From an early stage in his professional development, Sylvestre Dhombres had a desire to ‘be a field lawyer close to business and action’, so his decision to become an in-house lawyer was an elementary one. Initially an IP specialist, Dhombres took on his first major role with Apple Computer France before progressing to EDS.

Here, over the course of a twelve-year period with the company he handled complex litigation and divestiture projects as part of a multi-national set of responsibilities for France and Morocco. He joined Pylones in 2012, setting up the legal department in the process, and added HR responsibilities to his legal ones in February 2013. He is clear that he has learned from the best, crediting working under a number of ‘fantastic managers’ during his formative years with having a major role in his success. In terms of the projects at Pylones that he is most proud of, Dhombres opts for a mix of IP defences and complex litigation projects, as well as his setting up of the legal team as among his favourite accomplishments. On the latter of these, he goes into what qualities he looked for in the individuals under his command in the function: ‘Beyond technical skills, the ability to share your way of thinking, to inspire teamwork, to grow everyone’s confidence by carrying out long-term projects and changes to the organisation, business and jobs is essential’.

Keen to give the benefit of his experience to the next generation of aspiring lawyers, Dhombres has designed and taught a legal course for business students at the ESCE business school of Paris. He is pleased to report excellent reviews for this, and credits a positive philosophy with contributing to this: ‘Be enthusiastic and be happy to share your knowledge, as these are skills that will open many doors’.