Welcome to the 2025 edition of the Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards, celebrating legal professionals whose expertise, dedication, and leadership continue to shape the global legal community. This year’s winners represent the highest standards of excellence across a wide range of practice areas. Among those we spotlight, Christine Dunn, Sexual Violence Litigation Lawyer of the Year – USA, stands out for her tireless work supporting survivors of sexual assault, discrimination, and retaliation. At Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, her combination of skill and compassion has influenced the national conversation on survivors’ rights. From Greece, Yiannis Loizos, Cross-Border M&A Lawyer of the Year, leads complex international transactions at Koutalidis Law Firm, demonstrating the seamless integration of global insight with local expertise. In Belgium, Sevda Karsikaya, Family Lawyer of the Year, brings over 20 years of experience in family, juvenile, immigration, and human rights law. Her work extends beyond the courtroom through legal aid and community education initiatives. And in Australia, Kristdel Bolog, Family Lawyer of the Year, is known for her empathetic, client-focused approach, guiding individuals through sensitive personal matters with clarity and professionalism. These highlighted individuals are just a few among the many exceptional winners. The 2025 Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards celebrates all honourees and the vital role legal professionals play in advancing justice, fairness, and societal progress. AWARDS 2025 LEGAL
06 CHRISTINE DUNN Co-Managing Partner Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight Sexual Violence Litigation Lawyer of the Year - USA 10 YIANNIS LOIZOS Partner Koutalidis Law Firm Cross-Border M&A Lawyer of the Year Greece 14 SEVDA KARSIKAYA Family Law Lawyer of the Year Belgium 18 KRISTDEL BOLOG Partner The Family Lawyer Family Law Lawyer of the Year Australia FEATURED WINNERS
USA SEXUAL VIOLENCE LITIGATION LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 7 6 USA SEXUAL VIOLENCE LITIGATION LAWYER OF THE YEAR CHRISTINE DUNN Co-Managing Partner, Washington DC Office Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 Christine Dunn is Co-Managing Partner of Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight’s Washington, D.C. office and CoChair of the firm’s Sexual Violence, Title IX, and Victims’ Rights Practice Group. A nationally recognized plaintiffs’ attorney, she represents survivors of sexual assault, discrimination, and whistleblower retaliation, with her work featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and People magazine. Christine has received numerous honors, including The National Law Journal’s Elite Women of the Plaintiffs Bar and Lawyer Monthly’s Sexual Violence Litigation Lawyer of the Year. A former federal civil rights prosecutor, she holds a J.D. from the University of Virginia and a B.A. from Yale University. ABOUT CHRISTINE DUNN You’ve built a distinguished career advocating for survivors of sexual violence. What initially drew you into this field, and what continues to inspire your dedication to such difficult and important cases? I attended a Quaker school from 7th through 12th grades. Although I’m not Quaker, I was very influenced by the emphasis that Quakers place on public service and fighting against injustice. Looking back, I realize that those values heavily impacted my career trajectory. Before joining my current law firm, I spent many years working as a civil rights prosecutor at the Department of Justice. Most of the cases I prosecuted involved police misconduct, including several cases where a law enforcement officer committed sexual assault. As a prosecutor, I spent countless hours working with sexual assault survivors. I developed a passion for helping survivors get justice. After leaving the Department of Justice, I joined my current law firm, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, a civil rights and social justice firm where I co-chair our Sexual Violence, Title IX and Victims’ Rights practice group. In this role, I still help victims of crime obtain justice, but on the civil side, rather than the criminal side. In many ways I find being a civil attorney for crime victims to be even more rewarding than my work as a prosecutor. On the criminal side, the victim is not a party. Instead, it is the government vs. the perpetrator. The victim has certain rights in a criminal case, e.g., the right to be notified of important events, the right to be heard at sentencing, etc.; however, the victim does not get to call the shots. That’s different than a civil case. In a civil action, the survivor initiates the case and gets to make the decisions – in consultation with their lawyer – about how to proceed. That can be very empowering for a survivor. Sexual assault survivors routinely tell me that one of the worst parts of being victimized is feeling like they have lost their power. Bringing a civil lawsuit, where they get to make the decisions, can help survivors feel like they are regaining some of their power. Empowering survivors and helping them to get justice is the most rewarding part of my work. Have there been pivotal moments in your career when advocating for survivors posed unique professional or personal challenges and how did you overcome them? Working on behalf of sexual assault survivors does pose unique personal and professional challenges. Professionally, there are a lot of legal roadblocks that make it hard to pursue these cases. One of the biggest legal challenges is that statutes of limitations – time limits in which you have to bring a legal claim – are often very short. This is at odds with the reality that sexual assault survivors routinely delay coming forward. It’s heartbreaking when a sexual assault survivor is finally able to come forward to seek accountability, only to realize that the statute of limitations has expired. When this has happened, I’ve worked hard to think creatively about arguments to try to get around the statute of limitations. For example, is there a way to argue that the survivor didn’t discover the abuse until a later date? Fortunately, this challenge is decreasing as more states pass longer statutes of limitations for sexual assault, especially sexual assault experienced by children. Another legal challenge I routinely face involves my work on behalf of military sexual assault survivors. In 1950, the Supreme Court decided a case called Feres v. United States, which held that active duty servicemembers cannot bring tort claims against the government for anything “incident to military service”. Unfortunately, over the years, this has been interpreted so broadly that military members are essentially barred from bringing any claims, even ones that seemingly