With five destinations in total – Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart – 75 general counsel joined GC, represented by editor-in-chief Alex Speirs and deputy editor Greg Hall, for the dinners.
With the present business and political uncertainty across Europe, much of the discussion focused on the role of Germany on the global stage, as well as within a new-look European Union in the wake of Brexit. But with such a diverse range of attendees, topics of conversation were varied, ranging from Donald Trump, to GDPR, to German elections – and even, at one dinner, the virtues of proper pet grooming.
‘Since making the move in-house, one difficulty – particularly when compared with working in private practice – has been finding peers who can help with the transition,’ explained one GC from the transport sector.
‘Having the chance to dine and share experiences with such an esteemed group of corporate counsel – most of whom have far more experience than myself – was invaluable. As the scope of issues which come across our desk every day continues to broaden, the connections made tonight may prove fruitful even faster than first thought!’
The dinners provided an opportunity for general counsel to meet and share war stories, advice and best practice, as well as the chance to interact with and grow their networks within the German in-house community.
‘In our view, the dinners have been a success,’ said Dr Christoph Schmitt, partner at Beiten Burkhardt’s Frankfurt office.
‘The atmosphere was good and we had the opportunity to have informal, but intensive professional conversations – as well as small talk – with existing, former and new contacts. Our guests enjoyed the evenings very much, too.’
As The Legal 500 and GC magazine continue to build and grow their presence in Germany, the success of the dinner series continues a strong run following the inaugural GC Powerlist: Germany, held in November last year.
If you are interested in attending future events with GC magazine – in Germany or further afield – please contact craig.belson@legal500.com for more information.