Italian lawyer Federico Donnet has over a decade of legal experience in Europe and Asia. He gives us an insight into the reasons he became a lawyer and how he structures his day.
1. Why did you choose to become a lawyer?
My parents strongly suggested at the material time that I pursued a career either as a tax advisor/accountant or lawyer and given that I have never been good with numbers I was left with no much choice. Besides that, being a lawyer has always been perceived as something prestigious in Italy and I was pretty much attracted to such status.
2. Describe a typical day at work.
I like to start my day with a nice cup of coffee which I sip while filling in my time sheet in respect of the day before (even though I reckon I should not say that given that we are supposed to do it each day at the end of the working day). I always have a to-do-list in my mind (which may change every day) and my daily work is pretty much based on such list. However, our work is unpredictable as I can receive in the morning a request from a client to work on an urgent matter and I might have to change the schedule I had in mind to accommodate such request. My daily routine in the office consists of drafting and reviewing legal documents, exchanging emails with clients, attending conference calls and meetings with clients.
3. What part of being a lawyer to you personally find most satisfying? Most challenging?
The thing I like the most is the relation with the clients, meeting them, understanding their needs and trying to be helpful advising not only on the legal terms but also on the commerciality of a deal, especially if a client does not have any experience with regards to such deal (many clients in fact appreciate this type of ‘guidance’). Needless to say that the most rewarding part is when a client shows his appreciation for what you have done. What I also find very satisfying is whenever I manage get a new client on board or to bring in a new piece of work from an existing client.
4. Being a lawyer can be stressful at times, how do you maintain a good work-life balance?
Both physical exercise (I go to gym 2-3 times a week + I like hiking) and social activities (i.e. meeting up with friends and drinking/dining together) are essential in my life. I am also a movie lover and I aspire to get a dog.
5. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received during your legal career?
When I was in my late twenties a partner of the firm I was working at told me that a lawyer always has something new to learn and you should not consider yourself as an accomplished lawyer unless you have been on the ground for many years. His suggestion was to be humble and willing to learn even at a more advanced stage of my career and I have realized that in fact every day I can learn something new.
6. If you had not become a lawyer, what other professions would you have considered?
Perhaps movie actor.
You may find out more about Federico here.
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