My business card:

• Dr Josephine Fritzsche
• Lawyer / Associate
• Associate for Talent Management

Expertise: 
Corporate law / M&A

How did you find your start at FPS? What surprised you?

My start at the firm was intense and very exciting at the same time. I was particularly surprised by how quickly I was actively involved in client work right from the start. The work is very varied: in addition to legal precision, economic understanding is also required, which makes the work varied and challenging – exactly what I wanted when starting my career.

How are you supported professionally and personally at FPS?

Professionally, I was supported from the outset by being closely involved in client work. Even in my first few weeks, I was allowed to participate in due diligence reviews, comment on draft contracts and take part in team calls. I learned a lot from the direct feedback I received from experienced colleagues. It was particularly helpful that my work was not only reviewed, but also discussed in detail. This allowed me to quickly understand how I could improve.

Personally, I experienced encouragement above all through the open team culture. There is always someone who takes the time to answer questions or give tips. I was also encouraged to take on responsibility and contribute my own ideas, even though I am still at the beginning of my career. This gives me security and strengthens my self-confidence.

When did you first have to be courageous in your professional life?

I had to be courageous during my first court hearing with witness examination. The direct interaction with the summoned witnesses and the court was a formative experience. I had to ask my questions clearly and precisely while also reacting spontaneously when the witnesses' answers differed from what I had expected. With good preparation, I was able to hold my own in this situation – an experience that gave me a lot of self-confidence.

What motivates you to come to the office in the morning?

What motivates me most in the morning is the prospect of learning something new every day and developing my professional skills. Working in corporate law / M&A is very varied. No two mandates are the same, and I feel like I am constantly gaining new insights into exciting companies and industries.

What advice would you have given your younger self before starting your career?

Definitely that it's important to stay calm and not expect to be able to do everything perfectly right away. Starting your career is a steep learning curve, and mistakes and uncertainties are part of it. The key is to ask questions and actively seek support from your team. Everyone has to start somewhere, and no one expects you to know all the answers when you're just starting out.