Term clarification: Rotation in a major law firm
Die Rotation in a major law firm refers to a training period within the legal traineeship, during which legal trainees gain practical experience in large law firms with a focus on business law. In the German legal system, completing various practical rotations is a mandatory part of the path to the second state examination. Working in a major law firm is characterized by particular legal challenges, a wide range of topics, and specific structures and demands placed on the trainees.
Legal framework for the rotation in a major law firm
State legal traineeship
The legal traineeship (Referendariat) is regulated by the German Judiciary Act (DRiG) and the respective training regulations of the federal states. The traineeship serves the purpose of practical training for graduates of the first state examination in law.
Mandatory and elective rotations
The traineeship typically consists of several rotations:
- Civil law rotation
- Criminal law rotation
- Administrative law rotation
- Lawyer’s rotation (mandatory rotation)
- Elective rotation
An assignment in a major law firm is typically possible within the framework of the lawyer’s rotation or the elective rotation. Legal trainees are free to choose the place of training, but they must ensure that the requirements of the applicable training and examination regulations are met.
Admission and registration
The following prerequisites are generally required to complete a rotation in a major law firm:
- Existing training relationship within the traineeship
- Approval from the district court or the traineeship office
- Submission of a training plan and, if applicable, a letter of supervision from the law firm
The major law firm must ensure that qualified supervision and practical training take place according to the requirements of the training regulations.
Content and structure of the rotation in a major law firm
Training content
During the rotation, legal trainees are trained in commercial law issues, including in particular:
- Contract drafting and review
- Advice on corporate law
- Litigation in major commercial proceedings
- Conducting due diligence investigations
- Involvement in international mandates and transactions
- Preparation of legal opinions, memoranda, and pleadings
- Internal training and participation in client meetings
Working conditions
Major law firms usually offer modern workspaces, comprehensive involvement in daily business, and insights into international legal matters. Working hours can be higher compared to average training positions. Trainees often receive a monthly training allowance (also referred to as ‘Referendarlohn’), the amount of which varies by law firm.
Supervision and evaluation
Assignment to a permanent instructor (mentor) is mandatory. This person is responsible for assigning specific tasks, providing guidance, and issuing a training certificate. The progress of the rotation is regularly reviewed and documented according to a training plan.
Legal aspects and impact on the traineeship
Training objective and examination relevance
The training objective is to impart practical knowledge and skills in legal practice, particularly with regard to the business focus of the firm. The activities should be relevant to the requirements of the second state exam. In some cases, trainees must complete a certain number of written assignments which are included in the overall assessment.
Legal obligations of the rotation
- Training record: A training record documenting the type and scope of the activities is mandatory.
- Confidentiality: Trainees are subject to the professional duty of confidentiality under § 43a BRAO (Federal Lawyers’ Act) as well as to separate firm-internal confidentiality agreements.
- Participation in meetings, discussions, and court hearings: These should be made possible whenever feasible, as long as the training objective is not compromised.
Special features of international major law firms
Rotations can, depending on the regulations of each federal state, also be completed abroad, provided they take place in a foreign branch of an international law firm. In such cases, recognition by the training authority is generally required.
Evaluation and significance of the rotation in a major law firm
Career and networks
Completing a rotation in a major law firm is considered beneficial for a career and provides contacts with potential employers. It can also facilitate entry into the profession later on, especially in business law fields.
Quality assurance
The work is subject to continuous quality assurance by the training authorities as well as the law firms’ internal standards. Feedback discussions between mentor and trainee are common.
Practical and legal challenges
Trainees often face significant professional demands, particularly in internationally active law firms with foreign-language documents and complex issues. Compliance with statutory and internal regulations is essential for completing the rotation successfully and avoiding liability risks.
Conclusion
Die Rotation in a major law firm is an important component of practical training for legal trainees. It combines demanding, practice-oriented training with the opportunity to gain experience in business law and international matters. Comprehensive understanding of the legal framework and processes is essential for successful completion of this training period.
Frequently asked questions
What is the daily work routine like during the lawyer’s rotation in a major law firm?
