From setting up our Dresden location to successful teamwork

Inke, tell us: how did you come to KPMG Law?

My move to KPMG Law was not a traditional application process. In 2009, I moved here together with my then and current supervisor and four other colleagues from our previous firm. We started as a team and built up the Dresden office together – an exciting time full of new opportunities.

What made you decide to take this career step?

It was clear to me that I wanted to continue working with my familiar team, where the chemistry was just right. KPMG Law gave us exactly that. Colleagues with different backgrounds contribute their expertise, which creates a dynamic and inspiring working atmosphere. The collaboration is respectful, collegial and fun. The fact that our team is now three times as big as it was back then shows how well everything has developed. KPMG Law also offers me a lot of support, both in advising clients and in my professional ambitions. I also appreciate the flexibility here – since the birth of my children, for example, I have been working part-time.

What does a typical working day look like for you? What tasks are part of your job as a lawyer?

No two days are the same – that’s what makes my work so varied. My work primarily involves providing legal advice to our clients, reviewing and drafting contracts and negotiating them with contractual partners. One example: I support clients in the letting and operation of refugee accommodation, accompany negotiations and draw up the relevant contractual documents.

I also regularly represent our clients in court – from the local court to the higher regional court. This often involves enforcing outstanding claims or defending against unjustified claims. For example, if a tenant does not meet their contractual obligations, we support our clients in enforcing their rights – if necessary, even with an action for eviction. This includes drafting pleadings, conducting negotiations and attending court hearings.

What do you find particularly exciting about your job?

The variety! No two cases are the same and I’m constantly coming into contact with new areas of law. I find the close cooperation with our clients and the exchange within the interdisciplinary team particularly exciting. We develop solutions together, discuss new approaches and benefit from the different perspectives. It definitely never gets boring here.

How do you deal with challenges in your job and how does KPMG Law support you?

The biggest challenge for me is to maintain a balance between work and family without compromising the quality of my work. This requires good time management and a structured way of working. Fortunately, KPMG Law offers me a flexible working model that can be adapted to my needs. I also know that I can rely on my team – this support is priceless.

How would you describe your team?

Our team thrives on real team spirit! We support each other – be it with complex mandates, strategic considerations or in labor-intensive phases. By exchanging different specialist knowledge and perspectives, we can develop tailor-made solutions for our clients. At the same time, we value open and respectful interaction with each other. This creates a positive working atmosphere in which we enjoy working and growing together in the face of challenges.

Why is KPMG Law the right choice for you?

Here I find the perfect mix of challenging legal tasks and individual freedom. I can work independently and develop my strengths in a targeted manner. I particularly appreciate the open communication culture and the collegial exchange – even beyond professional issues. KPMG Law gives me the feeling that my work is valued and that I can develop both professionally and personally. In short: I’ve come to the right place!

How to get started with us with Jura

Tips: How to start a career that suits you with law and business law.

Law is a dynamic field that is constantly evolving. Technological innovations, social changes and economic requirements are constantly giving rise to new laws, guidelines and fields of work – both for lawyers with and without a second state examination. But how can you benefit from this as a lawyer? Where can you find a career path that suits your interests, goals and outlook on life? Our recruiter provides valuable insights and concrete tips on how you can present yourself successfully.

Isabell, what is your job with us and what are your daily tasks?

I am a Service Recruiter for KPMG Law and the Tax Advisory Service at KPMG AG and therefore the contact person and interface between our specialist departments and the candidates who apply to us. My main task is to recruit and hire qualified applicants for various positions within the company. I manage the entire recruiting process – from the initial notification of requirements through the approval process to the signing of the contract. It is particularly important to me to ensure a consistently positive candidate experience so that all applicants feel well looked after and valued throughout the entire process.

Tell us, what is special about KPMG Law? What can we offer talented people?

One highlight is the interdisciplinary cooperation with specialists from the fields of tax consultancy, auditing and management consultancy. This enables us to offer our clients holistic legal advice and gives our talented employees the opportunity to learn and grow in different areas. Not only do we offer exciting legal tasks, our colleagues also have the chance to think outside the box and gain a variety of perspectives.

