Topics: Specialized Attorney in Inheritance Law, Lawyer, Notary, University of Bern, Career, Work-Life Balance, Advice, Tschümperlin Lötscher Schwarz AG.
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Congratulations on recently earning your specialized attorney title in inheritance law, Ms. Häfliger! Could you describe your educational path and, in particular, explain how you became a specialized attorney in inheritance law?
After completing my high school diploma at the Kantonsschule in Beromünster and a year abroad in Australia and Spain, I began my law studies in Bern in 2010. After obtaining my master's degree in 2015, I completed a 3-month internship at the Labor Court in Lucerne, a 12-month internship at a small, business-oriented law firm in Lucerne, and a 6-month internship at the Legal Department of the Disability Insurance Office in the Canton of Bern. In 2017, I passed the bar exam in the Canton of Lucerne and started working as a lawyer at Tschümperlin Lötscher Schwarz AG in Lucerne. In 2020, I obtained the notary license for the Canton of Lucerne.
Since I work extensively in inheritance law as both a lawyer and a notary, I decided to pursue training to become a specialized attorney in inheritance law . The training involved several course blocks between June 2022 and January 2023. It concluded with a written exam in February 2023 and an oral examination in May 2023.
What motivated you to obtain the notary license?
As a lawyer, my primary focus is on inheritance and family law. Especially in these areas, the notary license provides significant added value: I can not only advise my clients but also notarize marriage or inheritance contracts, eliminating the need to refer clients to another notary. Working as a lawyer also helps identify which regulations can lead to practical issues, which can then inform the work as a notary.
Working as a notary also provides a good balance to my legal practice. Cases are often resolved more quickly than legal matters, and they generally involve pleasant tasks rather than conflict-laden situations, such as purchasing a new home or creating a prenuptial agreement.
I am convinced that the legal profession is compatible with being a mother or father and working part-time, although it will undoubtedly be a significant challenge. - Manuela Häfliger
How do you maintain a balanced work-life relationship between your career and personal life?
I spend a lot of my free time in nature, which helps me create some distance from work. Going for a jog at lunchtime or cycling home helps clear my mind. Additionally, I have been working in a 90% position and have given myself an extra day off every two weeks.
This will change significantly with the birth of my daughter in May. In November, I will return to the law firm in a 70% position. I am convinced that the legal profession is compatible with being a mother or father and working part-time, although it will certainly be a significant challenge.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
There is no 'typical workday.' I do try to plan my days to some extent, but this planning always needs to be adjusted. For example, my daily schedule changes if a court judgment arrives in the mail or if a client calls with an urgent matter. So, I never really know exactly what to expect in the morning. It makes the profession demanding but also very exciting and diverse.
A significant portion of my work consists of office tasks: drafting legal briefs, writing letters or emails, creating document drafts, and meeting with clients. The time spent in court is relatively limited in comparison.
Partners and employees engage in discussions on an equal footing, and the opinions of the employees are likewise considered. - Manuela Häfliger
What distinguishes Tschümperlin Lötscher Schwarz AG as an employer?
We are a law firm with flat hierarchies and a highly functional and cohesive team. Partners and employees engage in discussions on an equal footing, and the input of employees is duly considered. Additionally, Tschümperlin Lötscher Schwarz AG provides support for training and further education, as well as the opportunity to work part-time and occasionally from home. Since our firm operates in various legal fields, young lawyers have the chance to explore multiple areas of law before specializing.
Emphasis is also placed on team building: we organize firm outings, employee meals, law firm ski tours, midday lunches by the lake with water skiing, collective participation in the city run in Lucerne, and a paid break in the morning and afternoon. These breaks usually do not revolve around legal topics, with a few exceptions.
To someone who aspires to a similar career, I would advise taking risks even when you're uncertain of success and occasionally stepping out of your comfort zone. - Manuela Häfliger
What is the best advice you've ever received, and what advice would you give to someone aspiring to a career in inheritance law?
In terms of work, I remember the following advice from a partner at our firm shortly after I joined the practice: Clients often don't recognize whether we're doing our job well or not. However, what they do notice is how quickly we handle our work and whether we are accessible or not. I took this advice to heart and strive to serve clients as promptly as possible. Sometimes, due to deadline-bound tasks, it's simply not possible to address a client's request within the desired timeframe. In such cases, I proactively inform the client that my response will be delayed, rather than waiting for their inquiry. This approach has proven effective so far.
And to someone aspiring to a similar career, I would advise taking risks, even when you're unsure of the outcome, and occasionally stepping out of your comfort zone. Before even obtaining my legal license, I applied to work as a lawyer at Tschümperlin Lötscher Schwarz AG, thinking that in the worst case, I'd receive a 'no.' I was hired. I also enrolled in the specialist attorney course in estate law, knowing that I only just met the required duration of practice as a lawyer in estate law. Nevertheless, I was admitted to the course. Those who always remain in their comfort zone probably miss out on some opportunities!
Thank you for the insightful glimpses into your personal career. We wish you continued success!