We give individuals space, in return, we demand a high level of commitment and the shouldering of responsibility. Accordingly, we seek academically strong lawyers who are prepared to take responsibility and make use of their opportunities.
As befits a top law firm, our conditions are outstanding. Our lawyers can expect an environment in which they can grow and select a career path that suits them and enables them to make use of the opportunities offered.
Your career with us will follow a basic pattern which enables you to achieve the most important milestones step by step. As a fundamental rule, we employ only those applicants whom we assume can one day be considered for partnership.
The stages in our law firm are as follows:
After your first 3-4 years, we will make you a “Senior Associate” and you will be told whether there is a possibility of a partnership. After a further 2-3 years, you can be put forward for a partnership by your team. The Nomination Committee will review your credentials and help you prepare both for your appointment as a partner and with putting together your application. In this way you will prepare your business case which you can then present to the Nomination Committee. You will then receive feedback and the necessary support for your further development. After a total of 6-8 years, the partners will decide on your appointment to the partnership.
Equality of treatment is a defining principle of our law firm. We do not have different grades of partnership. Each partner has the same rights from day one. There are no profit transfers to older partners and no graduated systems which everyone must work their way up. As a partner, you are part of our community from the very outset and, at the same time, an independent advisor whose remuneration is based on your own commitment and the success of NKF as a whole.
This means that, in contrast to other top law firms, our partners enjoy far-reaching personal freedom. Within our partnership, we regard ourselves as ambitious and outstandingly qualified lawyers who can maintain a lasting balance between personal lifestyle and top clients. We may be unique in this respect.