have nothing to do with military service. The Feres doctrine has even been used to prevent servicemembers from bringing claims when they have been sexually assaulted. It blows my mind that being raped could ever be seen as incident to anyone’s military service. Trying to navigate around the Feres doctrine is difficult. Fortunately, there have been some recent cracks in the law with respect to military sexual assault claims. I represent a number of military sexual assault survivors, and I’m working hard to exploit those cracks in the law and push back on the Feres doctrine. I firmly believe that the only way to change the law is to be willing to fight the hard fights. Doing this work is also personally challenging. I have a teenage daughter who is the light of my life. I constantly get calls about cases involving teenage girls being sexually assaulted. It’s hard not to think of my own daughter when I hear these stories. As a mom, it’s really tempting to keep my daughter safe by wrapping her in bubble wrap and never letting her out of the house. But I don’t want her to grow up scared, so I have always approached parenting with a “knowledge is power” philosophy. From the
USA LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 9 USA SEXUAL VIOLENCE LITIGATION LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 8 time she was young, I’ve talked openly to her about the risks and dangers of sexual assault. I know there are no guarantees in life, but I hope that giving her the information can help to keep her safer. Many of your cases have contributed to broader awareness and even shifts in workplace or institutional policies. Could you share an example of a case where the impact extended beyond your client to effect systemic change? A big reason I became a lawyer is because I believe that the law is a powerful vehicle for creating institutional change. Most of the cases I bring are against large institutions (like schools, companies, hospitals, or churches) that have failed to keep their members reasonably safe from sexual violence. Over the years I have learned that, if you keep bringing legal claims against institutions, they have no choice but to make changes and do better, if only to avoid being sued again. Several years ago, I represented a young woman who was a student at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Because USMMA students graduate with a commercial shipping license, they are required to spend a certain amount of time working on commercial ships as part of the “Sea Year” program. During my client’s Sea Year, she was raped by her supervisor aboard the ship. Because she was terrified of retaliation, she didn’t report the rape and suffered in silence for two more months on the ship – living in the room next door to her rapist. When she returned to campus, she began to understand how widespread the problem of maritime sexual assault is. Eventually, she wrote an anonymous blog post about her experience. Much to her surprise, the blog post went viral and caused a tsunami of outrage in the maritime industry, leading to Congressional investigations and a temporary suspension of the Sea Year program. The day that we filed a lawsuit on her behalf, her story was one of the top stories on CNN. Ultimately, as a result of the extensive media attention her story and lawsuit received, Congress passed portions of the Safer Seas Act, mandating concrete changes on commercial ships. These changes include requirements for cameras outside of staterooms and increased fines against shipping companies that fail to report sexual assault to law enforcement. All these changes are aimed at keeping mariners safer from sexual assault. My client’s willingness to speak out about her horrific experience is the most direct example I’ve ever seen of one survivor’s bravery creating systemic change that has the power to make future generations safer. Just recently, I was at a conference and the presenter had a slide picturing my client as a model of how one person can create substantive change. I was proud to stand with my client in helping her to have a profound impact on the maritime industry. Legal work of this nature can be emotionally taxing. What strategies or routines do you rely on to maintain perspective and avoid burnout while still giving clients the compassion they deserve? Representing sexual assault survivors is emotionally gruelling. Vicarious trauma is very real for anyone who does this work. I spend every workday listening to potential and current clients tell me about horrific, gut-wrenching experiences. I regularly have friends ask me, “how can you do this work, isn’t it too hard?” The answer is, yes, it is very hard but it’s also incredibly rewarding. In the hardest moments, it helps to remind myself why I do this work. A few years ago, I had a client tell me that, since she had retained my firm two months earlier, it was the first time she had smiled in the four years since she was raped because she finally had someone to fight for her. Knowing that I can make that kind of a difference in a survivor’s life is what keeps me going. For anyone who does this work, it’s also very important to find some outlet that allows you to step away from the sadness. Maybe that’s yoga or taking long walks or meditation – whatever helps you unwind and regroup. My friends tease me for having terrible taste in TV shows. I always explain that what I do for a living is very emotionally heavy and watching trashy TV is my way of escaping the heaviness for a little while. Looking ahead, what changes in legislation, policy, or courtroom practice would you most like to see to strengthen protections for survivors and hold perpetrators accountable? A change that could benefit sexual assault survivors navigating the legal process is a greater emphasis on trauma-informed interactions. Unfortunately, crime victims, especially sexual assault survivors, are often treated very poorly in our legal system. Over the years, I have encountered defense attorneys, mediators, and even judges who engage in victim blaming and shaming in sexual assault cases. As the co-chair of my firm’s Sexual Violence, Title IX and Victims’ Rights practice group it is incredibly important to me that everyone who does this work at my firm is trauma informed. I want every survivor who comes into contact with my firm to be treated with dignity and respect. A few years ago, one of my Legal Assistants did an intake with a potential client. Later, when I followed up with the potential client, she said “I have been talking to lots of firms but after speaking to your Legal Assistant, I only want to work with your firm because she was so kind and empathetic.” I loved hearing that and it made me feel like I had succeeded in prioritizing a trauma-centered approach at my firm. When I was in law school, no one talked about being