The 10 Most Influential People in Legal Services Making a Difference 2024

Believing in the power of law to make people’s lives better

COMPILATION OF OUTSTANDING LEADERS CREATING SIGNIFICANT IMPACT IN THE LEGAL FIELD

We are excited to present another collection of success stories: “The 10 Most Influential People in Legal Services Making a Difference 2024.” As the title suggests, these legal professionals inspire others through their hard work, dedication, and notable efforts. This edition is dedicated to all the remarkable legal leaders out there in the industry.

The team of The Inc Magazine has put their utmost efforts into bringing this read to the table for you. And we ensure you that every single story you explore will enrich your personal and professional life.

As always, our cover star stands out among other profiles. This time, Andrew Zhang has made a significant mark with his expertise, knowledge, and exceptional leadership. We are proud to highlight his journey and his vision for empowering the legal landscape. Andrew Zhang is steering his firm to greater while flagging the vision to empower the legal landscape. He shares many insights about his firm and his overall journey. We truly hope that this distinctive story adds value to your life.

Being a business magazine, we always strive to bring inspiring stories to the forefront and create an example for others. This legal-specific issue perfectly fulfills our purpose.

Putting an end to this editor, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of The Inc Magazine to all our esteemed readers. I am sure that the inspiring tale of all the future legal leaders in this read would motivate you to embark on your professional journey and pursue your dream career. Stay focused and dedicated to your goals, and you will excel in your goals with flying colors. Our team also welcomes constructive feedback on this edition and suggestions on how we can make it more alluring for them.

Have an enjoyable reading!

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The 10 Most Influential People in Legal Services Making a Difference 2024

ZHANG ANDREW

Managing Partner | Commerce & Finance Law Offices

MAKING A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT IN THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE

Andrew (Xinyang) Zhang is the managing partner at Commerce & Finance Law Offices. Currently based in China, he specializes in capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, as well as private equity. Mr. Zhang is a top-class dealmaker with strong capabilities to provide unique perspectives and market insights in multiple regions.

As a leading lawyer in China, he is also equipped with local in-depth, extensive experience combined with global vision, providing full-service, multi-jurisdiction, comprehensive, one-stop legal service and the best and most solid commercial solutions to meet the diverse needs of domestic and global clients in the fields of capital markets, M&A, and private equity. Based on his solid and extensive professional knowledge as well as commercial insights, Mr. Zhang is widely recognized by clients and has an outstanding track record and stellar reputation, with continuous praise from clients as well as prestigious legal accolades and awards. Mr. Zhang has represented both Chinese and international companies in a variety of transactions and represents several well-known investment institutions.

Mr. Zhang has extensive experience handling legal as well as commercial issues relating to a wide variety of business activities, and he is committed to delivering the best and most effective solutions to help clients achieve their business objectives and succeed in today’s complex global marketplace.

Academic Background and Professional Experience

Mr. Zhang embarked on his legal journey in 2007, following his exceptional academic achievements at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Driven by his passion for philosophy and law, he decided to immerse himself in the field of law. During his academic years, he studied legal theory and explored the philosophical ideas behind the law. After graduating, Mr. Zhang did not settle for merely theoretical knowledge; instead, he combined theory with practice and entered the practical world of law.

Mr. Zhang joined the Commerce & Finance Law

Offices 17 years ago, and through his exceptional professional skills and relentless efforts, he was proudly promoted to partner in 2012. He now serves as the managing partner of the firm, leveraging his outstanding leadership and extensive management experience. In the realms of capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity, Mr. Zhang has gained practical experience through his involvement in handling various cases.

The Biggest Influences on Mr. Zhang's Career

The deepest realization Mr. Zhang has had as a lawyer is the need for a high degree of creativity. This includes understanding clients’ business needs and solving their problems in innovative ways. For instance, one of his clients, a leading financial institution in China's new economy, faced a unique legal challenge. They needed to construct a contractual control structure for their RMB fund business during their Hong Kong listing process. This was the first time in the history of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that an RMB fund business needed such a structure, presenting numerous unprecedented issues regarding compliance with regulatory guidelines.

There were no past cases to refer to. In response, Mr. Zhang fully combined the business model characteristics of the client's RMB fund business.

Through his creative approach, he resolved several issues related to constructing a contractual control structure. This not only addressed the client's immediate needs but went on to set a precedent for how Chinese RMB fund business companies can list overseas in the future.

