Dear Alumni of Bucerius Law School,  

Our upcoming ten-year anniversary is a good time for reflection; it’s also a good time to look ahead to our next decade. This year, we have received 600 applications for the incoming LL.B. class of 2010 – more than we have ever had before. In addition to being a testament to our excellent reputation, the outpouring of interest in Bucerius is also a result of our new application portal, activities on social networks and attractive new financing opportunities for students. With this new incoming class and the beginning of our second decade, we will focus on four primary goals: to maintain and improve the highest quality LL.B. program and state exams results, particularly through the new Centre for Legal Learning. Secondly, we will continue to make the focus on the internationalization of our legal education a top priority. On this end, a Bucerius delegation was in Washington D.C. at the Georgetown University Law Center to discuss a joint degree program. Thirdly, we will continue to examine ways in which we can grow and improve including offerings like our Management and Leadership executive education programs. And finally, a continued focus on what differentiates us from other universities – the interconnectedness of research and learning. This is fundamental to our mandate as a private institution in civil society.   

In this newsletter, you will read more about the activities of our current LL.B. students and events on campus, our delegation’s meeting at Georgetown, the deepened and continuing support of our current supporters like Clifford Chance, and other events, lectures, honors, and news from in and around Bucerius.

Wishing you a warm and sunny start to this summer,  

Dr. Hariolf Wenzler

CEO / Provost

A Bucerius delegation was in Washington DC from April 7-9 to meet with colleagues from the Georgetown Law Faculty to discuss potential future collaborations, namely a joint graduate program. The Georgetown Law Center located in the American capital city is one of the biggest and most renowned private law schools in the US. They have been a partner of Bucerius since 2006; this partnership deepened in 2008 with the inception of the Georgetown initiated Center for Transnational Legal Studies in London, which is made up of 20 partner institutions including Bucerius.  

The two institutions are discussing a joint graduate program and are currently at work on the technical questions including accreditation and financial issues. Great enthusiasm for the project exists on both sides and the progress has been very positive.

On May 25, the non-profit organization American Friends of Bucerius kicked off its membership program, which aims to connect and foster lifelong relationships between Bucerius and ZEIT-Stiftung alumni and individuals from business, law and academics with an affinity for the organization. Through modest annual dues, members receive access to events and the distinguished Bucerius network, among other benefits, all while contributing to the broader advancement of international dialogue and education.  

With many sign-ups in the first week, the membership program is off to a strong start. Through its events and activities, American Friends of Bucerius will continue to represent Bucerius in the United States, introducing new constituents to the ZEIT-Stiftung and Bucerius and inspiring them to seek AFB membership.   While individuals currently working and living in America have much to benefit from membership, AFB welcomes all Bucerius-affiliated individuals to join who see value in gaining cross-border knowledge and relationships in our increasingly globalized world.  

Visit www.buceriusUSA.org/membership.html to join now and encourage your Bucerius classmates, colleagues and friends to become a member, too!  

Around 130 guests including Minister of the Economy Dr. Herlind Gundelach, Dr. Klaus von Dohnanyi and the Chairman of the Board of the ZEIT-Stiftung gathered to honor Professor Dr. Klaus J. Hopt and Dr. Arend Oetker at an Awards Dinner in the Hotel Atlantic on April 26. Bucerius Law School and the ZEIT-Stiftung sponsored the third annual event and Bucerius Dean Karsten Schmidt and Professor Manfred Lahnstein were on hand to present the honors. 

Dr. Oetker was honored for his engagement in economic development. Oetker has been a member of the Association of Foundations for Germany Economics since 1977 and has served as its president since 1998. Professor Dr. Hopt accepted the award for his contribution to law and legal development. Hopt was the director of the Max Planck Institute for International and Private Law from 1995-2008 and an internationally renowned researcher and legal instructor.  

