SOLVE ONE SMALL PROBLEM AT A TIME

WHO ARE YOU, AND WHAT DO YOU DO IN ONE SENTENCE?

I’m Liselotte Mannaerts, lawyer by day, mother by night.

HOW DID YOU START IN THIS INDUSTRY?

I started my career as a lawyer while searching for what truly suited me after completing my law degree. I then moved into the television and podcast industry because I found it a very fascinating world. Now that I’m back working as a lawyer, I’m able to combine what I learned from both roles.

HOW DOES A TYPICAL WEEK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

I spend quite a lot of hours behind my computer drafting contracts. At the same time, I get a lot of energy from talking to clients and visiting them to learn what their business does and how I can contribute to it.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

Don’t always take life too seriously. Do your best and enjoy it.

WHO IS ONE PERSON YOU LOOK UP TO CAREER-WISE?

For example, my manager at my previous job, Manon. She was doing basically three jobs at the same time, had to solve everyone’s problems, and always did so with a huge smile on her face. She remained friendly and genuinely interested, and always made time for jokes.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO FOCUS ON COMMERCIAL AND CORPORATE LAW?

I really enjoy getting a glimpse into companies that people build with heart and soul. Especially in smaller businesses, it’s great to work side by side with the people who are building the company. In larger companies, I more often deal with legally complex and challenging matters, which my brain enjoys.

HOW DID YOUR STUDIES AND EARLY JOBS SHAPE YOUR CURRENT WORK?

To understand how a company operates, what the internal dynamics are, and what the main challenges are for the business.

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS OR CLIENTS DO YOU WORK WITH MOST OFTEN?

This varies enormously, from large healthcare institutions to content creators. It’s precisely this variety that makes the work enjoyable and keeps you sharp. For example, I draft a wide range of commercial documents, like agreements between a content creator and a brand or an advertising agency. With broad experience, particularly in the media sector, I hope to deliver real added value.

COULD YOU SHARE A PARTICULARLY CHALLENGING PROJECT AND HOW YOU NAVIGATED IT?

Sometimes a project is so large, and there are so many obstacles to overcome, that you can’t see the forest for the trees. What I do in those situations is solve one small problem at a time, until suddenly the bigger picture becomes clear.

WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU HAD KNOWN BEFORE STARTING IN CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL LAW?

When I started, I had gained substantial legal knowledge, but I didn’t yet realize how important it is to understand how a business operates and how entrepreneurs think.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN A DEMANDING PROFESSION LIKE LAW?

My employer is very flexible with how the day is structured. I like to start early and enjoy having dinner with my family in the evening. Once the kids are in bed, there’s still time to work or binge-watch a show. Most important for overall balance: SLEEP!

HAS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON LAW AND BUSINESS CHANGED OVER TIME AS YOUR CAREER HAS PROGRESSED?

Yes. When you’re just starting out, it feels like everyone knows everything and you know nothing. After a few years of experience, you learn that everyone is figuring things out through trial and error.

WHAT SKILLS OR QUALITIES DO YOU BELIEVE ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SOMEONE ENTERING THIS FIELD TODAY?

I think lawyers with a wide range of qualities can be good at their job. I especially believe that it’s helpful for yourself to have a positive attitude, not take everything too seriously, and be eager to learn something new every day. This is not a job you will ever be able to do on autopilot.

WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS FOR THE NEXT 3–5 YEARS? HOW DO YOU WANT TO GROW IN YOUR FIELD?

Over the next few years, I want to broaden my expertise, particularly in privacy. At the same time, I aim to use my media-law experience more broadly for creatives such as media creators, influencers, models and actors, helping them navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.