MEET SENIOR ASSOCIATE CHRISTOPHER D’AMBROSIO

Christopher D’Ambrosio is a Senior Associate at SKANDAMIS AVOCATS in Geneva, advising clients on banking and finance matters, corporate disputes and regulatory investigations, alongside a strong litigation and arbitration practice. He represents financial institutions, corporates and private clients in civil and commercial matters.

Before joining SKANDAMIS AVOCATS, Christopher gained valuable experience at PwC, where he developed a deep understanding of financial services, regulatory standards and compliance.

In addition to his client work, Christopher plays an active role in team management and mentoring junior lawyers. Outside the office, he is also a father of four - a role that keeps him equally busy and grounded.

Q&A WITH CHRISTOPHER

HOW DID YOUR EXPERIENCE AT PWC SHAPE YOUR CAREER IN LAW?

I joined PwC straight out of university, at twenty-one, and stayed for four years. The competitive setting was formative. It built my professional resilience early, gave me real expertise in regulatory matters, and exposed me to a broad range of financial institutions, giving me a thorough understanding of their inner workings and a reliable benchmark against which to measure regulatory standards.

BANKING AND FINANCE FORM A CORE PART OF YOUR PRACTICE. WHAT MAKES THIS AREA PARTICULARLY ENGAGING?

Geneva is a global financial centre, so the mandates that come through are generally very interesting — they tend to be complex, often cross-border, and rarely one-dimensional. What I find particularly engaging is how multi-faceted the subject is. A single matter can involve regulatory, civil and criminal dimensions all at once, each interacting with the others. That makes it intellectually stimulating work, and those who can navigate all of these dimensions at once have a real edge.

AS A SENIOR ASSOCIATE, YOU HAVE PEOPLE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES. HOW DO YOU APPROACH MENTORING JUNIOR LAWYERS?

Coaching is an important part of my role. I aim to foster an environment where junior colleagues can take ownership of their work while feeling supported. Clear feedback, open communication and team spirit are essential, but I also believe strongly in leading by example — it is the most effective way to set standards. I was and still am lucky enough to benefit from strong mentorship in my career, and I see it as important to pass that forward.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A STRONG TEAM IN A DEMANDING LEGAL ENVIRONMENT?

Convergence in goals and mutual ambition. When everyone is pulling in the same direction, there is a natural solidarity that follows. Beyond that, a good atmosphere matters more than people think — when colleagues feel comfortable raising ideas or concerns, the quality of work improves across the board.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR ROLE?

Letting go of the detail without losing control of it. As your responsibilities grow, you have to start delegating but the standard cannot slip. It comes down to setting clear expectations and maintaining a rigorous review process so that nothing falls through the cracks.

AND WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING?

The outcome. There is real satisfaction in steering a matter to a strong result.

YOU HAVE FOUR CHILDREN — HOW DO YOU MANAGE WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

I don't. I take things day by day and manage priorities as they come. Whenever I can, I try to give my family my full attention. Thankfully, my family and those around me are incredibly supportive.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO LAWYERS LOOKING TO GROW INTO LEADERSHIP ROLES?

Commitment. Nothing replaces hard work. 

QUICK-FIRE WITH CHRISTOPHER

COFFEE RITUAL?

First thing in the morning, I drink in one go an unpleasant long coffee with milk. It’s the only way to wake me up.

MOST UNDERRATED SKILL IN LAW?

Creativity.

ONE QUALITY EVERY GOOD LITIGATOR NEEDS?

Reading people, not just reading the law.

FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND?

Holidays with my family.

FOOTBALL TEAM YOU SUPPORT?

SSC Napoli.

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Watching a proper movie late at night when the boys are in bed.

ONE WORD YOUR CHILDREN WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOU?

Papa.

HIDDEN TALENT?

Changing nappies with remarkable speed and precision.

GO-TO COMFORT FOOD?

Pane e pomodoro, with quality ingredients.