Good evening, dear readers! Today I would like to tell you a little anecdote instead of discussing an abstract legal case or verdict as usual. It’s about humanity, trust and the art of being a true partner.
Meeting an exciting startup
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting the CEO of an exciting start-up at a Medianet event in Berlin. He was fascinated by my unusual combination of being a nerd and a lawyer and we exchanged contact details.
An unexpected call
Then, completely unexpectedly, I received a call from him. He was desperate. His startup was in legal trouble and the previous lawyer had resigned. He urgently needed help and was looking for someone who not only had legal expertise, but also an understanding of the technical side of his business.
Time pressure and chaos
To make the situation even more complicated, a court case was due in less than a week after the call. He now had no lawyer, the colleague had left a lot of mess, and it was hard for him to find a replacement. The clock was ticking and nerves were on edge.
More than just a lawyer
At such times, it is easy to take advantage of the situation and charge high fees. But that would not be in the spirit of my philosophy. I firmly believe that as an attorney I not only provide legal services, but I am also a partner and supporter to my clients. I took the time to carefully review the documents and familiarize myself with the case. Together with the managing director, we worked out a strategy and I negotiated with the other side. In the end, we were able to reach a fair settlement.
Satisfaction and focus on the essentials
Yes, I may not have received the maximum fees according to the RVG. But that was not my goal either. My goal was to help my client solve his problems so he could get back to his core business. And that is exactly what we have achieved. The startup is satisfied and can now drive its business forward without the distraction of legal disputes.
A true partner
This anecdote reinforced my belief that it is important not only to write words on a website, but also to live them. As an attorney, I pride myself on being a trusted partner to my clients. I am convinced that this is the way we can grow not only as individuals but also as a society. So the next time you read on a website that someone wants to be a trusting partner, ask yourself: are they living it? And if you yourself are in a position to offer support, remember: Be more than words. Be a true partner. In today’s fast-paced world, where everything often happens at the last minute, it is even more important that we can rely on each other. My client needed someone who understood not only his legal concerns, but also his technical concerns. He needed someone willing to dig in and act quickly. I am glad that I could be there for him during this critical time. It fills me with pride and joy to know that I have been able to make a difference not only as a lawyer, but also as a person. Let’s all work to build true partnerships and live the values we espouse in our daily actions. Because at the end of the day, it’s the relationships and trust that count. With this in mind, I wish you an inspiring evening and hope that this anecdote will encourage you to always do your best and be a reliable partner for those around you.