In addition, at KPMG Law we offer a particularly collegial working atmosphere with flat hierarchies, which promotes the exchange of ideas and open communication. Unlike traditional large law firms, we rely on flexible working time models and offer home office options to support a good work-life balance. Our employees can also work from other KPMG offices or take advantage of our Workation offerings – perfect for those who want to combine work and travel.

What does a good application look like?

A good application should contain a clear and complete CV, certificates (if available) from the state examinations or a current overview of achievements as well as existing work and internship references. I find it particularly positive when a personal note is included in the CV or in the free text field of the cover letter. This not only highlights the applicant’s professional expertise, but also their personality and motivation.

What qualifications and experience are particularly important for a successful career at KPMG Law?

For a successful career at KPMG Law, excellent academic performance is of course important, but equally crucial is the willingness to commit oneself over a longer period of time and to take on responsibility. Another key qualification is the ability to work in a team – especially the ability to communicate and collaborate well in a team spread across Germany. Practical experience at renowned law firms is also an advantage, as is specialization in a particular area of law. If you already have a clear idea of the area in which you would like to work, you have the best chances with us. But don’t worry, even if you are still in the orientation phase, we will help you find the right path. We are looking for people who are curious and who want to develop their skills in a dynamic environment.

How does the interview work and how can a candidate best prepare for it?

Before a face-to-face interview, it is important to familiarize yourself with the journey in advance and allow sufficient buffer time so that there is no hectic rush. A technical check should definitely be carried out for virtual job interviews – this includes a stable internet connection and a quiet, undisturbed environment. As far as outfits are concerned, a proper business-casual look in which you feel comfortable is recommended.

During the interview, the focus is on finding out why a candidate is interested in KPMG Law and what motivates him or her. Openness and authenticity are crucial, as we want to get to know the person behind the application. The questions can cover personal as well as professional or situational aspects relating to the day-to-day work at KPMG Law. The interview is also a good opportunity to ask your own questions and find out more about the company and how it works.

How does onboarding and integration into the team work?

Before you officially start, the pre-boarding app offers an excellent opportunity to get a good overview in advance. On your first day at work, you will be picked up by a team member at the relevant branch and introduced directly to the team. This allows you to make new contacts from the very first minute, enabling you to integrate quickly. The New Joiner Day is a special highlight: on this day, you will not only get to know the important tools for your new job, but also new colleagues from different service areas who are starting at the same time. Over lunch together, you will have the opportunity to exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere and get to know the new employees better. The day and the various induction formats will prepare you optimally for your work at KPMG Law.

In your opinion, what makes a career at KPMG Law particularly exciting for young talents today?

At KPMG Law, we focus on the use of modern technologies and innovative working methods, which makes our work not only efficient but also exciting. We always have our finger on the pulse of the times and deal with socially relevant and current topics such as AI, legal tech, crypto and ESG. These trending topics offer young talents the chance to work in areas that are both forward-looking and versatile. We also offer extensive opportunities for professional development – from tailored training and mentoring programs to international exchange opportunities. These promote personal and professional growth. As part of the KPMG network, young lawyers benefit from a global network and international career opportunities. This makes KPMG Law not only an attractive employer, but also a place where young talents can shape their careers in a variety of ways.

We combine flexible working models with continuous training for professional success and personal development

In a constantly changing world of work, it is more important than ever to create a working environment that promotes professional excellence and personal balance. At KPMG Law, we focus on a holistic offering that includes flexible working conditions, continuous professional development and an appreciative corporate culture. Find out in an interview with our CHRO Folke Werner about the diverse programs and initiatives we have put in place to create a future-oriented and flexible working environment.

Are high salaries still enough to attract talented young lawyers to law firms these days?

I don’t think a high salary alone motivates anyone to choose an employer in the long term. That has always been the case and it hasn’t changed in the legal sector either. It depends on the overall package. In addition to an attractive salary, work culture, flexible working conditions and personal development opportunities are crucial for us. Our employees benefit not only from exciting tasks, but also from a working atmosphere that offers room for personal balance.

What measures does KPMG Law take to support this balance?

Our aim is to create a working environment in which our employees feel comfortable and can balance their professional and private lives.

