Eric Montalvo - The Most Influential People in Legal Services to Watch in 2026

FROM THE EDITOR

Leaders Redefining the Rulebook & Shaping Legal Influence

This is the era of transformation in the legal service industry, and the people leading the industry

today are giving new meaning to the concept of influence. The leaders of this age do more than explain the rules. They have taken responsibility for framing regulations and policies that guide innovation and business across the world. They think about their influence beyond the courtroom and business contracts into boardrooms, local communities, and even the cyberspace. They walk the thin line betweentraditionandtransformation,whilemakingsurethatintegritydoesnotloseitsmeaningintheface ofnewtechnologies.Thisleadershipdoesnotmeasureitselfbasedonvictoriesandsuccessfulnegotiations butthroughbuildingintegritystandardsforfuturegenerations.Aschangestakeplaceintermsofworkand business regulation in the field, the leaders of today act both as guardians and pioneers of the transformation.Theyprovethefactthatlawleadershipisdynamicandinfluential.

At CIO Views, we honor these empowering leaders by dedicating this issue titled “The Most Influential People in Legal Services to Watch in 2026” to them. Featuring as the cover story, we have covered the successful & motivating journey of Eric Montalvo, Founding Partner of Federal Practice Group. We have alsoincludedtheinspiringstoriesofSimonKapampa,PartneratMusaDudhia&Co.;NatalieFoster,CEO ofInspireLegalGroup;AngelaA.Allen-Bell,ProfessoratSouthernUniversityLawCenter;VladPeligrad, Partner at KPMG Legal Romania; Emmanuel Manda, Partner at Musa Dudhia & Co.; Dennis Lundquist, Managing Director and Partner at Qap Legal; Karen Finch, CEO of Legally Yours; Somphob Rodboon, Managing Partner at ILAWASIACO., LTD; and Bernie Lawrence,Attorney and Principal at B. Lawrence Watkins&Associates,PC.

CIOViews is a business magazine that mainly focuses on business leaders, their journey, views on current economic states, and all other relevant subjects that refer to the business world. Our goal is to be a leading sourceofinformationdedicatedtoprovidingourreaderswithdetailedperspectivesandviewsofsuccessful business leaders who are transforming the business outlook and redefining their goals. With exclusive editionsonvariousindustrieslikesoftware,education,healthcare,technology,realestate,andmanymore, CIOViewsisdriventopromoteexcellenceintheworldofbusiness.

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“THE

CONTENTS 22. Simon Kapampa

Natalie Foster 26.

Dennis Lundquist 48.

Karen Finch 54.

Angela A. Allen-Bell 30.

Vlad Peligrad 40. Emmanuel Manda 44.

Somphob Rodboon 58.

Bernie Lawrence 62.

Restorative Justice Equalizer

Building the Future of Civil Accountability

Eric Montalvo

Founding Partner | Federal Practice Group

Throughout his career, Eric Montalvo has been

guided by a simple belief: many of the limitations people encounter are not actual barriers but assumptions about what is possible. That philosophy shaped his journey as a United States Marine with more than two decades of service, including combat deployments. It informedhisworkasaprosecutor,defensecounsel, military officer, and ultimately as the founder of Federal Practice Group. It also continues to influence his approach to complex legal, humanitarian, and international matters, where meaningful solutions often emerge from challenging conventional thinking and bringing together perspectives that do not traditionally operateintandem.

Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, EricfoundedFederalPracticeGroupin2011.From the outset, the firm was built on the understanding that modern challenges rarely fit neatly within traditional legal silos. Whether representing individuals, businesses, investors, or institutions, the firm's approach has consistently emphasized strategic thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a willingness to address issues that span jurisdictions,industries,andareasoflaw.

Today, Eric sees the legal profession standing at a similar inflection point. Artificial intelligence, digital assets, blockchain technology, advanced analytics, emerging medical technologies, and increasingly interconnected financial systems are reshaping the nature of risk, accountability, and dispute resolution. While these developments create extraordinary opportunities, they also introduce new forms of complexity that frequently extend beyond traditional legal, regulatory, and geographicboundaries.

Building multidisciplinary teams requires more than technical expertise. It requires trust, shared purpose, disciplined execution, and the ability to unite professionals from different disciplines around a common objective. Eric believes leadership increasingly consists not of having every answer, but of assembling the right people, empoweringthemtocontributetheirexpertise,and coordinating those capabilities toward a unified mission.

For Eric, the question is not whether these technologies will transform the practice of law, but howeffectivelylegalinstitutionswilladapt.

“React to the first drop of rain—don’t wait for the flood. Address challenges early and always fall forward. Every setback should move you closer to success.”

Human Judgment in an Era of TechnologicalAcceleration

Eric does not view artificial intelligence as a threat to the legal profession. Instead, he sees it as the latest chapter in a long history of innovations that have expanded human capability. The legal profession has navigated similar transitions before. From traditional law libraries to digital research platforms and from paper records to electronic communications, each technological advancement sparked concerns that expertise would be diminished. In reality, these tools

enhanced lawyers' ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and address increasingly complex challenges.

Artificial intelligence, in his view, represents a continuation of that progression.

Technology can process information at extraordinary speed and uncover relationships, anomalies, and trends at a scale previously unimaginable all of which benefit clients situationally and economically. Yet the qualities that ultimately define effective advocacy and leadership remain distinctly

human: judgment, credibility, experience, trust, and context.

While technology can inform decisions, it cannot replace the human capacity to make them. Eric believes the most effective professionals of the future will neither resist technological change nor embrace it uncritically. Instead, they will be those who successfully combine technological capability with disciplined human judgment. The future, he argues, is not a contest between humans and machines but an opportunity to leverage the strengths of both.

CASE LOG · RECOVERY VECTOR

Preserve. Coordinate. Recover — in that order, before the trail goes cold.

Human Judgment in an Era of Technological Acceleration

Thesetechnologicalshiftsareparticularlyevidentintheworldoffinancialcrime and asset recovery. Historically, assets moved at the speed of transportation. Today, they move at the speed of technology. Digital assets, decentralized financial systems, and global financial infrastructure enable funds and value to crossjurisdictionsalmostinstantaneously.Bythetimeatraditionalinvestigation begins, assets may have already traversed multiple borders, passed through numerousintermediaries,andbecomesignificantlymoredifficulttorecover.

Eric often illustrates this challenge with a simple analogy: the farther a getaway vehicle travels from the scene of a crime, the more difficult recovery becomes. Digital assets have transformed that reality by enabling the equivalent of instantaneous cross-border movement. Every transfer introduces additional complexity. Every jurisdiction creates additional procedural hurdles. Every delayreducesthelikelihoodofrecovery. Successdependsnotonlyonprevailing in litigation but on preserving assets before they disappear, coordinating recovery efforts across jurisdictions, and integrating legal strategy with intelligence,technology,andinvestigativeresourcesfromtheoutset.

These challenges extend far beyond cryptocurrency. Similar dynamics increasingly affect cybercrime, healthcare fraud, sanctions matters, intellectual property disputes, corruption investigations, emerging medical technology controversies,andabroadrangeofcomplexfinancialmisconduct.Thechallenge is no longer simply proving wrongdoing. It is preserving leverage, identifying recovery opportunities, coordinating across jurisdictions, and acting before assetsdisappearbeyondpracticalreach.

The Restorative Justice Equalizer Framework - From Law Firm to Strategic Partner

The Restorative Justice Equalizer emerged from years of practical experience gained through the work of Federal Practice Group and the diverse matters entrusted to the firm by its clients. Rather than being conceived as a product, platform, or standalone service offering, it evolved through years of representing clients confronting cross-border financial fraud, digital asset disputes, complex

investigations, government enforcement matters, sanctions issues, healthcare investigations, intellectual property disputes, humanitarian operations, and multinational recovery efforts.

Over time, Eric recognized a recurring pattern. Successful outcomes rarely depended on legal action alone. More often, they resulted from the effective coordination of legal strategy, investigative resources, technological capabilities, international

relationships, subject-matter expertise, and strategic timing. Conversely, failures frequently occurred when these capabilities operated in isolation.

The Restorative Justice Equalizer is best understood as a strategic framework for civil accountability in an era where assets, information, and misconduct move across borders faster than traditional enforcement mechanisms can respond.

The framework integrates legal

advocacy, investigative capabilities, technology, intelligence, international coordination, and recovery-oriented strategies into a cohesive approach to complex matters. In practice, this often requires collaboration beyond the traditional boundaries of a law firm. Depending on the circumstances, it may involve coordination with investigators, forensic specialists, technology providers, financial analysts, international counsel, industry experts, and other strategic partners whose capabilities contribute to achieving a client's objectives.

For Eric, no single discipline possesses all the answers. Increasingly, meaningful outcomes depend on the ability to assemble and coordinate the right combination of resources, expertise, relationships, and capabilities at precisely the right moment. The framework is not intended to replace traditional legal processes or governmental enforcement efforts. Rather, it reflects the belief that modern challenges demand coordinated solutions capable of operating across jurisdictions, disciplines, and technologies. In many respects, it represents the codification of lessons learned through experience.