trauma informed. I think that is slowly starting to change. Recently, I was speaking to a colleague who told me she is teaching a law school class on how to be a trauma informed lawyer. I think a class like that should be required for every law student. Emphasizing the importance of approaching crime victims with empathy and dignity, at the start of every lawyer’s legal career, could go a long way towards changing how victims are treated by our legal system. Another important change that would improve the legal landscape for sexual assault survivors is longer statutes of limitations. In our legal system, there are strict time limits in which you must bring a claim. If you do not bring your legal claim within the statute of limitations, you have likely forfeited your ability to proceed. Often those time limits are very short. Anyone who does this work knows that it frequently takes a very long time for a sexual assault survivor to disclose the assault. There are lots of reasons a survivor might delay coming forward, like the fear of not being believed, of stigmatization, and retaliation from the perpetrator or their community. I often quote the statistic that the average age for a childhood sexual assault survivor to disclose the abuse is 52. That’s the reality – sexual assault and abuse survivors may need decades to feel strong enough to speak about their trauma. Many states have started passing laws that extend the statute of limitations for sexual assault. Some states have passed “lookback windows”, where for a period of time – maybe a one-, two- or threeyear window, sometimes a permanent window –a survivor of childhood sexual abuse can assert a legal claim, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Going forward, I hope to see more states extending their statutes of limitations and passing “lookback windows” for both child and adult victims. On a broader note, what advice would you give to young lawyers who want to pursue careers in socially impactful litigation, especially in fields as sensitive as sexual violence? I think the best advice I could give a young lawyer is to find something you’re passionate about. Being a lawyer is hard, but it’s made easier when you care deeply about your cases. That’s how I feel about my work. I care deeply about my clients and about helping them to obtain justice. That motivation gets me out of bed in the morning and carries me through even the hardest days. I would also advise young lawyers who want to do this work to find a professional home with likeminded individuals who care as much as you do. I am grateful to work at a civil rights and social justice firm. Not everyone at my firm works on sexual violence cases but all the cases at my firm involve representing the Davids against the Goliaths and seeking justice for the less powerful against the most powerful. When I first joined my firm, I quickly recognized kindred spirits that cared about making the world a better place. Being surrounded by that kind of energy every day is inspiring. Being a lawyer is hard, but it’s made easier when you care deeply about your cases. That’s how I feel about my work. I care deeply about my clients and about helping them to obtain justice. SEXUAL VIOLENCE LITIGATION LAWYER OF THE YEAR
YIANNIS LOIZOS Yiannis, you’ve built an impressive career specialising in cross-border M&A. What first drew you into this complex area of law, and what continues to inspire your work today? Ever since I started my career, I was attracted to corporate and transactional work because it combines the precision of law with the realities of business. M&A really stood out to me early on because no two deals are alike. Each has its own mix of parties, sectors, and challenges, which means you are constantly learning and adapting with every transaction. I joined Koutalidis as a trainee and have been with the firm ever since. That continuity gave me the rare opportunity to work on major transactions from a very young age, learning directly from senior colleagues and building experience deal by deal. Although I only practise Greek law, almost all major Greek transactions involve an international element, whether the buyer, seller, or investor is based abroad. That “crossborder” dimension keeps the work fresh and challenging, and it allows us to act as a bridge between Greece and the global business community. What inspires me most is seeing the real impact our work has. These transactions can often shape entire industries, bring new investment into Greece and drive growth in the wider economy. Knowing that my team and I play a part in that keeps me motivated. As a Partner at Koutalidis Law Firm, you lead many high-profile transactions involving foreign investors in Greece. How has your approach to deal-making evolved over the years, and what do you consider essential when guiding clients through these negotiations? Over almost two decades, I’ve seen my approach evolve from being focused on legal particularities to taking a much bigger-picture view of deals. The technical side is crucial, of course, but deal-making is also about understanding what really matters to the parties involved, where the pressure points are, and how to balance legal risk with commercial goals. When working with international clients, three things are essential. First, clarity — simplifying what can sometimes be a complex Greek legal framework, especially to parties unfamiliar with our jurisdiction. Second, pragmatism — recognising when to hold firm and when a compromise makes sense. Third, steady communication — keeping clients confident that local challenges won’t derail their broader strategy. At Koutalidis, we place great value on combining legal excellence with this pragmatic, solutions-driven approach. That is what gives clients the confidence to entrust us with their most significant investments in Greece. Cross-Border M&A is fast-moving and highly regulated. How do you stay ahead of developments in Greece while also keeping pace with international trends, and what shifts do you see shaping the market in the years ahead? Staying ahead is a mix of constant learning and collaboration. On the Greek side, we keep a very close eye on legislative and regulatory changes — from corporate law updates to shifts in FDI rules. Internationally, we work closely with foreign firms on multi-jurisdictional deals, which gives us great exposure to emerging global trends. Looking forward, three major trends seem to stand out: first, the continued energy transition, with Greece playing an increasingly important role in renewables; Partner - Koutalidis Law Firm These transactions can often shape entire industries, bring new investment into Greece and drive growth in the wider economy. Knowing that our team and I play a part in that keeps me motivated. ABOUT KOUTALIDIS LAW FIRM Founded in 1930, Koutalidis