Women in Legal Business - Maddalena Boffoli

Maddalena Boffoli is a partner at Solving, where she practices labour law. The cases that define her practice are rarely simple: restructurings where the legal question and the human question cannot be separated, disputes where the outcome matters to people’s livelihoods, negotiations where the right solution is not always the obvious one. Labour law rewards the lawyer who can hold technical precision and practical creativity simultaneously. Boffoli’s account of her approach names both: experience that has sharpened her judgment over time, and a willingness to think beyond the established solution when the established solution is not enough.

Looking at your career path, what unique leadership trait has been most instrumental in allowing you to "move the needle" within your organization?

Certainly, female intuition supported by experience and determination (with a touch of healthy madness) helps to guide choices in a constantly evolving market.

Reflecting on the past year, what is the most significant positive change you have observed regarding gender equality and female representation within the upper echelons of the Italian legal market?

The number of women appointed to lead law firms has certainly increased. However, while the number of female managing partners in Italy is rising—driven by generational change and a stronger focus on diversity—it still represents only a small fraction of the leadership roles available in major law firms. There is still a long way to go.

How do you personally advocate for the inclusion of more women in high-stakes decision-making?

I have the privilege of having many friends who are members of boardrooms or of boards of auditors of major companies: women of value and great competence. However, decisions on inclusion are always made by Company members and public Institutions. Through my work, I try not only to give women a voice, but also to support them with the experience I have gained as a strategic partner.

In a sector historically rooted in traditional structures, what is the single most important cultural shift still required to ensure that the Italian legal business becomes a truly meritocratic environment for the next generation of women?

Having more women at the helm of law firms and teaching the younger generations that what matters is education, knowledge and competence.

Success is rarely a solo journey. How has collaboration with other women (in-house or external) influenced your approach to business, and how are you paying that forward within your team?

In my team, I have always had both women (for the most part) and men: in my opinion, skills and the human side must coexist. I have always sought and continue to seek inspiration from women and men (who love women) who are an example of passion, perseverance, preparation, professionalism and ethics.

One "hard truth" or piece of advice for young women entering the legal profession today?

A lot of study, determination and perseverance... but every time you think what no one has thought of and find the right solution for your client, every effort will be repaid.