Key Reasons that Make Capital Markets the Most Challenging

In the last three years, China has strengthened its regulations on overseas listings and data compliance. According to Mr. Zhang, there are three major challenges:

First, China has intensified its supervision of anti-monopoly in the internet economy industry, which will change the business model of those internet giants and other companies in this industry.

For example, abuse of market dominance and exclusive dealing behaviors have been constrained, thus the market is more open to all different kinds of competitors, and the behaviors that may harm fair competition will be reassessed from a regulatory perspective.

Second, great emphasis has been placed on data protection and compliance, especially the protection of personal information and other privacy-related matters. China has enhanced its supervision and control over data exports. In the realm of the capital market, the Cyberspace Administration of China and other regulatory departments in the PRC have formulated certain laws and regulations that have a significant impact on overseas listings.

Third, companies intending to list overseas shall file with the China Securities Regulatory Commission for their overseas listing before going public, further increasing the cost of listing and the difficulty of going public.

Mr. Zhang's Take on the Latest Industry Trends

Many enterprises in the new economy sectors (including TMT, artificial intelligence, big data, etc.) experience rapid business development from the beginning of their inception, with business models evolving continuously. Companies often face regulatory uncertainties and gaps in the regulatory framework. Under these circumstances, lawyers need to have a profound understanding of and integrate their clients' business models while also possessing extensive practical experience with existing laws and regulations from regulatory bodies and the industry. They must use creative thinking and forward-looking perspectives to anticipate various potential legal risks and strategies, providing clients with business solutions that are practical and future-oriented.

The Impact of Technological Advancements

For some foundational legal tasks such as drafting basic legal contracts, intellectual property statements, and legal due diligence, legal tech companies may have become de facto competitors due to their lower costs and higher efficiency

advantages. However, within a foreseeable period, for high-end legal services that require foresight, highly personalized needs, tailor-made solutions, and rich legal practical experience and judgment, such as mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and litigation, professional lawyers are still needed. In these areas, legal tech companies are not competitors in the short term.

The Major Challenges of China's Legal Industry

China’s economy and non-litigation lawyers have a relationship akin to water and fish. Non-litigation lawyers have grown and risen alongside the takeoff and development of China's economy; as the water swells, so does the fish. With the elevation of China's economic status in the world, the position of non-litigation lawyers in the legal profession is also gradually improving, and their development is becoming increasingly robust.

PRC lawyers are currently facing an excellent historical opportunity. As mentioned earlier, the relationship between PRC lawyers and China’s economy is such that the status of China's economy in the world is steadily rising. We can reasonably anticipate that for a considerable period, China’s economy will continue to maintain growth and a leading position. Therefore, PRC lawyers can also continue to expand along with the growth of China’s economy for a long time. In addition, many Chinese enterprises have already taken the lead in the world, and there are already many large companies with influence and a leading position on a global scale, such as Tencent, Alibaba, ByteDance, etc. Therefore, PRC lawyers will also step into the global arena, following in the footsteps of these companies, and will inevitably have greater influence and status worldwide in the future.

Words of Wisdom

With 17+ years of expertise and in-depth knowledge in law, Mr. Zhang advises young legal professionals "Keep an eye on the dynamics of their clients and the industries in which they operate, striving to provide the best forward-looking insights for their clients and to safeguard the interests of clients."

THE KEY TO TOP TALENT: WHY A LEGAL RECRUITER IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON IN THE INDUSTRY

n today’s competitive legal landscape, attracting and retaining top talent is more crucial than ever. The complexity of headhunting talent for this industry has grown, making it essential for law firms and judicial departments to find efficient solutions.

They find the services of staff specialists significant additions. Hiring can impact a firm’s success, making it vital to have a strategic approach. Partnering with them can be a game-changer in this process.

Are you curious to know how? Well, this article explores how they can help you find the best talent, streamline your hiring process, and elevate your practice.

Dig in!

Understanding Legal Recruitment

Judicial hiring involves finding, evaluating, and placing qualified law professionals in firms or corporate regulatory departments. The experts specialize in matching the right candidates with the right positions. They understand the law industry’s unique needs and use their expertise to find candidates who perfectly fit these needs.

Online recruitment firms have become invaluable in this space. These platforms connect law firms with a broad network of candidates. When you partner with a legal recruiter, you gain access to a vast pool of talent, including passive candidates who might not be actively job hunting. These professionals can assist in sharing your open positions and detailing the kind of employee you’re looking for. This connection simplifies the process of finding top talent and ensures you have access to the best candidates available.

