Topics: Career path, lawyer, Federal Administrative Court, PhD, startup, legal tech, continuing education.
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​​​​​​​Good day Mr. Schneeberger, it's a great honor to welcome you as our interviewee. Could you describe your educational path to becoming a lawyer, particularly how you became the Head of Staff at the Federal Administrative Court?

My path to becoming a lawyer began with studying Law & Economics at the University of St. Gallen, which I successfully completed with a Master's degree. This interdisciplinary study combined legal studies with business and economic elements, which formed a solid foundation for my later career.
 

After my legal internship at the renowned law firm Bär & Karrer, I passed the bar exam in the canton of Zurich. Between the written and oral exams, I achieved the rank of captain as a company commander in the Swiss Army.
 

Subsequently, while pursuing a PhD at the University of Basel, I co-founded a company that specialized in digital customer referral. These diverse experiences allowed me to deepen and expand my skills in various areas.
 

I later switched to the Federal Administrative Court to round out my portfolio. I initially worked as a court clerk, then as a research assistant, and finally took on the role of Head of Staff.
 

What motivated you to study Law & Economics, earn a PhD, and later complete a CAS in Legal Tech?
 

The decision to study Law & Economics was based on my interest in an interdisciplinary education that covers both legal and economic aspects. This allowed me to develop a broad understanding of the interrelationships between these two areas and to create a solid foundation for my later career.
 

The PhD provided me with the opportunity to engage intensely with a specific legal issue. This was an exciting intellectual challenge that required networked and problem-solving thinking, as well as a lot of self-discipline. For me, continuous further education is crucial. It should critically challenge existing thought patterns and broaden horizons. It allows you to network with fascinating people and gain new thought impulses.

For me, continuous further education is central. It should critically challenge existing patterns of thought and broaden the horizon. It allows for networking with interesting people and gaining new thought impulses. - David Schneeberger

While the CAS in Organizational Development and Change Leadership has strengthened my methodological framework, the CAS in Legal Tech complements my skills in the area of digital transformation in the legal environment.
 

You are also a co-founder of Lexwiki. How did the foundation come about and what was your motivation for it?
 

The founding of Lexwiki was triggered by a personal experience in which I noticed that access to legal information is often difficult and unclear. Due to this realization, I was motivated to create a user-oriented platform that presents legal content in an easy-to-understand and well-structured form. My goal was to enable both laypeople and experts to easily access legal information, thereby promoting greater transparency in the legal system and helping people solve their legal problems. This increases transparency in the legal system and supports a broader public in managing their legal concerns.
 

What prompted you to continue your career as Secretary General at the University of St. Gallen from May 2023?
 

The decision to continue my career as Secretary General at the University of St. Gallen from May 2023 was significantly shaped by the attractive opportunity to bring my acquired skills in law, digitization, and crisis management again into a leading role and at the same time to actively support a socially valuable organization. The University of St. Gallen is a renowned institution, and the opportunity to actively participate in its further development was a very attractive prospect for me. It represents the next logical professional and private step for me.
 

The position as Secretary General opens up new challenges and opportunities for me to use and expand my expertise in various areas. I see great potential in supporting the University of St. Gallen in the implementation of strategic goals, the optimization of processes, and the control of internal and external matters. The opportunity to contribute to the further development of the university was an attractive prospect for me.
 

And what was your workday like as head of staff at the Federal Administrative Court?
 

As head of staff at the Federal Administrative Court, I was responsible for organizational development and digital transformation. My workday consisted of managing and coordinating various projects, meetings with internal and external stakeholders, and optimizing court processes. In doing so, I dealt with both legal and technical issues in order to strengthen access to justice and promote efficiency. In addition, I was responsible for implementing change and communication measures that contributed to successfully shaping change and integrating all participants and keeping them informed.
 

What did you particularly appreciate about your activity at the Federal Administrative Court?
 

One of the main aspects that I particularly appreciated about my activity at the Federal Administrative Court was the close collaboration with committed and technically proficient colleagues from different areas. This collaboration enabled a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives and promoted an environment of mutual learning and growth.
 

In addition, I had the opportunity to actively participate in the digitization of justice and take responsibility for important projects, which was a very fulfilling and challenging task. These projects offered opportunities to apply my knowledge and skills to bring about positive changes in the judicial system and increase the efficiency of legal proceedings.
 

Another aspect that enriched my activity at the Federal Administrative Court were the interdisciplinary and multilingual conversations that took place in the context of my work. These conversations contributed to deepening my understanding of different perspectives and approaches and promoted a climate of openness and respect for diversity.
 

Overall, the versatile experiences and the opportunity to grow and develop both personally and professionally were aspects that I particularly appreciated during my activity at the Federal Administrative Court and that have significantly shaped my professional career.
 

In what ways does the Federal Administrative Court as an employer differ from other organizations?
 

The Federal Administrative Court as an employer is characterized by a high level of expertise, a strong focus on the rule of law (or judicial independence), and a supportive work environment. The work in a court is often characterized by intense discussions and the search for the best solution for complex legal issues.
 

The Federal Administrative Court handles a variety of specialties, some of them as a court of last resort. The socio-political relevance of many cases or their impact on the lives of those subject to the law is high. The integrity of employees and judges and the efficiency of processes is all the more important.
 

The Federal Administrative Court is also a "suisse miniature", as all national languages are equally represented there. Working in a multilingual environment is challenging but also extremely exciting.
 

And finally: What advice would you give to applicants who aspire to a career in a court?
 

I advise applicants who aspire to a career in a court to prepare well both professionally and personally for the challenges. This includes a solid legal education, the willingness to continuously further education and the ability to deal with different personalities and working styles. It is also important to bring a high degree of integrity, a sense of responsibility and flexibility. In addition, it is essential to have digital skills and to apply modern working methods or help to develop them together. Digitization ultimately enables the development of innovative solutions for complex legal issues.
 

Thank you for the interview, Mr. Schneeberger, we wish you all the best on your further journey.