Anna, Claudia, Munique and Thiago, LL.M. graduates in International Dispute Resolution from Humboldt University of Berlin, were interns at WAGNER Arbitration. Upon the conclusion of their internships, they wanted to share their experience and explain what an internship at WagArb looks like.
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What does it mean to be an intern at WagArb?
In essence, it means to be welcomed to a warm and highly professional work environment. We clearly remember the cordial invitation of Philipp Wagner on behalf of WagArb to the “Saint Nicolas” event. We, the LL.M. students, gathered at the firm office around Glühwein and traditional German Christmas pastries. We met the entire WagArb team and were introduced to renowned professionals in a very friendly and cozy atmosphere. This feeling lived on when we started our internships: from day one, we immediately felt as part of the team. We continue to carry this kindness and warmth with us to this day.
Our internship was special.
From the very beginning, we were assigned our tasks and had the opportunity to work autonomously, although always under the guiding wing of our respective supervisors. It allowed us to gain invaluable practical experience in international commercial and investment arbitration law while experiencing work within a firm with a genuine team spirit. Upon completion of the internship, we had a hands-on understanding of both an arbitrator as well as a counsel’s role in an arbitration proceeding. We were pleased to participate in the majority of the firm’s events, including the “Firmenlauf” 2018. Sharing anecdotes and getting to know each other in an amiable way during the Friday lunches always made us feel at home. Additionally, the jour fix meetings on Monday mornings to discuss the weekly tasks as well as the after-work conversations on Wednesday evenings enabled us to genuinely experience the enriching working routine at WagArb. To our minds, it is clear that the firm is not only about law: it encompasses art, fine cuisine, jazz, sports and companionship. All these features make WagArb a daily source of inspiration for all of us.
Our internship was full of academic insights.
During our time at WagArb, we had the pleasure to attend the Second Wagner Arbitration Lecture with Prof. Stephan Breidenbach on “Dispute Resolution 4.0”. Furthermore, we were given the opportunity to participate in oral advocacy training sessions with John Faulk. Whilst having tons of fun, we were taught the importance of communicating in a clear and professional manner. Our oral presentation skills improved during the course of the workshop already. We look forward to applying this wealth of experience in our respective practice.
Our internship at WagArb left us with one of the most beautiful memories of the LL.M. program.
We sincerely miss the time shared with this great team. We will continue to carry several unforgettable memories with us and draw from the invaluable professional experience we gained. The internship will stay in our memories as one of the best times of our LL.M. program in Berlin. We can proudly say we became – albeit for a short time – four true members of the WagArb team.