Law Firm is one of Greece’s premier legal practices, combining a distinguished legacy with a forward-looking approach to today’s most complex transactions. Our track record has been consistently recognised by leading legal directories, with top-tier rankings across Chambers & Partners, Legal500, and IFLR1000. In recent years, we have also received multiple accolades, including IFLR Europe’s “Equity Deal of the Year” 2025 for our role in the Athens International Airport IPO, “Greek Law Firm of the Year” at the Chambers Europe Awards 2024, “Legal Adviser of the Year, Greece” at the IJGlobal Annual Awards, recognition at the Benchmark Litigation Europe Awards 2025, and four nominations at the IFLR Europe Awards 2025. With the majority of our clientele being foreign multinationals, we seamlessly bridge Greek and international business communities across M&A, capital markets, project finance, and corporate sectors. Our business-centric approach and deep local expertise have made us the preferred partner for complex cross-border transactions that shape Greece’s economic landscape. The following interview with Yiannis Loizos, Partner and recipient of the Cross-Border M&A Lawyer of the Year award, offers insights into the expertise and client-focused approach that continue to drive our success at the highest international standards. GREECE CROSS-BORDER M&A LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 11 GREECE CROSS-BORDER M&A LAWYER OF THE YEAR 10 LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025
second, a surge in digital and tech investment, especially in data centres and digital infrastructure; and third, renewed capital markets activity, as seen with transactions like the Athens International Airport IPO, which combined M&A and securities elements. These trends will keep Greece firmly on the radar of international investors, which makes our cross-border work even more relevant. International transactions often require balancing not only legal frameworks but also cultural and business expectations. In the Greek context, what strengths do you and your team bring to managing these dynamics? One of our key strengths is being able to translate not just the law, but also the business culture for our clients. International investors often come in with assumptions based on their home country’s way of doing business. Part of our job is to explain how things work in Greece. The system here is similar in many ways, but it also has its own nuances, and we help bridge that gap. We offer both deep technical expertise in Greek law and a practical, commercial mindset so that our advice supports, rather than hinders, the client’s strategy. International clients consistently tell us they value that approach. It also allows us to integrate seamlessly into multi-jurisdictional deal teams and ensure that the Greek element — often a critical piece — is handled to the highest standard. High-stakes deals inevitably come with challenges. Have you experienced situations where a Greek element of a cross-border deal was at risk, and how did you manage to keep things on track? Challenges are part of M&A transactions. In one recent deal, for instance, progress stalled over the timing of regulatory approvals. The international buyer was worried about potential delays, while the Greek sellers were unwilling to give sweeping undertakings. We took a step back and reframed the problem: what the buyer really needed was certainty, and what the sellers needed was protection. We designed a conditionality structure that addressed both concerns. By focusing on the underlying interests, rather than rigid positions, the deal moved forward and ultimately closed successfully. Experiences like this underline how much of our role is problem-solving — often under pressure and with multiple parties involved. You’ve advised clients across a range of industries in Greece. How does your approach differ when handling deals in sectors like energy, infrastructure, or banking, and what insights have you gained from this diversity? The fundamentals of M&A remain the same, but each industry brings its own sensitivities. For example, in energy deals, getting regulatory approvals and securing land rights are key; in infrastructure, concession agreements and public law aspects dominate; in banking, capital requirements and regulatory oversight are central. Our approach is to tailor our advice to the specifics of each sector, while still applying the same core principles of clarity and pragmatism. An important lesson I’ve learned is that working across different industries allows us to bring fresh solutions to the table. A deal structure used in an energy transaction, for example, may provide inspiration for a banking or retail deal. That cross-pollination of ideas is one of the real strengths of having a broad practice. Mentorship and collaboration are vital in any successful law firm. Who influenced your career, and how do you support the next generation of corporate lawyers at Koutalidis Law Firm? I was fortunate to have senior colleagues, such as Nikos Koritsas (Managing Partner of our firm) and Katia Protopapa (head of our M&A practice) who not only taught me the technical side of M&A but also showed me the importance of integrity, persistence, and client care. Those lessons have stayed with me. Having grown within the same firm since my trainee days, I benefitted from being entrusted with meaningful work on complex deals very early on. That culture of involving younger lawyers at the front line of major transactions is something we consciously continue today. At Koutalidis, we take mentoring seriously. In practice, that means giving younger lawyers real responsibility early on, encouraging them to ask questions and think commercially, and leading by example in terms of work ethic and professionalism. Watching colleagues develop into trusted advisors in their own right is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a partner. It also ensures that our clients will continue to receive the same high standard of advice in years to come. Finally, what does receiving the Cross- Border M&A Lawyer of the Year award mean to you personally, and how do you hope it reflects the work you and your team are doing in Greece? On a personal level, I am proud of the recognition. It is encouraging to see years of effort in this field acknowledged. But I see it less as a personal award and more as recognition of the collective effort of our whole team at Koutalidis. No deal is ever the work of one person. Every transaction, especially in M&A, requires contributions from lawyers across different levels and practice areas — whether it’s competition, tax, employment, or capital markets. I hope this award highlights the strength of Greek legal practice more broadly, and the role that firms like ours play in making Greece a reliable destination for international investment. Ultimately, the award reflects the trust that clients place in us. My hope is that it also reinforces to the international community that Greece is a jurisdiction where complex cross-border deals can be executed smoothly and to the highest standard. www.koutalidis.gr GREECE CROSS-BORDER M&A LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 13 LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 12
