Josef joins WAGNER Arbitration as an intern. He grew up in Werder (Havel), and completed his high school at the Ernst-Haeckel-Gymnasium in his hometown. For years he had an interest in law and business because of how versatile and exciting it is. After returning from a year abroad in New Zealand he tried to get as much experience as possible in the areas he enjoys. WAGNER Arbitration is the law firm where he can get insights into both fields.

We look very much forward to working with Josef and have so many questions…

What was your first job?

I was a waiter at a small restaurant called “Zum Rittmeister”.

Breakfast or dinner?

Dinner.

What do you cook when you spontaneously have friends over for dinner?

Pasta with mushrooms and cream sauce. This works perfectly for vegetarian people, but with a bit of ham or bacon this dish is perfect for every occasion.

Mountains or Seaside?

Both, I enjoy both surfing or skiing and snowboarding. I would always rather be at the seaside or the mountains than to be anywhere else in the world.

If you could meet someone famous, dead or alive, who would it be?

Warren Buffet or Charles Munger. I think these two people have so many insights on topics that I am deeply interested in. I think I could talk to them for hours or even days without it being hard to find something to discuss. These two are some of the only people that became extremely successful in business/investing but keep a good character (at least it appears that way).

Which was your favorite place to live so far?

Whangamata, New Zealand – I have been there for my year abroad in New Zealand and I learned surfing there. This is the place where you go when there is too much on your mind, want to relax and forget all your problems.

Digital or analogue?

Analogue, because some things are not meant to be online.

Favorite time of day?

Evening (9pm) – during the week it is before bedtime, you might be productive or spend time with your loved ones. And in the weekend, you have a great time either way.

Window or aisle seat?

Window seat is the place since that is where you can see the beauty of the world.

Country you wish to visit?

Russia – many people from there are extremely successful. Moreover, it seems to be a country with extreme contrasts with Moscow, which is very developed and futuristic in parts, and on the other hand the countryside with a very traditional way of life. I haven’t been there, but I think it is one of the most interesting countries in the world.

What song will always get you on the dancefloor?

Any song by Cro since he is my favorite artist.

Good advice you’ve received?

“Never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do.” Many people limit themselves by the beliefs of someone else and do not follow their dreams because of someone’s opinion that it will not work. If you let someone else decide what you can or cannot do you are very likely to be unhappy with the things you do because it is not the life you desire.

Biggest pet peeve?

Sleeping with closed windows. I love sleeping in a cold room with a blanket keeping me warm and cozy.

Most played on your music playlist right now?

Bei Dir – Cro.

Favorite (public) holiday?

Easter holiday – it is just before the summer and there is a lot of chocolate involved :).

Last new thing you learned?

You can keep a conversation going forever if you can make someone talk about themselves.

Which movie can you watch over and over?

Interstellar (or just any movie by Christopher Nolan).

Three words to describe Berlin?

Crowded, diverse, exciting.

Three words to describe your hometown Werder (Havel)?

Quiet, pretty, old.

Night owl or early bird?

Night owl – I can get a lot of things done in the morning. But I am most productive at night since the night has a kind of urgency because the day comes to an end which means work must be finished soon.

Favorite pizza topping?

Ham, mushrooms and excessive amounts of cheese,