Based on impressions from his experiences in the US, Hopt spoke about a few key aspects for supporting research and teaching in three words: competition, internationality and interdisciplinary. Competition between students is essential. This is evident from the low acceptance rates in comparison with the number of applications received at elite universities in the US. The resulting high standards also make teaching more fun. As a result of the intensity of the research, Hopt said the internationality of the universities was also present. Finally, it is important to focus on the interdisciplinary nature of the research in order to further academic development.  

In all three aspects, Hopt praised Bucerius Law School as a role model for Germany as it competes with other top institutions in China, India and the US.

"Expert Culture versus Participatory Culture” was the title of the fourth lecture in the Karsten Schmidt Honorary Lecture Series on May 5. Professor Clifford Larsen, UBS Professor of Law and Dean of the Bucerius/WHU Master of Law and Business – Joachim Herz Program provided a first peek at a long-term research project comparing the legal culture in the US and Germany. Larsen’s preliminary results showed that important assignments are undertaken mainly by experts in Germany whereas newer practitioners are given more responsibility in the US. Larsen provided numerous examples from political, legal and general sectors. Further research and understanding can lead to increased inter-cultural competence, said Larsen, and be an impetus for legal development.

In the framework of the exchange of study and practice at the Institute of Corporate and Capital Markets Law, students concentrating on “Business and Taxation” came together on February 25 to hear Dr. William Willms, Director of Finance at Lufthansa Technik AG speak about cash management in an age of international concern and its legal aspects. Dr. Willms was joined by Bucerius Professor Dr. Rüdiger Veil, Alfried Krupp Chair for Civil Law, German and International Business Law and Corporate Law, who concluded the event.

On March 8, Franziska Löke, legal counsel with the National Association of German Banks, lectured students concentrating on business law and the reform of the European finance market oversight on “Transparency in Financial Markets”. Löke detailed the introduction of controls in the finance market as well as developments in reform at national and European levels. Students had the opportunity to pose questions and an intensive debate ensued over when and how the proposed reforms would be implemented.

On March 4-5, the German Foundation Association together with the Institute for Foundation Law and the Law of Non-Profit Organizations, invited participants to the 11th Roundtable discussion on Foundation Civil Law at Bucerius Law School. After ten years of successful direction under Professor Dr. Olaf Werner in Jena, Professor Dr. Birgit Weitemeyer has taken the reigns. Sixty participants discussed the new developments in foundation law. Professor Dr. Stefan Geibel, CSI Heidelberg, commented on the current decision of the BGH regarding trust foundations. Thomas Flues, doctoral candidate at the Institute for Foundation Law and the Law of Non-Profit Organizations spoke about endowments and how they work with regards to foundations.

In cooperation with New York University School of Law and under the direction of Professor Franco Ferrari, the Verona University School of Law hosted the Conference on International Private Law. The theme of this year’s conference, held on March 18-20, was the collision of divisive legal systems. Internationally recognized legal academics and practitioners debated the various prerequisites for successful legal arbitration and the corresponding laws.  

In his conference lecture, “The Effect of Mandatory Rules on the Arbitration Agreement”, speaker and Professor Dr. Karsten Thorn, Bucerius Chair for Civil Law, Private International Private and International Commercial Law and Comparative Law, discussed the recent high-profile decision of the high court in Munich according to which legislation does not apply when the law in question would most likely conflict with German norms.

Upon invitation from the Forum for German Law, the University of Kyoto and the DAAD, Professor Dr. Anne Röthel, Chair for Civil Law, European and International Private Law, attended the March 28 forum in Kyoto on “Autonomy and Age”.   The aging of the German population – as well as the Japanese population - presents many challenges. The joint conversation about the German concept of private care (patients’ rights, euthanasia) showed both similarities and difference to the Japanese concept. The discussion highlighted that German family law offers more independence to the elderly, whereas in Japan, the family and society play a greater role in the care of elders.