When choosing a Judicial Staff Specialist, prioritize their reputation, specialization, and proven success in your judicial area. Research their history and client testimonials to ensure they understand your needs. Building a strong partnership through clear communication is key to achieving the best hiring outcomes.

The Benefits of Partnering With Experts

Access to Top Talent

They have extensive networks and deep connections within the industry. They often know about candidates who are not actively seeking new opportunities but are open to the right offer. This means you can reach a pool of highly qualified professionals who might not be visible through traditional job postings. This advantage can be crucial in securing top talent that aligns with your firm’s needs and culture.

Expertise in the Judicial Industry

Experts specializing in the judicial field bring a wealth of knowledge about the industry’s nuances. They understand the specific skills, qualifications, and experience required for different judicial roles. This expertise helps identify candidates who not only meet the technical requirements but also fit the cultural and operational needs of your firm. Their industry insights ensure that you get candidates who are well-suited to thrive in your environment.

Time and Cost Efficiency

Partnering with them saves valuable time and resources. They handle much of the preliminary work, including sourcing, screening, and interviewing candidates. This efficiency reduces the burden on your internal team and speeds up the hiring process. Additionally, by streamlining the hiring process, you minimize the risk of costly mis-hires, making the investment in professionals cost-effective in the long run.

Confidentiality

Discretion is a critical aspect of judicial head-hunting. The experts are adept at handling sensitive searches with the utmost confidentiality. Whether you are looking to replace a high-profile position or discreetly hire top talent, they ensure that all processes are handled privately. This confidentiality protects both the firm and the candidates, maintaining professionalism throughout the hiring process.

Tailored Recruitment Strategies

A judicial staff specialist will customize their approach to meet your specific needs. They develop tailored hiring strategies that align with your firm’s culture, values, and goals. This personalized approach ensures that the candidates presented are not only qualified but also a good fit for your firm’s unique environment. This alignment is crucial for long-term success and retention.

How Staff Specialists Add Value

Market Insights

They provide valuable insights into current market conditions, salary trends, and industry shifts. This information helps your firm make informed decisions about compensation packages, hiring practices, and talent acquisition strategies. Understanding market dynamics can give you a competitive edge and help attract the best candidates.

WHY EVERY LAW FIRM SHOULD INVEST IN PROFESSIONAL LEGAL TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES

In the legal world, words matter. Every word spoken in depositions, hearings, or trials shapes cases and outcomes. Transcribing these words creates an official record, which is the foundation for arguments and strategies.

Accuracy is key. A single mistake can have serious consequences. So, timely and accurate transcripts are crucial. Professional legal transcription services aren’t just convenient; it’s a strategic advantage.

This article explores why your law firm should invest in them. We’ll also guide you on how to choose the right service for your needs.

The Challenges of In-House Transcription

Transcribing court proceedings in-house is no easy task. It’s a time sink, demanding hours of hard work. Even for the most skilled typist, accurately capturing every word and nuance of complex discussions is challenging.

Mistakes are a constant threat. Without specialized training, transcribers may miss crucial details or misinterpret jargon, potentially jeopardizing your case.

Plus, consider the opportunity cost. When your team is stuck doing transcriptions, they can’t focus on their strengths: winning cases and helping clients. This can lead to missed deadlines, reduced productivity, and ultimately, less favorable outcomes for your clients.

Choosing the Right Transcription Service

In today’s digital age, finding services is as easy as typing a few keywords into Google (like “best legal transcription near me”). However, don’t just stop at the search results. Exploring their website is essential to understand the range of services they offer and assess their suitability for your needs.

A well-designed website can provide valuable insights into a company’s professionalism, expertise, and commitment to quality.

Here are the key factors to consider when making your decision:

Experience and Expertise: Seek out businesses that specialize in this field. They’ll be fluent in legalese and understand the nuances of court proceedings. Check for a solid track record and glowing reviews from attorneys and other professionals in this field.

Turnaround Time: Time is of the essence in your business. Find out how fast they can turn around transcripts, especially if your cases demand quick results.

Accuracy and Quality Assurance: Don’t settle for anything less than perfect. Ask about their quality control measures, how they handle errors, and whether they offer accuracy guarantees. After all, a single mistake could have serious consequences.

