The legal world has long been seen as a man’s turf. For decades, women faced towering barriers, battling bias and braving the odds to carve out their niche in this esteemed profession. They were often underestimated, their contributions undervalued and their voices sidelined. Despite their immense talent and dedication, women encountered systemic hurdles that stunted their progress and curtailed their opportunities for success. But times have changed. With unwavering determination and sheer grit, women have shattered these shackles of convention, challenging the status quo to assert their presence and expertise in every aspect of the legal realm. From boardrooms to courtrooms, women are now claiming their rightful place while paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. And as they continue to make their mark, they inspire us all to reach higher, fight harder, and never settle for anything less than what we deserve. Today, we are thrilled to share the remarkable journey of one such courageous woman lawyer, Sylvette Y. Tankiang, who is not only creating ripples in the legal sphere but also inspiring countless others to break barriers.
In an era when the field of corporate law was still predominantly male-driven, Sylvette took the helm in building V&A Law’s Corporate & Commercial Law Department into what it is today: one of the most trusted corporate and business law practices in the Philippines. Sylvette’s journey into the realm of law began with her deep-rooted passion for understanding the complexities of business and economics. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in economics, she gained a solid footing and a unique perspective on how legal principles intersect with economic factors in the corporate world. This academic background, coupled with a desire to make a tangible impact in the business landscape led her to pursue a career in corporate law.
Along her path, she encountered mentors who saw her potential and inspired her to channel her analytical ability into the legal domain. Their unwavering guidance and encouragement played a pivotal role in steering Sylvette toward the path of legal practice.
Shattering Glass Ceilings with Courage and Conviction
In her early days at V&A Law, Sylvette stood out as one of the top female executives and ultimately broke barriers by becoming V&A Law’s first female managing partner in 2023. This achievement, however, came with its own share of hurdles. Gaining respect and trust from both clients and colleagues proved to be a significant challenge. However, Sylvette never let her gender define her capabilities. Despite the prevalent gender biases in the legal profession, she remained unwavering in her determination to succeed. Instead of seeing herself through the lens of gender, Sylvette focused solely on her abilities, constantly pushing herself to excel. “When I work, I don’t see gender, I focus on myself, and my capabilities. I see myself as my biggest competitor. As such, my approach has been to continually challenge myself and strive for excellence, regardless of the circumstances,” shares Sylvette.
By staying true to her values, leading by example, and consistently delivering outstanding results, Sylvette navigated these challenges with finesse. She prioritized building strong relationships and promoting inclusivity and diversity within the firm’s culture. Over time, her dedication paid off, earning the respect of both colleagues and clients. With her unparalleled proficiency in taxation, mergers and acquisitions, and an array of other fields, Sylvette has garnered widespread recognition from esteemed legal publications worldwide. She’s been honored as a leading lawyer for Corporate and M&A and recognized practitioner for Tax by Chambers and Partners, Leading Lawyers of 2020 by AsiaLaw, Legal 500, and one of the Top 100 Lawyers of 2019 by Asia Business Law Journal.
Leadership beyond Titles: Defining Success by Impact
When asked about pivotal moments in her career, Sylvette beams with pride as she recounts her appointment as managing partner at V&A Law, considering it one of the most significant milestones in her journey. For her, this wasn’t just a personal triumph but also a reflection of the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, values she holds dear. Sylvette cherishes the positive impact she made within the firm, among its employees, and in the broader legal community. For her, success isn’t just about climbing the ladder; it’s about the bonds she formed and the lives she influenced. “I measure success by the relationships that I have built, the lives that I have touched, and the legacy that I leave behind. Professionally, success is about achieving excellence in everything I do and making a meaningful contribution to the legal field,” she adds.
Cultivating a Supportive and Collaborative Culture
At V&A Law, Sylvette upholds transparency, integrity, and inclusivity as her core values, guiding her every decision. She firmly believes in leading by example and empowering her team to take ownership of their tasks. To foster a culture of innovation and excellence, she encourages creativity and open communication and ensures everyone knows where they stand and feels valued in the process. Sylvette’s trusts her crew to roll up their sleeves and dive in. By providing avenues for professional development and recognizing and rewarding excellence, she ensures that her team is motivated and engaged. Through her leadership, Sylvette cultivates a supportive and collaborative culture that empowers each member to unlock their full potential, ultimately delivering exceptional outcomes for their clients.
Giving Back to the Community
Sylvette’s commitment extends beyond the boardroom as she actively engages in various community initiatives. She previously served as the President of UP WILOCI and of the Harvard Club of the Philippines. Juggling her professional responsibilities with fervent community engagement might seem like a daunting task to many, but Sylvette adeptly navigates the demands of her job while still finding time to lend a helping hand where it’s needed most. When asked about how she manages to juggle these roles, Sylvette’s response is as pragmatic as it is heartfelt. “I prioritize community engagement together with my professional responsibilities by managing my time effectively and leveraging the support of my team,” she explains with a warm smile.
For Sylvette, it is not just about doing it all herself but about knowing when to delegate tasks and entrust them to capable hands. Sylvette feels fortunate to be part of an environment that not only encourages but actively supports her community engagement efforts. It is this balance between her professional and personal commitments that enables Sylvette to make a meaningful impact, both within the firm and in the wider community.
Pearls of Wisdom for Legal and Business Leaders
A seasoned lawyer and entrepreneur, Sylvette offers some insightful advice to those eager to follow in her footsteps. First and foremost, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity and innovation. “Stay true to yourself, be creative, and never stop learning,” she advises. Sylvette firmly believes that no matter how much you’ve accomplished, there’s always room to grow. While she acknowledges the inevitability of challenges, she emphasizes that it’s one’s response to the challenges that serve as the true measure of success. For Sylvette, this resilience mindset stems from her resolute focus on goals and the unwavering support of a reliable team by her side.
Besides this, Sylvette also urges aspiring lawyers and entrepreneurs to reconnect with their “why” – the driving force behind their career choice – to reignite motivation during tough times. Furthermore, she underscores the value of mentorship and guidance, emphasizing that seeking advice from those who have walked a similar path can offer invaluable insights and shortcuts to success. “By staying focused on your goals, maintaining a positive mindset, and drawing inspiration from experienced mentors, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way and turn your dreams into reality,” asserts Sylvette.
Shaping the Next Generation of Legal Minds
Forging ahead, Sylvette is deeply committed to ensuring that the next generation of V&A Lawyers uphold integrity and focus on success in their work. V&A Law has earned a robust reputation for delivering exceptional legal services, and in a constantly changing world, Sylvette is dedicated to preserving this standard by staying abreast of industry shifts and embracing innovation. Yet, her vision extends beyond just upholding the firm’s reputation; she envisions expanding its influence, catalyzing positive changes not only in the legal realm but also in broader society. But what drives her most is the opportunity to mentor and guide upcoming legal talents. With a passion for sharing knowledge and guiding others toward success, Sylvette is determined to pass on the torch of excellence to the next generation. “I am particularly passionate about mentoring the next generation of legal professionals since I believe in the power of knowledgesharing and guiding others toward success. By remaining steadfast in our values and embracing new challenges, I am confident that we can continue to achieve remarkable outcomes together,” concludes Sylvette.