In the latest feature of our Women in Law series, we speak with Lawrence Marie Mon about her unexpected journey into the legal profession, her experience in litigation and dispute resolution, and the values and experiences that have shaped her approach to her work.
Could you briefly describe your current role and area of practice at the firm?
I currently support the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice, assisting the Abu Dhabi and Ajman litigation teams across a broad range of contentious matters. My experience encompasses civil, commercial and criminal litigation, employment matters, contractual and commercial claims, insurance-related disputes, including motor and non-motor claims and medical malpractice matters, as well as execution proceedings.
My role involves providing litigation support from the inception of a matter through to its conclusion. This includes legal and factual research, preliminary case assessment, preparation of legal documentation, evidence collation and document management, hearing preparation, monitoring statutory limitation periods and procedural deadlines, and managing court filings and procedural requirements.
I also liaise with clients, advocates, litigation teams, experts, witnesses and other external stakeholders, and assist with the preparation of terms of engagement, requests for proposals, and client and business development documentation.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
To be honest, pursuing a career in law was not what I originally envisioned for myself. My journey into the legal profession was rather unexpected.
During my secondary and tertiary years, I was actively involved in theatre, which was a real passion of mine. I was particularly inspired by my aunt, who was a Deputy Director of the Grand Théâtre d’Angers in France. At the time, I dreamed of visiting France, seeing the Eiffel Tower and eventually working in a major international theatre.
However, fate took me in a different direction. My parents enrolled me in a pre-law programme, and at that stage, I was not entirely sure what career I wanted to pursue. As much as I honour the law, I also honour my parents, so I decided to pursue the path they had chosen for me.
As I progressed through my studies and eventually entered the profession, I began to appreciate the depth and significance of the law. One Latin legal maxim that has stayed with me is Ignorantia juris non excusat – “ignorance of the law excuses no one”. I found that this principle resonated with me and reinforced my appreciation of the importance of understanding the law and applying it responsibly.
I also discovered that the profession suited my strengths, particularly in research, analysis, attention to detail, problem-solving and working with complex matters. Over time, what began as an unexpected career path developed into a profession that I genuinely value.
So, while law was not my original plan, fate opened the door, but my experience in the profession is what made me choose to stay and grow in it.
Can you share a key moment or experience that shaped your professional journey?
One of the key experiences that shaped my professional journey was transitioning into the UAE legal environment and adapting to a different legal system, governing laws, court structure and procedural requirements.
When I joined Alsuwaidi & Company, I realised that legal knowledge is only the foundation. I had to develop a practical understanding of UAE laws, court procedures, filing requirements, legal terminology, procedural deadlines and the different stages of litigation.
Becoming part of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice was particularly significant because it gave me the opportunity to develop that knowledge through hands-on experience. Working closely with advocates and litigation teams and supporting matters before different UAE courts and dispute resolution bodies taught me how to translate legal knowledge into practical and effective litigation support.
That experience shaped the way I approach my work today. It made me more adaptable, disciplined, procedurally aware and proactive, and taught me not only to understand what is required, but also to anticipate requirements and take responsibility for seeing matters through properly.
What do you enjoy most about working in your area of practice?
What I enjoy most about working in Litigation and Dispute Resolution is the intensity and level of dedication that litigation requires. I enjoy analysing a case, understanding the relevant facts and issues, identifying the legal and procedural questions, and working closely with our litigation team to determine what needs to be done to move the matter forward.
I also find the litigation process challenging yet exciting, particularly as a matter progresses through different stages. You never know exactly how things will unfold, so there is always a certain level of anticipation. In a way, it can feel a little like watching a series of K-dramas: you become invested in the story and want to know how everything will unfold. The difference, of course, is that in litigation, the matters are real and the consequences are significant.
What I find particularly rewarding is being involved from the inception of a matter through to its conclusion, whether that involves legal research, preparing documentation and evidence, monitoring procedural requirements, assisting with hearings, or ensuring that important deadlines and filings are properly addressed.
