Topics: Lawyer, University of Applied Sciences, Career Path, Law Firm Establishment, Lecturer, ZHAW, University of Lucerne, Brun & Forrer.
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Good morning Mr. Brun, we are excited to learn more about your unique career path. You completed an apprenticeship as a Mediamatiker, were the first graduate of the Business Law program at ZHAW to obtain the attorney's license, and currently work as an independent criminal defense lawyer at your firm Brun & Forrer, as well as a lecturer in Criminal Law at ZHAW. Could you please share more about your educational journey, especially explaining how it's possible to obtain the attorney's license through the University of Applied Sciences?

After the apprenticeship, I worked as an IT specialist for two years before enrolling in the then-new Bachelor's program in Business Law at  ZHAW . I completed this program after three years of full-time study in 2006. Subsequently, I pursued a Master's in Legal Sciences at the University of Lucerne. At that time, the  University of Lucerne  was one of the few universities already following the Bologna system (Bachelor/Master) and was therefore able to admit ZHAW graduates. I entered the Master's program directly but had to complete certain predefined exams from the Bachelor's program before finishing.

Editor's note: ZHAW Business Law graduates are currently required to pass the so-called 'Passerelle exams' totaling 60 ETCS credits to complete the Master's program at the University of Lucerne.

After completing my Master's in 2009, I undertook an internship at a major law firm in Zurich. In 2011, I passed the bar exam in the canton of Zurich. All of this was uncharted territory at the time – for the students, universities, and even law firms. Fortunately, numerous ZHAW graduates have since followed this path every year. There are now many lawyers who have pursued this educational route.

It's especially beneficial for students who intend to work extensively alongside their studies. Simon Brun

Whom would you recommend to take the path through a University of Applied Sciences?

The path through the University of Applied Sciences is primarily recommended for individuals who have completed an apprenticeship with vocational baccalaureate. It's especially beneficial for students who intend to work extensively alongside their studies. ZHAW offers programs in Business Law and Applied Law on a part-time basis, and this option is widely utilized. As far as I know, about half of the students are currently studying while working.

Lastly, I can recommend the Bachelor's in Business Law to students who are uncertain about pursuing a Master's and/or obtaining the attorney's license. Around half of the female graduates do not pursue a Master's but directly enter the professional world with their Bachelor's degree.

Could you shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of the path to becoming a lawyer through the University of Applied Sciences compared to the traditional university path?

Due to my own career trajectory, I am only fully familiar with one side and therefore cannot conclusively assess this. The path to becoming a lawyer through the University of Applied Sciences ultimately also involves the university. Hence, students must demonstrate themselves both in a practice-oriented and interdisciplinary program at the University of Applied Sciences as well as in a traditional study of legal sciences at the university. Additionally, ZHAW graduates already bring several years of professional experience and, if they opt for part-time studies, remain employed throughout their entire Bachelor's program.

Graduates are thus well-equipped for entry into the professional field. However, the path through the University of Applied Sciences usually takes at least one to two years longer than a traditional university study. Moreover, especially for part-time students, they rarely experience the classic student life, which I personally still hold dear in memory.

I have never regretted taking the leap into self-employment – quite the contrary. I regularly encourage young lawyers contemplating self-employment to take this step. - Simon Brun

After working as an employed attorney in a corporate law firm for a little over two years, you founded your own firm,  Brun & Forrer  in 2014. What was the reason behind this decision, and what advice do you give to young lawyers who might also consider establishing themselves?

Independence has always attracted me in legal practice. I aimed to be as free and autonomous as possible while establishing something of my own. Moreover, I desired to specialize in criminal law, which has fascinated me since my studies. I have never regretted taking the leap into self-employment – quite the contrary. I regularly encourage young lawyers contemplating self-employment to take this step. However, I frequently notice that many colleagues tend to be risk-averse in this regard.

Personally, I consider the risks associated with self-employment to be relatively low: minimal investment is required, and I believe there are still enough niches in the legal market. After one to two years of self-employment, one can assess whether the venture is or will be successful. If not, one can return to employment at a law firm or legal service. I scarcely know of other startups with such low entry barriers and high chances of success.

What does your day-to-day work look like as a criminal defense attorney and partner at Brun & Forrer?

My workday is highly diverse. Typically, I handle about two dozen different cases per month. I am frequently on the move, participating in interrogations with the police and prosecution, visiting clients in prison, and representing them in court. When in the office, I hold meetings with clients and other attorneys, negotiate with prosecutors and opposing counsels, review case files, work on legal documents and pleadings, and more.

The intriguing yet challenging aspect of my work is its unpredictability. For instance, if the phone rings early in the morning because there's a house search underway or a client has been arrested, I usually have to drop everything and head out. Those who don't appreciate such spontaneity might be better suited for a different career than that of a criminal defense attorney.

My duty is to support and represent my clients' interests—regardless of whether or what they may have done. - Simon Brun

As a criminal defense attorney, you often find yourself standing alongside those accused of a crime. Do you sometimes feel morally challenged to defend such individuals, and how do you cope with it?

The question implies that a person accused of a crime has indeed committed one. However, an accusation does not necessarily imply guilt; it merely means that a court has to decide on this matter. As a criminal defense attorney, my role is not to pass judgment. My duty is to support and represent my clients' interests—regardless of whether or what they may have done. German criminal defense attorney Gerhard Strate aptly described the essence of criminal defense: 'The task of the criminal defense lawyer is to provide trust where everyone denies it; to unfold compassion where feelings have withered; to sow doubt where none exist anymore; and to plant hope where it has long vanished.'

I firmly believe that every individual has the right to such defense. Therefore, I have no qualms if I—within legal limits—do everything possible to achieve the best outcome for my clients. It's important to realize that a criminal proceeding can destroy an entire existence and is extremely burdensome for those involved. I think most people can only truly comprehend this when they've experienced it themselves. Being there for someone in such a critical state and supporting them—that, to me, is the essence of criminal defense.

Thank you for the engaging insights into your impressive career path. We wish you continued success!