FAQ

Yes. A CV and relevant references are enough to start with – you can submit additional documents later on. A complete set of documents does help us evaluate your application faster and more thoroughly, however. Our recruiting team will gladly assist you if you have any questions.

Yes, we are always happy to receive speculative applications. Our recruiting team will check whether a suitable position is available. 

Once we have received your application, we carefully review your documents. If your profile is a good match, we will invite you to an interview. The process may differ depending on the role.

For (future) lawyers:

We typically get back to legal applicants very quickly. If the first impression is positive, we’ll invite you to an interview at your preferred office. You’ll meet the team, your tutor and get a genuine feel for how we work together. Lawyers can also talk to our HR partner about career paths, training and other general aspects of the role. The day usually includes lunch together and a tour of the office. We then review the feedback and get back to you shortly.

For (future) business professionals and legal assistants:

The process typically starts with an interview with HR and, depending on the role, someone from the relevant business service unit or practice area. A second interview may follow so you can get to know your future team and make sure it’s a good fit on both sides. For some positions, you may be asked to complete a short work task or writing exercise. After successfully completing the interviews and discussing the contract details, you’ll be ready to join Gleiss Lutz.

In most cases, within a few days. We review applications promptly so you’ll know what the next steps are as soon as possible.

The contact listed in the job posting will support you throughout the process and is available to answer any questions.

Depending on the role and the situation, we often start with an online interview. Further steps – especially final interviews – usually take place at the relevant office so you can get a feel for the workplace and meet your future team.

No special preparation is needed. We want to get to know the real you. We recommend taking a quick look at our website and the job description. Business-casual attire is absolutely fine – what matters most is that you feel comfortable.

Yes, if you’re interested in several roles, you’re welcome to apply for more than one. Our recruiting team will coordinate the process. Alternatively, you can let us know your preference in your cover letter.

You’ll begin with a structured onboarding programme designed to help you get to know our systems, processes, and practice areas, as well as gain insight into how we work together. From day one, you’ll be supported by a peer coach and a partner acting as your tutor, while being involved in client matters. You’ll also attend a multi-day offsite seminar featuring inspiring talks, team-building exercises and exclusive networking opportunities.

From the outset, a partner will act as your tutor, involving you in case work, providing guidance and supporting your professional growth. You will also have a peer coach as a direct point of contact for day-to-day questions. Associated partners benefit from an extended mentoring programme that provides additional opportunities to discuss career paths, professional growth, and networking.

We actively support your professional ambitions – whether you are pursuing a doctorate, an LL.M., or qualification as a tax adviser. For doctoral studies, we offer paid leave of six to twelve months, either before or during your time with us. An LL.M. programme receives the same support in terms of funding and time off, and each year we award four LL.M. scholarships for English-language master’s programmes abroad. Preparation for the tax adviser exam is also supported through generous leave arrangements and financial assistance.

As one of Germany’s leading independent full-service law firms, we maintain a global network and work closely with renowned law firms around the world. This enables us to provide our clients with seamless cross-border advice. This means you’ll be involved in international cases, work closely and directly with international teams, and gain experience that will have a lasting impact on your career.

Yes. Secondments with partner firms or clients in Germany or abroad are a key part of our career path for lawyers. They typically last between six and twelve months. We also offer mini-secondments of around one month. These placements provide exposure to different legal and commercial environments, help you grow your professional network, and further develop your legal expertise and personal capabilities.

Yes. Rotations are an integral part of our career path for lawyers. For several months you’ll join a different office and team, gaining fresh perspectives on how we work, deepening your expertise, and engaging across disciplines, while expanding your internal network.

You’ll work on real cases from day one, from carrying out research to contributing to expert reports, memos and drafts. A partner acting as your tutor as well as a peer coach will support you throughout and provide continuous feedback. Participation in meetings, calls and, where feasible, court hearings will give you first-hand insight into day-to-day legal work, while regular team meetings and feedback discussions will ensure a structured learning experience.

Yes. As part of our International Exchange Programme, you can complete your elective placement at a law firm from our international network or at our offices in Brussels or London. You must have a recommendation from a partner to apply, and experience from an earlier placement at Gleiss Lutz may be an advantage.

Our One Step Ahead programme offers targeted exam coaching, training for oral presentations on case files, mock exams and seminars with Kaiser & Hemmer, access to the Jurafuchs digital learning platform, and a well-equipped library. Additional support is provided through expert lectures, workshops and individual mentoring. 

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We structure your working hours to suit both your placement and your exam prep.

We provide support for additional qualifications such as a doctorate or an LL.M. by offering six to twelve months off as well as financial assistance. We also award four LL.M. scholarships each year. 

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Your recruiting contact will be happy to assist you from contract signing to start date. After that, your tutor will support you as your dedicated point of contact for both organisational and work-related questions.

Yes. Once you’ve successfully completed your traineeship, you will very likely be offered a permanent position. Trainees who demonstrate commitment, reliability, and initiative have a very good chance of becoming permanent members of the team.

Yes. As a working student, you’ll support a business service team for up to 20 hours per week, work independently on tasks and projects, and apply what you’re learning in practice. Working hours are flexible and agreed with the team. You will be closely supervised, receive regular feedback and be fully integrated into the team. 

Current positions for working students can be found here.

Yes. While we don’t formally advertise thesis opportunities, we do supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s theses on subjects aligned with the work of our business service units. If you’re interested, send us a short cover letter outlining your proposed topic and its relevance to the firm. Supervision is subject to internal review and approval. 

Further information as well as the relevant contact can be found on the Future business professionals page.

Subject to availability, you can complete a mandatory or voluntary internship in any of our business service units. You’ll support ongoing projects, gain insight into internal processes and be guided by experienced colleagues – allowing you to gain valuable practical experience and build professional contacts early on. 

As we don’t usually advertise internships, we recommend identifying the team you’re interested in and sending your application to the contact listed on the Future Business Professionals page.

We see internal mobility as an opportunity for growth and development. Depending on your role and the firm’s needs, you can work across offices or in other teams, or take on new responsibilities. We support you with clear processes, individual guidance and tailored development plans.

We offer leadership programmes tailored to specific roles. Our BSU leadership programme provides business professionals with modern, effective management tools, while our partner development programme prepares future partners for entrepreneurial, team management, and business development responsibilities – embedded in a culture that encourages and supports professional growth.

At Gleiss Lutz, we welcome initiative beyond your core responsibilities. You can work on cross-office or interdisciplinary projects or support initiatives that shape the firm’s development – giving you the chance to share your ideas and take on responsibility.

Your career path is clearly defined and offers excellent long-term prospects. From day one, you’ll take on responsibility and continue to grow both professionally and personally. Mentoring, regular feedback and customised programmes support you at every stage, and rotations and international exposure are an integral part of your career path.

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Career paths are varied and tailored to your strengths, interests and experience. Depending on your role, you can choose to specialise, take on project responsibility or grow into a leadership role. Regular feedback, individual development plans and the Gleiss Lutz Academy support you along the way.