‘Structure, creativity and accountability are the foundation of a successful organisation’ – Veronique Dalli

For Veronique Dalli, law has always been the primary focus. Her distinguished career began in the demanding world of litigation at Herrera & Associates, where she cut her teeth as defending counsel in several high-profile jury trials. This formative period, she explains, was enhanced by an earlier background in media and journalism, which gave her a unique insight into “case narratives, legal precedents, and how trials develop and unfold both in court and in the public eye.”

After more than a decade at the forefront of litigation, she felt the pull to broaden her horizons. This led to the creation of her own firm, founded alongside other leading litigation lawyers.

“Since then, there has been no turning back – it has been a continuously evolving experience, extending beyond litigation,” Veronique notes. “Over the years, my team and I have assisted numerous local and international clients with commercial and civil cases, while also providing cross-border legal support.”

When asked about landmark moments, Veronique maintains that every case is significant in its own right, presenting a fresh opportunity to support clients and refine the firm’s expertise. However, she admits to taking particular pride in the successful acquittals achieved for clients, as well as in victories before the Constitutional Court, the European Court of Human Rights, and in cases before the federal courts in the United States.

Today, Dalli Advocates is a multidisciplinary team of legal professionals that has expanded its focus significantly into commercial law, building strong associations with international law firms. “This has positioned us as an effective interface for international businesses wishing to establish themselves in Malta, as well as for Maltese companies seeking to expand abroad,” she explains.

This strategic shift has been a direct response to changes in the wider business landscape. “Malta’s evolving and increasingly open economy has naturally led to a rise in commercial disputes and white-collar crime cases,” Veronique observes. “Medium-sized law firms such as ours have had to strengthen their business acumen and adaptability.”

It is a transformation that Dalli Advocates has embraced by developing an in-house team of specialists, giving the firm “a strong edge in both commercial and criminal litigation.”

Looking to the future, the firm’s focus is on continued growth and international reach. The team is currently working on forming new associations with law firms and business advisors in Europe and beyond. For 2026, the plan is to continue expanding its resource base and international network. “Our goal is to continue delivering legal services that are future ready,” Veronique states, “ensuring that our clients benefit from a service offering that aligns with Malta’s dynamic and diverse economic landscape.”

This forward-thinking approach is rooted in a clear leadership philosophy. For Veronique, effective leaders empower their teams and encourage creativity, but this must be supported by lean operational processes and clear performance indicators (KPIs).

“The combination of structure, creativity, and accountability is, in my view, the foundation of a successful service-driven organisation,” she asserts. This philosophy is guided by an important lesson learned over the years: “what you see is not always what it is.” She elaborates: “it’s a mistake to judge too quickly; every person you meet can be a source of inspiration.”

Concluding our chat with a final piece of advice for aspiring leaders, Veronique affirms, “think beyond boundaries, think global, act global, and always embrace change.”

This interview forms part of the 50 Business Leaders project. The new online serialisation on MaltaCEOs.mt will feature 50 distinguished business leaders, CEOs, and emerging business minds to create debate and encourage business leaders to share their journey with our readers.

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