The Benefits of Professional Legal Transcription

The demands on attorneys are relentless, requiring a strong support team to keep up. Professional legal transcription services provide a crucial advantage. Their expertise in court reporting, documentation, videography, interpreting, and trial presentation can be a game-changer for your firm. But how exactly do they benefit your practice? Here’s how:

Accuracy

They aren’t just typists; they’re experts in courtroom language. Their training covers intricate terminology, formats, and the subtle nuances of courtroom speech. This expertise ensures that your transcripts are not just accurate but meticulously precise. Every “heretofore” and “whereas” is captured correctly, eliminating the risk of misunderstandings or misinterpretations that could harm your case.

Time-Saving

Outsourcing transcription is like reclaiming lost hours. Your team can redirect energy from tedious tasks to high-value activities like case preparation, client consultations, and research. This time saved translates directly into increased productivity and billable hours.

Confidentiality

Court disputes are inherently sensitive. Transcription experts understand this and prioritize the security of your confidential information. They employ robust data protection measures, including encryption and secure file transfer protocols, to ensure your client’s data remains private and protected. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that your sensitive information is in safe hands.

Improved Client Service

Accurate and timely transcripts aren’t just for your internal use. They also play a crucial role in client communication. Sharing transcripts promptly with clients keeps them informed and engaged in their case, fostering transparency and trust. Clear, well-formatted transcripts demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to the client.

Cost-Effectiveness

Hiring and training in-house transcription staff can be expensive, especially for firms with fluctuating workloads. Outsourcing eliminates the costs associated with recruitment, training, salaries, and benefits. You pay only for the time you need them, making it a flexible and cost-effective solution.

Technology

They leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency and accuracy. They utilize advanced transcription software, voice recognition tools, and noise-reduction techniques to produce high-quality transcripts quickly. This allows you to stay ahead of the curve and focus on what you do best – practicing law.

Conclusion

Legal transcription professionals provide a clear advantage in a field where precision and efficiency are paramount. Partnering with experts frees up your team, ensures accuracy, protects sensitive information, and elevates your client service. Ultimately, investing in transcription is an investment in your firm’s success. It’s a strategic move that empowers you to focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional representation.

THE CHAMPAION OF THE LEGAL WORLD, JOHN GIANNAKAKIS, IS NESTLING THE DEXTERITY OF

LEGAL COMPLIANCE, DATA PROTECTION, RISK ASSESSMENT, AND CYBER RESILIENCE.

Counted amongst the top legal luminaries on a global level, John Giannakakis comes up with 30+ years of experience supporting businesses and organizations as both a corporate counsel and a freelance consultant in regulated multitasking environments. He has held positions of increasing responsibility, including general counsel, head of legal and compliance, and data protection officer.

With his exceptional ability to strategize, a 360-degree perspective of issues, and in-depth legal knowledge, John Giannakakis has carved out a niche for himself in the fields of legal compliance and data protection leadership, DPOaaS, risk assessment, privacy by design specialists, cyber resilience and recovery advisors, accredited data protection instructors, and certified GDPR practitioners. With his remarkable competence and exemplary legal judgment, Mr. John—the most honored Greek data protection officer in the world—has successfully created an impact on the legal community.

John has a law degree from the University of Athens and a law master's degree from Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany. John worked as a general counsel in a variety of sectors and European countries after earning his certification in Greece 32 years ago. As a seasoned general counsel, he began to concentrate on data protection and cybersecurity, and after ten years of work in this area, the magnificent man was named the most internationally recognized Greek data protection officer in the world. In 2019, he also made the PrivSec 200 List of One Trust with the best European privacy and security professionals.

In addition to his new position as Off Counsel to NK Law (the top data protection practice group in

Greece), John Giannakakis is at present working on his new book on the Internet of Things and privacy, The Hack on Hellenic Post (2022). As ever, with a consistent and targeted growth strategy, creating new client-centric services, and amazing teamwork, Johan is continuously riding on his career ladder.

Sharing more insights on his professional journey, the visionary leader asserted, "I had an incredible professional journey with many changes, with wins and failures that taught me that change is a definite part of life and we should embrace it, not avoid it. Looking back, I'm happy with my contributions to the Greek legal community, especially in the area of educating my younger colleagues to become privacy professionals and data protection officers. But most importantly, I'm proud that my teams have always referred to me as "the coolest boss" at every workplace where I have worked.

For the future, John Giannakakis wishes to be remembered by his peers and in the industry as an empathetic and affiliative leader who is constantly embracing change, not being afraid to try and fail, and always learning in the process.

