September 2025

It is important to understand that every choice carries responsibility, and that embracing our decisions with honesty allows us to build an authentic career, one that reflects our values and needs.

WOMEN IN LAW initiative curated by Alina Matei on JURIDICE.ro meets Oana Ionescu Matei.

Alina Matei: Thank you, esteemed Mrs. Oana Ionescu Matei, Senior Associate at BACIU PARTNERS, for taking the time to speak with the readers of JURIDICE.ro. Women in Law is about women, about what they achieve in their professional lives and beyond. May I kindly ask you to share what defines you as a professional?

Oana Ionescu Matei: I choose to define myself by the way I practice my profession: with responsibility, empathy, and respect, rather than by the simple title of lawyer. I strongly believe that beyond any professional role, we remain, above all, human beings, and this conviction guides everything I do.

My professional journey has been built with patience, attention to detail, and a constant concern for balance. Honesty in my relationships and respect for every stage of my evolution are values that define me and, I believe, give meaning and consistency to my path.

Alina Matei: In your opinion, is the involvement of women in legal professions limited or unlimited?

Oana Ionescu Matei: The involvement of women in the legal profession has evolved significantly, yet I believe it is not so much about limitations as it is about context. Women are well represented across all areas of the profession and contribute substantially to its development, but the journey is not always simple or free of challenges. Choosing a professional path and taking on important roles often come hand in hand with balancing personal and professional life. That is why I believe it is not only about how much we commit, but also about how we manage to preserve our authenticity and balance along the way.

Alina Matei: For women lawyers, the shift from the role of wife/partner/mother to that of legal professional – what “filters” should be applied to ensure that neither role suffers significant harm?

Oana Ionescu Matei: It is, without a doubt, a real challenge, because each of these roles comes with its own responsibilities and expectations, sometimes all at once. For me, an important moment was when I let go of the idea of perfection and learned to be kinder to myself. I realized there would be days when personal life demands more, and others when the profession takes center stage—and that this balance is natural. I do not believe in total sacrifices, but in setting clear priorities and, above all, in the strength to ask for support when needed. Over time, by approaching both myself and those around me with greater understanding, these roles have found harmony, without one becoming a burden to the other.

Alina Matei: Does the legal environment offer women the opportunity to be what they want to be?

Oana Ionescu Matei: I believe that women hold the reins of their own professional destiny and can achieve excellence in any area of law. Today, the legal field offers them the freedom and the space to carve out a path without gender-related limits, as long as they choose to pursue their goals with passion and dedication.

Alina Matei: From every perspective, I don’t know of a time more favorable to women’s development than the one we are living in. Every right, like every prejudice, has consequences. What role can women lawyers play in fostering the understanding that everyone is responsible for their own choices, both professional and personal?

Oana Ionescu Matei: Women lawyers can play a vital role in drawing lines of balance and in challenging the social pressures that push us to be “perfect” in every role. It is important to understand that every choice carries responsibility, and that embracing our decisions with honesty allows us to build an authentic career, one that reflects our values and needs. At the same time, safeguarding emotional health and inner balance should not remain just an aspiration, but an integral part of any professional journey.

Alina Matei: Have you had a female role model who inspired you over the years?

Oana Ionescu Matei: I have been fortunate to meet, over time, strong and dedicated women who inspired me not only through their achievements but also through the way they managed difficulties and challenges. These experiences have stayed close to me and remind me every day to keep my feet on the ground, no matter the path I follow.

Alina Matei: We have lived through the pandemic and COVID-19 strains. How was that period for you, both personally and professionally?

Oana Ionescu Matei: This period has brought me a shift in perspective, both professionally and personally. Professionally, I realized that the true value does not lie in succeeding alone, but in walking the journey alongside people you trust – sharing ideas, efforts, achievements, and difficult moments. Rediscovering the spirit of teamwork has changed the way I look at work and professional relationships as a whole. Personally, I have learned to live each moment more consciously and to cherish the time spent with loved ones. Despite the challenges, this time has given me valuable lessons about balance, patience, and priorities.

Alina Matei: A message, please, for all women in the legal community.

Oana Ionescu Matei: My wish for them is to find balance in everything they do, to stay connected to their values, and to never lose sight of what truly matters. To trust their own strength, even when the road is difficult—because every step forward counts and shapes who we are.

Alina Matei: Thank you for this conversation!

Oana Ionescu Matei: Thank you for the invitation!

The original version of the interview, in Romanian, is available HERE.

WOMEN IN LAW MEETS BACIU PARTNERS. These conversations go beyond professional achievements. They are about values, about balance, about how personal journeys shape professional paths. At BACIU PARTNERS, we believe that questioning the status quo and searching for better answers to our clients’ needs must go hand in hand with recognizing the individuality, passions, and aspirations of each of our team members.

We find inspiration in the exchange of ideas, in the courage to stay authentic, and in the power of knowledge when amplified by diverse perspectives. Through these interviews, we celebrate the stories, the values, and the unique voices of our very own lady-lawyers.