In celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker is showcasing the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service. Priscilla Bonsu is an attorney in our New York, NY office. She focuses her practice on corporate, securities, mergers and acquisitions, and a broad range of business transactions—both domestically and globally. An interesting fact: she has made numerous appearances on international news channels, such as BBC.
Q: Explain your practice area and what you do.
A: I practice corporate and securities law. In my practice area, we help businesspeople reach their business goals in a legal manner.
Q: How did you know you wanted to practice law?
A: I have always had an interest in corporate law but initially shied away from it. I started off in international arbitration but got bored very quickly. That’s when I knew to go for it, and I’ve never looked back.
Q: What is a significant achievement or milestone in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
A: Quitting my job in Frankfurt, Germany, moving across the pond on my own, and becoming a (corporate) attorney in New York City against all odds.
Q: What qualities do you admire about the women in your life?
A: The women in my life are very smart, hardworking, resourceful, and great leaders. I respect and admire each and every single one of them for everything they have accomplished in their lives.
Q: Who is your favorite female historical figure and why?
A: There are so many female historical figures that I admire and look up to. Picking a favorite is extremely difficult, close to impossible to be frank. So, I’m picking two historical figures who have sparked my interest over the last few years: Katherine Johnson and Hedy Lamarr. They were both independent thinkers, greatly underestimated during their lifetime, very versatile women, who used their intellect to fight stereotypes and to contribute to society during wartime.
Q: What obstacles do women still face today?
A: Unrealistic, outdated, and unjust expectations (e.g. traditional gender roles, i.e. “mental load” which is the root cause of the gender pay gap, or expectations to look a certain way or to do certain things, particularly at a certain age).
Q: What is something you would like the next generation of women to know?
A: I’d like the next generation of women to know that change is possible and that it is actually happening. However, real change takes time. Be patient and understand that you’re already better off than the women who came before us.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: I’d urge myself to learn how to block out all the noise early on in life. In other words, find out who you are and decide who you want to be. If you don’t, society will do it for you…