We want our employees to be able to organize their work in such a way that it suits their respective phase of life. With the “fleXwork” program, we make it possible to arrange working hours and locations flexibly – be it from home, at the customer’s premises, anywhere in Germany or even for a short time in another European country. In this way, work and personal needs can be optimally combined. We also attach great importance to prevention through a wide range of sports activities, health checks, mental health initiatives and a pleasant team culture. These measures are a natural benefit for us. Our aim is to create a working environment in which our employees feel comfortable and can balance their professional and private lives.

That is a varied offer. In addition to the flexibility in everyday working life, what benefits do your colleagues particularly appreciate?

In addition to flexibility, we attach great importance to continuous further training. We therefore offer a wide range of internal and external training courses, seminars and workshops. Every employee has a training account of 40 hours for further training. We thrive on the expertise of our employees, which is why we want to ensure that they can continue to develop. Another highlight is our “Law Essentials” training program, which we developed together with Bucerius Law School. Here we offer a broad range of interdisciplinary basic knowledge that helps our employees to grow not only professionally but also personally.

What initiatives does KPMG Law take to promote exchange and create an open corporate culture?

We promote exchange through regular “sounding boards”, where we sit down with employees from different groups and gather their perspectives. We also have our Global People Survey, which helps us to understand the needs of our employees and continuously improve. Our colleagues can also become active in various communities and exchange ideas across teams on topics such as parenting, innovation & AI or change management.

Finally, what are your wishes for the coming year?

I hope that we at KPMG Law will continue to work together successfully and grow both professionally and personally. It is important to me that our employees continue to feel comfortable with us and are able to develop continuously. Together with our employees, we are creating a corporate culture that will continue to be characterized by appreciation, openness and cooperation in the future.

A structured start and individual career opportunities: Subatra's start in Legal Financial Service

How did you come to KPMG Law?
Before joining KPMG Law in July 2024, I worked in international law firms in Luxembourg, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf. KPMG Law impressed me with its clear career prospects and exciting mandates. The application process was very friendly and I got to know team members directly. My future position was explained to me in the introductory meeting and all my questions were answered. We also discussed various career paths and benefits. I was particularly impressed by the flexible working hours and the opportunity to spend time abroad. I received the offer within a week of the interview. Onboarding via the KPMG onboarding tool made my start much easier – the system is specially designed for new employees to network quickly and get an overview.

How did you experience onboarding at KPMG Law?
The onboarding at KPMG Law picked me up straight away and made it easy for me to get started. New employees are warmly welcomed on New Joiner Day. I received my IT equipment, got to know the most important tools for my new job and gained my first insights into the world of KPMG Law. I also had the opportunity to get to know my new colleagues. I was given responsibility right from the start. I was allowed to lead projects and manage mandates from day one. The trust placed in me here was incredibly motivating. The career opportunities were also communicated transparently – I knew exactly what steps were needed to progress.

What excites you about your job and your work in the team at KPMG Law?

We learn and grow together on our projects.

The variety of my tasks and the client contact are definitely highlights of my work. My team is strong and supports each other – I appreciate the regular exchange with my colleagues – we learn and grow together on our projects. I also really appreciate the flexible working models. The ability to plan home office days gives me the freedom to combine family and career. This also allows me to spend time with my family in Aachen.

In your opinion, what advantages does KPMG Law offer as an employer?
There are regular project feedback and development meetings in which personal and professional development is tailored to individual strengths. A clear roadmap is drawn up that defines the next steps on the path to professional progress. I would particularly like to emphasize how KPMG Law actively promotes the professional development of women. For example, the firm offers a special format for the exchange of knowledge and experience that specifically supports female colleagues on their path to partnership. This is complemented by a female mentoring program that individually supports and strengthens women in the firm. These initiatives illustrate KPMG Law’s commitment to the sustainable advancement of women and the compatibility of family and career.

Secondment as a booster for your career

What excites you about your job at KPMG Law?
After studying law in Munich, I was looking for an employer that not only offered me professional challenges, but also enabled me to achieve a work-life balance, for example through various working time models. I found this flexibility at KPMG Law. My professional focus is on advising on complex national and international reorganizations and M&A transactions as well as providing day-to-day corporate law advice to companies and their executive bodies. This is a very diverse field of work with ever new challenges. This variety inspires me again and again.

