Legal clerkship FAQs
A legal clerkship at ZENK
We’re pleased that you’re interested in a traineeship at ZENK. A training post at ZENK offers you the opportunity to qualify for a further position as a lawyer in our firm.
As such, the following FAQs contain the most important information you need to know:
In which areas of law can I train as a trainee lawyer at ZENK?
We advise business and the public sector in all key areas of national and European law. Key areas include general commercial and business law, employment law, corporate law, industrial property law, real estate and construction law, food law and public law. We welcome trainees in all fields at any time!
What qualifications does ZENK expect from a trainee lawyer?
We are looking for clever and creative minds. If you are also interested in joining us as a dedicated colleague, and if matters of business pique your interest, you’ve come to the right place. Above-average grades in the first state examination are an advantage, but the overall impression is what really counts. If you’re working on a doctorate parallel to your training, have a foreign degree, or are volunteering, these are all things that will count in your favour.
Are trainees assigned to a specific advisory field for the entirety of their training period?
Usually, you will focus on one legal field during your traineeship at ZENK. This will be coordinated with you prior to you joining us. In the case of longer training periods, it is possible – after corresponding planning – to divide up your time at ZENK and thus get to know other fields of law and industries in greater depth.
What will my training at ZENK look like?
Trainee lawyers are involved in all legal tasks and responsibilities. Where appropriate, you will take part in client meetings. You may accompany a more senior lawyer to court appointments or, where suitable, attend them alone. It is very important to us that you cultivate good legal skills. Because of this, we make every effort to ensure that you receive direct feedback from your mentor at the earliest opportunity. We also invite our trainees to participate in any internal firm activities that occur during their training period.
Who will look after me during my training?
Your training will be overseen by an assigned lawyer, who will act as your mentor and as your primary point of contact. Over the course of your training, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a variety of lawyers within the firm. In addition, Victoria-Luise Vollstedt in Hamburg and Dr. Markus Pander in Berlin will be available to answer any questions you may have about the legal traineeship at any time.
Do ZENK trainees receive remuneration from the firm?
It’s important to us that our trainees are remunerated appropriately. The amount will be agreed with you in advance, taking into consideration the time you have available.
What are the benefits of working at ZENK for my subsequent entry to the legal field?
While, on the one hand, we offer practical insights into standard fields of business law, you can also familiarize yourself with the various attractive niches in which our firm is particularly well-established (e.g. food law and architectural law). This widens your later career choices. Moreover, the chance for us to get to know one another during your legal traineeship is an ideal way for both sides to sound out their mutual interest in long-term cooperation. That’s why many of our current partners started their careers as trainees with us.
How and when do I apply?
Apply by email or letter. Please attach the the usual application documents. Due to the limited number of training places available, we recommend a lead time of at least six months. It will help us to make our decision if you state your preferred legal fields on your application.
Have we answered your initial questions? Please feel free to contact us if you have any more – we look forward to getting to know you!
List of Contacts
Dr. Lisa Feuerhake
ZENK | Hamburg
Neuer Wall 25 / Schleusenbrücke 1
20354 Hamburg
feuerhake@zenk.com