The Primary Industry Hurdles

At present, the legal industry is suffering due to the latest tech trends like AI and machine learning. These technical developments are contributing to the swift decline of small and medium-sized law firms. The inability of older lawyers to adapt to modern technologies and the shrinking legal funds in large organizations are two other significant issues in legal field.

The Key Ingredients Behind John’s Violent Journey

John has consistently been driven to step outside of

his comfort zone in order to grow throughout his journey by his constant desire to learn new things and pursue new professional opportunities. He is dedicated to ensuring the happiness of his clients, and his "closer" approach to even the most complex and challenging situations has kept him ahead of his contemporaries. Additionally, Johan is not treated as a distant "boss" due to his affiliative management approach toward the teams and partners.

Road Ahaed

On being asked about his future plans, the inspiring leader mentioned, "My next future plans are to finish my fourth novel, "Confessions of an Ethical Hacker," a cyberthriller I'm currently working on, and to find a way to go back to my favorite European city, Valencia in Spain."

He further aims to become a leading data privacy counsel in Europe and share his knowledge with younger colleagues. ‘To be a person of value and not a person of success. (Albert Einstein)

A Piece of Advice from the Visionary Leader

Don't be afraid to experiment and leave your comfort zone. Stay hungry and inquisitive. Don't rejoice in your accomplishments, and avoid becoming haughty and selfish. What we give to others and the affection we give and receive in our lives are the two main indicators of our level of happiness. Don't let easy money tempt you; stay true to your principles.

ESSENTIAL LEGAL SERVICES EVERY START-UP NEEDS

Embarking on a business venture brings both excitement and challenges. While entrepreneurs prioritize product development, customer acquisition, and revenue generation, it’s crucial not to overlook the significance of services. By enlisting the support of a team or seeking legal expertise, start-ups can safeguard themselves against potential risks, liabilities, and legal repercussions. In this post, we will delve into the services that every start-up should consider to ensure a smooth and successful journey.

1. Establishing Business Structure

One of the essential considerations for entrepreneurs venturing into business is determining the most suitable formation and structure. This involves evaluating options such as proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation while taking into account factors like liability protection, management convenience, taxation preferences, capital requirements, and more. Seeking guidance from a start-up legal counsel specializing in these matters can assist start-ups in selecting the structure that aligns with their specific needs.

2. Crafting Contracts and Agreements

Contracts play a crucial role in any business operation as they formalize relationships with clients, vendors, employees, investors, and other stakeholders.

Well-drafted contracts play an important role in protecting the interests and rights of start-ups. They accomplish this by outlining obligations, expectations, timelines, deliverables, and terms of payment or dispute resolution. By reducing misunderstandings among parties involved, these agreements ensure the smooth and streamlined functioning of business operations. It is crucial to have an attorney who specializes in contract law to ensure that these agreements are legally binding and also safeguard the interests of your organization.

3. Safeguarding Intellectual Property

Start-ups must prioritize the protection of their intellectual property (IP) in order for their business to grow. This includes trademarks for brand names or logos, copyrights for works like software codes, patents for inventions, and trade secrets such as formulas or algorithms. Seeking guidance from an IP lawyer is essential to identify which assets require protection against usage or exploitation by competitors. They can provide strategies for registering trademarks with patent offices and ensuring proper documentation to establish copyright ownership.

4. Complying with Employment Laws

Compliance with employment law regulations is crucial for start-ups when it comes to hiring and managing employees within their geographical boundaries. Adhering to laws governing wages, working hours and conditions, anti-discrimination practices, safety standards, and other regulations not only helps avoid costly lawsuits but also safeguards the reputation of the start-up. Consulting with an attorney specializing in employment law ensures that employee manuals, contracts, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and other necessary documents are created while adhering to legislation.

5. Complying with Regulatory Requirements

Start-ups need to have an understanding of and adhere to regulations set by government authorities or professional organizations that are relevant to their industry. This may involve obtaining licenses, permits, and certifications or following privacy laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for companies operating within the European Union. It is advisable for start-ups to consult with an attorney who can provide guidance on implementing procedures while avoiding penalties or legal repercussions.

6. Assessing and Managing Risks

Another crucial role that legal services fulfill for start-ups is mitigating risks in their business operations. Lawyers specialize in recognizing issues such as product liability concerns, breach of contract risks, and potential intellectual property infringement claims under certain circumstances. By addressing these risks, entrepreneurs can protect their business interests for the future.

