You have a background in law as well as international experience. How have these strengths helped you in your new role, and how did the onboarding process help you settle in?
My legal career in Ukraine gave me a strong understanding of how law firms operate. I know how lawyers think, what they need, and what matters in day-to-day teamwork. The onboarding process helped me apply that experience to my new environment and quickly familiarise myself with the way things work at Gleiss Lutz.
Looking back, how would you describe the journey from your first contact with Gleiss Lutz to joining the firm?
I was genuinely impressed by the entire recruitment process. I had the chance to talk to many different people, from members of the recruiting team to the lawyers I met during the process. It felt like a genuine dialogue between equals, conducted in an open and welcoming atmosphere. One aspect I particularly appreciated was that there were no predictable, off-the-shelf interview questions. The aim was not to test prepared answers but to get a real sense of each other. And I never had to wait long for feedback. Overall, the process was fast, straightforward and made me feel valued.
“Overall, the process was fast, straightforward and made me feel valued.”
Artem Bondarenko, Assistant, Gleiss LutzThe first few weeks in a new role are always special. What was your onboarding experience like?
The first few weeks were intense, but I had clear guidance from day one. I started by learning the essentials through video-based training modules and other courses. But what helped me most was putting that knowledge into practice straight away, with my colleagues guiding me through each step and sharing plenty of useful tips. This combination of training and hands-on experience helped me settle into my new role quickly and feel confident in my day-to-day work.
Was there a moment when you felt that you’d truly settled in?
There wasn’t a single defining moment – it was more a gradual process. I spent the first few weeks familiarising myself with the role, getting to know the team and – to be honest – adjusting to working in German. Things started to feel like they were coming together after around two months, and the positive feedback from my colleagues reinforced that feeling. That was when I knew I had truly settled in and become part of the team. I’d found my place.
What role did your colleagues play in helping you adjust during the first few weeks, both professionally and personally? Were there any moments that gave you a real sense of how teams work together at Gleiss Lutz?
My team gave me an incredibly warm welcome. My colleagues were the people I turned to first, and they still are today. Every question was answered, and nothing was ever considered too trivial or unimportant. I never felt left on my own or without support, which made the transition into my new role much easier. We work closely as a team and share a strong focus on results. If urgent tasks need to be handled and some team members are already stretched, we find solutions together and divide the work across the team to ensure everything is completed on time. Mutual support isn’t just a buzzword here. It’s part of how we work every day, and something I really value.
“Mutual support isn’t just a buzzword here. It’s part of how we work every day, and something I really value.”
Artem Bondarenko, Assistant, Gleiss LutzYou joined Gleiss Lutz as an assistant, a role that comes with significant responsibility and close involvement in client matters. What was it like taking on this new role?
It’s important to me that my work has a clear purpose and that I’m making a meaningful contribution through what I do each day. From the very start, I was able to work on cases and felt like a real part of the team rather than someone simply watching from the sidelines. That made the onboarding process much smoother and was incredibly motivating.
Where did you encounter Gleiss Lutz’s culture of excellence during your first few months, and what does it mean to you in your role today?
To me, excellence is all about attention to the details, even those may seem insignificant at first glance. As an assistant, this means thinking one step ahead and taking ownership of your work. It’s not just about completing a task, but about seeing the bigger picture and understanding how you can contribute to the overall goal. For me, personal growth is part of the equation, and I strongly believe in going the extra mile. That means putting a little more into a task than might be expected – a mindset that has served me extremely well.
“From the very start, I was able to work on cases and felt like a real part of the team rather than someone simply watching from the sidelines. ”
Artem Bondarenko, Assistant, Gleiss LutzWhat advice would you give to someone who is about to make a similar fresh start?
You should be flexible and open to new experiences. Knowing your strengths and recognising where they can add the greatest value is key. And: taking initiative will get you a long way. It has certainly played a major part in my own development. So my advice is simply to keep an open mind, stay curious and be willing to step outside your comfort zone.