Topics: Career path, law firm owner, attorney, tax expert, partner, international tax law, corporate tax law, continuing education, tax appeal court, foundation, Weidmann Attorneys at Law.
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Hello Mr. Weidmann, thank you very much for accepting our interview invitation. You have been a partner and tax law expert at some of the most prestigious Swiss law firms and now own your own law firm, Weidmann Rechtsanwälte, in Zurich. Could you please describe your educational path to becoming a lawyer?
During my studies in Zurich, I was already interested in tax law with the naive belief that it would be less emotional than other areas of law. Additionally, I wanted to write a dissertation, but due to a lack of practical experience, I was unsure if tax law would indeed be my preferred field. So, I decided to first pass the bar exam. For the internship, I wanted to work at a court because I found it essential to know how a court functions and operates. Therefore, I applied for an internship, called "Auditorat," at the District Court of Zurich, where I completed the entire net year of internship.
The experiences I gained at various stages were very diverse and are still valuable to me. I could make my first attempts at work with a very competent and committed single judge in civil and criminal cases, dealt with LP debt enforcement and provisional measures. Actually, I would have been tempted to work longer at the District Court, but I wanted to pass the bar exam and write my dissertation. I asked the well-known, now retired tax law expert Prof. Dr. Markus Reich if he might need an assistant, as is usual with part-time hours. So, after my internship at the District Court, I returned to the university to dedicate myself to preparing for the bar exam while working as an assistant; thankfully, I succeeded.
What prompted you to pursue studies in law, and how relevant do you consider additional qualifications such as the Dipl. Tax Expert?
Like many lawyers, I chose to study law because I didn't have any other ideas. I could imagine some things, ruled out others, but I couldn't detect any particular talent in one direction or another within myself. The additional qualification to become a tax expert was not a topic for me for a long time, but after my studies, I delved deeply into accounting because there were thematic connections to my dissertation. I completed it within a useful timeframe and returned to the judiciary, but this time as a clerk at the former tax appeal commissions, now the Tax Appeal Court of the canton of Zurich. This was also a very enriching and enjoyable time. However, then I had to ask myself whether I wanted to stay in the judiciary or change to consultancy.
I opted for the change and became an associate at a large business law firm that placed great importance on the tax expert exam. The advantage of this additional qualification is that it compels the candidate to systematically delve into the entire subject matter. So, the relevance of this training, in my opinion, lies in this practice-oriented continuing education. The knowledge acquired at the university is by no means sufficient in the field of tax consultancy. Depending on the specific mandate, I rely on more than 80% of the knowledge and skills I acquired after my university degree. Continuous further education is essential, and I refer here to STAF, ATAD, DAC6, Pillar 2, and US GILTI.
The knowledge acquired at university is by no means sufficient in the field of tax consulting. Depending on the specific mandate, I rely on more than 80% of the knowledge and skills acquired after completing my university degree. Continuous further education is essential, and I refer to STAF, ATAD, DAC6, Pillar 2, and US GILTI as examples. - Markus Weidmann
The organizations and cultures of law firms can vary significantly. Over the years, I have developed certain ideas about how I want to work. My business foundations lie in corporate tax law and international tax law. However, I have always received inquiries from clients about other areas of law, or I am consulted for specialized questions, especially when it comes to accounting matters. In my own law firm, I have greater flexibility than in a firm that may impose certain technical boundaries on its partners or organize itself into workgroups, for example.
In my own law firm, I have greater flexibility than in a firm that may impose certain technical boundaries on its partners (...) - Markus Weidmann
And what does your typical workday look like as a law firm owner?
The daily routine of a business lawyer, which I am, is generally unremarkable from the outside. As a law firm owner, this hasn't changed, and it should remain that way. Compared to the tasks of a partner in a more or less integrated law firm, there are, of course, additional organizational and administrative duties. It is advisable to dedicate sufficient time and attention to these aspects. Delegation, where possible, and clear internal processes and structures must be a given.
What legal topics do you enjoy working on, and is there a particular case that stands out in your memory?
I prefer not to single out specific favorite topics. Upon in-depth examination, many things that initially seem dry can become very exciting. It's also challenging for me to highlight a particular case. I am pleased when, for example, a structural consultation proves to be correct and successful, and both the small and major victories in contentious situations add spice to my work. However, it often takes many years for such successes to materialize or become visible. Whether in advisory or litigation matters, besides technical knowledge and skills, methodology, intuition, and creativity are also essential. Sometimes, we cannot provide assistance, and it is something we also have to deal with.
As previously mentioned, you are a recognized tax expert. What do you particularly appreciate about working in this legal field?
It seems I have developed a certain affinity for numbers. Tax advice is built on the numbers of businesses and, therefore, allows for different, even deeper insights into companies than the traditional legal advice. Tax consulting for individuals involves continuous contact with the client. I appreciate both of these aspects and find them enriching. Moreover, one can also learn a lot from clients.
From tax consulting for natural persons, there arises a continuous contact with the clients. This is something I appreciate and find enriching. By the way, one can also learn a lot from the clients. - Markus Weidmann
What do you think distinguishes Weidmann Rechtsanwälte as an employer from other law firms?
We are a small team, and it is natural that everyone thinks and pulls together. The operation is, in my opinion, very transparently managed. However, I do not see any fundamental differences from other law firms; work is the same everywhere.
And finally: What advice would you give to aspiring law students and young lawyers who aim for a career as a law firm owner or tax expert?
I did not follow a general plan, but many things happened naturally, while others had to be worked on constantly. It seems important to me to have a solid technical and methodological basis that is not limited to the specific field. Court experience, or in the case of tax law, also experience from working in administration, is of great advantage. Curiosity for the client and for legal developments is essential. And of course, one must take care of one's clients; it requires some passion.
Thank you very much for these very personal and insightful glimpses into your world of tax law, Mr. Weidmann. We wish you all the best and stay healthy!