Introducing Francesca
Francesca is an Italian-qualified lawyer with considerable experience in capital markets. She spent 10 years with Allen & Overy before moving to working freelance with a range of clients.
Can you describe your experience of working through Obelisk?
My experience of working through Obelisk was excellent. I was assisted during the onboarding process with the client and the umbrella company and always had a reference person to contact for any doubt. I was then able to liaise with Obelisk throughout the entire time of my engagement with the client, always feeling I was well looked after.
What makes your expertise unique?
I was able to gain very deep expertise in the debt capital market field thanks to 10 years spent as a senior associate with a major international law firm. Thanks to this expertise and flexible working, I’m now able to have a fulfilling and rewarding work life and still be there when my family needs me.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of flexible working as a lawyer?
Flexible working allows my work life to thrive and gives me access to job positions that might not work as a permanent engagement but are very fulfilling and rewarding for shorter periods of time. After some years spent dedicating most of the time to family, flexible working has meant I’ve been able to go back to what I used to do on terms I’m happy with.
What’s the most challenging?
The most challenging aspect is being able to keep work separate from one’s private life, since flexible working can very easily be mistaken for 24/7 availability by the client!
What are your proudest professional and personal achievements so far?
What I am proud of the most is being a mother of an 11-year-old daughter and a highly qualified professional at the same time, without having to give up one for the other.
How do you find the right work/life balance?
Business lawyers are used to working very long hours and this is often to the detriment of family life. Being a consultant working from home allows me not to waste my expertise and at the same time to be there for my family. I think the best way to keep the balance is by being organised. Not having to commute to the office, for example, leaves a lot more time for other activities.
What are your words of advice to other legal consultants?
Don’t ever think a job is too difficult or demanding, since we have resources that emerge only when facing a challenge. Avoiding challenges is the worst choice we can make.
How do you start and end your day?
I start my day with a long walk with my dogs and end my day reading a novel. Those are the two untouchable moments in my day!
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
It would be tele-transportation to allow me to reach different places in the world in no time! From my daughter’s school, to Obelisk in London, to the client in Milan. That would allow me to do even more things in just one day!
