A guide for newly qualified Attorneys

You know the requirements for attorneys: above-average exam grades, specialization in a specific field of law, practical experience, time abroad, doctorate, LL.M. You are in demand: try to meet these ever-increasing expectations.

Remember that not only will you exam grades be closely scrutinized when you join a firm, they will continue to be of importance throughout your professional career. Complete internships during your summer breaks with law firms and companies in order to gain some insight and find out what matters to you and what appeals to you. Take advantage of opportunities which your university and student exchange programs offer to study abroad. Don't just choose a field which everyone else wants (such as corporate law), but also consider lesser-known fields, such as banking, capital market and tax law.

German legal education is often criticized as too long. However, that time is your chance to lay the foundation for your career. Don't let that opportunity pass you by; but don't forget to live a little either!

You must now apply for a job and your CV is your "business card." Certain fundamental principles must be observed: of utmost importance are clarity, comprehensiveness and honesty. Summarize your life in retrospective fashion: from the present day back to your time at school. This makes it easier for the reader to see what your current station in life is. Your parents, religion and/or party affiliation may be important to you, but they do not belong in your application: in some cases, this information may even be harmful. Describe your education, part-time jobs, internships and hobbies. Get to the point and do not wax poetic.

Making the right decision for your first job is difficult. Take advantage of all sources of information: journals, job fairs, law firm websites and conversations with acquaintances who already work as attorneys.

In all cases, you should look for a "sparring partner," someone who knows his way around "behind the scenes" and who can help you and give you good advice. We would be glad to perform that function for you. We specialize in the legal market and can provide you with a great deal of background information about both law firms and companies. This service is available at no cost to you and should help you choose the job which is right for you.

Starting your career at a large and well-known firm is certainly not a bad option. The large firms, whether German, English or US American, offer excellent training and further education opportunities. The high starting salaries are attractive, but the expectations are also high: you will be required to work at the highest level, including international work with the most difficult material, and to put in a large number of hours. There is an increasing trend for these firms to hire their employees not for their entire careers, but only for a few years. If that is the case, take advantage of your start there. The skills which you acquire will be yours forever. Moreover, the firm's name in your CV gives you a chance to apply for other positions in law firms or companies. We will be glad to provide you with further information about the similarities and differences between the seemingly endless number of German, English and US American law firms.

Many choose not to begin their careers with a large firm. A small firm certainly has its advantages. In making this decision, however, you should keep in mind that it is generally difficult to switch from a small firm to a large firm. You should gather precise information about the structure of the firm, training and further education opportunities and the personal environment. In a small firm, it is especially important for you to get along with your colleagues.

You can also begin your career with the legal department of a company, although not very often, since most companies prefer to hire attorneys with professional experience.
Legal departments come in as many shapes and sizes as the companies themselves. There is the single counsel, small departments comprised of 2-5 people and large and powerful groups of up to 100 members. The work varies accordingly. As a single counsel, you will have to be a generalist. The larger the department, the greater your degree of specialization. If you want to switch jobs, which will certainly be the case sooner or later, keep in mind that it is easier to apply for a job from a large industrial company or well-known bank than from a smaller, unknown entity.