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Willy Bade: From SKEMA to Lawyer in Guadeloupe, the Inspirational Journey of an Alumnus
A graduate of SKEMA Business School's Master in Management (PGE) and the dual degree in Business Law offered jointly with Université Littoral Côte d’Opale, Willy Bade (SKEMA 2021) discovered his passion for law during his studies. With a rigorous academic background, impactful internships in France, and meaningful extracurricular involvement, he shares the key milestones of his journey and his ambitions for the future.
Why did you choose SKEMA Business School after your ECE preparatory class in Guadeloupe?
After completing my ECE preparatory class in Guadeloupe, I sought a school that combined academic excellence, international exposure, and diverse career pathways. SKEMA represented a unique opportunity to explore new disciplines while preparing for the professional world. It also provided a supportive environment for personal growth.
At SKEMA, I had the chance to lead the humanitarian association HOPE, an experience that broadened my leadership perspective and enhanced my organisational skills. This period was marked by exciting collective projects.
How did you discover your interest in law, a field you had not explored in preparatory class?
It all began during my first year at SKEMA (L3), when I enrolled in an elective law course without much expectation. However, it quickly ignited a passion for the discipline. I discovered an analytical and structured approach that resonated with me.
My training at the Paris Bar School and the National School for the Judiciary (ENM) in Bordeaux further sharpened my technical understanding of law and litigation.
This initial exposure led me to pursue the dual degree in Business Law, a decision that was pivotal for my career. Law fulfilled my desire to intellectualise complex problems while providing concrete, pragmatic solutions, particularly in the business domain.
The dual degree offered by SKEMA and Université Littoral Côte d’Opale was the perfect opportunity to combine legal expertise with a managerial perspective.
Why did you choose the dual degree in Business Law for your Master’s programme?
The dual degree offered by SKEMA and Université Littoral Côte d’Opale bridged two constantly interacting professional fields: law and management. Courses on corporate law, business restructuring, and insolvency particularly stood out to me.
These demanding subjects helped me understand the core mechanisms shaping the business world. This training gave me a comprehensive view of the legal and economic challenges companies face—an essential skill set for effectively supporting businesses.
Your journey includes a wealth of professional experience. Can you tell us more about it?
My professional journey began with a legal internship at the Competition Division of DIRECCTE (Labour Inspectorate) in Lille, where I conducted legal and economic analyses. This was my first exposure to the interplay between law and economic policy.
I also chose to focus part of my career on criminal law and the defence of fundamental freedoms.
Later, I secured my first internship at DFM Avocat in Guadeloupe. This was a defining experience, as I delved into business law in a local context while working on real cases. The firm eventually hired me in 2024, after my official admission to the bar.
In addition, I completed an alternating internship at Taylor Wessing in Paris, a renowned international law firm, which exposed me to complex cross-border issues.
My training at the Paris Bar School and the Ecole Nationale de la Magistrature (ENM) in Bordeaux further sharpened my technical understanding of law and litigation. The eight-month programme at ENM particularly strengthened my expertise in criminal law, a field I was less familiar with initially.
What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to continue growing as a business lawyer, focusing on compliance and corporate restructuring cases. I aspire to become a strategic partner for companies, guiding them through complex challenges and delivering tailored solutions.
I have also committed part of my practice to criminal law and defending fundamental freedoms—fields that hold personal significance. Through these areas, I hope to contribute to public debate and the development of my region. Additionally, I remain actively involved in youth and equal-opportunity initiatives. Deeply attached to Guadeloupe, I aim to contribute to the region’s economic and legal advancement.
Learn more about SKEMA Business School's Master in Management (PGE)
Know more about SKEMA Law School for Business
