Willy Bade (SKEMA 2021): from SKEMA to the Bar, a passionate lawyer in Guadeloupe

Why did you choose SKEMA Business School after completing your preparatory course in Guadeloupe?

After completing my preparatory course (French ECE track) in Guadeloupe, I was looking for a school that combined academic excellence, international openness and a variety of programmes. For me, SKEMA was a unique opportunity to explore new disciplines while preparing myself to enter the professional world. SKEMA also provided me with an environment conducive to personal development. I had the opportunity to chair the humanitarian association HOPE, an experience that enriched my vision of leadership and enabled me to develop my organisational skills. That time was marked not only by stimulating group projects, but also by high-quality academic support.

How did you discover your interest in law, a discipline you hadn't explored in your preparatory classes?

It all started in my first year at SKEMA (L3). I chose an elective in law without much conviction, but it quickly awakened in me a passion for the discipline. I discovered an analytical and structured approach that suited me perfectly. This first contact led me to pursue the dual degree in Business Law, a decision that was crucial in determining my career path. Law suited my need to intellectualise issues, while also offering concrete, pragmatic solutions, especially in the field of business.

Why did you choose the dual degree in Business Law for your Master 1?

The dual degree offered by SKEMA and Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale was an ideal opportunity to combine legal expertise with an understanding of managerial issues. It's a real bridge between two worlds that constantly interact in a professional context: law and management.

I opted for a law elective without much conviction, but it quickly ignited my passion for the discipline.

I was particularly impressed by the courses on company law, corporate restructuring and insolvency. These challenging subjects allowed me to understand the fundamental mechanisms that structure the business world. Thanks to this training, I acquired a 360° vision of legal and economic challenges, a skill that is essential for assisting companies effectively.

You've had quite a few professional experiences. Can you tell us about some of them?

I started my career as an intern in the competition department of the Lille Regional Directorate for Business, Competition, Consumption, Labour and Employment (DIRECCTE), where I performed legal and economic analyses. It was my first contact with the legal and administrative world and it helped me to understand the interaction between law and economic policy.

I was then fortunate enough to do my first internship in an actual law firm, at DFM Avocat in Guadeloupe. It was an excellent experience, as I was able to discover business law in a local context while working on real cases. The firm eventually hired me in 2024, after I had been sworn in as a lawyer. In the meantime, I also did an internship at Taylor Wessing, a prestigious law firm in Paris.

Finally, my training at the École d'Avocats de Paris and my time at the École Nationale de la Magistrature in Bordeaux gave me a greater understanding of the technical aspects of law and litigation. In particular, the eight months I spent at the École Nationale de la Magistrature allowed me to develop in-depth expertise, especially in criminal matters, with which I was less familiar given my background.

What are your plans for the future?

My aim is to continue to develop as a business lawyer, particularly in the areas of compliance and corporate restructuring. My ambition is to become a strategic partner for companies, by assisting them with complex issues and offering them solutions tailored to their needs.

I have also chosen to devote part of my practice to criminal law and to the defence of fundamental freedoms. I have chosen these areas because they are close to my heart. Through them, I hope to participate in the public debate and in the life of my region.

I also continue to be involved in associations, particularly youth and equal opportunity organisations. I remain deeply attached to Guadeloupe. I want to contribute to the economic and legal dynamism of my region.