“There is no such thing as work-life balance—only work-life integration. When two Priority One responsibilities conflict, one involving family and the other work, it creates an impossible choice. My philosophy is simple: family always comes first. We can always adjust on the work side. It is never about competition between the two; it is about coordination.”

Restoring the Balance

For years, sophisticated bad actors have benefited from the gap between innovation and enforcement. They have leveraged complexity, speed, jurisdictional fragmentation, and regulatory uncertainty to create obstacles to accountability and recovery.At the same time, many victims lack the resources, expertise, or institutional support necessary to respond effectively.

Eric views this imbalance as one of the defining challenges of modern civil accountability.

Addressing it requires more than legal expertise alone. It demands the integration of law, technology, intelligence, international

relationships, investigative capabilities, and strategic execution into a unified operational capability.

Recognizing that modern disputes increasingly require capabilities extending beyond traditional legal representation, Federal Practice Group has spent years cultivating relationships with investigators, forensic accountants, digital asset specialists, cybersecurity professionals, intelligence analysts, international counsel, medical experts, valuation professionals, and other subject-matter specialists. The firm's role is not simply to provide legal advice, but to coordinate these complementary capabilities into a unified strategy tailored to each client's objectives.

As technology continues to evolve, Eric believes the institutions that succeed will be those capable of embracing innovation without abandoning the principles that underpin the rule of law. Throughout his career, he has often reflected on the Roman maxim Si vis pacem, para bellum - if you want peace, prepare for war. Within a legal context, he interprets preparation in a very specific way: investing in people, relationships, knowledge, technology, and capabilities before they are needed; anticipating challenges rather than merely reacting to them; and recognizing that effective advocacy increasingly requires both depth of expertise and breadth of perspective.

While criminals have spent years preparing to exploit the opportunities created by technological disruption, Eric and his team have spent years preparing to confront them.

As he puts it, "For years, bad actors have exploited the distance between innovation and enforcement. Our mission is to close that distance."

The future of civil accountability will not belong solely to lawyers, technologists, investigators, or governments acting independently. It will belong to those capable of integrating these disciplines into a coordinated strategy while remaining grounded in the rule of law. Federal Practice Group was built on that principle, and the Restorative Justice Equalizer reflects the firm's continuing commitment to meeting increasingly complex challenges with equally sophisticated solutions.

The future is not human versus machine. The future belongs to those who understand how to become the best lawful version of both.

A Journey of Legal Excellence and Community Impact

In the dynamic landscape of African business leadership, few individuals embody the spirit of dedication and transformative influence as profoundly as Simon Kapampa. As a partner at Musa Dudhia & Co., Zambia's leading corporate law firm, Simon has carved out a remarkable career marked by perseverance, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to justice and community empowerment.

Simon Kapampa's journey from an intern to a recognized leader in the legal field is a testament to his passion for law and his belief in its power to drive positive change. Through his work, Simon sets a high standard for legal practice and paves the way for future generations of legal professionals in Zambia and beyond.

Early Inspirations and Career Beginnings

Simon stands out as a beacon of dedication and transformative influence. His journey into law

was deeply influenced by a passion for justice and the belief in its transformative power. "Growing up, I witnessed how the law could be a tool for protecting rights and resolving conflicts," he explains. These formative experiences fueled his desire to pursue a career where he could make a tangible impact.

Starting his career at Musa Dudhia & Co., Zambia's leading corporate law firm, Simon quickly fell in love with the idea of using the law in commerce. He focused on transactional law to help businesses with mergers, sales, and acquisitions, ultimately contributing to Zambia's economic development. "I joined the firm in 2013 as an intern and have risen to the position of partner," he shares, highlighting his journey of perseverance and growth.

Rising Through the Ranks

Simon's path to becoming a partner at Musa Dudhia & Co. has been marked by dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He now heads the firm's Banking and Finance team as well as the Projects and Infrastructure team. Specializing in all aspects of finance, including corporate finance, project finance, restructurings, refinancing, bilateral transactions, and syndicated transactions, Simon has represented a diverse range of clients. These include multinational corporations, Zambia's leading public and private companies, investment and retail banks, financial institutions, private equity providers, international development finance institutions, property developers, and sponsors of some of Zambia's most significant projects.

"My primary role is heading the Banking and Finance and Projects teams on all finance and infrastructure projects work," Simon says.

Simon coordinates these practice areas and acts as the lead partner on all matters in this space, serving as the key liaison with

clients. This role has earned him recognition as a Rising Star Partner in Zambia in Corporate Law, Finance, and Project Development by the prestigious IFLR1000 in its 2024 Rankings making him one of the 32 ranked lawyers in Zambia by IFLR1000.

Balancing Professional and Personal Life

Simon is always working on balancing professional responsibilities with his personal life. He prioritizes time management, delegate effectively, and focus on building a support system both at work and at home. “I aim to focus on work during the week and reserve the weekend for personal hobbies like golf and football and quality time with family and friends," Simon shares. However, he acknowledges that this balance is not always possible, especially when involved in demanding transactions. "Carving out personal time is essential for staying grounded and reenergized," he asserts.

Significant

Achievements and Mentorship

Reflecting on his most significant professional achievement, Simon highlights his rise to partnership at Musa Dudhia & Co. and his recognition by IFLR1000. "Being ranked by IFLR1000 stands out as a significant milestone in my career," he says. However, he believes his greatest achievement lies in mentoring younger lawyers and seeing them excel. "Their success is a legacy I'm incredibly proud of," he exclaims.

One of the major challenges Simon faced in his career was navigating the uncertainty during a firm-wide restructuring. "As a team, we had to reassure our clients, adapt to a changing environment, and strengthen our internal culture," he recalls. Clear communication, resilience, and a focus on values helped them overcome the challenge and emerge stronger.

Impact on Future Generations

Simon's work at Musa Dudhia & Co. is not just about legal practice; it's about setting a high standard for future generations of legal

professionals in Zambia and beyond. "By fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, we're creating a blueprint for the next generation to follow," he explains.

Initiatives like their talent development programs are designed to empower young lawyers, equipping them with the skills and confidence to lead in the future. "Aleader's first job is to create other leaders," Simon believes, emphasizing the importance of mentoring, coaching, and investing in the growth of others.

Advice forAspiring Leaders

For aspiring leaders in the legal industry, Simon offers a wealth of wisdom drawn from his own experiences. He emphasizes the importance of investing in continuous learning and seeking guidance from mentors. "Leadership is not about knowing everything but about having the humility to learn and the courage to act decisively," he says. Simon believes that true leadership is built on a foundation of integrity, hard work, and empathy.

"Integrity ensures that you remain trustworthy and reliable, hard work demonstrates your commitment and dedication, and empathy allows you to connect with others on a deeper level," Simon explains. He encourages aspiring leaders to embrace these qualities and to always strive for excellence in their professional and personal lives. "Never stop learning and growing, and always be open to new ideas and perspectives," he advises. Simon's insights provide a roadmap for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the legal industry and beyond.

Staying Updated and Embracing Technological Innovations

Staying updated with the latest developments in the legal field is crucial for Simon. He regularly attends legal seminars, engages with professional networks, and reviews industry publications. "Continuous learning is essential in law because the field evolves rapidly," he explains. This commitment to learning allows him to provide innovative solutions to clients and remain a trusted advisor.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Simon has ambitious goals for Musa Dudhia & Co. "My vision is to strengthen our position as a leading legal firm in Zambia and across Africa," he shares. The firm aims to expand international collaborations, enhance technological capabilities, and continue delivering exceptional value to clients.

"Fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation remains at the core of our mission," Simon asserts.

Simon is particularly excited about the integration of technology in legal practice. "From artificial intelligence tools for legal research to blockchain in contract management, technology is transforming how we work," he explains. These innovations promise greater efficiency, accessibility, and accuracy, enabling them to serve their clients better.

Personal Philosophy and Motivation

At the heart of Simon's professional life is a guiding philosophy that success is measured not by individual accolades but by the positive impact one has on others. "This mindset drives me to mentor, inspire, and create opportunities for others," he says.

At Musa Dudhia & Co., this philosophy translates into a

commitment to collaboration, innovation, and excellence in everything they do.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Simon Kapampa's journey is a remarkable example of how dedication, foresight, and a commitment to community empowerment can lead to significant professional achievements and lasting impact. His work at Musa Dudhia & Co. not only sets a high standard for legal practice but also paves the way for future generations of legal professionals in Zambia and beyond. As Simon continues to lead with integrity and innovation, his influence will undoubtedly shape the future of the legal industry inAfrica.

Leading Innovation in the Legal Sector by Founding Advance Virtual Law Firm

Co- Founder of Inspire Legal Group, Natalie Foster is a former business manager at Barclays Bank who transitioned into the legal industry to work in business development. The Group includes Inspire Legal Academy, which will give lawyers and other legal professionals the skills they need to benefit from the world of blockchain, smart contracts, and legal engineering, as well as Inspire Crypto, a company that will help develop products that enable property transactions to proceed via blockchain, are other ventures she has established. She says, It's our intention to inspire lawyers to see that there are many different things they can do in practise and to find new ways of delivering legal services. We are a group of colleagues where everyone has a stake in the success of the business."

