News
Emma Lartigue: SKEMA Alumna and Future Trainee Solicitor in Business Criminal Law and Financial Law
Emma Lartigue (SKEMA 2024), a graduate of the Master in Management (PGE) programme, holds a dual degree in Business Law and Management from SKEMA Business School and Université Littoral Côte d’Opale (ULCO). She epitomises the perfect blend of legal expertise and international outlook. From her early dilemmas between business and law to passing the 2024 French Bar Examination (CRFPA), alongside impactful professional experiences in the United States and France, she is gearing up for a career addressing strategic challenges in financial law, with a particular focus on business criminal law.
Why did you choose SKEMA and its dual degree programme?
When I joined SKEMA, I was at a crossroads, torn between business and law. The dual degree offered a clear and tailored solution: it combines the rigour of a solid legal education with the global perspective provided by management courses. This bespoke programme served as a launchpad, enabling me to build a strong foundation in diverse fields such as corporate law, labour law, business criminal law, and corporate structuring. I found courses like accounting and finance particularly fascinating. The knowledge I gained in the classroom has stayed with me throughout my professional experiences, and I firmly believe this versatility is a crucial asset for navigating complex environments.
Currently, I am completing a work-study programme at Five Arrows, the investment arm of Rothschild & Co, which employs various strategies such as private equity.
What stood out for you during your studies?
Beyond the academic content, the support from professors was instrumental. Their availability and guidance, especially during the preparation for the French Bar oral exam, were key motivators. In particular, the rigorous training sessions led by our programme director, Madame Bufflier, helped me secure a score of 16/20 in the Grand Oral and 17.5/20 in the English exam for the CRFPA. The teachings were practical and dynamic—I especially enjoyed working on real-world corporate restructuring cases with practising lawyers. These experiences allowed me to move beyond theory and grasp the realities of legal challenges.
Your professional journey is already impressive, including an experience in Texas. What moments have shaped you?
My first gap year internship at Le Duff America in Dallas was a full immersion into a new cultural and legal environment. I had the opportunity to work on international challenges, where precision and adaptability were essential. Subsequently, interning with Dentons Paris in the Corporate/M&A team was a pivotal experience. I worked on complex merger and acquisition cases, where legal expertise intersected with companies' strategic objectives.
Currently, I am completing a work-study programme at Five Arrows, the investment arm of Rothschild & Co, which employs various strategies such as private equity. My focus is on compliance and internal control issues. This demanding and stimulating environment involves ensuring regulatory compliance within the asset management firm. It has further strengthened my connection between financial law and risk management, two critical pillars in the business world.
What are your future plans?
I aim to pursue a career in a law firm, specialising in business criminal law. This field, which blends legal precision with litigation, fascinates me. I hope to work on complex cases involving compliance, fraud, and strategic disputes, where each matter presents a unique challenge. My decision to specialise in financial law at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL aligns with this ambition: it allows me to deepen my technical skills to better address the specific issues of the sector. My goal is to provide expert advice and become a key player in these demanding areas.
Learn more about the programmes at SKEMA Law School for Business.
