Interview with Mihaela Lepadatu – “The Only Lost Battle is the One Not Fought”

Mihaela Lepadatu - avocat accidente rutiere, despagubiri accidente auto

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE ROBE?

I chose the robe because in this field I felt I would constantly face new challenges, meet many people, and be able to make a difference in their lives. After 11 years since I chose this path, I am happy to receive confirmation of what I envisioned when I started to dream and work towards this goal.

IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A LAWYER IN ONE SENTENCE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I believe our actions define us best, and I have always believed that the only lost battle is the one not fought. I am an ambitious person who fights for what I believe in; I am the person who understands “it can’t be done” as “it can’t be done now or easily,” which makes the satisfaction even greater in the end.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE SO FAR?

Everything is a challenge because each client, each case is unique. They bring something that makes you search for a different solution, to have a different approach than you had before.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

It wouldn’t necessarily be something to change about the profession itself but rather about how the entire judicial system functions. Recently, it has become evident that we lack the capacity, resources, and some, unfortunately, even the willingness to adapt to the pandemic context. We should use this negative event as a factor to organize and modernize the way justice is administered, with the essential participation of the key partner – the lawyer.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO PRACTICE IN A FIRM WITH OVER 40 LAWYERS?

It is an extraordinary opportunity to feel the strength of such a large group united by the same professional ideals. I have had the chance to observe different working styles, all converging towards improving key aspects of the judicial system and, most importantly, towards providing full support to our clients. Regarding individual contributions, of course, I believe they should be felt from every team member – some bring enthusiasm, others experience, and all elements together lead to the desired outcome.

I believe that a lawyer in this field must be human. They need to empathize with the victims, understand their pain. However, no matter how emotional the cases are, they must also have a more detached attitude so that they are not easily affected by the cases they receive.

LAW IS A LIBERAL PROFESSION. YOU WAKE UP WHEN YOU WANT, WORK WHEN YOU WANT, TAKE VACATION WHEN YOU WANT... OR HOW IS IT EXACTLY?

For me, freedom without responsibility doesn’t make sense. Therefore, I appreciate the chance this profession offers to express my creativity at various moments chosen flexibly. However, moments of detachment and recovery must be chosen with respect to the commitments made.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR LIMITED FREE TIME?

I try not to “manage” it anymore, as much as I like order. I try to simply live it. Sometimes I feel the need to spend time with my family or go out with friends, other times to go horseback riding or swimming.

IF IT WEREN'T FOR LAW, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN…

Preschool or primary education. Young children are a blank canvas on which we, as adults, have the responsibility to blend the most beautiful colors harmoniously. I have never given up this love, which is why I dedicate part of my time to state centers through volunteer work.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED SO FAR IN LIFE AND FROM WHOM?

The best advisor for me has been life itself. Just as every coin has two sides, my ambition came with the “gift” of stubbornness. I have never taken for granted what I was told, even though the intentions were sometimes positive. Instead, I have always been careful not to repeat the same mistake and to make the most of what I have already experienced.

Mihaela Lepadatu at JGV & Associates

Mihaela Lepădatu is a lawyer at the Regional Center JGV & Associates – Bucharest Office and joined our team in 2020. Mihaela graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Bucharest and has over 5 years of experience in the legal field.

Her work so far has included managing disputes in the entire spectrum of civil law (real rights, successions, etc.), as well as providing consultancy on the establishment of commercial companies and their activities.

The knowledge she has acquired, her communication and relationship skills, passion for the profession, and ambition have helped her advance in her career.

At JGV & Associates, Mihaela Lepădatu represents the families of individuals involved in road accidents, providing them with legal assistance and consultancy in criminal and civil cases.