Inspire Legal Group

The innovative virtual law firm from Inspire Legal Group, formerly Foster Clay, aims to give lawyers the tools they need to start their own practises and related businesses, such as technology solutions.

Inspire Legal Group currently employs 23 lawyers as consultants who are building their practises with complete back-office assistance. They aim to double the number of consultants by the end of 2022. They work with paralegals, licenced conveyancers, solicitors, and legal entrepreneurs who require a support network to develop their own tech products, and are enouraging other lawyers, at all levels to “join the movement” [one of the Group's taglines] . 11 people are currently

employed by Inspire in Scarborough to help the lawyers.

Early Background

Natalie comes from a business, finance, and lending background. She started a law degree when she had her children, and she is still pursuing her SQE and LLM because being a solicitor would be sacrilege to her. She sees herself as a business leader who develops a team and garners support to bring about change. She works in the legal industry and is aware of the significant obstacles that must be removed before law and procedure can be applied to technology. Although the Law Commission is doing fantastic work in this area, a comprehensive solution is required. Inspire Legal Group and Vleppo (a Danish Blockchain Technology company) have forged

Natalie Foster CEO, Inspire Legal Group

a new alliance. She says, "We have the means to do what others are only consulting on at this stage. Being asked by Vleppo to work with them over other larger firms has been an honour and I cannot wait to let the public know what it is we have planned."

Leading Legal Group

In the first lockdown, Inspire Legal Group was created.After hearing Boris on the TV say that the public were not permitted anywhere, Natalie sat in her bedroom with her laptop and felt a sudden wave of freedom being taken away from her. She knew that many lawyers lawyers would find it difficult to function alone at home. She had resigned from her previous partnership position in order to start a business that would "survive the times then flourish." The objective was to establish a business that supported Web 3 and was entirely operationally digital. Regulatory compliance, lawyers' education in terms of understanding and buy-in, and the ultimate consumer client's need to be aware of the advantages of blockchain in the legal sector, such as security and speed, are just a few of the difficulties Natalie mentions.

Consultants who are in their own right entrepreneurial and have project ideas of their own can join the firm to have the support of reserved legal activity insurance when they require it. Under the firm'sABS (alternative business structure), they can offer niche services to their clients, retaining the majority of their fees. She asserts, "We've created personal brand workshops, lead gen support, and back office administration to support them. But what we're doing goes beyond being part of a “firm”, it's being part of a community. I don't want to be in

competition with high-street firms we , are not. I want to offer a different way of functioning in the sector by removing the issues many artists face when transferring property and support the legal sector in the journey to using block chain technology. This is what Inspire Legal Groupis doing. "

Responsibilities at Inspire Legal Group

As CEO, Natalie is responsible for the strategy, progress, and implementation of all projects within the group and ensures the relevant leaders have all the tools they need to undertake the roles the firm expects them to work with.

Moreover, hers job is to build the brand of the group and ensure people know she is here to listen to new ideas and be non-conformist. She states, "Not anarchy this is a different thing. , People think that disruption is an uncomfortable place to be. It isn't if you have the education, support, and direction of leaders. That's what I do."

Sharing the Significance of

Challenges

Natalie quotes Hamilton, "Talk less, smile more." She finds that this saying, although simple, encapsulates the changes she has made to develop and bounce back after trusting in the wrong things and learning from failure. She asserts, "We all fail. We are all allowed one mess up. If we learn from it, it has not been a waste of time and energy."

Natalie states that one should partner with people that share his or her values and ethics. She adds, "Distance, background, sector, and all kinds of things can be a little obstacle in this digital age, but a gap in ethics or integrity can mess with the balance of

a team. When implementing change, there are constant dynamics and relationship changes. These need to be managed and respected, and if one party isn't working as hard as the rest, it causes upset in the ranks." She has learnt from this and selects her partners based on attitude and conduct over anything these days. She thanks the challenges she has faced for allowing her to realise her value to others at darker times, and suggests that you always have something to offer.

In and Out of Work

Natalie fits her work in “a little and often” around the needs of her two small children. Her hobbies are supporting her daughter in her dancing and she is often sat at the back of a hall or theatre emailing the HQ team.

Natalie shares that Inspire Legal Group has great respect for family. It has to be this way. Her team misss nothing. She says, "If we support employees' personal journeys as well as their professional ones, the loyalty you receive and buy-in is unparalleled. The perception by some is that this is a weakness it ,isn't."

Achieving all the Dreams

Natalie admits that while she feels content with what she has accomplished so far, she is unsure of her plans for the next 40 years. She thinks, "We are all working through life in chapters. We do not need pigeonholing, and so what I do now might be different from what I do in 10 years, but whatever it is, I will always love being in business, providing opportunities for others to develop and building success from the ground up." She further adds, "Hard work doesn't have to be a painful slog. If you have

an amazing team and good, smart processes, you can do anything. For me, the process has been everything. I'm lucky to have a strong board who does not allow me to veer off. Energy is not enough you need strategy and , reasoning."

Why are you doing this? is something Natalie asks herself regularly. She finds dreams are subjective. She initially started simply wanting to be able to take a holiday, knowing the team and business were sustainable. She asserts, "Trust gets you there, and now I want to see that the projects we have are successful and we deliver the change the legal sector so desperately

needs. Ask me again next year!"

Key to Success

Natalie has not experienced conventional or even convenient success. If anything, it has disrupted the market more than anything else because she entered the market with a critically constructive perspective. She initially intended to go to law school, become licenced as a solicitor, and eventually join a partnership. This changed when she observed the

extraordinary operational challenges that partners and lawyers in general face, which prevent them from working on future strategy but, more importantly, fire fight daily with outdated views of how people should handle requests and restrict their opportunities for access to justice.

"Success to me now is to influence and construct positive change wherever possible using the gifts and control you have at your disposal," says Natalie. For her, this is a strong network of

partners who support her vision for a web3 solution for the legal industry. That is client-focused, justice-focused, and complaint-driven, and it gives lawyers and the regulator confidence to proceed without fear.

Future of Inspire Legal Group

Natalie's goals for the future include expansion, senior leadership, and a focus on the areas where clients currently lack access to justice.Also included are litigation, business, and corporate, as well as crypto asset tracking. She says, "Anyone who isn't getting where they need to be in the corporate pyramid and knows they have a value talk to us. We set lawyers , up to practise in their own way with their own clients and educate them in tech so they remain relevant, supportive of their clients' needs, and multi-skilled in an ever-changing landscape."

Angela A. Allen-Bell

Southern University Law Center, Professor

An Activist Scholar, A Legal Expert, Transitional Justice Advocate and Change Agent

AngelaA.Allen-Bell, Esq. is a graduate of the Southern University Law Center (SULC) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds the B. K.Agnihotri Endowed Professorship and is currently a full professor at SULC.

Angela is a respected local, national and international legal scholar and an expert on constitutional law; criminal procedure; civil and human rights; social, restorative and transitional justice; and, the interplay between race and justice. She has adopted a particular brand of lawyering that places restorative justice (RJ) and transitional justice (TJ) at the center of her work.

It was her research that catapulted the movement that successfully ended the use of non-unanimous juries in Louisiana in 2018.And she is one of the founding members of the advocacy team that led this effort to reform Louisiana's jury system

through the adoption of legislation requiring unanimous juries in criminal trials in Louisiana state courts. She has the distinction of having worked on several other historic advocacy campaigns, such as the 50 Commemoration of Students th United and the 1972 Southern University student movement, the Angola 3 case, Soledad Brother John Clutchette's case, Vincent Simmons' case and the case of Robert Holbrook.

When, in January 2022, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a posthumous pardon to Homer Plessy, Professor Bell was selected to speak as the historian for the occasion. The House of Representatives of the Legislature of Louisiana has commended her “for her achievements as a legal scholar” and has recognized and recorded “the tremendous pride and honor that she rings” to the state of Louisiana.

Angela is a member of the National Black Lawyers-Top 100 and The

Fellows of theAmerican Bar Foundation, two invitation-only societies. In 2022, she was selected, through a national search, as a member of the first cohort of the Culture of Health Leadership Institute for Racial Healing, as well as a Louisiana Leading Lady. In 2019, the Girl Scouts Louisiana East recognized her as a Woman of Distinction, and she received the National Civil Rights Conference Civil Rights and Social JusticeAward. Her signature trait is a never-ceasing desire to eradicate racial hierarchies and to dismantle systems of oppression.

Angela has made many media appearances and participated in many local, national, and international collaborations to discuss her scholarship and advocacy work, including La Presse (France), Le Nouvel Observateur (France), MSNBC (News Nation with Tamron Hall), CBS News, NBC Nightly News and National Public Radio (All

Things Considered). She has twice submitted written testimony to the United States Senate's Judiciary Committee on the Constitution and she has been published in or quoted in a range of print media sources, such as the Washington Post, Capital B News, Law 360, Russia Today TV, the New Yorker, the Huffington Post and theAdvocate.

