Topics: Business Law, Corporate, M&A, Career, Hiring Partner, LL.M., Career Tips, Application, Top Law Firm, Lenz & Staehelin.
Information about the person on Weblaw People: Tino Gaberthüel
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Good morning Mr. Gaberthüel. You are a partner at Lenz & Staehelin and head the Corporate and M&A department in Zurich. Additionally, you are the Hiring Partner of the Zurich office. Could you please describe your career path and how you came to hold these positions?

Actually, I was more of a 'late bloomer' - I decided on a career in a large law firm only after my LL.M. and subsequent work as a 'Foreign Associate' in a firm in New York. At  Lenz & Staehelin , I was involved in the Corporate and M&A team from the beginning, initially as a lawyer and from 2011 as a partner.

In a law firm, unlike in large corporations, there is no clear career path. Rather, as a partner, one takes on internal roles and functions such as that of the Hiring Partner and tries to fulfill them as well as possible. Being the head of Corporate and M&A sounds like more than it actually is. In addition to the actual client work, my role involves coordinating our Corporate and M&A practice group, which I enjoy a lot.

In your opinion, what are the key factors for advancement to partnership in a renowned firm?

As a partner in a law firm, one must have an interest and joy in being entrepreneurial and taking on entrepreneurial responsibility. In addition, one must be interested in people, train young employees, and be a role model - these are certainly key aspects.

If you could hold a different position at Lenz & Staehelin for a day, what position would it be and why?

I would like to be part of our reception team for a day. I would be interested to see what kinds of people from various companies, regions of the world, and with different questions come to us or contact us by phone. Seeing new faces, handling exciting and sometimes perhaps a bit tedious calls, and also being in contact with various colleagues internally - I find that exciting and varied.

Ideally, I sense an interest in economic contexts and the ambition and the joy to start or continue a professional career in a large law firm. - Tino Gaberthüel, LL.M.

As the Hiring Partner, you are familiar with the key aspects of successful applications. What do you particularly focus on during recruitment and what qualities and skills are you looking for?

An application should be as concise as possible and complete. In my opinion, the cover letter should not exceed one page and highlight a few key aspects about the applicant. Of course, I also look at grades and expect a solid legal education.

I am also interested in extracurricular activities such as working alongside studies, a special hobby, or a year abroad (whether during high school or university). Ideally, I sense an interest in economic contexts and the ambition and the joy to start or continue a professional career in a large law firm.

What common mistakes do you encounter in the application process and how can applicants avoid them?

One mistake that applicants should definitely avoid is spelling errors in the cover letter or CV. Good preparation is essential. One should consider what they want to learn during the job interview and be able to engage in a dialogue with the interviewers. By this, I mean that the applicant responds to the interviewers' questions and also asks for clarification if they do not understand something or want to understand it better. One should feel that the candidate is interested in the firm and wants to find out if it is a good fit for them.

What sets us apart is that we have two almost equally sized offices in Zurich and Geneva where we work on very exciting and large mandates. - Tino Gaberthüel, LL.M.

In 2023 Lenz & Staehelin was once again recognized as  "Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland". What distinguishes Lenz & Staehelin as an employer?

We are one of the leading and largest law firms in Switzerland. What sets us apart is that we have two almost equally sized offices in Zurich and Geneva where we work on very exciting and large mandates – whether in M&A, litigation, competition law, IP, or other areas of business law.

Lenz & Staehelin  fosters an open and diverse culture where everyone stands up for each other and supports each other. We have flat hierarchies and see ourselves as one big team. In the office, you can see this, for example, by the fact that our doors are actually open, and you are welcome to "walk" into a partner's office to ask for a template or seek advice.

Lenz & Staehelin describes itself as "The World's Swiss law firm." You yourself have worked in the USA and earned an LL.M. How does Lenz & Staehelin support international careers?

Almost all of our employees spend some time abroad. Such a stay can consist of an LL.M. or a secondment at a foreign law firm. If someone wants to work abroad, we support that by inquiring within our global network and then usually accommodating our people in a law firm for a certain period before they return to us.

You have been practicing law for over 20 years. How has the working world changed in recent years and how does Lenz & Staehelin adapt to these changes?

I believe the legal profession has changed in that everything has become much faster. This is particularly due to today's means of communication. Unlike 20 years ago, we are generally available to our clients at all times, which makes our job extremely exciting but also demanding. This also requires us to consciously create spaces for relaxation.

Today's technological possibilities have the positive effect that we work much more flexibly – we are no longer fixed to our desks in the office and not to fixed office hours either. We can adapt much better to individual needs than we could 20 years ago. I also don't miss the fax machine.

The goal for everyone should be to learn as much as possible on their career path and to take that knowledge into the future. - Tino Gaberthüel, LL.M.

What advice would you give to lawyers aspiring to a position at Lenz & Staehelin?

I advise all lawyers to apply – I have already given tips on that above. The goal for everyone should be to learn as much as possible on their career path and to take that knowledge into the future. It doesn't matter whether you plan long-term and stay in the firm where you start, or if you reorient yourself after a certain time and, for example, go 'in-house', work for a government agency, or open your own practice. I am convinced that working in a large law firm provides a great deal of learning, both professionally and personally, and that these experiences will benefit you on your own career path.

Thank you very much for the interesting insights into the world of Lenz & Staehelin and into your career. We wish you all the best!

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