Award-winning International Business Lawyer
A young Liliana Bakayoko dreamt of being like Zorro or the Musketeers, protecting those who cannot succeed alone. Following her passion with dedication and grit, Liliana emerged as a renowned International Business Lawyer, Teacher, and Consultant. She continues to live her dream of championing justice by using her skills to empower clients and promote fairness.
“My goal is to make a positive impact by providing exceptional legal services, fostering innovation, and supporting business growth. I am driven by the vision of a more equitable and thriving global community, where my contributions help create opportunities and drive meaningful change.”
Based in Paris, Liliana graduated from the Panthéon-Assas University and obtained her Ph.D. in 2003. In 2004, she obtained the Professional Lawyer’s Certificate from the School of Professional Training of the Bars of the Paris Court of Appeal (EFB) and was sworn in the Paris Bar. She also obtained a post-Master degree in Bulgarian law at the Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski, and joined the Sofia Bar in 2010.
For over 2 decades now, Liliana has been successfully running her legal practice in French and International Business Law, Digital Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Corporate Law. Her decision to specialize in International Business Law is driven by its dynamic and evolving nature intersecting commerce, technology, and international relations.
“This field’s rapid changes require a lawyer to be knowledgeable, adaptable, and forward-thinking. It allows me to work with diverse clients, from startups to multinationals, navigating complex legal landscapes. This makes my career both intellectually stimulating and fulfilling.”
The ‘Liliana Bakayoko’ law firm has its main offices in Paris and a secondary office in Sofia. Liliana’s active participation and exclusive selection within globally renowned legal networks enable her to collaborate with other law firms in more than 150 countries.
Her legal services encompass:
- Legal Advisory Services
- Transaction Support
- International Expansion and Compliance
- Intellectual Property Protection
- Dispute Resolution and Litigation
Liliana has supported numerous national and international companies in complex transactions and commercial dispute resolutions. Thanks to her diverse cross-border experience and profound understanding of cultural diversity and international issues, her firm has become a valuable ally for companies looking to navigate the complex world of international business law securely. In addition, she has built a strong reputation as an expert in digital law.
Liliana is also an international investment, government relations, and business development consultant for an American multinational specializing in technology-focused strategic consulting, providing expertise to businesses and governments worldwide.
Interestingly, when she started out, multi-faceted Liliana served as a Law Professor for 10 years at some of the top educational institutions in France – Panthéon-Assas University, European Business School (EBS), École Supérieure d’Administration et de Management (ESAM), and Lille School of Management (ESC Lille). She also trained lawyers at the Paris Bar School (EFB).
However, she also faced various challenges, including navigating complex international regulations and staying ahead of rapid technological changes. Building a global network and gaining clients’ trust required perseverance and resilience. “Dedication, continuous learning, and adaptability are crucial for success. While luck can play a role, it’s the relentless effort and commitment to excellence that truly drive sustainable achievements in the legal profession,” she says.
On the personal front, Liliana struggled to balance work and family life, especially while breastfeeding her two boys, who were born a year and a half apart. “I’m a mother of two marvelous boys who fill my life with happiness. Managing dual responsibilities required meticulous time management and a strong support network. During the early years, I learned a lot about time management. However, my boys drove me to master the art of being fully present both at work and home.”
Liliana’s favorite hobby is spending quality time with her kids. Whether exploring new cultures, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply playing games at home, these moments recharge her and strengthen their bond. It also inspires her professional dedication, reminding her of the importance of family and the joy of life’s simple pleasures.
Her success as an international business lawyer stems from this combination of strengths and lessons learned. Liliana’s intelligence, hard work, and unwavering determination to evolve and help others have been key drivers. And these in turn have helped her empower clients and navigate complex legal landscapes, forever striving for excellence and innovation in every sphere.
Liliana’s accomplishments:
- Top International Business Lawyer of the Year 2024 – International Association of Top Professionals, New York.
- Business Lawyer of the Year 2024 – Global – International Elite 100 Global Award, London.
- International Business Lawyer of the Year in France – 2024 – Global Law Experts Annual Awards, London.
- Exclusively Recommended Expert in International Business Law for France on a Global level – Leaders in Law, London, 2024.
- Included in the annual listing of ‘World’s Most Influential Women Leaders in Law, 2024’ – World’s Leaders Magazine, USA.
- Leading International Business Lawyer of the Year – Paris – 2023 Leading Advisor Awards, UK.
- Featured as ‘A Visionary in International Business Law and Digitalization’ – Forbes, France.