Some academics feel providing instruction to students is their primary function. Professor Bell doesn't challenge anyone for holding that view, but it is not shared. “I am what many call an activist scholar. Those of us who identify as such feel called to extend our expertise beyond the walls of academic institutions. We engage in research that is relevant to current social problems and we attempt to use our credentialing and expertise to facilitate change. My scholarship agenda propels me to do the social, RJ and TJ work I do. It also inspires further study by other academics and can cause policy and law changes,” she explains.

As such,Angela has worked on many unique and inspiring cases throughout her professional career. These cases have brought overdue justice to individuals and have led to important legal and policy reforms. One ongoing effort is a collaboration with the people of England and Wales. In May 2024, she travelled to the City Law School in London to share her research and support of their efforts to end non-unanimous juries. Her compelling body of work has been well documented and preserved online.

Southern University Law Center (SULC)

SULC is a mission-driven law school that is part of the Historically Black Southern University System. SULC opened in 1947 because the state of Louisiana refused to admit Black students to segregated, state institutions. SULC's HBCU status shouldn't be misunderstood. The

institution is not all-Black. Great diversity exists amongst faculty and students.

“I attended law school at SULC. I was an adjunct there for five years. I have been a full-time professor for sixteen years,” saysAngela.

Angela is a tenured member of the law faculty at SULC. Her

professional duties at the law school involve teaching, service and scholarship. Most of her “work” in the vineyards of justice is done because of a higher calling; it is a form of ministry.

ProfessorAngelaA.Allen-Bell's inspiration to join the legal profession

Angela's decision is not the result of one thing. There are three forces that collided and sent her in the direction of law and social justice.

While growing up in New Orleans, she lived a middle-class lifestyle, but was keenly aware of the fact that that

was not the case for everyone in the city. Poverty in the city was very high and it was often generational. “I recall being aware of it and I recall being bothered by the way it could limit a person's life opportunities. This partly influenced my gravitation to law. I saw it as a way to protect the marginalized,” she states.

The second reasonAngela pursued a career in law was because of her grandmothers, both of whom were domestic workers (much like the ladies depicted in “The Help”). Angela first realized, as an adult, that they did what they could and not what they wanted for a living. She never realized during her childhood that the world was marginalizing Black women in terms of career options. They never manifested any anger about this. They adapt to the space they were given. Despite this, they found a way to make work a source of pride and honor. “It is because of these two ladies that I am unwilling to wear shackles of any sort. Living my calling is a form of homage I pay to them. They couldn't; so, I must,” she explains.

Angela's final reason involves two women who deeply impacted her in her formative years. She didn't have many role models growing up. In reflection, she thinks that had a lot to do with her being raised in an environment that emphasized shortcomings more than positive attributes. “I think this aborted my dreams and robbed me of the ability to see myself as capable of accomplishing great things. Two women entered my life and disrupted this pathology,”Angela states.

The late Oretha Castle Haley was the first.Angela met her when she was around sixteen. She was directing a programAngela was enrolled in that summer. She entered the room, said nothing, but impacted the audience in the way a sonic boom would. Her eyes were piercing. Her words, though gently spoken, commanded a collective reverence. “I had never been in the presence of such a force. I would later learn that this woman was a leader in the Congress of Racial Equality and an avid champion of civil and human rights in Louisiana. She forced me to do some public “speaking” that summer. I cried more than I spoke. I lacked confidence and resisted being at the front of a room,” Angela recollects.

For sixteen years,Angela was consumed with self-doubt. Haley noticed this and stepped into the shoes of an unofficial mentor (during her final months on earth, which was unknown at the time).A

transformation occurred, andAngela returned to school with a dream of commanding respect and impacting lives like Mrs. Haley.

Retired Louisiana Judge Sylvia Cooks wasAngela's second role model. She entered her life whenAngela was in elementary school.At that time, she was not a judge. She was the first Black, female lawyer thatAngela had ever met. “I didn't see Judge Cooks often, but the rare visits were impactful. She too commanded respect from those in her midst. I would later learn that she was the first to accomplish many unprecedented things in Louisiana,”Angela says.

She further states, that the notion of setting new standards for Black women was alluring to her. Years later,Angela sees the imprints of both these amazing ladies upon her life and she credits them for making her consider a life as a legal professional.

In 2015, Angela wrote this poem about this experience:

Title: Oretha Castle Haley

Segregation. Separate but equal. White only. Jim Crow.

You weren't hearing it. You protested, sat in and demonstrated.

There is a school and a street Named in your honor now.

Not so well known is your imposing Presence in my 16-year-old face that summer.

Telling me not to fear…not to doubt… To rise and take my place.

Not so well known is the affirming smile and the convicting nod you gave me from the audience, creating a woman immune to selfdoubt.

Not so well known is the timing of our meeting.

Not long after you armed me, God disarmed you.

Aplot orchestrated by the greatest, understood by few, accepted by all as the finale, but known only to me as also the crescendo.

The Baton Rouge Bar Association published this poem when it did a series on attorneys who are also artists. For more about Mrs. Haley, see JANET ALLURED AND JUDITH F. GENTRY, LOUISIANA WOMEN AND THEIR LIVES AND TIMES 303 (2009).

Challenges are steppingstones to success

Angela believes success occurs when one realizes they were created for a specific purpose, when they realize what that is and when they consciously decide to live that purpose, unapologetically and authentically.

Angela also believes that challenges can strengthen individuals if those challenges are viewed as involuntary opportunities for growth. By recognizing challenges as opportunities for growth, individuals can activate new strategies for success.

At a point in her life, income insecurity was a roadblock, but this experience taught her to become a good steward of resources. Subordinated under some Black male superiors who resented intelligent, confident and strong Black women,Angela now champions opportunities to bring strength and awareness about the silent killer of Black women. Surviving this has resulted in greater respect for men who practice gender respect and equity.

Staying Motivated to Do Her Best

Angela says that she once read, “What oxygen does for the lungs, hope does for the soul: without it, we would die inwardly.”Angela refuses to die inwardly so, when discouragement sets in, she reminds herself of the enslaved whose every waking day brought the assurance of

trauma, suffering, subjugation and the deprivation of joy or peace. Somehow, they found the inner strength to face what awaited―they fought inward death.

“I find strength in this. It reminds me that being a survivor and an overcomer is in my genetic makeup. I see their faces looking at me

entertaining defeat over the things I might fret about and know it would be an insult to their collective sacrifices if I did not just press forward, but thrive,” she states.

Angela's advice is to take this mental journey when it is needed. She also knows the importance of warfare as a response to despair. She claims the

territory that was promised to her at times like this. She loudly professes these words from the Bible until she believes them: “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19).

WhenAngela became an attorney, she didn't plan to use her legal training in the way that she has. Working in the justice system propelled her in this direction. Her work recognizes a judicial system that has shortcomings and seeks to create new approaches to justice. Her insights on this subject are the topic of her forthcoming book, which is entitled, “Race, Juries & Justice in Louisiana: A Formula for Transformative Change.”

Maintaining a work-life balance

Colossians 3:23-24 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Angela tries hard to live this scripture from the Bible, which means her work is always divinely assigned. This type of work can be traumatizing, emotionally depleting and physically draining. “I balance this with intentional repose. During these periods, I spend time with my husband, daughters, dogs (Bailey, Justice & Drama), family, friends. If not that, I walk, swim, read, travel, visit friends attend plays or social events,” she states.

MotivatingAspiring Professionals in the Legal Field

For women interested in law,Angela's honest advice to them is that - law is not ladylike. Law disproportionately punishes girls and women of color. In sentencing women, it often fails to recognize them as victims. One good example of this is the Louisiana case of Shelly Davis, a Black women who defended herself from an attack, but was sentenced to a life sentence for murder after prosecutors used unrelated rap lyrics and social media posts to inflame the jury by coloring her as a menacing attacker instead of the young, fragile victim she was. Female practitioners still must contend with gender stereotypes and pay inequities.

“I would remind them that passion is when you walk in the direction of a challenge that most people turn away from. I would advise them to go in the other direction if they don't feel called to this challenge because this work is not for those who are not ready to traverse turbulent waters,” she states.

Beyond this,Angela wants all aspiring lawyers to experience law as a calling and not a profession. She wants them to use their legal training to improve the quality of the legal system and life for those who interface with it as opposed to using their training simply to win or gain. She wants them to feel duty-bound to confront injustices instead of pretending not to notice as they selfishly hope someone else will take up the cause. She wants them to understand that law can liberate, but it can also oppress. When it oppresses, she wants them to accept the obligation to make the rule of law of honest. She wants them to approach

the pursuit of power with caution and, when they get it, she wants them to use it responsibly. She also wants them to be mindful of the fact that they are amongst the ranks of a chosen few and she wants them to bear that truth humbly.

