Hi ladies, could you briefly introduce yourselves? What is your role at Monard Law?
Eline: “I’ve been with Monard Law for ten years, where I work in the corporate team. My focus lies in corporate law and the healthcare sector. I assist both national and international clients with transactions, restructurings, and negotiations.”
Julie: “Since 2016, I’ve been part of the criminal law department, with a focus on corporate criminal law. I support companies and directors in criminal proceedings and police interviews. I’m also a teaching assistant at KU Leuven.”
Jasmina: “I’ve been with Monard Law for over eight years, specialising in real estate law. I assist project developers, investors, construction players, and public entities in structuring and realising real estate projects.”
What made you want to become a lawyer?
Eline: “My journey was a bit unconventional: I first completed a degree in economics and later chose to follow an additional law course. Law is at the crossroads of strategy, people, and decision-making, which I find incredibly interesting.”
Julie: “For me, it was mainly the societal aspect. Even as a student, I found the human side of law fascinating. Law, especially criminal law, gives real meaning to that.”
Your careers show that progression as a woman in law is certainly possible. What challenges have you faced or observed in that journey?
Jasmina: “Although many young women enter the legal profession, sadly many drop out after just a few years. That’s a shame, as it means a lot of female talent goes unused. Work-life balance certainly plays a big part. The high availability expected in this role is hard to combine with having a family. For many, having children doesn’t feel feasible within the current work structure, so they feel forced to postpone. But it’s important to realise we don’t have to follow the same route as our male colleagues. At Monard Law, there’s space to follow your own path.”
Julie: “Progression to leadership roles is still a challenge. At the same time, structures are shifting significantly. Female role models are incredibly important. Monard Law, for example, has a female CEO.”
Eline: “I think the challenge usually doesn’t lie in obvious obstacles, but in expectations and ingrained habits. In meeting rooms where you’re the only woman, there’s often a subtle pressure to ‘hold your own’.” Women also tend to naturally take responsibility for preparation, organisation, and interpersonal aspects, important elements that are not always visible but crucial to a firm’s success.”
Julie: “We need to let go of the traditional image of leadership.”
Jasmina, you mentioned the importance of following your own path. How does that work at your firm? What does Monard Law do to support female lawyers in their careers?
Jasmina: “The flexibility we’re given is particularly notable. Working from home is an option, and personal circumstances are taken into account. As a mother, that gives me the breathing space to plan my day as I see fit.”
Julie: “At Monard Law, there are various career paths. There’s no fixed deadline for deciding whether you want to become a partner, which gives you the freedom to align your career with your own pace, ambitions, and goals. That flexibility isn’t standard at every firm.”
Eline: “There’s trust and space to shape your own path. Monard Law also actively invests in guidance, transparent development, and programmes like WILL, which give that helpful extra push.”
The WILL programme supports women in their development toward leadership through mentoring, coaching, and networking. You all took part; what was your key takeaway?
Julie: “The programme encouraged us to reflect on our career path and leadership style. One of the most valuable insights was how women often unconsciously weaken their communication style. Words like ‘maybe’ or ‘a bit’ seem harmless, but they undermine your message. We were coached to be more aware of this in our presentations.”
Eline: “I found the contact with female leaders from other top firms very inspiring. Presenting our business development plan to an external jury and receiving personal coaching really helped me clarify my direction.”
Jasmina: “For me, the biggest eye-opener was realising it doesn’t have to be an either-or scenario. You can be a mum and still have a thriving career. Also, the realisation that you don’t need to be a copy of others, but should act from your own values, strengths, and choices, was incredibly freeing. By embracing your unique female style and power, you can show innovative and impactful leadership. As a woman, you don’t need to mimic a male leadership model to lead effectively.”
Eline: “Leadership isn’t just about making big decisions; it’s also about paying attention to the things others often overlook. That sense of engagement makes a bigger difference than we sometimes realise.”
What has changed in your mindset or approach since participating?
Julie: “The programme strengthened my confidence as a leader. I learned that leadership isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a skill you can actively develop. The constructive feedback I received from partners at other major firms about my business plan presentation gave me a real boost and taught me a lot. They showed me that confidently naming your achievements isn’t arrogant, it’s simply recognising your value.”
Jasmina: “I’m more conscious now of my role and the impact I want to have. I want to grow not just as a lawyer, but also to give something back by inspiring young female lawyers and showing that success can look different for everyone.”
Jasmina: “Even as a mother, you can have big ambitions.”
What are your ambitions for the future?
Eline: “I want to continue deepening my expertise while also contributing strategically to the firm’s growth.”
Jasmina: “To keep a good balance between work and family, while continuing to pursue my professional goals. They don’t have to be mutually exclusive.”
Julie: “I want to continue building my expertise in corporate criminal law, and at the same time broaden my role within the firm and actively boost its continued growth. I also want to be a role model for young female lawyers.”
Finally, looking back on your career so far, what advice would you give to young women starting out in law?
Eline: “Be brave, dare to take the leap and carve out your own path. It’s a demanding career, but an incredibly rewarding one too.”
Jasmina: “Stay true to yourself and be proud of what you achieve. Even the small wins matter.”
Julie: “Actively seek out role models, share your experiences, and above all support each other as women. Don’t shy away from having big ambitions!”
