MEET JUNIOR ASSOCIATE EKATERINA KUPALOVA
As a Junior Associate at SKANDAMIS AVOCATS in Geneva, Ekaterina Kupalova works at the intersection of Swiss litigation, financial regulation and cross-border disputes. With a background in law and economics, and hands-on experience across both the public and private sides of the Swiss financial sector, she brings a thoughtful, analytical and quietly determined approach to her work.
Before joining the firm, Ekaterina gained valuable experience within FINMA’s Enforcement division, as well as in private wealth and private equity structures for ultra-high-net-worth clients. Today, she supports partners and senior lawyers on complex banking, regulatory and commercial disputes, combining precision, intellectual curiosity and a strong commitment to continuous learning.
Q&A WITH EKATERINA
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I am originally from Russia, although I was born in Geneva. At the age of two, my family moved to Russia, where I spent my early childhood and began my schooling.
We later returned to Geneva, where I joined the public education system and followed a traditional Swiss academic path.
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF STUDYING LAW?
Initially, I considered studying Medicine, but I am terrified of blood! I still wanted to help people, and I thought that studying law would allow me to have more of an impact on society.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A JUNIOR ASSOCIATE AT SKANDAMIS AVOCATS?
The diversity of the work. At this early stage of my legal career, exposure to a wide range of matters is essential. It allows you to build experience, refine your analytical skills and better understand where your professional interests truly lie.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR ROLE?
The workload and the demanding hours. Being a committed lawyer means staying constantly informed and ensuring deadlines are met, even during periods that are theoretically less active, such as holidays.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I am currently working on a wide range of matters, including submissions before the Labour Court and Civil Court, several criminal law cases, issues related to debt enforcement proceedings, as well as regulatory and compliance-related questions. No two days are ever the same!
HOW DOES YOUR BACKGROUND IN FINANCIAL REGULATION INFLUENCE YOUR WORK TODAY?
My experience at FINMA and in private wealth management allows me to better understand how regulators and financial institutions operate and think.
This perspective is particularly valuable in cases involving compliance, enforcement or cross-border financial structures, where legal analysis and economic considerations are closely intertwined.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE SO FAR?
I started working at the age of 23 and, by 28, I have effectively experienced three different legal professions: working within a regulatory authority, as an in-house lawyer, and as an attorney.
Although all are connected by law, each role involves very different perspectives, risk assessments and priorities. Adapting to these changes required repeatedly stepping out of my comfort zone and continuously learning.
The key lesson for me has been that professional growth requires constant learning, adaptability and perseverance - even when it’s challenging.
At SKANDAMIS AVOCATS, I have had the opportunity to learn from working on a diverse range of matters. It has been a very rich learning experience to work here as a Junior Associate.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING TRAINEE LAWYERS IN SWITZERLAND?
Be mentally prepared and determined. Staying up to date takes time and energy, and pressure is part of the profession. Determination is often more important than talent alone.
I would also strongly encourage trainees to gain exposure to as many different areas of law as possible, which is why a traineeship in a boutique firm can be an excellent choice.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HOBBY OR INTEREST OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Travelling, particularly discovering new cities, learning about their history and culture through gastronomy.
WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
People are often surprised by my level of discipline and commitment outside of work, particularly when it comes to sport and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
I regularly practice BodyPump and Pilates, which complement each other well — BodyPump for strength, endurance and mental resilience, and Pilates for control and balance. The techno music during BodyPump releases my anger better than any punching ball!
IF YOU COULD SHADOW ANY LITIGATOR FOR A DAY — REAL OR FICTIONAL — WHO WOULD IT BE?
Olympia Lawrence from the Matlock (2020) series, for her intelligence, integrity and composure as a litigator.
More generally, many of my role models come from investigative professions, such as characters from Luther or The Mentalist, where analytical thinking and human insight play a central role.
WHAT’S ONE MOMENT FROM YOUR TRAINEESHIP THAT YOU’LL NEVER FORGET?
My first pleading. Although the case itself was relatively straightforward, I put a great deal of pressure on myself to perform perfectly.
HOW DO YOU SEE THIS TRAINEESHIP SHAPING YOUR PATH AS A FUTURE LAWYER?
This traineeship is allowing me to build strong technical foundations, develop practical judgement and gain exposure to complex cases.
QUICK-FIRE WITH EKATERINA
COFFEE OR TEA?
Tea. My favourite is fruity or vanilla black tea. Occasionally, a good Argentine maté when I need an extra energy boost.
EARLY MORNING OR LATE-NIGHT FOCUS?
Early morning. The calm of the morning allows for clear and structured thinking.
CITY BREAK OR NATURE ESCAPE?
City break - discovering new cities through their culture and gastronomy.
WORKOUT PLAYLIST?
Latin music has always been part of my life — Daddy Yankee and Don Omar for reggaeton royalty (with Daddy Yankee unintentionally teaching me Spanish), and Romeo Santos and Prince Royce as the leading voices of bachata.
FAVOURITE FOOD?
A well-prepared paella with a tinto de verano.
BEST PLACE YOU HAVE VISITED SO FAR?
Buenos Aires - for its culture and atmosphere.
FAVOURITE PLACE IN GENEVA?
Port Gitana in Bellevue. It’s a small terrace by the lake, known for its excellent filets de perche and peaceful atmosphere overlooking Lake Geneva.
BOOKS OR PODCASTS?
Books - especially by Paulo Coelho.
ONE THING I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
My music player.
ONE SKILL YOU’D LOVE TO MASTER INSTANTLY?
Rhetoric.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED SO FAR?
Take two to three hours every week to do things that genuinely make you happy.
