Issue 9 2021

Acquisition International - Issue 9 2021 9 8 Acquisition International - Issue 9 2021 Leading the Progression of our Society “When deciding how to formulate a request to the market, what to assess and what to demand from the contenders, the public authority can become the main player in initiatives orienting and guiding the country’s growth.” In her recent book, ‘Government By Contracts: How To Create Value in Public Contracts’, Valaguzza’s thesis explores how public procurement and the contracts that arise from it are fundamental tools in governing the economy and business policy, to the same extent as the law and any regulations. “We could say that ‘governing by contract’ means governing from the bottom up, since in public tenders the initiative arises from real cases which express specific community needs,” she elaborates. During this period of economic recovery, it is the implementation of relevant public-interested projects that will prove essential, and it is public bodies that have been charged with ensuring the fastest realisation of those projects and programmes for recovery. Consequently, SLV has been called upon to shape and manage a roster of new procedures and contracts with its clients, a welcome challenge that will dominate the next few years for the firm. “In this regard, it is very important to set a constant dialogue process with the client on the ongoing strategy on the basis of the project,” says Valaguzza. “In our experience, clients appreciate a transparent and face-to-face consultancy on the legal and strategic aspects of the projects, managed in an informal context that is nonetheless inspired to solve issues step-by-step.” SLV therefore offers an approach that differs from that of many in its field. This is an approach that is precise, informal, decisive and concise, which pairs with an obsessive attention to ethics to avoid conflicts of interest and a constant drive towards innovation. “We are continuously engaged in looking for innovative paths,” Valaguzza elaborates. “We try to keep up with the times both by giving flexibility to those working at SLV, and by introducing into our actions innovative legal tools that can improve our response to our clients’ needs.” Operating on a non-hierarchical structure, SLV is a dynamic team predominantly made up of under-40s. The team is also conscientiously over 50% female, a decision made to promote equality and equity in the workplace through ensuring that women have just as many opportunities for success as men. “I feel very fortunate to work with extremely talented people, with deep legal intelligence and values that we share,” reflects Valaguzza. “I can’t mention all of them, but I can assure our clients that each of them has been chosen because they are the best in their field. “Eugenio Pizzaghi, Head of Real Estate and Environment infected me with his interest in urban regeneration. Monica Lauro, operating in the strategic consulting sector, completes our consultancy for aspects relating to criminal law. Morgen Miragoli defends our clients in complicated litigation. Chiara Pagliaroli recently joined the firm and improves us with her accuracy in the analysis of tenders and contracts. We all have the opportunity to confront the most complex issues with Maria Rita Surano, from whom I learned the work and who today assists the firm as an off council.” This team is complemented by consultants with strong expertise in energy, environment and sustainable development, as well as experts in communication and digital. This multidisciplinary firm is united by its values of deep knowledge, flexibility, collaboration, transparency and open- mindedness, values that SLV continues to uphold as it looks to the future. Indeed, the future looks busy for SLV, with its focus directed on several key areas of interest. Among them will be the firm’s work with the European Committee’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), in which SLV will test a green public procurement system that is able to ensure the best competitive measures and introduce green and social purpose between the tender indicators. SLV will also continue to push development in Italy of strategic litigations. Successful strategic litigation contributes to bringing political, economic or social changes and developments to the existing law, encouraging progress in the social and legal system of behaviours and rules. For Valaguzza, this work has already begun: “Last January I had the privilege to discuss, before the Constitutional Court of Italy, a dispute concerning the right to the recognition of the legitimate status of child born to a same-sex couple through medically assisted procreation. In that judgement, the Court invoked the urgent action of the Legislator in order to fill the legislative gap and protect the rights of the child (decision no. 32 of January 28th, 2021). As a woman, I am very proud to have had the chance to offer my professional ability to such an important objective.” After all, for Valaguzza, the law is a pivotal tool in the resolution of complex issues through clarity of logic and rationality. With it, we can generate sustainable social and economic growth. “Being a lawyer is full of value for the community, not only for ourselves,” she concludes. “It is a way to contribute to making our society a better society.” Contact: Sara Valaguzza Company: Studio Legale Valaguzza Web Address: https://www.studiovalaguzza.it/