SEVDA KARSIKAYA Why did you decide to become a lawyer? From an early age, I knew I wanted to work with law. Not because I was fascinated by dry legal texts, but because I wanted to help people in vulnerable situations. For me, being a lawyer has never been just a technical profession, but a calling. When I started at the bar, I quickly realized that family law appealed to me most. It touches the very core of people’s lives: families, relationships, children. It is a field full of emotions, but at the same time a place where the law can truly protect people. What makes family law so unique? Family law goes far beyond rules and procedures. A divorce, child custody arrangements, or the recognition of a child—these are events that deeply affect people. As a lawyer, you are right in the middle of that storm. Your role is more than litigating; you have to listen, guide, and sometimes de-escalate. It’s about finding solutions that are not only legally correct but also humanly sustainable. You were also a certified mediator in family, civil and commercial matters. What attracted you to that work? Mediation gives parties the chance to take responsibility themselves. A judge can impose a decision, but that rarely reflects everyone’s emotions or expectations. Especially in families, where parents often remain connected through their children for life, dialogue is essential. Time and again I saw how mediation could defuse conflicts and pave the way for respectful agreements. Your engagement goes beyond the courtroom. You also served within the Bar. How important was that to you? Very important. From 2014 to 2017, I was a member of the Council of the Dutch Bar of Brussels. Within the Flemish Bar Association, I worked on committees for quality assurance, family law, criminal law, and immigration law. The quality assurance committee focuses on safeguarding professional standards within the legal profession. For me, it was a way to help strengthen the profession and ensure that justice remains accessible to everyone. You also play an active role in the Bureau for Legal Aid. What does that mean to you? The Bureau for Legal Aid ensures that people who cannot afford a lawyer still receive legal assistance. I served as deputy chair in the immigration section and, since 2017, I have been Section Head of the Legal Aid Bureau of the Bar of Brussels . I am also active in the junevile law, criminal law, and family law sections. For me, it all comes down to the same principle: justice should never be a privilege. You also served for many years as legal adviser to the Consulate General of Türkiye in Brussels. What did that role involve? That was a particularly enriching period. I advised the Consulate and citizens in cases that often had to bridge Belgian and Turkish law: from family law and the recognition of judgments to residence procedures and criminal law. Many people felt lost between two legal systems. My role was to bring clarity and help With 21 years of experience at the Bar of Brussels, Sevda Karsikaya has built a career that combines legal expertise with a deep commitment to accessibility and human rights. She is best known for her work in family law, but her expertise also extends to immigration, juvenile law, criminal law, and human rights, where she has achieved successes before the European Court of Human Rights. She pleads cases in both Dutch and French, in courts across Belgium. Beyond the courtroom, she leads projects such as DIApositief and Advocaat op school, appears regularly on Turkish television to explain the Belgian legal system, and authored a handbook about their rights in familiy and criminal law for Turkish women in Belgium. Her recognition as winner in the category Family Law is a tribute to her dedication to making justice both accessible and humane. WHERE THE LAW TOUCHES PEOPLE Mediation gives parties the chance to take responsibility themselves. A judge can impose a decision, but that rarely reflects everyone’s emotions or expectations. BELGIUM FAMILY LAW LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 15 BELGIUM FAMILY LAW LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 14
BELGIUM FAMILY LAW LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 17 BELGIUM FAMILY LAW LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 16 find workable solutions. Sometimes these were very personal situations, such as parents unsure how a foreign decision about their children could be applied here. Guiding them step by step through that complexity was very rewarding. In a diverse city like Brussels, it was a natural and valuable complement to my practice. You are also involved in projects such as DIApositief and Advocaat op school. What do these entail? With DIApositief we aim to make the legal profession more diverse and inclusive. The project is specifically aimed at young people with a migration background in their final year of secondary school. As director of this project at the Brussels Bar, I design an annual program in which students are introduced to the various actors in the justice system. At the end of the program, they each solve an individual case study that I prepare. The winner receives a scholarship, funded by the Dutch Bar of Brussels, to support them throughout their law studies. For many, this is their very first real encounter with the justice system. I often see that it motivates them to study law and to consider a career in the legal profession. In addition, I am responsible for Lawyer in the School, a project in which lawyers give lessons in schools to inform young people about their rights, duties, and the role of justice. You also regularly appear in the media. What does that involve? I am often invited on Turkish television to explain the Belgian legal system, in various areas of law. These appearances are usually live, allowing me to provide direct commentary on current issues. My role is to make complex legal matters understandable for a broad audience, often for people with ties to both Belgium and Turkey. For me, this is an extension of my daily work: making law accessible and lowering barriers so that more people understand how justice in Belgium functions. You also followed training abroad, in Vienna, Ankara, Istanbul, and Strasbourg. What did that bring you? It allowed me to guide clients better in cross-border cases. I followed training in Turkish and European family law, the