During the lawyer’s rotation in a major law firm, the daily work routine involves close integration into active cases and larger legal projects. Trainee lawyers are typically assigned to various practice groups or departments and are given tasks that often go beyond the usual scope of ‘standard’ trainee duties. These include drafting legal opinions, pleadings, and contracts, as well as researching complex legal issues. Working hours often depend on the workload of the respective lawyers and, depending on case requirements, may exceed the usual 40-hour week. However, many major law firms offer flexible working models and the possibility to work from home. Trainee lawyers regularly participate in client meetings, in-house training, and, if possible, court hearings, giving them first-hand experience of the full consulting process in a major law firm. Close supervision by a mentor or trainer is common to provide continuous feedback and insights into specific working methods.
What typical tasks are assigned to trainee lawyers in a major law firm?
In a major law firm, trainee lawyers take on a wide array of legal tasks with direct practical relevance. Core duties include conducting comprehensive legal research, drafting memos, legal briefs and pleadings, and preparing contract clauses. Additionally, they are often involved in client work, such as assisting with due diligence in transactions and compiling and evaluating documents for corporate, labor, or commercial law proceedings. Participation in client presentations and the preparation of meetings or conference calls is also standard practice. In some law firms, trainee lawyers may also be offered the opportunity to attend internal training or support specialized workshops. The allocation of tasks is typically based on the individual’s level of experience and the specialization of supervising lawyers, ensuring targeted development of legal skills.
To what extent are trainee lawyers involved in client work?
Trainee lawyers are often an integral part of the relevant team in major law firms and are included in the daily client work both nationally and internationally. They gain insights into all phases of client engagement—from case intake and initial legal assessment to the practical implementation of solutions developed. Especially in business law matters, they may participate in structuring transactions, contract management, and coordinating between various parties. It is common for trainee lawyers to help draft and revise important documents, always under the supervision of an experienced lawyer. They may also take part in client meetings and, where permitted, in confidential discussions with other experts. In cross-border cases, they sometimes participate in communications with foreign lawyers or subsidiaries.
Are there special requirements or expectations for trainee lawyers in a major law firm?
Major law firms often have particularly high expectations regarding the legal and personal qualifications of their trainee lawyers. In addition to solid legal knowledge, special emphasis is placed on analytical thinking, the ability to work independently, as well as resilience and flexibility. Very good English skills and proficiency in handling legal literature in different languages are often expected, as work frequently involves international clients. Team spirit, strong communication skills, and loyalty are also core requirements, as work often takes place in close collaboration with colleagues and clients. Willingness to show above-average commitment, reliability, and the ability to quickly adapt to complex issues are considered a given. Many law firms also look for a strong interest in business law matters and a well-developed understanding of commercial contexts.
How are supervision and training provided during the rotation in a major law firm?
Supervision during the lawyer’s rotation is usually carried out by one or more training lawyers, who act as direct contacts under a mentoring program. The supervision is designed to support trainee lawyers both professionally and personally, including regular feedback sessions, joint reviews of completed work, and systematic introduction to specialized working areas of the major law firm. Many firms also offer internal training, workshops, and seminars on current legal developments, soft skills, or sector-specific topics. The training is intended to provide comprehensive insight into legal practice, the everyday work of lawyers, and the various specialist areas. The aim is to ensure that trainees are thoroughly qualified for both the second state examination and subsequent professional practice, as well as promoting networking within the law firm.
Is compensation paid during the lawyer’s rotation in a major law firm and how is it structured?
In most major law firms, a reasonable compensation is paid during the lawyer’s rotation, based on the weekly working hours. It is common to receive a monthly secondary employment remuneration, though its amount can vary greatly between firms and usually ranges from €400 to €1,200 (sometimes with extra payment for increased presence). This compensation is paid in addition to the maintenance allowance under the JAG, taking into account legal state limits for secondary earnings during the traineeship. The payment is generally tied to meeting certain working hours and attendance requirements; working from home or flexible work models can be granted in individual cases. Furthermore, benefits in kind are often provided, such as meal subsidies, reimbursement for professional literature, or participation in firm events.
To what extent does the rotation in a major law firm influence subsequent career planning?
Completing a rotation in a major law firm provides a significant advantage for later career planning, especially in business law. Trainee lawyers gain insight into highly specialized areas of law, build valuable contacts with partners and associates, and improve their chances of direct entry into a law firm post traineeship. For many major law firms, this rotation is a key recruitment tool where the suitability of trainee lawyers for a permanent position is assessed. Excellent performance during the rotation often opens the door to further career steps, such as PhD sponsorship, LL.M. programs, or joining one of the so-called ‘trainee groups’ within the firm. Personal soft skills and a professional network are also developed, supporting the career path after the Second State Exam in a variety of ways.