Interview with Dalia Hindawi – “At JGV & Associates, I learned how to connect with a large group of people who share the same ideal as I do.”
IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A LAWYER IN ONE SENTENCE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A LAWYER AND WHY?
In my case, there wasn’t a specific moment when I decided to become a lawyer. Looking back, I realized that the legal profession chose me, not the other way around. It is true that when I got admitted to law school, I did so with the intention of becoming a lawyer, but at that time, I didn’t know exactly what the profession entailed. The only image I had of lawyering was from movies, where the lawyer pleads in front of the court. In reality, things are completely different, and yet, I find myself in everything I do.
For me, being a lawyer is more than just a profession; it is a passion.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR PROFESSION?
WHAT DID WINNING YOUR FIRST CASE IN COURT MEAN TO YOU?
Undoubtedly, my first case, as well as the following ones, represented and continue to represent satisfaction above all. I say “satisfaction” because behind the “scene,” as I like to call the moment when we present the case in front of the court, there is often considerable effort. This effort consists of hours of research, numerous discussions with clients, and, if necessary, with prosecution bodies, experts, drafting all procedural documents, and preparing the files before court hearings, etc. The list goes on.
After all the efforts mentioned above, a favorable solution is a reward for everything I did in that case.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE SO FAR?
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE TEAM YOU ARE PART OF, AND HOW VALUABLE IS INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCE IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION?
Certainly, individual experience weighs significantly in this balance, but teamwork is incomparable. It is very important to have someone to exchange ideas with, to consult for the best strategy because in the legal field, the saying “two lawyers, three opinions” applies. Therefore, having multiple opinions helps you evolve, anticipate the opposing party’s defenses, and create a strategy for each “move” the other party might make.
At the same time, the personal knowledge you bring is crucial so that you can help the team, get involved in what you do, and provide solid arguments for what you advocate.
HOW DO YOU FIND THE WORKING HOURS AT JGV & ASSOCIATES? WHAT TIME DO YOU START AND END YOUR WORKDAY?
In my opinion, there isn’t a fixed schedule at JGV & Associates because we, the lawyers, set our own schedules, and it fluctuates based on several factors. Obviously, we have a predetermined work schedule, but in the legal profession, it is almost impossible to adhere strictly to it.
Since I am a litigation lawyer, my work schedule varies almost every day. It is influenced by multiple factors: court appearances, meetings at the prosecutor’s office, police, travel to another city, the volume of cases, etc. For example, if I have a court hearing, my day starts around 08:15 if the hearing is at 08:30, but this can vary as some hearings are scheduled from 09:00 or later.
In the latter case, or if I don’t have court, police, etc., my day starts at the office around 09:30 and ends around 19:00, extending if I have more tasks.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE PART OF A LAW FIRM WITH OVER 40 LAWYERS?
Being part of a firm with over 40 lawyers is an opportunity since JGV & Associates has multiple territorial centers, which means each lawyer brings their own contribution from their respective area. I have the chance to observe various legal issues raised by courts across the country and participate in finding solutions.
Additionally, I have seen different working styles and, over time, have developed my own style and learned how to connect with a large group of people who share the same ideal as I do.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT AT THE OFFICE OR IN COURT?
I spend my free time traveling. I like to discover new places, observe the locals, their culture, and taste traditional foods.
On the contrary, when I’m not traveling, I enjoy reading or going out with friends, although my free time is often very limited.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED IN LIFE AND FROM WHOM?
I can’t say I have received a single best piece of advice, and I will explain why. Being a stubborn person, I believe that the actions and choices we make should relate to our life principles and our own balance between reason and emotion.
Since life is made up of choices, and we are all different in our own ways, I don’t think there is one best piece of advice that is universally applicable to all situations or that we should guide our lives by. Therefore, I accumulate all the advice received from the people around me and store them as information in a mental drawer. When I need to act, I consider all of them and apply what I think is best at that moment.
HOW IMPORTANT IS INDIVIDUAL WORK VS. TEAMWORK IN THIS PROFESSION?
Dalia Hindawi at JGV & Associates
Dalia Hindawi has stood out for her enthusiasm, analytical spirit, flexibility, adaptability, and ability to see a problem from multiple perspectives. Within the JGV Bucharest team, she has gained both professional and communication skills. All through advocating for clients’ interests, both in court and with other institutions she interacts with through her profession.
Dalia is responsible for drafting legal documents such as actions, responses, contracts, and criminal complaints. She initiates debt recovery procedures and enforcement actions against debtors.
Throughout her career, she has conducted legal activities specific to her profession in the fields of criminal law, civil law, corporate law, and intellectual property.
Dalia Hindawi graduated from the Faculty of Law at “Titu Maiorescu” University in Bucharest, and her professional training continued even after completing her studies. She successfully completed the course “An Introduction to American Law” by the University of Pennsylvania and participated in scientific sessions and seminars on topics such as business communication. “Competitive Practice for the Future in Legal Sciences” – workshop.