Women in Legal Business - Alessia Corsetti

Alessia Corsetti is General Counsel at Comoli Ferrari, one of Italy’s leading distributors of electrical, industrial, and automation materials. The legal function in a B2B distribution company of this scale touches everything: commercial contracts across a large client and supplier base, compliance across health and safety, data protection, and corporate governance, M&A as the group grows, and the regulatory frameworks that govern how a complex multi-entity group operates. Building that function into something that actually serves the business rather than slowing it down was the work she set herself.

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

The unique leadership trait that has been most instrumental for me is strategic empathy. In my experience, legal departments are often perceived as an impediment to business goals. To change this, I focused on active listening and observation to deeply understand the critical issues of other departments. By applying strategic empathy, I didn't just provide legal advice; I aligned legal requirements with business objectives. This strategic realignment evolved the legal department from a functional constraint into an integrated business partner, fostering cross-functional collaboration and ensuring that legal compliance became a tool for growth rather than a barrier.

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 most significant positive change I have observed is a fundamental shift in mindset: we are moving toward a recognition of female leadership as a strategic asset. In the Italian legal landscape, traditionally conservative, this is visible through some main drivers:

- the transition from a mere formal obligation—such as gender quotas—to a genuine awareness that diversity drives better financial and strategic outcome;

- the rise of female General Counsel: more women are leading in-house legal departments in major corporations;

- new work models: moving toward flexible work is breaking down the barriers that held women back in corporations and law firms.

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

I promote female inclusion by making sure women don’t just have a seat at the table, but a real say in the conversation. I focus on providing talented women with the visibility they need to succeed in leading key project.

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?

The most important cultural shift is moving from a culture of constant availability to one focused on tangible impact. To build a real meritocracy, we have to stop confusing long hours in the office with professional dedication. When we value efficiency over mere visibility, we create a fair environment where the next generation of women can truly succeed.

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?

Collaboration with other women has been fundamental to my growth. Observing them in action taught me the power of strategic empathy: the ability to understand others' perspectives to find better business solutions. This was a turning point for me: I realized that being a 'legal partner' means listening as much as advising. I am now paying it forward by cultivating this same trait in my working environment: I encourage my colleagues to look beyond the legal technicalities and understand the human and business side of every deal, helping them build the same collaborative mindset that helped me reach where I am today.

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

Technical excellence is the foundation, but respect is earned through strategic empathy and the courage to say 'no' when it matters.