A great read for all technology enthusiasts, lawyers, and young mothers! This month, we interviewed Lucie Mongin-Archambeaud, Counsel at Osborne Clarke and a young mother of three children, who talked to us about her career, cybercrime, and gave us some tips on how to juggle between professional and personal life. Read the interview to find out more.

You have been working at Osborne Clarke since 2016. Why did you decide to join Osborne Clarke and what is your favorite part about working at this law firm?

Before joining Osborne Clarke, I had worked for a well-known French Law firm for about seven years. I wanted to participate in a dynamic and growing international firm with the opportunity to develop a Litigation/Compliance practice.

In addition, I also enjoy the working culture of the law firm. We all work together as a team with one clear goal – providing the best solution for our clients. The company also provides a very intellectually stimulating environment, where you can learn every day. At every level, we often brainstorm and share our knowledge and expertise.

You are specialized in Litigation, Compliance and Business Criminal Law. You also advise clients on cyber-crime. What legal changes have you observed over the years? Is increased regulation a solution for cybersecurity?

The GDPR regulation has shaken the business world. It made companies more aware of the value of the data they possess and of the risk of cyber-crime.

Frauds are increasing very quickly, and scammers are using more and more sophisticated means.

Yet, I do not think that increased regulation will provide a solution. Instead, companies need to become more aware of this new risk, anticipate any breach, train their employees, and have in place appropriate internal processes and programs.

Companies need to become more aware of this new risk, 
anticipate any breach, train their employees, 
and have in place appropriate internal processes and programs.

What are the major trends in cyber insurance and what will the future of cyber insurance look like, according to you?

With the tremendous increase in data breaches, businesses are looking for insurance products to protect themselves. However, the market is far from being well adapted and mature. Cyber-risk assessment of businesses is not easy to conduct for insurers. Moreover, it remains difficult for customers to know which insurance product to choose.

Our core challenge is to make our clients aware of this risk. Prior to experiencing a cyber-attack, most companies do not realize the risk. Even the most sophisticated IT security systems can be breached! To be cyber resilient, companies must teach people how to handle information and emphasize the responsibility of each employee to protect company data.

Even the most sophisticated IT security systems
can be breached!

You are currently participating in the 4^th edition of our Women Talent Pool (WTP) Programme. What are the main benefits of the programme?

The main benefit is the possibility to meet many successful senior women who occupy eminent positions in various sectors, share your doubts with them, and get advice on how to overcome your doubts.

For example, to be fully dedicated to your career, you need to believe that is possible to balance your personal and professional life. When I see a woman, being successful in her professional life and still managing to dedicate some free time to her family and hobbies, it makes me believe that it is possible!

When I see a woman, being successful in her professional life  
and still managing to dedicate some free time to
her family and hobbies, it makes me believe that it is possible!

You are a mother of three children. What would be your advice to young mothers for successfully balancing work and family life?

Good time management and organizational skills are crucial for successfully balancing work and family life. When you are working, you need to be focused and productive. Similarly, when you are at home, you want to be as available as possible for your children and partner. If you put some thought into the organization of your day to day activities, you can be productive at work and able to disconnect from work when at home.

At WIL, we have the tradition of concluding the interview with a question from Proust’s questionnaire. We have picked the following question for you: What do you most value in your colleagues?

Getting along with my colleagues represent a huge source of happiness for me. I put a lot of emphasis on team work and personally feel that I find the best solutions for my clients while brainstorming with other colleagues. Having colleagues who are willing to work this way and share their knowledge is both rewarding and motivating!

Having colleagues who are willing to
share their knowledge
 is both rewarding and motivating!