Before Freshfields, I was prepared to chart a career well within the confines of prevalent societal bias. Despite stellar academic record and substantial work experience, being Filipina is not something I can change, so why bother? This box of limiting beliefs was home.

Joining the Dubai team in 2011 altered my perspective. A lifelong mentor crucially impressed upon me to deny the existence of the box— that in fact, like anyone able and willing, I too can thrive. My career in legal operations blossomed with overwhelming firm and team support. I spent the first 2 years as a legal PA, 3 years as a dispute paralegal, 5 years managing paralegals, and the last 4 years as a legal project manager; responsible for building, upskilling, and leading a successful global team.

It has been 14 years, and I still see only possibilities. Empowerment is indeed a gift that keeps on giving.