Lorella Bertani

The law firm I founded works in inheritance law, employment law, air navigation law and administrative law and provides assistance to victims of crimes. I’m a recognized expert in defending victims of sexual and physical violence.

I’m also the president of the foundation for the Grand Théâtre in Geneva, a deputy judge with the Geneva criminal court, a member of the Geneva Bar, president of the Public Pawn Brokerage Office, and a member of the boards of Geneva Call and Cœur des Grottes. I was the first female vice chair of Geneva International Airport and have also served as the vice chair of the Fondation d’Art Dramatique and as a member of the diplomat selection panel for the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

My passion. What really drives me in my work is the human aspects – the sense of justice, the intensity, the diversity, the adrenaline, the feeling that I’m giving victims back their rights, the constant element of surprise and the stress of having to resolve problems. For me, it’s all about building, convincing, helping, defending, devising strategies, and meeting people from all walks of life.

My career path. I got to this point in my career through stubbornness, hard work and the support of a number of people who believed in me. I don’t think I can list everyone who helped me here.

A downside or obstacle ? I’ve only got one life and I can’t fit in everything I want to do ! I always need to be the best I can be, to aim for perfection and to constantly prove my worth.

I’m proud of my sense of persuasion and my ability to adapt. I’m also proud that in some modest way I’ve been able to change certain people’s lives and resolve some of their problems. And sometimes my contribution has helped to change things.