Topics: Partner, Lenz & Staehelin, business law, M&A, corporate law, career path, attorney.
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Good day, Mrs. Ehrsam. We are delighted that you agreed to participate in this interview. As a partner at Lenz & Staehelin and an expert in commercial law and M&A, could you describe your educational journey and how you became a partner at a renowned law firm?
After completing my studies at the University of Basel, I undertook my traineeship at Lenz & Staehelin in 2010. I was particularly drawn to working on M&A transactions, and as a result, I returned to Lenz & Staehelin's M&A team as an attorney after passing the bar exam. After about two years, I had the opportunity to work as a visiting attorney at Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz in New York for a year. Upon my return from America, I worked for six months in our offices in Geneva and Lausanne before rejoining the Zurich office in early 2016. Since the beginning of 2022, I have been a partner in the Corporate/M&A department.
What motivated you to continue your career path at Lenz & Staehelin?
Advancing a "career" or becoming a partner was never a conscious goal for me. Instead, I was fascinated by M&A transactions, their dynamics, and unpredictability. I enjoyed taking on increasing responsibility during transactions and providing the best possible advice to clients in collaboration with the team. Since no two transactions were the same, I never felt bored, and therefore, I never had the need to seek a different challenge. Additionally, I felt extremely comfortable in my work environment. I was fortunate to be surrounded by experienced and demanding colleagues, which allowed me to learn a great deal both professionally and personally.
"Making a career" or becoming a partner were never conscious goals for me. I was rather fascinated by M&A transactions, their dynamism, and unpredictability, and I enjoyed taking on increasing levels of responsibility within the transactions... - Simone Ehrsam
Could you give us an insight into your daily work as a partner and explain the challenges that come with your job?
Every day is different. At the core, of course, is working on client matters. In addition to that, I work on publications and presentations, attend events, participate in internal and external meetings, and cultivate my professional network. While I highly appreciate the variety, the many different tasks require significant coordination and demand a great deal of flexibility, not only from me but also from my personal environment.
What specific skills and qualities do you consider important to start a career at Lenz & Staehelin?
In addition to a solid legal education and an interest in economic and business matters, perseverance, teamwork, enjoying client interactions, a desire to learn as much as possible, and a "let's do it" mentality are essential to find long-term satisfaction in working at a business law firm.
Perseverance, teamwork, enjoying client interactions, a strong interest in continuous learning, and a "let's do it" mentality are important to find long-term fulfillment in working at a business law firm. - Simone Ehrsam
What do you appreciate most about your work at Lenz & Staehelin?
I appreciate the variety, challenging mandates, personal contact with clients, and teamwork. Additionally, I value being a partner and entrepreneur at Lenz & Staehelin, where I can actively contribute to the firm's development (for example, in the hiring process) and guide young motivated lawyers on their path to becoming experienced attorneys.
How does Lenz & Staehelin differ as an employer from other companies?
Due to my career path, I cannot provide a comprehensive comparison with other companies. What I like about Lenz & Staehelin is the focus on client advice and the collaborative approach where we support our clients from different perspectives, various practice areas, and relying on extensive experience as a team. Additionally, I appreciate the direct, open exchange and the many personal contacts with colleagues and clients.
And finally, what advice would you give to applicants aspiring to become a partner in general?
As a university graduate, the focus should be on enjoying business law and working with clients, as well as having the desire to learn as much as possible and gain extensive experience. Motivation for applying should stem from these factors. Everything else will naturally fall into place on your career path.
Thank you for the insightful perspectives, Ms. Ehrsam. We wish you all the best both professionally and personally!