Sophie Queylat's legal philosophy

Sophie Queylat, General Counsel at Qovetia, believes that law should serve as a foundation for innovation rather than a barrier. She encourages legal professionals to explore new areas without waiting for formal invitations, promoting a proactive approach to legal challenges.

Career evolution of Sophie Queylat

Queylat began her career as a corporate and M&A lawyer in Anglo-Saxon law firms, where she gained technical expertise by advising investment funds. Over ten years, she transitioned to working within international companies like Chanel, Casino, and Groupe Rocher, aligning her legal skills with business strategy.

Sophie Queylat's current role

As General Counsel at Qovetia, a fast-growing veterinary clinic group, Queylat plays a direct role in driving growth, governance, and value creation. Her experience highlights a shift from being a legal expert to becoming a "trusted advisor" focused on business understanding and strategic recommendations.

Oren-Andrew Pouhe's professional journey

Oren-Andrew Pouhe, a governance and stock market law specialist at ENGIE, started with a bachelor's degree and initially considered medicine. He later pursued a legal education, earning a Master's in business law and taxation, and a specialized Master's in international business law from EM Lyon Business School.

Oren-Andrew Pouhe's career and teaching

Pouhe joined BNP Paribas Personal Finance as an intern and worked as a corporate lawyer in governance and restructuring before moving to ENGIE. He also teaches business law at business schools, emphasizing the synergy between legal practice and education, and the value of adaptability and boldness in legal careers.

Bienvenu Bope's vision for legal professionals

Bienvenu Bope, a Corporate M&A manager and co-founder of KeepLex, believes that tomorrow's lawyer must be an intrapreneur. He holds a Master's in company law and taxation and an MBA in law, management, and finance, with experience in companies like LVMH and Coriance, as well as consulting firms.

Bienvenu Bope's innovative approach

Bope co-founded KeepLex, a structure offering external legal direction to SMEs. He stresses the importance of technology, innovation, and understanding business challenges in redefining the legal function. He advises legal professionals to move beyond a strictly legal perspective and become proactive and network-oriented.

Broader movement in the legal profession

The testimonies of Queylat, Pouhe, and Bope highlight a broader movement in the evolution of the legal profession. The increasing strategic role of lawyers is influenced by factors such as the international dimension of operations, the rise of ESG criteria, and the impact of technology.

Future of M&A lawyers

The paths described show that the future of M&A lawyers depends on versatility, curiosity, openness, and the ability to adapt in a rapidly changing environment. Legal professionals are increasingly expected to embrace transformation and continuous skill development.