Aligning Her Plans with The

Plans of God

Angela is proud of the legal pathway that she has innovated and she has no plans of abandoning it anytime soon. She states that her dreams aren't big enough to conceive of what God seeks to use her to do so she doesn't dare limit Him or herself by answering this beyond saying that, until she claims her last breath, she will listen for His directions and try hard to always obey His call. “Until then, I foresee myself witnessing more miracles as a result of my obedience,” she claims.

Also,Angela plans to continue working to achieve TJ in the state of Louisiana and in the country, as well to further pursue the work of racial healing, narrative change and to continue her efforts to disrupt and dismantle systems that harm.

ProfessorAngelaA.Allen-Bell hopes to continue and expand on her efforts where race, law, and justice intersect. Her goal is to engineer a criminal justice transformation whereby crime and conflict are situated in proper context-as harm to people as opposed to violations of law.

A Professional with Extensive Experience in the Legal Sector

Vlad Peligrad, the Partner of KPMG Legal Romania, has a wealth of experience in dispute resolution, insolvency laws, fraud investigation, and crisis management.Additionally, he has amassed significant transactional expertise in bank lending and real estate financing transactions, as well as project finance, infrastructure, concessions and PPP projects, and FIDIC contracts, both in Bucharest and New York. He earned his LL.M. from the George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., and has a Ph.D. in law.

In the 2016 Client ChoiceAwards, Vlad was the sole winner of the

Litigation category for Romania. He serves as an arbitrator for the Bucharest InternationalArbitration Court and the Court of International Commercial Arbitration, both of which are affiliated with the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BIAC). Vlad has taught corporate law, commercial contracts, and transport law for 12 years at the Law School of the University of Bucharest and regularly publishes articles in legal and business reviews.

The Curious Journey to Transformation

Since the beginning of his career, Vlad has aimed to work in a

global setting and have access to the knowledge of law firms with a global network. In his experience as a junior, it was obvious right away that he had entered a new phase of his professional development and that he would have to put in a lot of effort to adjust to the high standards of the legal profession around the world. He acquired the skills of organization, rigor, and initiative while working for a law office of one of the BIG4 companies. He recalls, "Continuing my career with international law firms, including one of the Magic Circle law firms, I had access to cuttingedge know-how and integrated the highest standards of legal services on the market.”

Peligrad Partner, KPMG Legal Romania

Before joining KPMG Legal, Vlad was a counsel at a Magic Circle law firm with a presence in Romania, where he worked for more than 11 years. Before that, he worked for another international law firm and for the associated law firm of another BIG4 firm in Romania.

Vlad comments, "I am still dreaming and therefore, I am continuously setting new targets. So far, I can say that I have reached all the relevant milestones I have set for my professional career."

Leading KPMG to New Heights

Vlad joined KPMG Legal as a partner in February 2019 with the specific goal of expanding the L&DR practise and working together with Laura Toncescu, head of KPMG Legal, to restructure the legal services team.

Since Vlad joined the company, KPMG Legal has developed its team and is the obvious choice for its clients. The firm offers legal services to the highest international standards available on the market while maintaining reasonable fees. Vlad adds, "I am referring to an entire team effort. Without the right people and mindset, we would not have succeeded. The firm went through an almost full reshape to become one of Romania's most comprehensive providers of legal services with high standards."

In KPMG Legal, Vlad is the head of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice, and is also in charge of overseeing other practices, such as: infrastructure and public procurement,

CRSI, energy and natural resources. He states, "My team is the best recognition I have-any contribution I can bring to their development, their successes, each challenge we overcome, these are a reflection of my work as a leader and are most fulfilling to observe. It is amazingly rewarding to see my former trainees and students grow to their potential, and this is an important part of my work."

Currently, KPMG Legal provides a broad variety of legal services and, in cooperation with other KPMG network experts, we provide integrated services with a 360-degree perspective on any problem.

In terms of numbers, the outcomes of the team's work over the previous three years are reflected in a significant yearly growth in revenue. We now have 28 lawyers with expertise in all areas of law who have graduated from the top universities in Romania, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and SouthAfrica, and have international experience gained at reputable international law firms like those in the Magic Circle.

Currently, KPMG Legal is a leading legal company, advising clients on some of the biggest and most complicated transactions on the market and successfully defending clients in complex litigation and arbitration proceedings.

Insights into Success

"Success is not easy to define, as it is not easy to achieve," says Vlad. Success for him means having a place

where one can use and develop one's strongest skills and make a valuable contribution with an impact on oneself and on others, as well as achieving a good balance between work and personal life. However, in Vlad's opinion, being successful is not a fixed point that you reach in time. It's more of a continuous journey. He believes, "The journey and the people who walk alongside you define the success."

Vlad considers that his definition of success has changed over the years and he is sure that it is still developing. He recalls, "Right after graduating law school, I realised that, besides having a fulfilling professional life, it was equally important to me to give back by investing my time in forming new generations of legal professionals. My academic activities became a piece of what success meant for me and greatly contributed to the development of this concept." He further adds, "Now, people around me have become more and more important, a significant part of the journey to success. I cannot consider myself professionally successful if my team is not feeling the same. I measure my success by looking at the success of my people and how my former students, now colleagues, grow into amazing legal professionals."

Vlad considers that the essential elements in his situation were constant studying (which also involved finishing his coursework with an LL.M. and Ph.D.), touring the world, and savouring all interactions with individuals from various racial and ethnic backgrounds.An international setting gave him the ability to widen

his perspectives and taught him to always be open to new chances and come up with creative solutions.

Another important part of Vlad's definition of success comes from his family. He tells us, "I am a proud father of a 4-year-old kid and my success now is reflected through his eyes. Being a father has given me valuable lessons on core values in life and reminded me of the joy of discovering the world."

Vlad is sure this definition of success will continue to develop, as he discovers new ways in which he can have a positive impact on the community and his team.

Every Failure is a Sign of a New Beginning

In the 21 years of Vlad's legal career, while being a lawyer, a law school teaching assistant, and an arbitrator, he lost track of his list of failures. He states, "I have not kept a score of fails, but I have kept track of the learning which they generated and will integrate these lessons into future plans."

One of the lessons Vlad learned during his career journey is that changes and challenges can come with incredible new perspectives that one may have missed.

Vlad initially believed that he would only practise as a transactional attorney for the rest of his life, without representing clients in court. But just as he was about to make a change in his professional life, he and his team at

one of the largest international law firms were given their first litigation case. He then considered that case, the experience his team had had, and the kind of change and challenge he was unexpectedly facing. He tells us that it opened his eyes and his mind to a whole new dimension of his work, so much so that he switched his main practise to litigation. The unexpected change turned out to be far more complex and interesting than many transactions and a switch towards a new professional calling.

Vlad is now working in cross-practice teams and using his background as a transactional lawyer to bring a new approach in court.

Keeping CuriosityAlive

Vlad is continuously curious and he is continuously learning, which keeps him motivated in all he does. Moreover, having a great team around him motivates him even more, as they are all extremely passionate about what they do and they generate amazing creative energy together.

He states, "One of the main advantages in KPMG Legal, that makes a difference and motivates our people, is being open and transparent with what we do and making people feel included."

According to Vlad, being honest is a crucial quality for a strong leader. Being honest helps individuals understand what they are working for, how they contribute to the company, and most importantly, how they will be compensated for their job.

Vlad has learned over his career that a lack of openness results in individuals feeling excluded and working without a clear goal, which over time results in a drop in motivation.As a result, “at KPMG Legal, we are able to clearly communicate a team's vision and provide the necessary assistance for them to accomplish their objectives” says Vlad

Views on Personal Goals and Professional Goals

Vlad's plans for KPMG Legal –Toncescu siAsociatii can be defined as follows:

Ÿ To remain the Clear Choice for their clients.

Ÿ To become the number one law firm affiliated with a Big4 in Romania.

Ÿ To be one of the main engines of growth for KPMG.

On a personal level, he hopes to live a more flexible and open-ended life, spend quality time with his family, and raise his child well.

The advice Vlad gives to aspiring attorneys is to never stop learning, to be open-minded and seize any opportunity that comes your way, to be diligent and proactive in your job, and to never give up on your dreams.

Navigating the Complexities of Tax Law with Vision and Dedication

In the dynamic world of legal practice, Emmanuel Manda has distinguished himself as a formidable force in tax law. Through strategic decision-making and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, he has become a key player at Musa Dudhia & Co. His ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and provide innovative solutions has not only earned him recognition but also significantly impacted Zambia's business ecosystem. His story is one of growth, resilience, and a deep commitment to both his profession and community.

From Intern to Partner:A Journey of Growth and Excellence

Emmanuel's path to becoming a partner at Musa Dudhia & Co. is a testament to his dedication and relentless drive. "My journey to partnership began over a decade ago during my internship with the firm," he recalls. Drawn to its dynamic and high-performing environment, he found a

platform that nurtured his growth in the legal profession. Transitioning from intern to associate, he gained experience across various practice areas, including corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), mining, technology, media, telecommunications (TMT), and tax law.