On February 4, the Institute of Corporate and Capital Markets Law together with the Commerzbank Foundation Chair Foundamentals of Law, sponsored a lecture entitled, “Development of Corporate Governance through Norms and Legislation.”  Klaus-Peter Müller, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Commerzbank AG and Chairman of the government commission on German Corporate Governance Norms, and Professor Dr. Gunnar Folke Schuppert, Professor for New Forms of Governance at the Berlin Academic Center for Social Research led the discussion.   Müller pointed out that now especially during a financial crisis, corporate governance instruments are in need of reform; particularly values like sustainability, trust, responsibility and dependability are in need of attention and rethinking. Schuppert continued with a look at various forms of governance in corporate, contract and public law.

Clifford Chance has been a Donor to Bucerius Law School since 2007. However, the international law firm has recently decently to deepen its engagement with Bucerius by becoming a Partner. Now, not only will it support the successful work of the “Clifford Chance International Office”, but the firm will also support other academic programs.  

The firm, a leading international legal society, has long been a financial supporter of Bucerius. With offices in all of the major economic and financial centers in the world, Clifford Chance continues to offer Bucerius students internship opportunities and job placements post graduation. Since 2003, Clifford Chance lawyers have guest lectures and researchers at Bucerius. The primary specialty of the events and workshops so far have been business buy-outs, economic topics, M & A transactions, international business cooperation and capital market law. In keeping with the firm’s portfolio, future engagements will cover these and other topics of expertise.  

That the Audi AG supports Bucerius is obvious to anyone who seeks a highly coveted parking spot in the Law School’s limited lot. But what does the auto industry have to do with a law school? Dr. Martin Wagener, Director of the Central Legal Service of Audi AG, took on this topic with his lecture entitled, “Distortionist or Creator?” Around 40 students and graduates turned out on May 18 to hear his perspective. A lively discussion followed at an informal reception that concluded the event.

On May 7, players gathered for the second annual MLB Golf Networking Event at Golf Gut Glinde. Despite the dismal weather forecast, 50 curious participants – some complete beginners and others picking up a club for the first time since the previous summer – teed up.  Unfortunately, the weather gods showed no mercy this year. Just 10 degrees Celsius and rain did not prevent 40 of the participants from taking to the course, however.  

Under the direction of three experienced golf instructors, participants picked up tips on swing techniques. The highlight was a quick round on the short course where the short game comes into focus. Small teams played in a “Texas Scramble” style with the team with the fewest strokes placing first. Weather aside, the event was a successful opportunities for players to get to know each other in a relaxing atmosphere.  

We would like to thank the following firms for taking part:Bon prix Handelsgesellschaft GmbH, Clifford Chance, Graf von Westphalen, Linklaters LLP White & Case LLP.  

For the last four years, Bucerius Law School has enjoyed a cooperation with the program “Starting Help Student Coaching”. The project falls under the AWO and is intended to aid weaker students by offering a kind of “self-help” says Mareile Denzer, the program’s coordinator. The former teacher oversees 160 coaches in Hamburg including university students and retirees. Coaches help students not only with schoolwork but accompany them to activities outside of the classroom on excursion to the theater for example. Over 100 Bucerius students have taken part in the project since 2006. Denzer looks forward to continued successful cooperation.

Together with a total of 2,500 participants from all over the world, ten Bucerius students took part in the model United Nations conference in New York City. Lydia Rautenberg, Dirk Hartung, Carsten Ritter, Lorenz Wascher, Christina Heil, Julia Remy, Luisa Sandforth, Alina Winter, Luiya Luisa Jeske and Freya Fassbender worked on resolutions and position papers, as well as speeches and research.  The conference concluded with a model “General Assembly” at the UN headquarters.  

The Hamburg delegation made of three different classes, incorporated discussion from the MUN Bucerius Group and the previous MUN conferences in Hamburg and London. The idea of the MUN for high school and university students was established in the 1920s when participants had the opportunity to learn about the complex political questions as well as to improve their rhetoric and foreign language abilities. And of course, students profit from being exposed to diverse perspectives of fellow participants from around the world.

