Topics: Education, Partner, Attorney at Law, Energy Law, Specialization, Self-employment, University of Zurich, Badertscher Attorneys at Law
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Good day Ms. Kratz, we are delighted that you could take the time to give us an interview. You are an expert in energy law and have chosen to transition from self-employment to partnership. Could you describe your educational path to becoming a lawyer, in particular how you became a partner?

My path to becoming a lawyer was actually quite ordinary: judicial internships at a district court and a commercial court, plus a law internship at a large business law firm (Niederer Kraft & Frey), then the Zurich lawyer's license. After my licentiate at the University of Zurich, I initially completed my doctorate with a dissertation in company law with Professor Peter Forstmoser.

My further career was then somewhat unusual in that, with increasing focus on my activity in the energy sector from 2000, I became from a commercial and business lawyer to an energy lawyer, and thus also a public lawyer.

However, it was this specialization that ultimately paved my way to self-employment and partnership in a correspondingly specialized business law firm.

What motivated you to study law, to do a doctorate, and later to work in teaching?

I chose to study law because I wanted to do something with language as a tool. With this choice, I consciously decided for a course of study that can lead to independent professional activity.

When the opportunity arose to do a doctorate after the oral final exams, the OR, i.e., commercial and business law, was the area that interested me most. As a young graduate, I saw the opportunity to profile myself in the doctoral thesis.

The joy of scientific work and teaching has remained. Ultimately, it was my specialist publications with which I could specifically further profile myself and which then also led to teaching assignments at universities.

I chose to study law because I wanted to do something with language as a tool. With this choice, I also consciously decided on a course of study that could lead to independent professional activity. - Dr. iur Brigitta Kratz, LL.M.

And what motivated you to continue your career at  Badertscher Rechtsanwälte ?

After my tenure as vice-president of the electricity market regulatory authority ElCom (on federal mandate), it was logical, after my rotational departure, to accept the offer from a law firm that specifically operates in energy law.

What does your workday look like?

I primarily handle my own clients, now almost exclusively those from the energy sector or those with a clear connection to the energy sector. My former mandate for the federal government, with contacts with various authorities and industry actors, as well as my role as a speaker in continuing education and at energy industry events, help me in client acquisition.

The legal questions in the energy sector are more diverse today than ever. They never involve solely legal and regulatory issues, but always also technical and economic aspects, for which a basic understanding is necessary. Other areas of activity include competition law, including procurement law, contract law, and corporate law. Therefore, my initial experience in commercial and economic law is very beneficial to me.

I provide advice, draft memoranda and legal opinions, and also represent my clients in procedures before authorities up to the Federal Court. Moreover, I occasionally draft contracts, statutes, shareholder agreements, etc.

All in all, it involves a lot of classic legal desk work, with regular contact with my clients and meetings. But yes, I still enjoy writing :-)

The legal issues in the energy sector today are more diverse than ever. They never actually contain purely legal and regulatory issues, but always also technical and economic aspects, for which a basic understanding is needed. - Dr. iur Brigitta Kratz, LL.M.

What topics do you passionately engage with, and is there a case that particularly stands out in your memory?

I particularly enjoy dealing with future issues and the upcoming challenges in the energy sector. I often discover new legal areas, which I find fun.

It is also nice to achieve victories in procedures, as well as when I am able to bring about solutions.

A series of public procurement legal appeal procedures comes to mind as a particular success from recent times. This was even more pleasing as I had initially hesitated to accept mandates in this very specialized legal field.

What do you particularly appreciate about your role as a partner?

I particularly value my independence, autonomy, and the degree of freedom I have. Of course, as a lawyer, one is never entirely free from external control. That's what clients ensure.

As a partner, I particularly appreciate my independence, autonomy, and the degree of freedom I have. - Dr. iur Brigitta Kratz, LL.M.

How does Badertscher Rechtsanwälte differentiate itself as an employer from other law firms?

Badertscher Rechtsanwälte is a mid-sized law firm that constantly seeks to evolve while taking into account the interests of its employees. It's not easy to stand out as an employer in the legal sector. Like other firms, Badertscher Rechtsanwälte has introduced attractive home office regulations. However, I see a major advantage in the focus on the client, which is a top priority at Badertscher Rechtsanwälte. Even young lawyers are given the opportunity to have direct contact with clients after a short time. The goal is that they also learn to deal with clients early on. This certainly makes the workday more exciting.

What advice would you give to applicants who aspire to a career at Badertscher Rechtsanwälte?

In my estimation, there are several paths that lead to partnership in a medium to large-sized business law firm:

• You grow organically into this role as an employee or member of a team, by climbing step by step to partnership.
• My path was one of targeted specialization and independence, which led to joining a firm with similar specialization.

Thank you very much for the valuable career tips and the exciting insights into your world of energy law, Ms. Kratz. We wish you continued success!