Apivotal moment in his career was his secondment to Anjarwalla & Khanna LLP's (A&K) tax team in Kenya. "This experience significantly shaped my approach to advising clients and navigating complex tax landscapes," he explains.As his focus on tax law deepened, he recognized its growing significance in Zambia's business ecosystem and its global implications. Through continuous learning and collaboration, he established himself as a trusted advisor in the field. His recognition as a Notable Practitioner in General Corporate Tax by the ITR World Tax EMEAGuide in 2025 is a

milestone he values, but as Emmanuel notes, “this is only the beginning.”

"Becoming a partner at Musa Dudhia & Co. is not just a professional milestone; it is a reflection of the mentorship, teamwork, and opportunities that this firm foster," he asserts. It also represents a responsibility to inspire and support the next generation of legal professionals in Zambia.

The Intrigue of Tax Law:A Dynamic and Multifaceted Field

Emmanuel has always been intrigued by the dynamic and multifaceted nature of tax law.

"Early in my career, I realized that taxation is at the heart of nearly every corporate decision, from mergers and acquisitions to cross-border transactions," he says. His time atA&K in Kenya further enriched his understanding of international taxation, providing firsthand

insights into how tax regulations influence regional and global business decisions.

As Zambia's tax landscape continues to evolve andAfrican economies become more integrated, Emmanuel saw an opportunity to provide clients with innovative, strategic solutions that ensure compliance while optimizing their operations. Today, he remains committed to helping businesses navigate tax complexities while contributing to Zambia's broader economic development.

Balancing Professional and Personal Life:ADelicate Dance

For Emmanuel, balancing professional and personal life requires intentional time management and prioritization. "My practice demands full focus and dedication, but I make it a point to engage in activities that recharge me," he shares. Exploring new restaurants and cuisines, boxing, swimming, and cycling are some of the ways he maintains his well-being. Travel also provides him with fresh perspectives that enrich both his personal and professional life.

Additionally, Emmanuel has practiced intermittent fasting (16:8) for the past six years, breaking his fast at noon and resuming it at 8:00 PM daily. His mornings start early, checking emails at 5:00AM before planning his day.Aboxing session with his trainer follows, setting the tone for a structured and productive workday filled with reviewing regulatory updates, strategizing with his team, and advising clients. "Once

I wrap up for the day, I head home to enjoy a well-cooked meal and unwind," he says.

StayingAhead: Strategies for Keeping Up with Evolving Tax Laws

Remaining at the forefront of tax law requires continuous learning. Emmanuel dedicates time to reviewing updates from regulatory bodies like the Zambia Revenue Authority and attending industry workshops and seminars. "Collaborating with firms and leveraging insights from ourALN

network ensures I stay informed about regional and global trends," he explains. His commitment to improvement drives him to constantly refine his approach to better serve clients.

ProfessionalAchievements: Recognitions and Transformative Deals

Among Emmanuel's proudest achievements is being recognized as a Notable Practitioner in General Corporate Tax by the ITR World Tax EMEAGuide for 2025. "This recognition reflects years of

dedication to mastering tax law and delivering value to clients," he says. Additionally, he has led transformative corporate and commercial deals in Zambia's mining and agricultural sectors, pioneering novel transactions. "My team and I strive to provide innovative commercial solutions that facilitate successful outcomes for all stakeholders," he explains.

Overcoming Challenges: Learning and Leadership

One of the biggest challenges Emmanuel faced early in his career was providing commercially viable legal advice. "Overcoming this required me to gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between law and business," he explains.

Transitioning into a leadership role presented another challenge—balancing technical expertise with team mentorship. "I focused on emotional intelligence, continuous learning, and fostering a culture of collaboration while ensuring fairness and accountability," he shares.

Leading the Future: Evolution and Vision in Tax Law

With globalization, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives reshaping tax law, Emmanuel anticipates significant changes ahead. "Digital taxation and environmental tax policies are areas likely to gain prominence," he predicts. He hopes to contribute to these developments in Zambia by

Advice for Aspiring Tax Lawyers

For those looking to build a career in tax law, Emmanuel emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation in corporate and commercial law. "Tax law intersects with multiple disciplines," he explains. Continuous learning, an analytical mindset, and commercial awareness are essential.

He also underscores the importance of networking and mentorship. "Growth in the legal profession thrives on collaboration, and guidance from experienced practitioners can accelerate career development," he advises. Resilience and grit are equally important for navigating challenges and excelling in a competitive industry. "Understand early on that pain, uncertainty, and constant work are fundamental aspects of both the law and life," he adds.

advising clients on compliance while advocating for tax policies that drive innovation and economic growth.

For Emmanuel, leadership is about adaptability, emotional intelligence, and vision. "Agreat leader must anticipate trends and guide their team through change, as change is the only constant," he explains. Transparency, integrity, and inclusivity are also crucial in fostering collaboration and driving innovation. "Asuccessful leader creates an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, empowering the team to deliver exceptional results," he asserts.

Conclusion

Emmanuel Manda's journey exemplifies the power of dedication, strategic vision, and lifelong learning. His contributions at Musa Dudhia & Co. set a high standard for legal practice while paving the way for future generations of legal professionals in Zambia and beyond. As he continues to lead with integrity and innovation, his impact on the legal industry inAfrica is sure to be profound.

A

Business-Driven Lawyer Helping Start-Ups And Scale-Ups Grow & Push Through Legal Barriers

As a forward-thinking

business lawyer, Dennis Lundquist has a pragmatic approach to all things business and is a strong believer in the need for change and progress within the legal industry. Dennis has a background in legal tech giving him experience in the challenges (and importance) of trying to implement legal methods and workflows to technology- and/or sales-driven companies.

Dennis Lundquist is Managing Director and Partner at Qap Legal, a boutique law firm for the movers and shakers, the dealmakers, and the entrepreneurs of Stockholm's startup and

scaleup scene, a business which Dennis very proud of. Qap Legal has established a clear M&A focus and has managed to grow its public M&Aengagement substantially.

The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it

Success is achieving jointly established goals together. Dennis believes that success is continuing growth and evolvement under the theory that 1,00^365 still just equals 1,00 whilst 1,01^365 equals 31,18. Progress in its purest form. He says that success itself is not the end game, but rather a result of living by the above standards.

Dennis also strongly believes that challenges do make you stronger. Without failure, there can be no success and each mistake and setback provide an opportunity for growth. Personally, he experienced challenges in pushing through barriers of age, hierarchy, and tradition in the legal industry, but it taught him that people who fear change and development and put themselves first often end up on the losing side.

The beginning and the successful journey of Dennis' career in the legal industry

Dennis' career took off when his current partner Niklas Bergman

Dennis Lundquist Managing Director and Partner, Qap Legal

took him in as a junior associate straight out of university and showed him that there is an alternative to the stiffness and sluggishness of the traditional, legal industry. Today, he has grown professionally and holds the

position of Managing Director and Partner.

As a leader, Dennis tries to focus 30-40% of his time on operations, business development, public relations, sales, and knowledge management. The remaining 60-

70% of his time is spent on their clients and coaching their associates in client-related matters. He always tries to go beyond the legal side of things and understand what the clients at Qap Legal do and why.

“My life pre-Qap Legal was mainly spent in an international M&Aand corporate group at Eversheds Sutherland, which, granted, gave me a lot of legal and professional experience that I benefit from even today, but at the same time reduced me to a small cog in a piece of large machinery and gave me a poor work-life balance,” states Dennis.

Dennis notes that the best recognition he has received as a leader cannot be pinned down to a single moment but in the constant development and growth of the associates and other employees at Qap Legal telling him that they are doing something right.

Plans for the growth and future of Qap Legal

The plan for Qap Legal is to keep disrupting a traditional legal industry and become the go-to M&Afirm in Sweden for startups and scaleups. Dennis' goal is to build Qap Legal into an autonomous body that lives its own life and thrives on the growth of its employees.

“I rarely reflect on the past and when I do it's to take a moment and appreciate all that we as a firm have accomplished. Instead, I focus on the future and what we have yet to achieve. Dreams need to be forward-looking, otherwise, what's the point?” explains Dennis.

Personally, he is looking to improve and develop in his role as an advisor by constantly increasing his knowledge, improving his work methods, and providing more and more value to the one on the receiving end of such advice. He is especially interested in elevanting his experience in corporate governance by taking on board assignments and being part of advisory boards in early-stage companies.

Trying a maintain a work-life balance as a legal professional

“I always try to look up from time to time to see the bigger picture and maintain my focus on what's important,” says Dennis who now have a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old at home that help him keep that focus in the best possible way. He also has a fiancée who is very supportive of what they are trying to achieve with Qap Legal.

“Family is the best way to keep yourself grounded and focused. For professional support, I regularly see a professional business coach to help me improve my leadership skills and work efficiency,” he states.

According to Dennis, employees that develop and grow remain motivated. He also believes that motivated leaders create motivated employees. “Growth comes from throwing them out in the deep end but letting them know that there is a lifeline if they need it. Having a relaxed and fun workspace also helps!” he exclaims.