association agreements between Turkey and the EU, and the recognition of foreign judgments. In Brussels, international cases are very common, and that expertise is crucial. Law does not stop at the border, and anyone working in Brussels knows that better than most. You not only followed training in Strasbourg and other European countries, but also taught there yourself. What subjects did you cover, and what did you take away from that experience? It was a special experience to share my expertise in that context. I taught courses on immigration law and on the association agreement between Turkey and the European Union. For me, it was not only an opportunity to pass on knowledge, but also to engage in dialogue with professionals from different countries. It once again underlined how important international cooperation is—especially in a city like Brussels, where cases often touch upon multiple legal systems. In 2013, you also wrote a handbook in Turkish for Turkish women in Belgium. What was the reason? I saw that many women lacked clear information in their own language. That is why I wrote Belçika’daki Türk kadinlari için el kitapçigi, a handbook with practical explanations about family reunification, family law, and domestic violence. It was published by the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Affairs. The aim was simple: to give women the knowledge to understand and defend their rights. I received many reactions from women who said the handbook helped them feel stronger and more confident. For me, that was the greatest reward. You also achieved results at the European Court of Human Rights. How do you look back on that? With pride. The judgments Tekin et Arslan v. Belgium (2017) and Kaya v. Belgium (2019) were important not only for the clients involved, but also for the development of Belgian case law. The moment you hear in Strasbourg that the Court accepts your arguments is unforgettable. For my clients, it meant justice; for me, it was confirmation that perseverance pays off. These judgments also show that even a strong rule of law must remain vigilant in safeguarding fundamental rights. What do you see as the biggest challenge for family law in Belgium? The need for speed, humanity, and dialogue. Procedures are often too long and too burdensome for families. I believe mediation will become increasingly central, because it allows parties to take responsibility themselves. Justice must come closer to people—that is the challenge for lawyers, judges, and policymakers alike. You were recently awarded as winner in family law. What does this recognition mean to you? It is an honor, but above all a stimulus. For me, it is not an endpoint, but a motivation to continue. It confirms that my efforts make a difference, for clients and for society. Justice is never complete. What gives you the greatest satisfaction in your work? The people themselves. When a client regains perspective, when a conflict is resolved, or when someone finally feels heard, I know why I chose this profession. Being a lawyer is intense and demanding, but also incredibly rewarding.
KRISTDEL BOLOG Kristdel, can you tell us what first inspired you to pursue a career in law, and specifically, family law? My pursuit of a legal career was born from a deeply rooted sense of justice, not just in the adversarial courtroom tradition, but in those everyday human moments where someone simply needs to be seen, heard, or protected. Law, for me, was never about prestige; it was about purpose. I was always attuned to fairness and driven to create structure and clarity in moments of chaos. It became increasingly apparent that the law offered a framework through which I could meaningfully serve people during times of immense vulnerability. Family law, in particular, called to me because it is one of the few areas of law that directly impacts the day-today lives of individuals, especially children. I have seen firsthand how the breakdown of relationships does not happen in isolation. It ripples across financial security, housing, parenting, identity, and mental health. Family law engages with those complexities in a deeply personal way. It demands both legal excellence and emotional intelligence. Our role as family lawyers is not simply to advise on the division of assets or the allocation of parenting time; it is to ensure that decisions are grounded in accurate, balanced information and that the human cost of litigation is always considered. Whether I am assisting separated parents in crafting a co-parenting arrangement that reduces conflict or helping someone retain access to their family home or companion animal, the work we do shapes futures. This field carries immense responsibility, and that responsibility is what continues to inspire me every day. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them? In hindsight, the early years of practice felt deceptively smooth, largely because I lacked the self-awareness to recognise the scope of what I did not yet know. Law school had equipped me with legal reasoning, but not with the interpersonal and emotional intelligence necessary to navigate the unpredictable terrain of family disputes. Working in family law is unlike any other jurisdiction; there is no clear binary of right and wrong, and the stakes are heartbreakingly personal. I frequently experienced imposter syndrome. I would agonise over whether I had cited the correct authority or drafted the most persuasive affidavit, questioning whether I belonged in the room. It felt like a series of first dates where you walk around hoping you do not have spinach in your teeth, except there is no mirror, and the stakes are someone’s children, home, and safety. The most difficult challenge, however, was learning how to manage emotional boundaries. As family lawyers, we are not just exposed to trauma—we are immersed in it. In the early years, I was not taught how to recognise the signs of vicarious trauma or burnout in myself or my colleagues. At that time, discussions around lawyer wellbeing were almost taboo. Through years of experience, and necessity, I developed strategies to preserve my emotional stamina. I learnt to compartmentalise without becoming desensitised, built a peer support network, and sought out supervision and debriefing. I prioritised self-reflection and developed clear boundaries with clients while still holding space for their emotional experience. These practices are not just self-preserving; they are essential to being a clear, effective advocate. Looking back, is there a case or client that has had a lasting impact on your approach to law? There are countless matters that have left an imprint on me, but one particular case significantly reframed my understanding of justice within the family law system. Partner - The Family Lawyer T: 1300 111 835 E: kbolog@thefamilylawyer.com.au www.thefamilylawyer.com.au Kristdel did not pursue law for prestige or tradition. Her path was shaped by a deep commitment to justice, especially in moments when people feel vulnerable or unheard. That sense of purpose led her to family law, a field that touches every aspect of a person’s life, from parenting and housing to identity and wellbeing. With a focus on empathy, accountability, and clarity, Kristdel has built a practice grounded in both legal excellence and emotional intelligence. In this interview, she reflects on her early challenges, the cases that shaped her, and the values that guide her through the complexities of modern family law. AUSTRALIA FAMILY LAW LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 19 AUSTRALIA FAMILY LAW LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 18
LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 21 LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 20 FAMILY LAW LAWYER OF THE YEAR AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA FAMILY LAW LAWYER OF THE YEAR I represented a father who was falsely accused of serious family violence. The allegations, in my assessment, were retaliatory in nature and appeared to be part of an effort to sever his relationship with his children. There was no corroborating evidence, only very vague assertions. Yet, based on those assertions alone, my client was evicted from his home, denied access to his personal effects, and most painfully, separated from his children. He was treated not just with suspicion, but as if he had already been convicted. It was a stark reminder of the power of narrative, and the danger of substituting allegation for evidence. That matter forever changed my approach to advocacy. It exposed the risk of procedural injustice where allegations, particularly of family violence, are accepted at face value without proper scrutiny. While I remain unwavering in my commitment to protecting genuine victims, and I have acted for many, I have also seen the misuse of complex concepts such as coercive control in ways that ultimately harm both parties and children. Cases like these are not isolated. Reports from the Australian Institute of Family Studies and recent commentary in judgments point to a growing tension between ensuring victim protection and reaffirm the need for a measured, evidence-based approach and highlighted the urgency of early intervention to prevent protracted and adversarial litigation. Family law should never become a proxy for punishment. It must remain a space for truth, justice, equitability, healing, and the best interests of children. We fought long and hard and ultimately, after three years in and out of various courts, resolved the matter with a set of orders that were beyond the client’s wildest dreams and saw his time move from mere hours a fortnight to a reversal of care. A few years after the matter concluded, I happened to run into the client and his children at a local grocery store. They were beaming, full of life, laughter, and ease. He shared that they had just returned from a family holiday, and seeing them together, smiling and thriving, was a rare and fortunate experience. In that moment, the human impact of our work was undeniable. It reminded me why we fight so hard — for restored relationships, healing, and hope. Even now, just recalling that moment brings tears of joy to my eyes. Family law can be emotionally charged and complex. What core values guide your practice when supporting clients through difficult family matters? Three values form the foundation of my practice: empathy, accountability, and respect. Empathy is not just a value; it is a practice. It means truly listening, suspending judgement, and understanding that clients often come to us in their most distressed, defensive, or fearful state. When people feel seen and heard, their anger and fear lose their grip. I tell clients regularly: it is okay to not be okay. That permission, simple as it sounds, is often the first step in helping them stabilise. Accountability governs everything I do. I hold myself to a high standard, especially when the advice is difficult for the client to hear. I make a point of setting clear expectations, because unclear advice leads to disappointment and further conflict. As lawyers, our duty is not to say what is comfortable; it is to say what is necessary, backed by law and guided by integrity. Respect is non-negotiable. It extends to clients, opposing counsel, judicial officers, and the system itself. Strong advocacy does not require hostility or condescension. The most persuasive advocacy is principled, composed, and backed by evidence. Have you noticed any changes in the types of cases or client needs emerging in family law in recent years? Yes, there has been a distinct shift in the landscape of family law, both in the types of matters coming through the door and in how clients approach them. Most notably, there has been a sharp increase in family violence allegations, particularly with the broader public recognition of terms like gaslighting and coercive control. While the increased awareness is essential for acknowledging the nuanced nature of abuse, it has also led to misuse and confusion. We see this reflected in the courts, in frontline services, and in media discourse. There is often little understanding of what coercive control legally entails, and in the absence of proper guidance, these complex psychological concepts are sometimes reduced to catchphrases. In practical terms, this has resulted in a surge of interim family violence orders being granted on the basis of vague or untested allegations. The implications of such orders are profound. I have represented clients, predominantly men, who have been evicted from their homes, unable to retrieve their belongings, cut off from their children, and forced into homelessness. In some cases, the flow-on effects include job loss and severe mental health crises. Studies by the Coroners Court of Victoria and data from the ABS suggest that male suicide in the context of family law conflict and separation is an issue that remains grossly under-acknowledged. Even more troubling is the increasing tendency to treat a family violence intervention order as though it were a “parenting order” and I am hearing it referred to as such with alarming frequency. This mischaracterisation not only undermines the integrity of both legal frameworks, but also weaponises the law in a way that entrenches conflict, prolongs litigation, and causes further harm, often fuelled by misconceptions or strategic misuse. How does your firm balance assertive legal representation with empathy and care, especially when children are involved? At The Family Lawyer, I have championed the adoption of a child-centred, evidence-based approach that draws on both legal principles and psychological research.
