In the complex filed of international business law, Liliana Bakayoko stands as a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience. Her expertise spans cross-border transactions and business-government relations, honed through years of practical involvement and teaching. As an attorney and consultant, Liliana’s contributions extend beyond legal advice, encompassing a deep understanding of digitalization’s impact on the legal landscape.
Liliana is a devoted mother of two boys and a passionate lawyer deeply committed to her work. She finds joy in nurturing her children and ensuring their happiness while also managing her law firm and advocating for her clients’ interests. From a young age, Liliana admired characters like Zorro and musketeers, aspiring to be strong, independent, and capable of helping those in need without seeking recognition. She has realized her childhood dreams by dedicating herself to her family and profession, assisting numerous individuals while maintaining professional confidentiality.
In recognition of her dedication and expertise, Liliana has received prestigious accolades, including being named International Business Lawyer of the Year in France. Her commitment to staying abreast of evolving legal trends, particularly in information technology law, underscores her adaptability in an increasingly digital world. Liliana’s journey is not just a testament to her legal prowess but also a reflection of her role as a guiding force in navigating the complexities of international business law in the digital age.
Educator and Advocate
Liliana holds a Doctor of Law degree from the University Panthéon-Assas (Paris II) in France, which she obtained by defending her thesis titled “The Legal Commitment” (L’engagement en droit). In 2003, she acquired the Professional Lawyer’s Certificate (CAPA) from the School of Professional Training of the Bars of the Paris Court of Appeal (École de Formation Professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’Appel de Paris (EFB)) and was sworn in as an attorney at law at the Paris Bar in 2004.
Prior to establishing her law firm, Liliana gained extensive theoretical knowledge by teaching various legal subjects at esteemed higher education institutions in France. She served as a law lecturer at the University Panthéon-Assas (Paris II) and held the position of Professor of Law at the European Business School (EBS), the École Supérieure d’Administration et de Management (ESAM), and the École Supérieure de Commerce de Lille (ESC Lille). Additionally, she contributed to the legal education of aspiring lawyers by serving as a trainer in private international law at the École de Formation professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’appel de Paris (EFB).
Championing Change
The most significant challenge in Liliana’s career is the prevailing conformism and intellectual inertia within the legal community. She strives to raise awareness in France about fundamental legal issues often overlooked by the general public, such as neurorights and AI personhood.
Liliana believes that the role of lawyers extends beyond applying existing legal rules; they should also help shape the future by leveraging the opportunities provided by the law. Moreover, they have a responsibility to anticipate changes and advocate for improvements in legal norms. Liliana is committed to sparking debates to drive necessary legislative changes and educate the public about potential legal solutions to better protect our rights.
Artificial intelligence poses one of the most significant legal challenges humanity faces today. While AI has the potential to enhance our lives significantly, it also presents risks, including the potential to harm humanity. Liliana emphasizes the importance of lawyers actively engaging in discussions about the legal implications of scientific innovations.
Neurorights, a new category of human rights, aim to safeguard individuals’ brains and minds from emerging technologies like neurotechnologies and artificial intelligence. Liliana advocates for the implementation of neurorights in legislation to address concerns related to mental privacy, cognitive liberty, and mental integrity.
Additionally, Liliana emphasizes the need to address liability issues associated with AI development, particularly as AI approaches human-level intelligence. She underscores the importance of rethinking the concept of legal personhood in light of advancements such as synthetic genome construction and the creation of human-like embryos in laboratories.
Liliana is dedicated to advocating for legal frameworks that anticipate and address the challenges posed by emerging technologies, ensuring that our laws evolve to protect individuals’ rights and interests in an increasingly complex technological landscape.
Discipline and Time Management in Law and Education
Liliana is the founder and manager of her law firm and she has honed valuable discipline and time management skills through her dual roles as a lawyer and a professor of law. With two decades of experience, she adeptly handles deadlines and pressure, channeling her energy and creativity to navigate challenges while maintaining composure.
Despite the demands of her professional life, Liliana finds immense joy in spending time with her two sons, cherishing the moments shared with her family. Professionally, she derives satisfaction from receiving positive feedback from clients, colleagues, and tribunals, especially following successful case outcomes. Knowing that her work positively impacts human lives and contributes to her clients’ success is a source of fulfillment for Liliana.
Client-Centered Legal Services
Liliana excels in establishing fruitful cooperation with her clients by prioritizing high-quality human relationships built on trust, understanding, and attentiveness to their needs. By cultivating strong rapport, she gains insight into her clients’ aspirations, enabling her to tailor her legal services to best meet their goals.
As a member of international legal networks spanning over 150 countries, Liliana benefits from professional collaborations with colleagues worldwide. This global network enhances her ability to handle international cases efficiently, leveraging shared expertise and fostering amicable relations for optimal outcomes.
Dedication to Motherhood and Legal Career
According to Liliana, her most significant professional risk involved balancing her legal career with the demands of motherhood, particularly during sensitive international cases. Despite facing challenges, such as breastfeeding during meetings with high-profile clients, she remained committed to both her professional responsibilities and her role as a mother. Liliana’s dedication to her children and her clients demonstrates her resilience and determination to succeed in both spheres of her life.
Looking ahead, Liliana anticipates seeing her boys enter their teenage years while continuing to strive for their happiness. Additionally, she expects to witness significant results from client projects she is currently involved in, as well as the implementation of new and inspiring opportunities. Liliana’s ability to navigate personal and professional challenges reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.
Guide to Career Satisfaction
Liliana inspires aspiring legal leaders to dream big and pursue their passions within the legal field. She advises them to specialize in areas that bring them the most joy and satisfaction, emphasizing that work should be a source of pleasure and fulfillment.
Also, Liliana emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She advises against sacrificing family life for career advancement and reassures that with proper energy and dedication, individuals can successfully manage both aspects of their lives. Liliana believes that happiness in personal life can positively impact professional success and ultimately contribute to becoming a better legal professional overall.
Awards and Recognitions
Liliana’s contributions and achievements in the field of international business law have earned her prestigious recognition in the legal community. Being named International Business Lawyer of the Year in France for 2024 by Global Law Experts and Leading International Business Lawyer of the Year in Paris by Acquisition International’s Leading Adviser Awards in 2023 highlight her exceptional expertise and leadership in her field.
Also, Liliana has been endorsed by Advisory Excellence as the exclusively recommended International Business Law expert from France for 2024, further underscoring her reputation as a top legal professional.
Forbes has also recognized Liliana as a visionary of international business law and digitalization, emphasizing her extensive experience as a lawyer, teacher, and consultant. Her ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of the legal sector and her dedication to excellence have positioned her as a key figure in the field.
These accolades reflect Liliana’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in international business law, cementing her status as a prominent figure in the legal profession.
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnN0kdxOt3b0Bd6JrRhGsKQ
