Dear Tobias, today is your tenth anniversary with activelaw. Congratulations! Can you still remember your start with us?
Tobias Bathon: Thank you so much! Yes, I'm very good at that. Back then, I was immediately entrusted with my first tasks and had to jump right in at the deep end. Back then I was fresh out of my traineeship, which was very challenging for me at the beginning. But I've also grown from it and learned a lot in a very short time. At that time, our law firm was only half as large — both in terms of the number of professionals and the number of floors. Even back then, we were quite digital because Eugen Klein always kept an eye on that, but today's breadth and depth of digital structures is new.
We've seen significant growth. How has this affected daily work and organization?
Tobias Bathon: The changes over the last ten years have really been significant. Overall, we've developed brilliantly. Our structure is much more organized today. However: While I used to know everyone personally, this is no longer possible with over 130 employees.
Which changes do you find particularly positive?
Tobias Bathon: We have made remarkable progress in recent years. This is not to say that it was insufficient before, but we have invested a lot of work and energy in developing our company. And that pays off. Our application processes are now much more structured, and career starters receive more intensive support right from the start. Our administration is now also better coordinated, and there are more established standards and clear responsibilities overall.
Do you have an example for me where you particularly notice this?
Tobias Bathon: We have steadily improved our specialization in subject areas. This is crucial for the quality of our work. The individual lawyers focus entirely on their specific topics. An example: Last week, a client I advise on construction law had problems with a lease agreement. I was able to refer him directly to a colleague who specializes in this area and he was able to help immediately. We can handle our clients' legal concerns efficiently and professionally in one house. The speed and quality of these processes makes me really proud and shows the success of our concept!
What personal milestones have you achieved?
Tobias Bathon: The appointment as a partner of the firm in 2022 was a big milestone for me. This allows me to participate even more directly and actively in the development of the company. I would like to use this opportunity to further improve the structures. I have also acquired my specialist lawyer for transport and freight forwarding law as well as construction and architectural law. I am now mainly active in construction and architectural law and provide legal advice on major construction projects. If you seek advice from me in good time, you can avoid many problems in advance.
Where do you see activelaw in the future?
I hope that we can further stabilize and refine the structures that have been created. We must maintain and further develop the level we have achieved. I see a lot of potential in the young generation of lawyers who work for us. They are already doing excellent work and I am sure that they are the basis for our future. We can look to the future with great confidence!
What other wishes do you have?
Tobias Bathon: I would like to increase the proportion of women among the partners. Among the lawyers the good, but it would be desirable if we also had more women among the partners.
And in person?
Tobias Bathon: I I am an enthusiastic guitar player, electric guitar. I really want to see many acts again and continue to be on stages with my little band.
Thank you so much for this conversation and your insights.
Tobias Bathon: Thank you, it was a pleasure.
