Lawyer profile: Maureen Curtius

• You are one of the users of LinkedIn. Do you think that today’s lawyers need to take more and more control of this type of communication tool?

Absolutely, LinkedIn and other digital communication tools have become indispensable for lawyers. They allow you to strengthen your professional presence, share legal news and make valuable connections. These platforms help us to keep abreast of the latest developments in the legal field and also in our clients’ businesses.  

• You specialise in employment law, but you also practise criminal law. Do you see any similarities between these two areas?

In my view, both fields share a central concern for individual rights and human relations. Understanding human interaction and social dynamics is crucial in both fields. What I also like about these two subjects is the fact that advocacy remains important. Whether in criminal or employment law, my approach is client-centred, combined with meticulous preparation and a clear and persuasive presentation of the facts and the law.  

• Being a lawyer is a complex job. How do you manage to maintain a positive attitude in stressful work situations?

I try to take a step back from complex situations. It’s essential to put stressful situations into perspective and focus on the solutions – even if they’re not immediately obvious – rather than the problems. The support of the team and efficient organisation of my time are also key elements in managing the pressure.  

• You run training courses and webinars within the firm. Have you ever thought of giving courses at universities?

I enjoy sharing my knowledge and training future legal professionals. Teaching at university would be a great opportunity to contribute to the training of students, keep up to date with the latest academic research and develop my teaching skills. However, I currently lack the time to commit fully to this additional activity…  

• In your opinion, are there still clichés or preconceived ideas about lawyers? How do you think they could be deconstructed?

There are so many clichés about lawyers, particularly in TV series. I was amused watching Suits, where million-euro deals are done on the corner of a desk (always perfect without a sheet of paper sticking out) in two minutes. Many people think that lawyers are only interested in making a profit or that they deliberately complicate things. However, lawyers often prefer out-of-court settlements to avoid protracted disputes and procedures. In addition, they strive to make the law understandable and to simplify it for their clients. Some people think that we spend all our time before the courts. In reality, a lot of our time is spent preparing cases, doing legal research and consulting clients. Communicating about our profession and what we do will help to deconstruct these clichés and many others.  

• Does the psychological state of your customers play an important role in your day-to-day work? How do you adapt your approach to meet their emotional needs?

My clients’ psychological state affects their ability to actively participate in their defence. They can sometimes be ‘emotional’ and may not have the necessary perspective. I listen to their concerns, help them to rationalise their position – legally speaking – and work with them to find solutions tailored to their specific needs.  

• We know that you often cycle to work. What motivates you to choose this mode of transport and what are the benefits for you?

Cycling is much more pleasant than taking the metro, especially as there are more and more cycle paths. It gives me an active start to the day and allows me to decompress/disconnect at the end of the day. I can also reduce my carbon footprint. I can even cycle to certain jurisdictions, which gives me flexibility in my organisation.  

• Finally, can you share with us your favourite books or podcasts, particularly in the crime or thriller genre? Why do you like these subjects so much?

When it comes to reading, Karine Giebel’s crime novels are among my favourites. They are crime novels and thrillers. Sensitive readers please refrain: her books are characterised by a dark atmosphere, intense plots and a deep exploration of the psychology of the characters. I love listening to the Fleur d’avocat podcast. It’s an incredible source of inspiration and motivation because it gives a voice to lawyers who are ‘well into their robes’ and who share their journeys, their challenges and their successes. Hearing about the varied experiences of my colleagues helps me to find new perspectives and ideas for my own practice, and reminds me why I chose this great profession. Another podcast I enjoy is ‘Chroniques Criminelles’. The detailed accounts of real criminal cases help me to understand the practical and psychological aspects of investigations and court proceedings. It enriches my view of the cases I deal with.