On March 27, the rowing team of Bucerius Law School hit the Thames. The 6.8 km stretch or water was the course for the “Head of the River” Race in London and the wrap-up of a year of practice for the rowers. After a bit of a rocky start, boat number 241 crossed the finish line in 19 minutes and 19 seconds. With this finish, the team qualified for a starting place at next year’s race in the top 200. Students Joel El-Qalqili and Jakob Seifert led the team through twice-weekly training session starting at 7 a.m. The team also consisted of Maximilian Schauf, Philip Liebenow, Juan Carlos Dastis, Philipp Winter, Max Helleberg and Christopher Stoiber and coxswain Sebastian Fornefeld.

Again this year, the Bucerius Willem C. Vis Arbitration Moot team made an impressive showing. The team – Aljosha Barath, Franziska Thörle, Lola Nick and Sarah Nietner – have been preparing for the competition since October 2009. Their preparation focused on crafting arguments for both sides and fictional sentences. Typical exercises included preparing hearings and taking part in pre-moot simulations in Hanover, Munich and Düsseldorf. Bucerius research assistants Fabian Walla, Jan Boucsein, Gerry Gähler and Martin Kilgus advised and Professor Dr. Karsten Thorn directed the team. The Bucerius team competed in Vienna against representatives from 62 states. They received “honorable mention” thereby placing in the top 20 of the 252 participants in the competition.

May 2010 marks the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. The RCDS-University Group at Bucerius took this as an opportunity to ask each of its members what they knew about a country that has such a particular relationship with Germany.  Heike Grunewald, Car of the German-Israeli Society Hamburg was on hand on May 4 to offer insight through her lecture on Israel and its inhabitants. Grunewald spent seven years with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Jerusalem and surrounding Arab states and thereby developed a personal connection with the land. She spoke about the positive impressions of Germany in Israel, especially among the youth through cultural and academic exchange programs. The event was also an introduction to the cultural-political student excursion of the Young Likud Party entitled “Coexistence in the Middle East” which Bucerius student representatives participated in this May.

The second Bucerius Leadership Program took place from April 26-30, 2010. Ten lawyers from law firms and companies examined business models for firms and learned the basics of leadership competence.  

Markus Hartung, The Law Firm Companion, and Dr. Friedrich Blasé, Holland & Knight, offered participants an overview of the German legal market and discussed questions related to positioning from law firms and possible development strategies. Through group work participants examine firm structures, defined selling points and led price negotiations.  

On the topic of leadership competence, Professor Ashish Nanda of Harvard Law School and Dr. Torsten Schumacher, Schumacher & Baumanns, led participants through a producer-manager dilemma scenario. With case studies and videos, they reviewed business cultures, the fundamentals of a successful group project and various leadership styles. Dr. Jo Beatrix Aschenbrenner (Bucerius Law School) concluded the workshop with a look at conflict management and explained why conflict avoidance makes sense and which methods work best.

Bucerius Exchange Program, Summer Program and MLB Alumni are warmly invited to our third Unternational Alumni Reunion which will take place this fall from September 24-25, 2010 in Hamburg. Events this year will include a workshop on leadership in law firms, an alumni dinner, a tour of the HafenCity and a Golf Networking Event. We are looking forward to a weekend full of events, networking opportunities and catching up with some familiar faces!

If you have any questions regarding the reunion, please feel free to contact Kasia Kwietniewska at kasia.kwietniewska law-school.de

Editorial
Bucerius Law School
Hochschule für Rechtswissenschaft
Law School Management
Professor Dr. Dres. h.c. Karsten Schmidt (President)
Professor Dr. Michael Fehling, LL.M. (Vice President)
Dr. Hariolf Wenzler (CEO)
Jungiusstraße 6
20355 Hamburg

Translation: Jiffer Bourguignon
Editing and Contact:
Kasia Kwietniewska, Director
Clifford Chance International Office
kasia.kwietniewska@law-school.de