What inspired you to apply for an elective placement at our Brussels office, and did you receive any support in preparing for this step?
The idea of completing my elective placement at Gleiss Lutz’s office in Brussels took shape during my practical training at Gleiss in Berlin. I greatly enjoyed gaining insight into the day-to-day legal work and focus of the data protection team to which I was assigned, so I initially considered completing my elective placement with that team as well.
However, I was keen to go abroad one more time for my elective placement and use the opportunity, before starting my career, to improve my intercultural skills and legal English. My placement at the Brussels office enabled me to perfectly combine both of these goals.
I was actively supported in my plans by my supervisors in both Berlin and Brussels. When I expressed an interest in completing my elective placement at Gleiss Lutz in Brussels, not only was I put in touch with my future instructor in Brussels, but my wish to combine data protection law with antitrust law was also taken into account. I truly appreciate this level of commitment and am very grateful to both supervisors for their exceptional support!
“Working on international cases helped me deepen my understanding of EU law while also improving my legal English skills.”
Madia Jacobs, Research Assistant, Gleiss Lutz
What was your working schedule like in Brussels, and how did you find the teamwork between early career and experienced lawyers?
I greatly enjoyed my elective placement, because it allowed me to work at the intersection of antitrust and data protection law, but also gave me the opportunity to explore other aspects of antitrust law and become familiar with state aid law. What I found especially appealing was the international focus of the legal advice provided in these areas. Working on international cases helped me deepen my understanding of EU law while also improving my legal English skills. The excellent Legal English course was a great help throughout.
The close cooperation between experienced and early career lawyers in Brussels was a particularly enriching experience. As Gleiss Lutz’s office in Brussels is much smaller than its German offices, the working environment is more informal, so we always had the opportunity to ask questions and benefit from detailed feedback.
At the start of my placement, we were three trainee lawyers and two research assistants at the Brussels office. Talking to the others made it much easier for me to settle in. Being able to ask the more experienced aspiring lawyers questions about work processes and organisation at any time, as well as discuss all aspects relating to the practical legal training, was a great help.
How did you spend your time outside of work?
Brussels is a vibrant city with a rich cultural, historical, and – of course – political landscape to explore. In my spare time, I toured EU institutions and took part in events organised by the German Federal State Representations in Brussels.
I was also lucky that my placement coincided with the Advent season, giving me the chance to visit the city’s charming Christmas markets and enjoy the festive lights in the historic centre. I especially enjoyed the weekly after-work meet-ups with other aspiring lawyers, which – in true Brussels style – were held in the Place du Luxembourg, or “Plux.”
“Brussels is also the perfect place to engage with Europe and the EU and to start building a strong professional network even before officially starting your career.”
Madia Jacobs, Research Assistant, Gleiss LutzWhat practical value did your time abroad bring – especially in terms of your legal expertise and intercultural skills? What are your key takeaways?
I can highly recommend completing the elective placement abroad with Gleiss Lutz, especially at its Brussels office. For me, it was a fantastic opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. I greatly appreciated gaining valuable insights into antitrust and state aid law within a short timeframe, while getting to know Brussels as a place to live and work.
Brussels is also the perfect place to engage with Europe and the EU and to start building a strong professional network even before officially starting your career. I would therefore encourage all aspiring lawyers to consider an international placement, even while dealing with the intense demands of practical legal training.