7. Acquisitions

As start-ups expand, they may encounter opportunities to merge with or acquire businesses. These transactions can be intricate and involve legal considerations such as valuation, due diligence, asset transfer, regulatory approvals, and contractual agreements. Engaging a mergers and acquisitions lawyer will help navigate the complexities of these transactions while ensuring compliance with requirements and safeguarding the start-up’s interests throughout the negotiation and completion process.

Conclusion

Aspiring entrepreneurs who are dedicated to building products or services for the market should prioritize the importance of legal services. It’s crucial to seek guidance from lawyers in aspects of business law to ensure that start-ups establish a strong foundation while adhering to relevant regulations and minimizing potential risks right from the start. By giving consideration to matters during the initial stages of a start-up’s journey, entrepreneurs can set themselves up for long-term success by proactively protecting against any legal consequences that may arise as their business grows and flourishes.

JEAN JACQUES BRAGARD

Managing Partner | BRAGARD Abogados

HELPING CLIENTS WITH COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL SERVICES

MMeet Jean Jacques Bragard, the Managing and Founding Partner of Montevideo-based law firm BRAGARD Abogados, providing legal, tax, accounting, and notary services. The organization’s experience and proven track records allow it to address any local, regional, and international matters comprehensively. “We have been involved in some of the most prestigious operations as advisors and/or legal representatives, which has given us internally enormous pride in our team’s capacities but has also given us great visibility, which is essential for us to continue to operate.”– Jean says.

ean completed his graduation as a lawyer from the University of Uruguayan Republic in 1994. Later he attended several courses and programs to enhance his professional career. During his time as a student, Jean forged excellent relationships with his colleagues with whom, throughout the last three decades, he had the privilege of sharing common projects and acting as counterparts from the perspective of professional enrichment. “I consider it of the utmost value to nurture human relationships at all times in our lives, regardless of the profession we are in. The continuous exchange of ideas and opinions between colleagues is what enables

us to develop our careers with a comprehensive approach.”– he added.

The Differentiating Factors

Jean decided to start his own law firm under the conviction of building an organization faithful to the design culture that it should have. In an exaggeratedly conservative legal market like Uruguay, Jean always acknowledged the space to do things differently, and that is what he and his partners are trying to achieve in BRAGARD. Currently, Jean has four partners in the firm. They lead BRAGARD under a common goal, where each one of them contributes from their field of expertise, which generates a great synergy between them.

Heading missing

BRAGARD is always razor-focused on its team and the improvement of a healthy work culture within the organization. These characteristics have helped the law firm to stand tall amongst its competitors. The organization engages its team at their intrinsic level and unleashes their best potential. It also allows its team to contribute to the natural flow of energy they bring to the office. Jean says, “My job, jointly with my partners, is to provide vision, strategy, guidance, and direction, but the ideas come from the team and often work as a feeder in our transformation. We do not stick to or fall in love with old classic working modalities that no longer fit. We let the team have enough opportunities to shine and outstand as we consider them the firm’s future.”

He also feels that BRAGARD’s services must always add value to the client, with the entire team seeking to find fair fee agreements in every proposal.

Solving Client’s Legal Woes

Jean’s primary mission was to help his clients solve their conflicts with a lighter approach, without requiring mass meetings or bureaucratic procedures that often make relationships impersonal. This is something that both Jean and his team have tried to maintain over many years, so the clients can feel safe in an atmosphere full of warmth and familiarity, where their problem matters.

However, on the other hand, Jean believes the most challenging aspect of the business is to lead for the long term, so the ideals that drove the firm’s foundation go far beyond that of him and his partners.

Preparing for the Future

Jean’s primary goal is to ensure that BRAGARD may continue its technical excellence without losing its organizational values. He also works hard to ensure future talents’ growth within the firm and bring a substantial change in every matter the organization works on.

He considers the best way to achieve this is through an outstanding level of dedication in strengthening BRAGARD’s HR, ongoing technical training, prudent judgment in accepting new businesses, and due diligence in promoting each matter, regardless of its complexities and volume.

Suggestions for the Younger self

Jean believes a good lawyer needs a good awareness, passion, and focus. He advises young lawyers to stay prepared for various challenging and uncomfortable situations with both projects and clients, which will eventually help them professionally grow in the ever-competitive market.

He says, “A good lawyer can never lose the ability to address (even in a generic way) any topic in a business meeting. Regardless of the further study that the subject may lead to if it’s not their area of expertise. It is important that the client and the opposing party do not leave you blank with a query or contradiction.”