Issue 7 2023, Acquisition International | 15 Liliana Bakayoko: 20 Years of Expertise to Drive Innovation in International Business and IT Law n international business law firm operating at industryhigh standards, Liliana Bakayoko leverages the values of professionalism, integrity, innovation, proactivity, adaptability, evolution, a keen cultural awareness, and an unwavering client focus to consistently achieve excellence. Over the firm’s 20 years in this space, adherence to these strategic and forward-looking values have resulted in the needs of international clients being met, something aided by the firm’s legal network that spans partners in more than 150 countries. At the heart of this business is Liliana Bakayoko herself, a consummate legal professional whose expertise stems from education and practical experience. From her aforementioned doctorate and time spent teaching in higher educational institutions across France, to a postmaster’s legal qualification and 20 years’ admittance and counting to the Paris Bar, the reputation Liliana has built spans a number of disciplines, resulting in her firm today being seen as an essential ally in confidently navigating business law. Liliana has been honored with multiple international awards, including the title of Top International Business Lawyer of the Year. No matter the specifics of a case, what distinguishes this firm is that it believes in going beyond simple legal resolution. As Liliana tells us, “I am convinced that, given my expertise and knowledge, I have a deep societal responsibility to help my clients not only achieve success but also improve their lives and contribute to broader social well-being. Among other things, I have developed a theory called ‘The Positive Perception of the Law,’ aimed at empowering businesses to regain confidence in innovation and create even more inventive products, services, mechanisms, and agreements that improve lives and promote progress.” Providing us with an example of her work, Liliana details her involvement in the IGB (Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria) gas pipeline, which connects the gas systems of these two nations. Having advised Linden Energy, LLC, an American company that played a crucial part in the project’s success, Liliana has helped a development come to fruition that means less dependence on Russian gas, highlighting the high-calibre, complex, and sensitive projects that she works on worldwide. Tackling such projects is Liliana’s life’s passion, and she explains, “I chose to specialise in international business law because of its dynamic, everevolving nature and its significant influence on global commerce and daily life. This field operates at the intersection of business, technology, and international relations, making it one of the most engaging and impactful areas of law.” However, the nature of this specialist area does mean that Liliana must keep pace with both international markets and technological developments. As a result, driving innovation is something that becomes essential, and it is for this reason that Liliana is spending a great deal of her time on exactly this. “I aim to drive innovation within the legal industry by focusing on several key areas that are increasingly relevant as technology continues to outpace existing regulatory frameworks”, she says. Liliana’s enthusiasm for this highlights an ambition to go beyond simply offering legal solutions, as her dedication is equally strong for contributing to the wider evolution of IT law. Taking a deep dive into this, Liliana expresses that one of her key focus areas looking ahead revolves around advocating for ‘neurorights’, which are essentially the rights that concern an individual’s brain data and mental privacy, so that no external parties can access this activity without the person’s explicit consent. As Liliana puts it, “neurorights could extend legal protections to cover the cognitive processes that precede the formalisation of ideas, safeguarding the intellectual ecosystem in ways current laws do not.” The story is much the same when it comes to AI, with these systems set to require legal recognition that extends beyond treating them as mere tools and products, instead granting them legal personhood due to their independent thought. “In the next five years, I plan to further promote my theory of the Positive Perception of the Law to drive business innovation, while also contributing to the evolution of IT law and AI regulation”, says Liliana in closing. “I hope to contribute to shaping a future where legal frameworks and technological advancements evolve together, creating a balanced environment for growth, accountability, and social good.” An international business lawyer with a strong ethical commitment, Liliana Bakayoko – both the person and the firm – deserve this recognition. Contact: Liliana Bakayoko Company: Liliana Bakayoko (Law Firm) Website: https://gb.liliana-bakayoko-avocat.com/ A French international business lawyer with two decades of experience to her name, Liliana Bakayoko is also a Doctor of Law and a former law professor. Recognised as the Leading International Business Lawyer of the Year 2024 - France, Liliana Bakayoko’s namesake law firm is a specialist in both French and international business law, as well as IT, corporate, and intellectual property law. A number of services are available across these areas as a result, spanning legal advice through to dispute resolution. A Sep24155
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