Baker & McKenzie.

When did you join that firm?

1 August 2012.

When were you made a partner of that firm?

1 August 2012.

Which firm were you at most recently prior to this?

I was at Jones Day for five years prior to joining Baker & McKenzie.

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What practice group are you with?

Energy, resources, infrastructure and corporate, which covers a number of areas such as pure legal mining work, M&A, electricity and renewable energy-related work.

What has been the most significant change to your practice area during your career?

My move from France to Australia was quite a significant change. I was actually only supposed to stay six months in Sydney. Now, 14 years later, I am still here, practising primarily in the resources sector with a particular focus on the emerging markets, such as Africa and the Pacific Islands.

What has been a major career highlight for you?

Joining Baker & McKenzie was a major career highlight for me. The move has given me and my clients access to one of the leading energy & resources teams, both in Australia and globally.

What do you like about being a lawyer?

I think the diversity of the work and clients is one of the most interesting aspects of the profession.
One day I am advising a European client in relation to a Pacific Islands petroleum project, and the next day I am advising an Australian junior mining
company investing in western Africa.

What do you find challenging?

When working across the emerging markets ­— in my case, francophone Africa and the Pacific Islands — language and cultural differences can sometimes be challenging, particularly when explaining legal concepts that are very different to common law. Fortunately, my team and I speak French and English and are familiar with the civil law culture, which helps a lot when it comes to advising our clients who are looking to invest in these regions.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

Spending time with my family and kite surfing when possible.