The Path to a Large Law Firm: Reflections on the JurPerspective Event with Nico Kuhlmann

On November 21, 2024, InterAct Law e.V. welcomed Nico Kuhlmann (Senior Associate at Hogan Lovells in Hamburg) as part of the JurPerspective interview series.

The conversation, moderated by Maja Dettmers, initially focused on the guest's studies and how his time in Bayreuth shaped him. Nico Kuhlmann encouraged the audience to explore different areas of interest as early as possible during their studies because with each semester, there is less time for orientation, and exam preparation becomes more important. Therefore, one should not hesitate to gain experience in areas that initially lie outside their comfort zone. In this context, Nico Kuhlmann emphasized how important it is for resilience in later professional life to have multiple mental pillars and not to spend the entire study period in the library.

Subsequently, Nico Kuhlmann talked about his legal traineeship, particularly describing how enlightening and formative his stint at the Federal Constitutional Court under Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Paulus was. However, he stressed that trainees should not only choose their stints based on their attractiveness on the resume but also consider the workload associated with the position. It is important to have enough time for learning so that the immersion period isn’t overloaded with study material.

The discussion also covered tips against overload when starting a career at a large law firm. Nico Kuhlmann emphasized that while one should generally have a certain resilience to time stress and prolonged challenging phases, the workload can be managed if regular breaks are taken consistently, ensuring sufficient reserves to draw upon during stressful periods. The guest shared that he consciously creates settings that help him unwind, such as traveling to nature, regular dog sitting, attending concerts, and visiting art halls and techno clubs.

Nico Kuhlmann also places great value on trying new things and embracing the freedom to find something fulfilling that persists independent of others' judgment. Consequently, Nico Kuhlmann does not have a 10-year plan but takes each year as it comes. However, he is certain that he loves being a lawyer and is intrigued by not knowing exactly what the next case will bring.

After the conversation, Nico Kuhlmann took a lot of time to answer the audience's questions. Over a Bayreuther Hell or two, the audience learned, among other things, which South African band Nico Kuhlmann is passionate about, why the legal workforce poses a greater challenge to employers than digital transformation, and which vacation highlight the guest is already looking forward to.

InterAct Law e.V. thanks Nico Kuhlmann for taking the time to engage with the audience and for making the journey to Hannover. Additionally, InterAct Law e.V. thanks Hella Ralfs from Hogan Lovells for communication support. Special thanks also go to David Erhardt for marketing design and technical implementation.

This event was realized by team members Dorsa Neyestani, Maja Dettmers, Alrun Meyer, and Sina John.

About InterAct Law e.V.

InterAct Law e.V. is a non-profit association that emerged from the initiative and ideas of two law students from the Student Council Law Hannover. The association aims to further develop and continue the formats JurVOICE, JurPerspective, and Zeitgeist.