Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

I was working at a magic circle law firm when the 2008 financial crisis hit. It was an epic financial and economic meltdown that cost many ordinary people their jobs, their savings, their homes or all three. In the aftermath of that crisis, I was able to support the creation and establishment of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) as a temporary crisis solution for eurozone countries in 2010. It was financed by bonds and other debt instruments on the capital markets and provided financial assistance to Portugal, Greece and Ireland.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

A modern in-house counsel needs to be more than just a legal expert.
In-house counsel must be flexible and proactive in responding to changes as the legal and business landscape rapidly evolves. He or she is a strategic business partner who should build strong relationships with executives, board members, regulators and outside counsel to align legal strategy with business objectives. The in-house counsel must understand the financial and operational impact of legal decisions and provide pragmatic, business and solution-oriented advice. Familiarity with legal tech, privacy and cybersecurity issues is essential.
What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I am passionate about supporting women in finance. It is essential to promote diversity, drive innovation and improve overall business performance.
Despite making up a significant proportion of the workforce, women remain underrepresented in senior financial roles. Increasing women’s participation at all levels leads to stronger financial outcomes and contributes to broader economic growth.
Women in finance often face challenges such as pay gaps, limited access to leadership opportunities and workplace bias. Proactively supporting women through mentorship, sponsorship and leadership programmes helps to break down these barriers.
Visible female leaders in finance inspire younger women to enter and succeed in the industry. I would like to mention Anne-Marie Nicolas, Partner at Loyens Loeff Luxembourg office, who is one of these leaders in Luxembourg, supporting younger women and encouraging them to believe in their own abilities and themselves.