From intern to associate – starting my career at Gleiss Lutz
Starting a legal career is a major step for many young lawyers, and it was no different for me. Once you’ve completed your legal training, you’re faced with a host of career opportunities. Choosing among them is not about right or wrong; it’s a personal decision driven by individual aspirations, experiences, and goals. After several training placements, it simply felt right to start my career at Gleiss Lutz.
First impressions and defining experiences
My first experience of the dynamic environment of a major law firm came during my studies, when I completed an employment law internship at Gleiss Lutz in Frankfurt. Although I had previously had little exposure to this practice area, I was involved in active client work from the word go. The challenging legal issues made a lasting impression on me, but what stayed with me most was the unmistakable “Gleiss spirit” and the genuine collegial atmosphere.
After my first state examination, I decided to return to employment law and to my roots in the Rhineland. I joined Gleiss Lutz’s Düsseldorf office as a research assistant, conducting research on complex legal issues and contributing to exciting client matters and publication projects. The close cooperation within the team and the trust placed in me strengthened my confidence and my enthusiasm for the legal profession.
After completing my doctorate, I gained experience in other areas, but ultimately returned to Gleiss Lutz as a trainee lawyer. By then I already knew that this was where I wanted to practise as a lawyer.
Challenges and new responsibilities as an associate
Stepping into the role of fully-fledged lawyer comes with more responsibility and unique challenges. From an early stage, I was working on cases largely on my own. But dealing with complex legal questions is only part of the job. Day-to-day work also involves managing workflows, communicating with clients, developing strategies, and guiding aspiring lawyers. Of course, things can be daunting at the beginning: the first client meeting, the first court hearing – there are many “firsts” to navigate.
“Starting out as an associate at Gleiss Lutz meant embracing exciting challenges, learning on the job and becoming part of a truly special corporate culture.”
Dr. Lisa Deckers, Associate, Gleiss LutzKnowledge and support as the key to success
Starting out as an associate at Gleiss Lutz meant embracing exciting challenges, learning on the job and becoming part of a truly special corporate culture. The skills I had gained during my time as a research assistant and law clerk proved invaluable – whether in drafting a compelling pleading or knowing where to look for answers to difficult legal issues. What made the biggest difference, though, were my wonderful colleagues who supported me every step of the way. Looking back, I am grateful for the many formative experiences I’ve had, all of which will undoubtedly continue to shape my career.