CHRISTOPHE BAEKELAND Tecola PLLC SYLVIE GALLAGE-ALWIS Signature Litigation Bernhard Mussgnug Mussgnug, Zeyher, Eisen & Colleagues Bernd J. Fehn FEHN Legal Anne O’Connell AOC Solicitors Alessandro Vercellotti Legal for Digital Paolo Pizzocri Studio Legale Paolo Pizzocri Dulce Alvarez-Fresco Il·lustre Col·legi de l’Advocacia de Barcelona Ueli Sommer Littler Switzerland AG Alessia Schmid Etude Alessia Schmid Sàrl Lauren Smith Taylor Bracewell Solicitors Dr Teik Chooi Oh Richard Cumbley Linklaters EUROPE 39 42 44 47 48 50 24 26 28 30 36 40 32
Tecola is a specialised boutique law firm for and by entrepreneurs where innovation, forward thinking and sustainability are key. Tecola does not limit itself to legal analysis, but always aspire to take the client’s financial background to hart and helps with the development and implementation of pragmatic and strategic policies. Tecola supports both private and public undertakings in conducting sustainable and efficient business in respect with their corporate social responsibility. Tecola assists its clients in accordance to the highest standards of quality in three main areas of practice, more specifically Technology & Privacy, Communication and Legal Services. AREAS OF EXPERTISE Technology & Privacy: Tecola has a strong background in IT related matters, especially in ASP, Cloud & SaaS, escrow, hosting, maintenance, development, NDA, outsourcing, service level and timesharing, and generally in concessions, commercial agency agreements, franchising, leasing and licensing. Furthermore, Tecola provides preventive and curative legal advice and assistance on privacy-related topics (including cookie and GDPR charters), and is able to assist your business both as a certified Data Protection Officer as well as a GDPR Lead Auditor. Communication: Tecola works out business restructuring and investments guidelines, policies and strategies according to the challenges and goals set out by his clients, and assists them with the efficient and pragmatic implementation in their business. Tecola also supports (boards of) directors, share- and stakeholders in their public and business related communication to enforce their rights and avoid both their accountability and liability. Within this area of expertise, Tecola also provides (inhouse) guest lectures, seminars and workshops, as well mediation services. Legal Services: The main focus of this department is twice. First of all numerous corporate law related matters, such as the selection of an appropriate legal structure, support measures and grants, shareholder and directors’ agreements, mergers, acquisitions, reorganisations, trade agreements and NPOregulation. Secondly Tecola assists both private as public undertakings in a wide range of property transactions. This includes construction, leasing and purchase agreements, public procurement, PPS, securities and rights in rem with in particular construction structures and apartment co-ownership. CHRISTOPHE Tecola PLLC BAEKELAND Christophe is an entrepreneurial solution-orientated lawyer who combines a strong academic background with a profound experience in a wide range of business related areas. His inquisitive character, eye for detail and outof-the-box way of thinking are key to his successful approach on complex and challenging cases. One of his main areas of expertise is property law. In regard to real estate, Christophe has many experience in reviewing and writing construction, leasing and purchase agreements, in assisting private and public undertakings in large real estate projects (including Law Breyne), integrating investment and financing strategies (including securities and property agreements), providing both preventive as procedural assistance in public procurement (including PPS and state aid) and in co-ownership. In regard to IP and in IT, Christophe is well known for his excellent service in various software agreements (e.g. cloud, escrow, outsourcing, NDA and SLA) and his out-of-the-box way of thinking in GDPR-issues. Christophe is professor at the AP University College Antwerp and Syntra, where he teaches IT-Law, Public Law and Construction & Property Law. Finally he is also a researcher who publishes regularly in highly ranked scientific magazines and gives (inter)national lectures. Christophe obtained an LL.M., and later LL.M.’s Company Law, Intellectual Property, Corporate Law, Competition Law & Economics and a Post Graduate Corporate Finance. He is a certified Data Protection Officer and GDPR Lead Auditor, as well a recognized mediator in property cases (including co-ownership). Christophe works fluently in Dutch, English and French. ABOUT CHRISTOPHE BAEKELAND FIRM PROFILE CONTACT Christophe Baekeland Tecola PLLC Groenstraat 61, 3020 Veltem-Beisem, Belgium T: +32.485.48.35.45 E: christophe.baekeland@tecola.be www.tecola.be Christophe is well known for his excellent service in various software agreements (e.g. cloud, escrow, outsourcing, NDA and SLA) and his out-of-the-box way of thinking in GDPR-issues.” BELGIUM PROPERTY LAW LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 25 BELGIUM PROPERTY LAW LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 24
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