A Secondment Story

Juerg Bloch, at Paul, Weiss New York

If you were offered a role in Suits, Criminal Intent or The Good Wife, would you hesitate?

After I had worked as an associate and senior associate at NKF for over four years, the firm gave me the opportunity of going on secondment to Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York. I did not hesitate. Paul, Weiss, my new professional home for eight months, is a leading international law firm with headquarters in New York and an overall lawyer head count of approximately 1,000 lawyers.

My secondment at Paul, Weiss was a unique professional opportunity and an unparalleled learning experience. It helped me to better understand the practice of law in the United States as well as to experience the day-to-day work of a premier New York law firm. In particular, being part of Paul, Weiss’ White Collar & Regulatory Defense group, which is among the most respected and successful in the United States, was an extraordinary and humbling experience. Working on some of the most high-profile, cutting edge internal investigations and criminal cases at NKF before my secondment proved to be the perfect preparation for this challenge.

I was also able to expand my professional and personal network in the United States by working closely with lawyers at all levels at Paul, Weiss and other U.S. law firms.

An international secondment can also be a very enriching experience on a personal level. New York has a lot to offer for young families, including countless playgrounds, children’s museums and the right spot for demanding foodies. I would definitely encourage young lawyers who are interested in going on secondment not to hesitate and to speak to their partners!