Topics: International career, lawyer, abroad, London, Silicon Valley, expatriate, educational path, Law & Economics, University of St. Gallen, LL.M., UC Berkeley, LALIVE.
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Good afternoon Mr. Estermann. You studied  Law & Economics  at the University of St. Gallen and obtained a doctorate in law. Despite widespread rumors that it is difficult to work abroad after studying law in Switzerland, you have worked both in the Silicon Valley and in London in recent years. Can you describe your educational path to us, especially how your international career came about?

Good afternoon and thank you for the inquiry. Indeed, as a Swiss lawyer, it is difficult to work abroad. However, it is not impossible, and besides hard work, it naturally requires the necessary dose of luck. Like so many things in life.

Various paths can lead to an international career. My door opener was probably the  LL.M. at UC Berkeley , one of the top 10 universities in the USA. The degree opened up unforeseen options for me. Ultimately, I decided not to pursue the California bar exam, but to work directly in the Silicon Valley for a software company. Without the Berkeley degree, I wouldn't have gotten the position, as I was clearly told. The grades and titles I worked hard for at HSG suddenly seemed irrelevant, although they, along with my professional experience, helped me get into UC Berkeley.

You can find all stages in the career of Dr. Philipp Estermann, LL.M. on his  LinkedIn profile.

Why did you decide to pursue an international career?

The decision was less conscious than one might assume. I always found a diverse and international environment exciting, so during my studies at HSG, I tried to do several exchange semesters. However, I then followed the "classic" Swiss lawyer career path. I pursued the LL.M. also because it was common practice in the world of Swiss business law firms.

I immediately took a liking to life abroad. Fortunately, my wife, who worked for a Med-Tech company in Palo Alto, felt the same way. So, as a couple, we decided to extend our life as expatriates a little longer...

In addition to an internationally recognized degree (usually an LL.M. from a reputable university), an (additional) foreign attorney's license or specialized training (e.g., CIPP) is often a door opener. - Dr. Philipp Estermann, LL.M.

What steps are necessary to work as a lawyer abroad and what challenges have you encountered?

My experience has been that no one abroad is waiting for a Swiss lawyer. In addition to an internationally recognized degree (usually an LL.M. from a reputable university), an (additional) foreign attorney's license or specialized training (e.g., CIPP) is often a door opener. Furthermore, it can be helpful to focus one's studies or professional activities in Switzerland on an international level (e.g., studying international law or working in the field of international arbitration). However, there is no blueprint.

The required visa and work permit can be an unexpected obstacle. Additionally, it is important to meet the relevant regulatory requirements. As mentioned, ultimately, it also requires luck.

Occasionally, statements circulate that graduates of law studies in Switzerland have limited opportunities abroad. How do you view this assertion?

Unfortunately, I can see some truth in this statement. My experience has been that graduates of law studies from an EU member state have a better starting position because they can cover the larger EU market. They are more attractive in the international job market. Of course, there are also isolated cases where employers explicitly require a Swiss degree, however, this seems to be more the exception.

It was crucial that I could quickly familiarize myself with new legal systems and areas. - Dr. Philipp Estermann, LL.M.

How do you deal with the different legal systems and cultural norms of various countries?

Especially in my role as In-house Counsel, responsible solely for EMEA, I often had to solve legal problems in new legal systems. It was crucial that I could quickly familiarize myself with new legal systems and areas. The education in Switzerland and the USA helped, as did my professional experience from the court, law firms, and in-house.

In what ways does LALIVE differ from other legal employers, and how has the company supported your efforts to work abroad?

LALIVE  has an international focus and an exceptionally diverse workforce with lawyers from currently 26 countries, speaking 20 languages and licensed in 16 jurisdictions. The firm has always focused on resolving international disputes, which is also reflected in LALIVE's offices in Geneva, Zurich, and London. Accordingly, lawyers at LALIVE are accustomed to working across offices and using new technologies.

What personal qualities or skills do you consider crucial to be successful in an international legal career?

Open-mindedness, linguistic ability, ambition, and perseverance seem essential to me.

What advice would you give to lawyers aspiring to an international career?

As the saying goes, there are many roads that lead to Rome. Often, one piece of the puzzle follows another without being planned. The first step abroad may be uncertain, but the experiences gained along the way are invaluable. Be brave. It's worth it!

It's reassuring to hear that it's worth taking this challenging path. Thank you very much for the valuable insights into your international career and the helpful advice. We wish you continued success!

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