October 27, 2022
Simona Agnolucci, a partner in the Litigation Department, Managing Partner of the San Francisco office and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, was featured in a Q&A profile in Corporate Counsel in recognition of her Thought Leadership Award presented at the annual Women, Influence & Power in Law conference and awards. The event took place on October 18.
The profile discusses Simona’s route to the top, including her longstanding pro bono work with refugees such as women seeking asylum from gender-based persecution and unaccompanied immigrant children. This led to a lifelong passion for Simona in helping asylum-seekers escape persecution.
On the topic of leadership, she recommends that lawyers consider taking risks: “As lawyers, we are trained to be risk-averse, but sometimes it is important to do things before you think you’re ready. Those challenges are the ones from which I have grown the most.”
She also addresses the importance of power of relationships in achieving professional success: “When you are starting out, it’s critical to build strong relationships, to seek the help and guidance of others, and to make yourself indispensable to them. Likewise, as a leader, relationships are also critical. Our work is done in teams; everyone has a role to play and value to add. Nurturing those relationships helps you lead and mentor effectively.”
Simona helped to establish Willkie’s San Francisco office, which opened in 2019, to offer high-stakes complex litigation capabilities. A trailblazer in her field, she has obtained notable litigation wins for clients in significant cases shaping emerging areas of the law in today’s new economy. An advocate for women and diverse attorneys across the Firm, she co-leads a diverse and talented team of 30+ attorneys, serves as a mentor to associates throughout the office, and has built an office that thrives on connectivity and providing opportunities for professional growth and success.
The Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards honors top women lawyers who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession, and who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and business acumen. According to Corporate Counsel, the thought leadership honor is awarded to women with the “passion and drive to have a successful department/team through their outstanding leadership skills.”
Simona’s full profile can be viewed here.
