Lawyer story

Céline Breitenmoser

Name: Céline Breitenmoser, Associate, Litigation practice group, Zurich

Nationality: Swiss

Languages spoken: German, English, Mandarin

When did you join LALIVE?: In 2018 as a Swiss trainee; then again in 2021 as a trainee in-between the bar exams. In August 2022 I rejoined LALIVE directly after passing my bar exam.

 

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Why did you join LALIVE?

I wanted to join a firm in Zurich that was truly international. When I saw that LALIVE’s lawyers are qualified in 17 jurisdictions and speak 20 languages that was a big selling point.

How have you grown and progressed?

I have gained tons of personal and professional skills at LALIVE. I have learned to take responsibility for my own work, but also to adapt and collaborate in different ways with different partners and teams. The biggest challenge for me was the transition from being an intern to a first-year associate, with the step-up in responsibility, including co-ordinating others, delegating work and making decisions in stressful situations.

What has been a highlight of your time at LALIVE?

My personal highlight was a ski weekend in 2019. It was so nice to get to know colleagues from the Geneva office better and to take part in social activities such as skiing, snowshoe walking, après-ski and dining. Things like this really help to create a sense of being one team across the Geneva, Zurich and London offices, something that I know from talking to friends is not always the case in other firms.

Who has helped and supported you to grow and progress?

A broad range of people, starting with the partners, with whom I work the most. They are my reference points, people I really trust. I’ve also been supported by many different colleagues who have made my entry into the legal profession a lot easier.

What qualities are needed to thrive at the firm?

You need a combination of qualities: team spirit, self-motivation, resilience, commitment, and the courage to take responsibility.

 

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