Arianna Colombo is senior counsel in our employment law practice

You’ve been at BonelliErede for a long time now. How has it changed over the last 20 years?

I joined BonelliErede in 2001. Looking back, I can see that even then the firm had a clear vision of what it wanted to become and that everything was already in place for it to grow into the international firm it is today. You could feel that special mix of energy, commitment and ambition in the air.

It’s been wonderful to see the idea of corporate social responsibility come to life – something unusual for an Italian law firm back then. It’s been highly satisfying for me to be part of this adventure from the very beginning, especially because of all the good we’ve done for children and young people, who are at the centre of BonelliErede’s CSR initiatives.

Have you always wanted to be an employment lawyer?

I’d always wanted to be a lawyer, though I must say I ended up in employment law a bit by chance. Over the years, I’ve realised that what I love about employment law is that every case has someone’s story behind it – a story that needs to be delved into, investigated, analysed and understood.

I adore going to court: whether it’s the corridors full of people and their stories, the wait before an all-important hearing, your client counting on you, the adrenaline of being in front of the judge, or the huge satisfaction of making a winning argument. And yes, I really like wearing the lawyer’s robe, too!

For me, being an employment lawyer at BonelliErede means that when I walk through the firm’s door every day, I’m catapulted into a wonderfully dynamic world where there’s no room for boredom, where every day brings new cases to handle, and where the people have an extra gear, give their absolute all and are always there for you when you’re losing sleep over a tough case.

And who are you when you’re not being a lawyer?

I try to spend my free time outdoors as much as possible. My personal challenge is windsurfing: a sport that is as difficult as it is fun, which I try to work on as often as I can – whilst enjoying the sea (in Greece, if possible) and the wind, of course. And if I have my dog, Vilas, with me, I’m really not missing a thing!