Welcome to an exclusive interview with Francesca Petriccione di Vadi, the CEO of Petriccione International Law Firm. Under her exceptional leadership, the company places a profound emphasis on the pivotal role of institutional and public affairs, recognizing their significance in fostering collaborations, driving meaningful connections, and creating mutually beneficial opportunities.With a strong background in international law and a passion for creating stronger relations between Italy and the UAE, Francesca’s expertise extends to international, institutional, and public affairs. Having graduated from Italy and Yale, she has traveled extensively, visiting 129 out of 196 countries.
In this interview, Francesca shares valuable insights into her professional journey, emphasizing traits that have contributed to her success and offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals. Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of a trailblazing international lawyer committed to forging connections, making a positive impact, and spearheading a bid worldwide project for the sport industry.
We first asked, “Can you tell us about your background and professional journey as an international lawyer?”
Francesca Petriccione di Vadi said, “Certainly! I am an international lawyer with a specialization in M&A. I completed my studies in Italy before attending Yale University. After my education, I began my career as a lawyer and gained experience working in various countries. Almost ten years ago, I received a job offer in Iraq, which eventually led me to a holding company based in Dubai. Inspired by this opportunity, I founded Petriccione International Law Firm and have been serving clients across the UAE ever since.”
Legal Gender Equality Initiative
“You mentioned that the division between public and private international law is becoming blurred in an increasingly globalized world. Could you elaborate on this trend and its impact on corporate law firms?”
Francesca replied, “Absolutely. In today’s globalized landscape, the boundaries between public and private international law are becoming less distinct. Top corporate law firms now describe their public international law practices as serving the relationship between nation-states and private corporations. This includes areas such as investor-state disputes or advisory work. Lawyers are increasingly taking their skills with them as they transition between public and private sectors throughout their careers. Many professionals receive training in the private sector early on, allowing them to navigate both areas effectively.”
Understanding The Professional Mindset
“What would you say are the key traits that have contributed to your professional success?”
Francesca Petriccione di Vadi continues, “Two important traits that have contributed to my professional success are purposefulness and perfectionism. I have always pursued my goals with determination and strived for excellence in my work. Additionally, the support and assistance from my family have played a crucial role in my endeavors. Furthermore, I have received numerous recommendations on LinkedIn, which have helped solidify my reputation in the industry.”
We further asked, “What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those interested in the legal field?”
She replied, “My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to never stop learning. It’s essential to stay informed and updated on industry trends and continuously seek opportunities for improvement. Surround yourself with talented and experienced individuals who can provide the necessary support. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks when the right opportunity arises. Most importantly, always remember to be honest and respectful. Success is not solely about making money; it is also about gaining a positive reputation.”
Diversity In Language & Thoughts
“You mentioned your proficiency in five languages, including Arabic. How has your immersion in Arabic culture influenced your professional journey?” We asked.
“Immersing myself in Arabic culture has been a wonderful experience. I appreciate the respect I have received as a female and as a lawyer in the countries I have worked in, including the GCC countries, the Middle East, and North Africa. It has allowed me to forge stronger connections with clients and colleagues and deepen my understanding of the region’s legal dynamics. Furthermore, my reputation has been strengthened by the positive feedback and recommendations I have received on LinkedIn.”
“You expressed your desire to create gender-sensitive legal frameworks. Could you elaborate on this goal and how you plan to achieve it?”
“One of my worldwide replicable dreams is to ensure that legal frameworks are gender-sensitive and do not perpetuate gender-based discrimination. This could involve advocating for gender-neutral language in legal documents, pushing for stronger laws against gender-based violence, and working to eliminate discriminatory laws and policies. Additionally, I believe in educating others on gender equality issues, including the legal frameworks and policies that promote gender equality. This can be achieved through organizing workshops, writing articles, speaking to community groups, engaging with policymakers, and leveraging the bid worldwide project for the sport industry that I am currently spearheading.”
Gender Equality & Advice For Beginners
We wanted to understand more about Francesca’s views on promoting gender equality, so we further asked, “How can male allies contribute to promoting gender equality in the workplace?”
She said, “Gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it requires the involvement of male allies as well. One significant step is to confront our own unconscious bias and potential microaggressions. We all have unconscious biases, and it takes intentional work to unpack them and understand how they impact our professions at an organizational level. By challenging gender stereotypes, male allies can contribute to a more inclusive workplace environment.”
“What advice do you have for young professionals, both men and women, starting their careers?”
“My advice is not only for women but also for men starting their professional careers. It’s crucial to aim to be the best professional you can be. Stay curious and strive for continuous growth in your field. When choosing a workplace, look for individuals whose lives you would like to emulate in the coming years. Consider whether the women and men you work with maintain a healthy work-life balance, whether your workplace prioritizes the work accomplished rather than time spent at the desk, whether you receive regular feedback on your work, and if family or personal time is recognized and valued. No workplace is perfect, but finding a company that understands the importance of gender equality, a healthy work environment, and embraces diverse perspectives is essential. Remember, achieving gender equality is a collective effort, and it’s important to seek out the right tribe to join.”
Strengthening Relations Between Italy & UAE
Lastly, we asked, “You mentioned the importance of strengthening relations between Italy and the UAE. Could you elaborate on your focus on international, institutional, and public affairs?”
“Strengthening relations between Italy and the UAE is an essential aspect of my work. Through my focus on international, institutional, and public affairs, I aim to foster collaboration and create mutually beneficial opportunities for both countries. By building bridges and nurturing these relationships, we can contribute to a more interconnected and prosperous global community. Additionally, my efforts in spearheading a bid worldwide project for the sport industry further exemplify my commitment to promoting international cooperation and cultural exchange.”
Connect with Francesca Petriccione di Vadi on LinkedIn.