What matters most to me is knowing that my work contributes to bringing structure to complex matters and providing reliable support to the advocates, the litigation team and the client.
Have you faced any particular challenges during your career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the particular challenges I have faced throughout my career is managing multiple litigation and insurance matters simultaneously, particularly when matters involve urgent action and strict procedural requirements.
Different matters may be at very different stages of proceedings, each with its own documentation, deadlines and follow-up requirements. Managing these alongside other active matters can be demanding.
I overcame this by developing a structured and disciplined approach to prioritisation and matter management. I closely monitor statutory limitation periods, procedural deadlines, hearing dates and outstanding requirements. I maintain organised case documentation, anticipate the next procedural step and proactively follow up with clients, the litigation team and other relevant parties.
Over time, I learnt to remain calm and focused under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. More importantly, I learnt that working effectively in litigation and insurance disputes is not simply about handling a high volume of matters. It is about understanding where each matter stands, anticipating what comes next and ensuring that nothing critical is overlooked.
What skills or qualities do you believe are most important for success in the legal profession today?
For me, success in the legal profession, beyond technical skills, is about combining legal knowledge and analytical ability with patience, integrity, empathy, dedication and a genuine commitment to performing one’s duties with diligence.
I believe that legal knowledge alone is never enough without emotional intelligence, empathy and a strong sense of equity. As legal professionals, we deal with people, their rights, their interests and matters that can significantly affect their lives. We must therefore understand not only the law, but also the human element behind every legal matter.
Success also requires strong personal values and a willingness to continuously challenge yourself and perform to the best of your capabilities. I believe that behind every legal matter is a person whose interests deserve to be treated with fairness, dignity and humanity.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in law?
My advice to women considering a career in law is simple: know your worth, trust your voice, own your expertise and never wait for permission to take your place at the table.
As a woman who continues to rise, I have come to understand that true power flows from within and radiates outward. It is reflected in the values we uphold, our commitment to continuous learning, the decisions we make and the impact we create.
In a profession that demands precision, resilience and dedication, let the quality of your work speak for itself. Let your consistency, competence and character define your presence. Remain grounded in your values and never make yourself smaller to fit into a space you have earned the right to occupy.
How do you maintain balance between professional responsibilities and personal life?
For me, balance does not necessarily mean an equal division of time between work and personal life. It means giving the necessary attention to my professional responsibilities while also making time for myself to step away and recharge when I can.
I am a travel enthusiast, and after a particularly demanding or stressful period at work, I make it a point to take some time to explore new places, experience different environments and simply recharge.
I believe that maintaining that personal space and wellbeing allows me to return to my work with a clearer mind, renewed energy and the focus needed to perform at my best.
What does being part of a diverse legal team mean to you?
Having worked in a multicultural and diverse professional environment, I have learnt the importance of respect, open communication, adaptability and listening to different viewpoints.
I do not believe that being part of a diverse team means that everyone has to think alike. Rather, it means being able to contribute your own perspective while remaining open to learning from others.
I view diversity as an opportunity to learn, collaborate and become a better legal professional, while contributing my own experience and strengths to the team.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your journey or experience in the legal field?
If there is anything I would add about my journey, it is that law was not the path I originally planned, but it became a profession that I have genuinely grown to value and take pride in.
Over the years, my experience has taught me the importance of integrity, adaptability, precision, continuous learning and a strong sense of responsibility.
I am grateful for the journey because, wherever my career has taken me, I have always found my way back to the legal profession and eventually back to where I began building my career in litigation. Reflecting on my journey, I believe that every stage has shaped the professional I am today.
Lawrence, thank you for speaking with us and sharing your experience. It has been a pleasure.
Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to be part of this series.
To speak with Lawrence or discuss any of the topics mentioned in this article, you can reach her at abudhabi@alsuwaidi.ae.