Inspiration and further development seem to be important to you. How does KPMG Law help you as an employer?
KPMG Law supports further development with many offers. These include secondments to gain professional experience abroad. A secondment is basically a temporary assignment for another KPMG office abroad, which can last from three months to two years. Uganda particularly appealed to me. On the one hand, I have always found Africa as a continent and Uganda as a country very exciting. On the other hand, I also wanted to make a small personal contribution to sustainable development in the country of my secondment. Uganda is struggling with a number of political challenges. In my view, there is still a need for development in many processes – both economic and social. I wanted to make a concrete contribution here. KPMG Law gave me excellent support during the application process. After being nominated by my superiors, I applied in writing and conducted several interviews, during which I had the opportunity to get to know my future colleagues in Uganda.

What did your everyday life in Uganda look like and which projects inspired you?
My everyday life was certainly not ordinary for me: new structures and processes, many new, exciting and varied tasks as well as valuable new relationships. I was particularly fascinated by a project to strengthen the economic infrastructure. We developed a legal framework for the expansion of public supply networks in order to improve the quality of life in rural regions. This assignment was both challenging and valuable for me because I felt that our work had a positive impact on the population. It gave me the feeling that I could at least give something back to this great country.

And what did you do in your free time?
After work, I spent a lot of time with my colleagues, but also with other new friends. We went out to eat together and tried local specialties such as matooke. We also attended various sporting events, went hiking together or just had a drink together. We often went away together at the weekend, including to various national parks. One trip took us into the middle of the rainforest – where I suddenly found myself face to face with a large family of gorillas, including a silverback and baby gorillas. Moments like this will stay with me for the rest of my life. The shared experiences and the warm welcome from my colleagues created a family atmosphere and made it easy for me to fit in with the team.

How has the secondment helped you professionally and personally?
I expanded my international network and gained valuable experience, both professionally and personally. I was involved in many different projects in a culturally new environment. At KPMG Law, I now approach complex projects with a broader perspective. I was also able to gain insights into the local customs and culture of Uganda and broaden my personal horizons. In Uganda, I adapted to a new culture and learned how to deal with different mentalities and ways of working. This has made me more self-confident, flexible and resilient. These are all qualities that I believe will help me to progress both professionally and personally. Even after my return to Germany, I am in regular contact with my Ugandan colleagues and the new friendships I have made.

What tips would you give colleagues or applicants who are considering a secondment?
Looking back, the secondment was one of the most valuable experiences of my career to date, for which I am very grateful to Uganda and the local people. I would advise everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. My personal tip: leave your familiar surroundings and explore a country that is new to you. If you are unsure, bravely decide to go on an adventure. It will help you enormously both personally and professionally. If you are thinking about a career at KPMG Law, you will find an employer that offers a wide range of opportunities as well as challenging and varied work.

The advantages of interdisciplinary teams

Verena, you worked at a specialized law firm before joining KPMG Law. When you compare the two jobs, what is the biggest difference for you?

The move to KPMG Law was a big step in my career. At my previous law firm, which focused on public procurement law, I was able to acquire in-depth specialist knowledge. But when it came to complex tasks, such as large-scale projects in the technology sector, I often faced challenges. In these projects, IT and data protection law had to be taken into account just as much as company law or tax law. It was often difficult to find external experts who had no conflicts of interest. KPMG Law, on the other hand, offers me all specialist areas under one roof, which enables fast and effective collaboration. This interdisciplinarity, the close and committed exchange in mixed teams, in which everyone contributes their knowledge for a common goal – that is perhaps the biggest difference for me compared to my previous work in a specialized law firm.

Can you give a concrete example of how this broad positioning works in practice?

For example, I am currently working on a large technology service project with an international focus, together with experts from Finance, Tax and Service & Operations. Our aim is to safeguard our client’s interests abroad. Such projects often take place in the political arena and require complex decisions that have a global impact. This is where I contribute my country-specific specialist knowledge of relevant legislation and experience with the relevant authorities. Together with the expertise of the other project participants, this enables us to work more efficiently and in a more solution-oriented manner. This interdisciplinary and international cooperation helps us to overcome major legal, organizational and financial challenges and create real added value – for our clients and also for the population. For me personally, this is the most enriching aspect of my job: my work makes sense and gives me a good feeling!

How does the interdisciplinary way of working affect your development?

Every project brings new challenges and requires us to think outside the box.

