Legal Lady Boss- Louise Firestone

As I reached out to Louise to participate in Legal Lady Boss, I reflected on when I first met her (see below for the full story). She left a lasting first impression on me not only because she is General Counsel to the company that owns some of the largest luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Veuve Clicquot, Fendi, and Bulgari, but she’s been an advocate for other women in the legal field throughout her career. Louise’s inherent curiosity and interest in learning about the different facets of her client’s business is instrumental to her success as in-house counsel and is a takeaway for all attorneys in better serving their clients.

At the beginning of my career I attended an event at the NYC Bar Association where Louise was speaking. I started making small talk with the woman seated next to me, Susan Kohlmann. As Louise spoke, she reflected on advocating for a female associate to be staffed on one of her projects. This female associate just so happened to be Susan, who is now a managing partner at Jenner & Block. Susan got me to the front of the crowd swarming Louise after the event and facilitated an introduction. Serendipity, I’d say. I’m forever grateful for the introduction because Louise’s advice throughout the years has been instrumental in some of my career choices.

You’ve been at LVMH for over twenty years, but you started your in-house career in the financial services sector. Tell us about your legal background and what led you to LVMH.

I was a reluctant law student; I had studied international relations as an undergrad and also have an MA in international affairs. I started my career in a law firm, but was approached to join Citibank. What attracted me was how much of the role involved Citi’s operations abroad, and that would be a defining thread of my career. LVMH is a global and multicultural organization, and that makes me feel at home.

Twenty years in one role is quite impressive. What continues to keep you excited about your day-to-day work? 

When I began in my role there was no social media, no e-commerce. The use of technology in the law department was limited to email! Over the years I have been continuously challenged and able to grow because the LVMH group has had to respond to changes in consumer interest and tech advances. My day-to-day work is always varied, and never boring.

Many would say (myself included) that you have a dream job, what is the most difficult part about your role? And of course, what’s the most stimulating?

I laugh when I hear that; it is a lot like the comments I hear from young law firm associates who are in big law but aspire to being in-house, without knowing what that entails. The most difficult part of my role is the fact that we are a very lean organization with my diverse brands that all operate independently; that makes it hard to have policies and procedures that apply to all parts of the organization. The most stimulating is the same as the most difficult – many different brands, each with its own storied history and way of working.

Tell us something about yourself that our readers would be surprised to learn.

I am a dual national. (I also hold Italian citizenship.)

In what ways has the legal profession changed for women since you started practicing? And where is there still room for improvement?

The legal profession is far more women-friendly today; when I began many women with kids felt they couldn’t talk about them in the office, and I had women supervisors not much older than me who felt they had to choose between motherhood and career. The profession needs to do better with diversity and inclusion as a whole – not just with respect to women, but also people of color, people with disabilities, and all other people who have been marginalized by the way lawyers organized themselves in the past.

You have two children who were born during your time at Citibank and Credit Suisse. We have quite a few new moms in Avocate, what advice do you have for them? How have you handled “mom guilt” throughout your career?

Mom guilt is inevitable, but damaging on so many levels. My only advice is to not allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. Sometimes you can’t bake the cookies; other times you need to reschedule a work call. And also: little children, little problems; big children, big(ger) problems.  So new moms, try to enjoy!

How can women help support other women professionally? How have you been able to do so in your own career?

We can listen to each other, validate each other’s experience, hire other women. Most important: pay it forward.

Seeking mentorship and developing a network is not so formulaic and often takes time. Do you have any recommendations on how to build meaningful relationships?

Reach out to people you want to get to know, and ask a question. You’d be surprised how often even very busy people will respond. Then follow up from time to time with news, or a comment on something you’ve heard/seen about the person or something of interest to them. I have developed good relationships in exactly that way. Do not do it in order to get something in return; your motivation should be interest and curiosity.

Finally, what is your most valuable advice for women in the law?

Keep your eyes open. If you are happy where you are, keep challenging yourself so you do not become complacent. If you are unhappy, look for a way to reengage your curiosity , whether by staying where you are or by making a move.