Themes: International career, entrepreneurship, opportunities abroad, technological innovation, career development

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Hello Mr. Kaiser, we are delighted that you have agreed to share your journey as part of our "Lawjobs in interview" series. You are not only a lawyer but also an entrepreneur exploring new opportunities abroad. Could you tell us how it all began for you?

Of course. I am originally from Solothurn, and from a young age, I dreamed of becoming a lawyer. In secondary school, I often found myself defending my classmates against teachers when I perceived an injustice. I also had aspirations of becoming an astronaut, but in the end, it was law that attracted me, motivated by the desire to defend justice, as idealistic as that may sound.

Can you tell us more about your journey, from your university studies to your current career as a lawyer?

With pleasure. I began my law studies in Lausanne after finishing high school in Solothurn, despite my weaknesses in French at the time. This decision was largely influenced by my friends, who found the city of Lausanne very attractive. Despite my French teacher’s doubts about my language skills, I persevered and spent two years in Lausanne, always accompanied by my French dictionary.

In fact, this proved useful later on. During this period, I found a French-Mandarin dictionary. I found it amusing and began studying the language. My roommates also found the idea amusing and joined me in this adventure, explaining that China was the future of opportunities.

After a year, I had mastered the language. With a bit of audacity, I knocked on the door of one of my law professors in Lausanne and shared with him my desire to study in France. After a quick phone call and with his support, I was able to enroll at Robert Schuman University in Strasbourg, where I obtained a master's degree in European law.

After Strasbourg, I decided to complete my law degree in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, at the University of St. Gallen. They offered Japanese courses there, but I wanted to study Chinese. They explained that Chinese was of less interest, and despite my multiple attempts to secure support for funding these courses, no one helped me. So, I paid for my courses myself with a retired Chinese banker from UBS.

In your career, you have created companies and invested in others. Did you already have an interest in that?

Yes, very early on in my adolescence, I sold pirated software (which is not very legal) and also imported and sold records from Taiwan. Around the age of 18, I also invested in a local factory with friends, but without much success.

What were your first professional experiences?

After obtaining my law degree, I completed my training in Zurich and passed the bar. I started working in a large company, but after three months, I realized that it wasn’t what I wanted. So, I decided to go to Taiwan to perfect my Chinese.

Eventually, I spent more than 20 years there. In 2002, I independently opened a legal office in Taipei on behalf of Wenger & Vieli. Over the years, I developed this office from being alone with my laptop to occupying two floors of the same building where I worked, with about 35 employees in Taipei, and offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai with a total of more than 70 people.

In 2008, I established the firm Eiger with offices in Shanghai, Taipei, and Hong Kong. During this period, which was a boom time in China, I was able to join quite a few boards of directors and take on the roles of entrepreneur and investor.

You decided to remain active as a lawyer. What motivated this choice?

Yes, to explain this, I must share my intention to return to Switzerland. Indeed, some political and legal changes in China led me to return to my home country in 2020. At that time, I had to think about what I wanted to do in Switzerland. Since I had always practiced as a lawyer, I decided to continue. Of course, I had not practiced in Switzerland for 20 years, so I remain specialized in connecting Switzerland with foreign countries. I do a lot of coordination work and less specific legal work. Having spent my entire career in my own firm, I decided to continue doing this independently.

Can you explain how your experiences as an entrepreneur and investor have enriched your career as a lawyer?

As an entrepreneur, I learned how to run a business, hire employees, and navigate market challenges. These experiences have allowed me to better understand the needs of my clients, whether they are startups or large companies. Additionally, my role as an investor has given me valuable insights into business development and innovation.

What essential and universal values do you believe a lawyer should always keep in mind?

First and foremost, one must have a deep sense of justice. It is crucial to understand the purpose of the laws and always faithfully represent the interests of one’s clients. If a lawyer cannot properly defend these interests, they must have the integrity to withdraw.

With your experience abroad, what advice would you give to those who wish to practice law in a foreign country?

Don’t listen to those who say it’s impossible.

You must be bold and persistent. Opportunities abroad can be very rewarding, but you have to be ready to overcome obstacles and adapt to new cultures. -Nathan Kaiser

And for those who want to venture into entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. You need to have a genuine passion and be ready to take risks. If it's something that truly calls to you, you'll know it, and you must pursue that ambition with determination.

How do you see the impact of new technologies on the legal profession?

New technologies are essential tools for improving productivity and the quality of legal services. If you don’t use these tools as a lawyer, you’ll fall behind.

For a lawyer, it's primarily about the tools. Like James Bond, who often wins thanks to his gadgets more than his skills alone, a modern lawyer must equip themselves with the best tools available. -Nathan Kaiser

And what advice do you have for those looking to venture into entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. You need a true passion and the willingness to take risks. If it’s something that truly calls to you, you’ll know, and you must pursue that ambition with determination.

How do you see the impact of new technologies on the legal profession?

New technologies are essential tools for improving productivity and the quality of legal services. If you don’t embrace these tools as a lawyer, you’ll fall behind.

Thank you very much for your time and insights. Your journey is truly inspiring.

Thank you. Have a great day!

Translated by AI