It was an amazing couple of years, and it sparked my interest in law.
When I returned to the UK, I did the Law Conversion Course at Nottingham Law School before training as a lawyer with Lovell White Durrant, now Hogan Lovells. I became a partner seven years after qualifying and spent eight and a half years working in the Moscow office.
Now I teach law at St Mary’s University in Twickenham and act as an expert in areas of finance connected to the former Soviet Union. After so much international travel in my previous job, I am more UK-based now. My typical day is teaching, running tutorials, preparing lectures and marking.
I’m also an author. Over the years, I’ve written for many publications, including The Sunday Times and the Royal Geographical Society. I’ve written a book on contract law for those trying the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.
Most recently, I’ve written a book about my journey by horse from Moscow through Belarus, Ukraine and Romania. I set off in 2014 as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine was escalating and the book gives a real insight into life on the ground at the time, so I’ve called it Riding Through War and Peace.
What do you enjoy most about your career? Has anything surprised you?
Law is always evolving. You have to move with it. The knowledge of law is a great enabler. I love teaching and that’s perhaps not surprising as I’m fourth generation teacher.
How did your studies help you develop?
My studies remain useful every day. They enriched my understanding of the world and its cultures. My languages always allow me to find common ground with the wide range of people I meet.
During my time working in Russia, my knowledge of Soviet Russia and Russian literature allowed me to connect with my clients. It added a very positive dimension to my time there and contributed to my success.
In my spare time, I run the Llangwm Literary Festival. I was able to develop my passion for literature at Bath, and it is invaluable in my work at the festival, and in my own writing.
What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about studying your course at Bath?
You learn so much in a language-related degree, but you need to be able to quantify that for an employer. Get as much work experience as you can and make the most of every opportunity.
During my time at Bath – including the year abroad – I worked at the British Embassy in Moscow, for JKX Oil & Gas in Crimea and Kyiv, for Time Out and at Eridania Béghin-Say in Paris and studied in both Moscow and Paris.
What’s your top piece of advice for students or recent grads aspiring to have a career like yours?
Any employer wants to know what you bring to the table, so take time to quantify that. I’d worked at a dog kennels while I was at school. It doesn’t sound like a very important job, but when you break it down to individual responsibilities and learning points, it was invaluable.
You need to aim high. There’s always space in any organisation for hard working people who deliver results. Enjoy the journey, it goes very quickly, unless you’re on a horse!
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