Defender of Equity Holders: How a Lawyer is Creating New Standards in Real Estate

Not a Personal Achievement

Doctor of Juridical Sciences and Managing Partner of "Shmeleva and Partners" Marina Shmeleva became one of the key figures at the IREBF forum for a reason. Experts noted her many years of work in three key areas: protecting the rights of equity holders, developing legal standards for developers, and providing the scientific basis for legislative initiatives.

"For me, this nomination is not so much a personal achievement, but a recognition of the importance of a systematic approach to legal support for the construction industry," the lawyer shared.

The uniqueness of Marina Shmeleva's method lies in the fact that she combined academic knowledge with practice. As a professor at the Moscow State Law University (MSAL) and a practicing lawyer, she developed a methodology for explaining complex legal norms in simple language.

According to her, legal language is formal, but law is created for people, not for experts in the field.

Over her 16-year career, she has created an effective system for translating legal constructs into accessible language.

"My approach is based on three principles. First, a deep understanding of the subject - you cannot simplify what you only understand superficially. Second, empathy for the audience - it is necessary to sense which aspects cause the greatest difficulties. And third, the use of practical examples that link legal constructs to everyday experience," explained Marina Shmeleva.

Are there gender stereotypes?

Marina Shmeleva does not just resolve individual disputes, but changes the system as a whole.

"My main advice is not to perceive yourself through the prism of gender stereotypes. In jurisprudence, even in such traditionally 'male' industries as construction, professionalism, depth of expertise, and strategic thinking are what matter, not gender," she believes.

For those who strive to influence systemic changes, the lawyer recommends developing three key qualities – interdisciplinarity, strategic vision, and communication between all market participants.

"Systemic changes are always the result of collective efforts," the expert noted.

The IREBF award confirmed the effectiveness of her approach. The nomination became a recognition that modern jurisprudence is a living tool for development, capable of making the construction industry more transparent and safer.

"Seeing that our approach is gaining recognition is extremely important, as it proves that systematic work to protect rights in the construction industry is needed and in demand," concluded Marina Shmeleva.