Dennis' message to aspiring lawyers is:

(a) to look beyond the traditional routes and hierarchies of the legal industry and understand that clients are looking for lawyers that understand their business.

(b) focus on mastering the transition from theory to practice.

(c) start building your network from day one.

(d) don't pick a job, pick a boss.

Reinventing the Delivery of Law Services

Lawyers typically bill by the hour, frequently delivering the bill after their services are complete or, worse, sending you a "surprise" invoice you weren't expecting since they weren't forthright about the fees they were charging. In a society that is constantly evolving, Karen Finch thinks there is a more progressive way to do things. She founded Legally Yours to provide access to a variety of lawyers that offer agreed-upon upfront pricing and deliver their services in a fashion that is simple, easy and convenient for their clients.

Karen is the CEO of Legally Yours, a Board Member of the Australian Legal Technology Association (ALTA), and the

Committee Chair of the Women of ALTA(WALTA)AnotherALTA legal technology member, Pro Help LegalAustralia, also counts Karen as a co-director.

Karen has committed her career to enabling quicker, easier, and more transparent access to fixed-fee lawyers throughoutAustralia by fusing together her legal training, recruitment expertise, and her passion for shaking up the legal industry and the way they deliver their services.

Legally Yours

Legally Yours was created to fill the gap between those in need of transparent and fixed priced legal services and the reputable,

knowledgeable fixed-fee lawyers who want to provide them with legal services. The "fixed fee" revolution evolved from there as more and more lawyers began to see the advantages of progressive pricing and cutting-edge business strategies. The demand for a network where like-minded professionals interact and share knowledge has grown as its lawyer membership has grown, culminating in Legally Yours' launch of their online member community portal, the LY Hub in 2021.

Today, Legally Yours is a leading online legal marketplace that connects clients (both individuals and businesses) to fixed-fee lawyers acrossAustralia,

Karen Finch CEO, Legally Yours

combined with a thriving online member portal where legal professionals, law students, law graduates, legal technologists and businesses who support the progressive legal industry, can connect, support and educate each other in a secure and private members-only online community.

Services that make Legally Yours an exception:

Ÿ When one connects with a lawyer through Legally Yours, the lawyer will provide the client with an upfront quote detailing exactly what the client will receive for the money he or she spends. This will be a "fixed-fee" quote, which means the lawyer will deliver the agreed services for a set price.

Ÿ Legally Yours lets clients choose from a range of lawyers and law firms so they can select the right lawyer for their needs. Its online marketplace makes it easy to browse, select, and connect with a lawyer wherever clients are; no travelling, no waiting in the foyer, it's simple, fast, and convenient.

Ÿ When it comes to the lawyer-client relationship, trust is paramount.All the lawyers in the Legally Yours marketplace have a minimum of five years' experience and have been personally vetted to ensure they meet the firm's high standard of client care.

Enabling Growth of Legally Yours

Originally manual "legal matchmakers," Legally Yours, under Karen's direction, has grown into a preeminent online provider of legal connections between clients and fixed-

fee lawyers. She says, "We have also created an online member community that enables legal professionals (including law students and law graduates) to connect with each other, to ask questions and seek support from businesses and experts to help them build, grow and scale their firms and their legal expertise, and provides professional development education as part of their membership fee too."

Legally Yours is now a thriving online legal marketplace and online member community that is known for its progressive lawyer members and service delivery, creating greater access to justice for allAustralians and enabling more lawyers and law firms to transition away from the billable hour model towards a progressive, transparent, fixed pricing model.

The Passion for Legal Sector

Since she was a teenager, Karen has been passionate about access to justice. She had first-hand experience with the highs and lows of beginning a business through her father, who in Karen's words is a 'serial entrepreneur'. However, when she was 16 years old, her father became involved in a commercial litigation matter. It was from this experience that she saw the devastating impact that hiring legal counsel who fail to disclose charges or instruct their clients on the procedure can have on families and businesses. Karen made the decision to pursue a career in law after her father lost his business and the family home so she could assist clients in avoiding circumstances like the one her family had gone through. Karen rapidly learned, however, that the legal profession's billable hour model makes

it exceedingly challenging for lawyers to have honest, open relationships with their clients since they are "on the clock" every minute they interact with them. Her interest in assisting lawyers in transforming their law firms to ones that promote trust, openness, and certainty was sparked by this.

Recognition for Being the Best

The best recognition Legally Yours has received so far was a finalist nomination in the recent Victorian iAwards. This nomination was noteworthy because the team was recognised for its platform outside of the legal/legal technology industry. Karen shares, "To be nominated alongside a huge Australian corporation and a medtech company was amazing recognition for how far Legally Yours has come"

However, the best recognition Karen has received personally as a leader are the numerous testimonials and feedback she receives every day from Australians who have used the Legally Yours platform to connect with a lawyer and build a trusted and valuable relationship with them in their time of need.

Bring into Line Work and Life Responsibilities

Karen, who describes herself as a determined individual, is in charge of strategy, expansion, and partnerships at Legally Yours. In order to accomplish this, it is necessary to forge solid relationships with organisations and business groups that require legal content and information for their networks, promote Legally Yours in the media, and offer thought leadership

in the area of innovative legal service delivery and legal technology within theAustralian legal sector.

Instead of focusing on a work-life balance, Karen aims for a "total balance." This implies that she doesn't work the typical daytime hours; instead, she prioritises family responsibilities each week and fits her business obligations around them. Karen largely works remotely, so as to cut out travel time to and from an office space, and sometimes she spends a couple of hours on the weekend setting up her week ahead. She always tries to fit in exercise at least 4 times a week too.

Seeing Challenges as a Career Booster

Karen totally concurred that the biggest business lessons are often learned through problems rather than accomplishments. When Legally Yours was first introduced, theAustralian legal sector wasn't nearly ready to accept a new method of providing legal services. In the early years of Legally Yours, they invested a lot of time in educating the legal community about why moving away from billable hours was a better economic model for their clients and their law firms, as well as how doing so would foster a healthier and happier law firm culture. The company's objective and vision, as well as how the team might assist clients and law firms in developing dependable partnerships, had to be made very obvious throughout this educational phase.

What Success 'Means'

Karen's definition of success is the

ability to be able to pursue a career based on one's passion, vision, and values and be able to generate revenue and profit from it at the same time. She feels very lucky and privileged that her career and source of income are derived from her passion to enable greater access to justice for all Australians, and she is able to live her personal mission, vision, and values through her business, Legally Yours. She asserts, "I'm so fulfilled in my role at Legally Yours, but we are only part way through our mission of creating access to justice for all Australians!"

Plans for the Future

The BHAG (big hairy audacious goal) of Legally Yours aims to take its platform global and increase the availability of other professional services in both its marketplace and online member community. In the future, Karen envisions a single online marketplace where customers will be

able to easily and conveniently get all the professional services they need.

There has never been a better moment to work in the legal field, Karen tells aspiring lawyers. She believes that the current state of the industry is one of innovation, technology, and collaboration, and that if one is considering a non-traditional legal career, this is the time to be inventive and curious. She also thinks that there are a lot of unique and varied ways to practise law, and that the legal profession is just now beginning to recognise the value it provides clients—value that doesn't require selling time—and is looking into creative delivery methods.

A Highly Notable Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyer Who Deals With Corporate And Commercial Issues

Somphob Rodboon is an experienced and highly notable lawyer, whose practice focuses mainly on litigation and dispute resolution involving intellectual property, and corporate and commercial issues. He is currently a Managing Partner at ILAWASIACO., LTD. - a newgen, full-service, Thai law firm based in central Bangkok with regional offices in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

From his years of experience as litigator in criminal case, intellectual property management, international trade transaction, as well as labour disputes and bankruptcy case, Somphob now emerges as an eminent lawyer in real-estate and construction dispute

resolutions, representing highprofile clients in multi-milliondollar cases. He has also represented major local, international and multinational clients in numerous commercial transactions, intellectual property and dispute resolutions.

ILAWASIA– its growth under Somphob's leadership and guidance

Under Somphob's leadership as Managing Partner, the firm expanded the office to Yangon, Myanmar (ILAW Myanmar) in 2018; Phnom Penh, Cambodia (I.L.Asia) in 2019; and Vientiane, Laos (ILAW Laos) in 2021, which made the firm grow quickly into a medium-sized business law firm.

The teams at ILAWASIACO., LTD. are individualistically experienced in legal practice and always combine cutting-edge understanding with a unique sensitivity to international clients' business needs. They take their ethical standards seriously and are proud of the care and respect they show in all aspects of their operations. The firm is well placed to service the requirements of clients across regional and international, in all fields of laws.

Success and roadblocks go handin-hand

Somphob believes that in order to measure reaching success, we should be evaluated on how we ourselves reach the destination or

the level that we set at the beginning of our journey; and assess this without comparing ourselves to anyone else.

As the Thai business and legislation dynamics keep changing from time to time, lawyers have to keep moving along with the current economic and

political changes. This is a challenge that needs to be confronted to reach a goal and achieve a target - either to boost the firm's business or for personal career growth.

