‘My name is Coen, and this summer I completed the Master's in Civil Law at Leiden University. Before definitively concluding my studies, I wanted to experience what the legal profession is like in practice. Wintertaling came to my attention during my search for law firms specializing in real estate law, as that is where my primary areas of interest lie.’
Why did you choose an internship at Wintertaling?
‘What ultimately convinced me to apply were the interviews with the interns who had preceded me. The picture they painted of the office appealed to me immediately. I now travel three hours to and from The Hague every day, but that investment of time is more than worth it.’
What are your main tasks and responsibilities during your internship?
‘Up until now, I have primarily supported the lawyers with legal research. When they require more clarity regarding a specific legal issue in an ongoing case, they first provide a background sketch of the case and explain exactly which question needs to be answered. Subsequently, I conduct independent research by studying literature and collecting and analyzing relevant case law. Based on my findings, I then prepare a clear memo in which I discuss the relevant legal sources, outline the key insights, and conclude with my own legal analysis and conclusion.’
Can you give an example of a project or case you worked on?
‘Currently, there is a case pending that is relatively unique, even for the lawyers handling it. The case is legally very interesting and raises diverse questions. For this specific case, I have already had to conduct research into various legal topics on multiple occasions. For instance, I conducted very extensive literature research into directors' liability. Subsequently, I had to scrutinize case law regarding the interests of the company in relation to the private interests of shareholders, and finally, employment law aspects also played a role in this case.
Within the real estate section, I encountered legal research questions that lay entirely outside my field of expertise. Although I focused exclusively on civil law during my studies, I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in these administrative law topics.’
What do you find most challenging about your internship?
‘At university, you often learn to think in step-by-step plans and to work out every legal element in detail. In practice, however, things are slightly different. Lawyers generally have a good understanding of the general legal framework and are primarily looking for an answer to a specific question. For the sake of time and efficiency, it is therefore important to get to the heart of the matter quickly and discuss only the legally relevant aspects. The challenge lies in reducing a complex legal question to clear, readable, and practically usable advice. In doing so, a memo must not only be legally correct but also clearly structured and directly align with the lawyer's needs. Less academic and more practical.’
What did you learn during your internship?
‘This internship has provided me with practical experience in corporate law, something you simply cannot learn in a classroom. Through my interaction with various cases and clients, I have gained a clear understanding of what it means to be an in-house counsel and the skills required for it. I have become more confident in applying my legal knowledge and tackling challenges independently, developed a better eye for detail, and strengthened my skills in legal research and drafting documents.’
How has this internship changed or influenced your view of the legal profession?
‘At university, the legal profession is often equated with the holy grail of a legal career. Hierarchy, long working days, and strong competition were characteristics I always associated with the legal profession. During my internship, I noticed that part of this image is certainly accurate. People work extremely hard, and lawyers sometimes put in long days to meet deadlines. At the same time, this internship has nuanced my view of the legal profession on these points as well. The work atmosphere and the team at Wintertaling are particularly pleasant. There is an open and egalitarian culture, which made it feel very easy to ask questions or discuss ideas, even with the partners.
Moreover, prior to my internship, I had doubts about whether the content of the work would suit me. The opposite turned out to be true. The variety of legal issues and fields of law made the work challenging and varied. Solution-oriented thinking within a legal context suits me very well and has certainly strengthened my interest in the legal profession.’
Do you have any tips for other students considering an internship in the legal profession?
‘As I mentioned earlier, the legal profession always seemed like something that wasn't meant for me. My experience during this internship is that academics and practice differ vastly. The skills you acquire during your studies are important, but they don't mean everything. Above all, you need to be interested in what you do and willing to learn from mistakes. That is why my tip is: "nothing ventured, nothing gained." Don't let doubts or the idea that something isn't meant for you hold you back. Just apply and discover for yourself if it suits you.”
What are your future plans after this internship?
‘After this internship, my time as a student officially comes to an end. That is why I am already busy drafting my CV and writing cover letters, because the search for my next legal adventure has begun. My interest in the legal profession has only grown during this internship, but I am not exclusively targeting a position within that world. The judiciary also seems like a particularly interesting and challenging place to work. Where my arrow will ultimately land remains to be seen. For now, it is a matter of waiting to see what the future holds.’
