As part of a legal clerkship with us, you can expect to gain broad insight into our firm’s advisory and litigation practice, involvement in exciting cases, an open-door policy, and timely feedback—because your training is important to us. We promise you this: You’ll have the chance to make an impression.
We accept applications for legal clerkships at our two locations, Hamburg and Berlin, year-round. We’ve answered the most important questions in the FAQs below.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in a legal clerkship at ZENK. A clerkship at ZENK offers you the opportunity to qualify for a future position as an attorney at our firm. We’ve therefore compiled some important information on this topic in the FAQs below:
In which areas of law can I receive training as a legal clerk at ZENK?
We advise the private and public sectors in all major areas of national and European law. Our core areas include general commercial and business law, labor law, corporate law, intellectual property law, real estate law, construction and planning law, food law, and public law. We welcome legal clerks in all these areas at any time!
What qualifications does ZENK expect from a law clerk?
We’re looking for bright and creative minds. If you’re also eager to contribute your energy to our firm and are interested in economic issues, you’ve come to the right place. Above-average scores on your first bar exam are a plus – but the overall impression is what matters most. We value it if you’re working on a Ph.D. alongside your training, have earned a degree from a foreign university, or are involved in volunteer work.
Are trainee attorneys assigned to a specific practice area for the entire duration of their training?
As a rule, during your rotation at ZENK, you will focus on a specific area of law—we will coordinate this with you before your rotation begins. For longer training periods, it is also possible, with prior planning, to split your rotation at ZENK, allowing you to gain in-depth experience in various areas of law and industries.
What will my training as a legal trainee at ZENK entail?
We involve legal trainees in all relevant legal tasks. Whenever appropriate, you will participate in client meetings. You may attend court hearings as an observer or, in suitable cases, on your own. Training you is very important to us. That’s why we make every effort to ensure you receive prompt, direct feedback from your trainer on your work. We also invite you to participate in firm activities that take place during your training period.
Who will supervise me during my rotation?
During your training, you will be guided by a lawyer who serves as your mentor; as your trainer, they will also be your primary point of contact. Over the course of your rotation, you will have the opportunity to work with various lawyers. In addition, attorneys Victoria-Luise Vollstedt in Hamburg and Dr. Markus Pander in Berlin are available at any time to answer any questions you may have regarding the legal clerkship.
Do ZENK legal clerks receive separate compensation?
Providing our legal clerks with appropriate compensation is a matter of course for us. The amount will be agreed upon with you, taking your availability into account.
How will an internship at ZENK benefit me when I enter the workforce?
For one thing, we offer you practical insights into various traditional areas of practice for a business lawyer. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore attractive niche areas where our firm is particularly well-established (e.g., food law, architecture law). This makes it easier to choose a career path. Second, getting to know each other during the legal clerkship is an ideal opportunity for both sides to gauge mutual interest in a long-term working relationship. It’s no coincidence that many of our current partners began their careers with us as legal clerks.
How and when should I apply?
Please apply via email or in writing. Be sure to include the standard, detailed application materials. Due to the limited number of available training positions, we recommend applying at least six months in advance. It is also helpful if you indicate your preferred areas of law in your application.
Have we answered your initial questions? Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. We look forward to getting to know you.
Your Contact Person
Dr. Lisa Feuerhake
ZENK | Hamburg
Neuer Wall 25 / Schleusenbrücke 1
20354 Hamburg
feuerhake@zenk.com