Somphob states that he always delivers their firm's service promptly and in

time for their client's optimal benefits. “Every advice is based on careful reflection on current legal and business situation to provide consultation and legal advice that keep our client on top of any business game,” he further adds.

Work life before and after becoming Managing Partner at ILAWASIA

Somphob founded his own business as 2003, establishing a company named S.S. Inter Corporation Co., Ltd. which is still in operation even today. The mission of this company is to provide a legal service focused on banking and financial institution dispute cases, where they first provide a research process for a certain level, proceed and then present it in court; asset searching, legal execution, and seizure by the court judgements. “Some of our key clients are well-known public finance companies who have trusted us for many years,” says Somphob, who defines himself as an extremely 'professional' person.

Somphob has been responsible as the Managing Partner of ILAWASIA, in Bangkok, Thailand and all their affiliated offices overseas since 2011. He also set up local subsidiaries which provide services in various industries such as asset management, and debt collections, associating it with his core business.

Staying motivated and maintaining a work-life balance

An interesting aspect of Somphob personal life is that he had formed a Thai alternative rock band along with is musician friends in the 90's. “I performed as a guitarist back then. I still practice guitar nowadays which is my hobby and relax on vacation or at any time free,” he states.

With regards to providing motivation at the workplace, Somphob believes in the concept of showing appreciation and rewards of achievement by

appointment of new positions and fair remuneration, because employees love to be recognized for their accomplishments. “This increases employee incentive, boosts employee morale, and empowers them to do even better the next time,” he explains.

Somphob future plans for the growth of ILAWASIA

Somphob says that he has a lot of things to do and self-motivate himself for the same. He is also in the pursuit of knowledge for personal and professional reasons.

His future plan is to expand the branch of ILAWASIAbusiness to the provincial business zone, such as

Samui Island, Surat Thani province, where he envisions that most foreigners and investors require legal professional services and there is a solid potential.

Somphob's advice to the aspiring new generation of lawyers is: Be a problem solver which is one of the root skills of any attorney. Not all problems are the same, so it is a skill that requires an attorney to think creatively, research, and find solutions that are tailored made to meet a client's particular needs.

A Renowned Entertainment Attorney of B. Lawrence Watkins & Associates

Bernie Lawrence is a seasoned transactional attorney and the principalB. Lawrence Watkins of &Associates, PC, a legal practice specializing in entertainment, copyrights and trademarks, new media, and corporate law. Throughout her career, she has been able to carve out a niche for herself by representing multi-platinum selling music producers who have composed hits for notable hip-hop artists such as Lil' Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Ludacris, 50 Cent, and P. Diddy, as well as R&B and pop artists such as Usher, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, to name a few. Music business executives, music production firms, independent record labels, musicians, managers, songwriters, film and television production companies, screenwriters, video game developers, and apparel designers are among her clientele. Ms. Lawrence is a

frequent guest speaker and panelist at entertainment seminars and conferences around the country.

Bernie began her legal career in 1996 as a paralegal at Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton LLP, formerly known as Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP, and then worked as a contract attorney in the Commercial Real Estate department. She left the major firm setting in 1999 to work for the City of Atlanta as a Legal Specialist in the Office of Contract Compliance, while continuing to practice law part-time on the side. She was a legal liaison to the Law Department in the City, oversaw certification experts for the Equal Business Opportunity and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, and established Equal Employment Opportunity and First Source Jobs program processes.

Bernie Lawrence Attorney and Principal, B. Lawrence Watkins & Associates, PC

Bernie left the City ofAtlanta in late 2002 to run her legal practice fulltime and incorporated her company. Ms. Lawrence also worked as a lobbyist for eight years, representing the City ofAtlanta as well as Hartsfield Jackson International Airport on federal funding initiatives.

Ms. Lawrence earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from Howard University and her law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. She is the proud mother of two sons.

B. Lawrence Watkins &Associates

B. Lawrence Watkins &Associates, P.C. is a transactional legal practice that focuses on Entertainment, Intellectual Property, and Business Law. The firm specializes in music, film and television, copyright, trademarks, and business transactions. The company has over twenty years

of expertise creating and negotiating complex agreements for entertainment and business brands ranging from recording, music publishing, licensing, employment, corporate transactions, to product endorsement and influencer collaborations.

Bernie is continuously on the lookout for new attorneys that are enthusiastic about the entertainment business. She is also aiming to form strategic alliances in order to open offices in key cities around the country. She further adds that if anyone doesn't believe in the firm's mission, then the firm is not the right match for him or her.

As per Bernie, the firm's mission is to further the professional and personal goals of its clients through the use of education, experience in the entertainment industry, and relationships the team fosters. She

shares, "We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest level of integrity in our legal practice."

Motivation behind Joining Sector

Bernie has a love for the arts and is very passionate about helping creative people. She doesn't like seeing people being treated unfairly. When she was a teenager, she thought she would become a performer/entertainer. She recalls, "One of my brothers became an artist while we were in college. He signed a bad deal, and then ended up getting dropped by the label." Bernie saw how it affected him. She then made a commitment to herself to go to law school, and become an entertainment lawyer to help people like him get out of bad deals and be an advocate for those who wanted to pursue a career in entertainment to get them the best deals possible.

She asserts, "My belief is that all things are possible. If you can see it, you can achieve it. The step of faith starts with believing in yourself that you can achieve the goals you set out to accomplish. If I never tested my faith, I would not have a testimony to share with others."

Purpose, Life and Success

"God gives us only what we can handle. The challenges we face in life are our testimony of faith and our ability to overcome," says Bernie. She believes that with challenges comes growth and opportunity. She opines, "We are able to learn things about ourselves and change what we don't like. Without challenges, we are not able to properly identify our strengths and weaknesses. We all have them. We have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. It causes us to think and to be open to the

possibilities that anything can happen."

For Bernie, success is "creating a life you've always wanted to live while engaging a community that is moved, touched, and inspired by your actions, which motivates you to give back." She adds, "When you've been blessed with an opportunity, you should share your blessings with those who are in need of assistance. We should always be looking for ways to help move, touch, and inspire others to fulfill their purpose."

Recognition for Exemplary Work

Bernie represented multiple music producers whose albums went multiplatinum in the early 2000s. Her producer was nominated for a Grammy, and she was invited to the ceremony. Her name began to spread in the music world, particularly among music producers, allowing her to establish a niche practice working with music producers and songwriters.

Bernie has been able to pull some of her clients out of less favorable contracts and negotiate multi-million dollar deals for others over the years. People are aware of her strong support for client ownership of intellectual property rights. She has succeeded in creating a brand that encourages customers to seek out the firm's services. Bernie states, "Most people in the entertainment industry know me as my motto, 'Bernie Gets You Paid'."

TheAttorney/Principal of B. Lawrence Watkins &Associates

Bernie's responsibilities as CEO and PrincipalAttorney are substantial. Her roles include, but are not limited to

the following: managing the employees, contractors, and interns that work for the firm and overseeing their assignments; managing the dayto-day operations of the firm as well as the client-intake process and engaging in business development.

Bernie opines, "Over the years, I was blessed with the opportunity to be honored by many organizations, receive several awards, and appear in several magazines. It's hard to say which has been the best recognition." She feels humbled to be recognized and appreciates the recognition as an industry leader.

As per Bernie, every day varies. She starts her day at 6 am with meditation and an early morning exercise. Thereafter she is checking emails from the day prior and responding before 9 am. Between 10 am and 1 pm, she reviews assignments prior to them being sent out to opposing counsel. Between 1 pm and 6 pm, she will participate in zoom calls or inperson meetings with clients. She says, "We sometimes meet clients at the office and others at a restaurant or their place of work, which could be the recording studio, movie set, or video shoot." Bernie enjoys yoga, jogging outdoors, and strength training as forms of exercise. The management and staff make an effort to meet on a weekly basis to discuss their duties. Bernie is also very transparent with the team while sharing ideas on how to perform the duties appropriately. "We also go out to lunch periodically as a group, to change the scenery," says Bernie.

Future of B. Lawrence Watkins & Associates Bernie's goals for B. Lawrence

Watkins &Associates include becoming a nationwide brand renowned in all major cities with a strong entertainment presence, hiring additional attorneys interested in practicing in the entertainment field, and establishing a sports branch to represent athletes. In addition, Bernie is actively involved in a few other business initiatives. One is a music distribution and technology platform that will be a game changer in the entertainment business, as we know it. Bernie also intends to write and publish a book this year.

Trust the Process and Learn from Every Experience

When Bernie first started her practice, she remembers having difficulty getting attorneys to return her calls or respond to her emails. She was a new lawyer on the scene who needed to gain the respect of industry professionals. She states, "I learned early that you are only as strong as your brand. If people don't know you, they won't respect you and will be quick to dismiss you."

Her advice to all emerging female leaders: "Don't get caught up in the end result. Enjoy the ride of all the possibilities you can and will encounter along the way and embrace them. Those experiences may also help to move, touch, and inspire someone through their journey someday."

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