The interdisciplinary environment at KPMG Law promotes my further development. And constantly. Every project brings new challenges and requires us to think outside the box. I am constantly gaining new insights into related specialist areas and learning new things. This broadens my professional understanding and makes me more flexible in my day-to-day solution finding.

Your way of working is not only characterized by interdisciplinarity, but also by a high degree of flexibility. How does KPMG Law support you in adapting your working day to your individual needs?

Through KPMG Law’s flexwork model. It is invaluable to me. It allows me to better balance work and private life, especially during intensive project phases. I can adjust my working hours and location to suit my personal needs. This flexibility contributes significantly to my productivity and satisfaction and helps me to avoid stress, especially during intense periods.

In conclusion: What would you like to tell potential applicants about KPMG Law?

KPMG Law offers an environment that emphasizes innovation, teamwork and personal development. If you are looking for a career that combines law, business and technology and always puts people at the center, you will find it here. Here you can grow professionally and personally, making KPMG Law an ideal place to work for forward-thinking legal and business professionals.

As a project manager of interdisciplinary teams, Lukas is constantly learning.

Lukas, you studied business law. How do you use this knowledge in your work?

In my job, I create and coordinate presentations and proposals for potential clients. This is a joint task that I am working on together with colleagues from KPMG Law and KPMG AG. The process is complex, as colleagues from different specialist areas and countries contribute their expertise. My job is to define the process, structure the necessary content and ensure that the graphical representations of facts and consulting services are easy for clients to understand despite their complexity. My knowledge of commercial law helps me in that I can quickly grasp legal content and then present it to third parties in an understandable way. It also helps me to analyze requirements and offers and to identify necessary services. Thanks to my expertise, I am able to carry out essential market research and involve the right employees and organizations in the preparation of a proposal. Of course, organizational skills, strong communication skills and creativity are also essential for my job.

Sounds challenging! Which project have you been particularly enthusiastic about so far?

What I remember most is the proposal for a DAX mandate in the area of software development. Within a very short space of time, we had to prepare a comprehensive proposal that specifically tailored global consulting services from over 80 countries to the client’s requirements. For global projects such as this, we can draw on an international network of 3,800 lawyers. This global “Legal Service Network” helps us to make correct use of the different legal conditions from country to country and to bring them together in one offer. As a team, we then developed a comprehensive strategy on how to combine the various legal bases – and were successful with it. We have won the mandate.

The project is a perfect example of what I love about my job: experts from all over the world are facing the same challenge and pulling together. We learn from each other, we grow together and we win together. This creates a strong sense of togetherness.

Exciting! With such large projects, you get to see a lot. What has been your most important learning so far?

Sounds simple, but it’s true: you never stop learning

So much comes together when working on global projects. Each project brings a new insight or opens up a new perspective from which to view the whole. The interaction between different disciplines often gives me new insights into a wide range of topics that I have never had any contact with before. Such interdisciplinary cooperation within the network promotes innovative ideas that often lead to the best solutions. So I couldn’t name one particular learning. It’s more about constant learning and discovery, and I really like that.

Working in a network gives you the opportunity to develop personally. Are there other KPMG Law programs and benefits that you use?

I’m a big fan of self-determination and flexibility in everyday life. Accordingly, I make full use of the fleXwork model. I can plan my working hours flexibly and implement projects more efficiently because I can organize my work better and according to my needs. This freedom helps me to be more productive and find a good balance between work and private life. In addition, the Law Essentials development program enables me to constantly improve my technical know-how. These training courses and advanced training programs provide me with practical knowledge of software applications, strengthen the soft skills I need and give me new impetus for my day-to-day work. This allows us all to work together more efficiently, deepen technical skills and live a culture of continuous development.

What should lawyers know about KPMG Law?

KPMG Law means multidisciplinary cooperation at eye level, supported by the ‘Duz culture’ and a dynamic atmosphere in which creativity and personal responsibility are encouraged. Coordination between different disciplines and countries means that all parties involved need a deep understanding of their own tasks and need to apply their expertise in the right place. KPMG Law supports us with clear structures and processes. Regular team and feedback meetings help us to discuss challenges openly. This culture of knowledge sharing enables us to offer creative and future-oriented solutions that help our clients make sustainable progress.

So if you are looking for continuous development in an innovative environment with legal, commercial and technological aspects, this is the right place for you.