Schalast | Joanna Maria Marent

Insights into legal traineeship at Schalast

What motivated you to complete your legal traineeship at Schalast in the field of venture capital?

I chose Schalast because of my passion for innovative companies and the legal challenges in the field of venture capital. Schalast offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a forward-looking area and contribute to the development of start-ups. Venture capital particularly fascinates me because it requires both legal expertise and a deep understanding of economic and strategic contexts.

What did your typical workday at the law firm look like?

My workday at Schalast was very varied. My main tasks included supporting the legal advice for start-ups and investors, drafting and reviewing contracts, and analyzing legal aspects of financing rounds. I also researched current legal issues in venture capital and assisted in preparing legal opinions and statements. Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend client meetings and notary appointments, which provided me with direct insights into the practice and legal steps involved in transactions.
Networking events were also part of the firm routine, allowing me to strengthen my network in the venture capital sector and start-up scene.

Which tasks did you particularly enjoy?

It's not easy to pinpoint one task as I really enjoyed the overall experience. The tasks were both varied and hands-on, and it was exciting to see how legal, economic, and strategic aspects are interlinked in venture capital.

Were there any challenges you found particularly exciting?

One of the biggest challenges was working on complex transactions, where the goal was to align a variety of legal and economic factors. Fine-tuning contracts to meet both legal requirements and the clients' needs was often a demanding task, but also a very rewarding one.

What new skills or knowledge were you able to acquire during your time at Schalast?

During my time at Schalast, I was not only able to deepen my legal knowledge, but also acquire many new skills that have helped me both professionally and personally. Particularly valuable was immersing myself in the world of venture capital. I learned how complex financing structures are built and how important it is to keep all relevant legal and economic aspects in mind during transactions. This significantly broadened my understanding of the practical application of corporate law and contract drafting.

What tips would you give to future trainee lawyers who are interested in a position at Schalast?

At Schalast, you will be involved in exciting and varied tasks that require both legal precision and a good understanding of economic contexts. It is therefore helpful to familiarize yourself with the basic aspects of venture capital law and financing structures in advance. This allows you to dive into the practice more quickly and approach the tasks with confidence. With a curious and open attitude, you will be able to take away a lot for your future career during this station.