COMMUNITY
From Germany to Atlanta: An International Journey in Corporate Law
MORITZ MAIER Jones Day mmaier @ jonesday. com
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Embrace the Change” was the motto that I had chosen for my 6-month second term to Atlanta in the summer of 2022. At the time, I had no idea just how consequential this mindset would prove to be. My journey spanning continents and cultures has been unconventional yet rewarding, and every twist and turn deepened my appreciation for the practice of law.
As a young associate at Jones Day in Düsseldorf, Germany, I was thrust into the fast-paced world of M & A deals, corporate governance, and commercial contracts. I found myself captivated by the thrill of navigating complex legal frameworks not only in Germany but across various European jurisdictions, engaging in negotiations with clients and counterparts. While my firm was a significant player in the American and global legal landscape, the Düsseldorf office felt comparatively small in terms of the number of lawyers, creating a collegial and intimate working atmosphere. Nothing like the grand settings of law firms that I had often seen on TV! Despite the modest size of the Düsseldorf office, the extensive network of global offices provided me with opportunities to meet, collaborate, and engage with colleagues across the Globe. I organized and attended recruiting events in Paris and
Miami, traveled to Amsterdam, Brussels and London for client meetings, and frequently collaborated with colleagues across Europe and various offices in the U. S.
Atlanta? Atlanta!
Eager for even more international exposure, I began to envision the idea of not only collaborating with but actually working in one of my firm ' s international offices. In 2022, the vision finally became reality: The firm offered to transfer me to Atlanta for six months. Why Atlanta? In hindsight, I could praise the vibrant culture, Southern hospitality, and dynamic legal market, but the truth is, at that time, I knew very little about the city. This uncertainty was part of what made the prospect so exciting! I genuinely believe that every location offers unique lessons that contribute to our personal and professional growth, going to live and work where I had never been before made this opportunity not only an experience, but an adventure.
Certainly, my global exposure while working in Germany had prepared me well professionally, allowing me to approach this new chapter with confidence and anticipation. Embracing the chance to work abroad felt like a natural progression in my
24 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024