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Junior associates Beau and Berten: five key reasons to start your career at Nelissen Grade
Beau and Berten began their legal internships at the law firm Nelissen Grade a year ago. How did they experience the journey into the legal profession? In an extensive double interview, both junior associates in business and corporate law look back with enthusiasm. They explain their pathway using five key aspects.
- Lawyer in business and corporate law
- Joined Nelissen Grade in October 2023.
- Lawyer in business and corporate law
- Joined Nelissen Grade in September 2023.
#1 Remarkable guidance from day one
September and October are traditionally busy months for law firms, as the summer recess is over and cases are starting up again. Nevertheless, Beau and Berten received a warm welcome. They enjoyed a lively welcome breakfast and careful guidance throughout their internship. Berten comments, “Because our business and corporate law team is rather large, we can distribute the work well and keep the workload manageable. As a junior associate, this gave me the opportunity to work with several experienced lawyers.”
Beau concurs: “You are not under or overrated at Nelissen Grade. They take your abilities into account and present you with educational challenges in your first weeks. I felt tremendously well taken care of and always knew what to do. It is an incredible achievement by the firm!”
#2 Immediate experience in court
What makes Nelissen Grade unique, according to Beau and Berten? The chance to be a real lawyer. Beau explains: “Nelissen Grade has the wide variety of cases of a large firm, with the personal touch of a smaller firm. In addition to casework, you also get to argue the cases in court. I was given the opportunity to argue my first case in the first few months, which was an extremely exciting experience. The rapid evolutions in the ongoing cases also ensure focus and satisfaction.”
Berten also went to court in his first year of internship: “Arguing a case in court for the first time is quite exciting. What courtroom will you be in? How do I behave in the courtroom? Fortunately, I was well prepared by my colleagues. By gaining courtroom experience at a young age, you become familiar with cases more quickly.”
#3 Broad education and focused specialisations
From broad expertise to niche knowledge: junior associates first receive a broad education within their chosen branch of law and then choose what they want to specialise in. Berten: “Corporate litigation, commercial contract revision, acquisition cases; during my first year as a lawyer, I came into contact with highly diverse matters within the world of corporate and business law.”
Beau adds: “It is a smart strategy because it lets you gradually discover what type of cases you prefer. Now that I have developed an interest in real estate cases and estate planning, I am focusing on it more and more.”
“At Nelissen Grade, you handle cases from A to Z. This means that, even as a starting lawyer, you get the opportunity to go to court.”- Berten Bastiaens, junior associate
#4 Connecting team moments throughout the year
Nelissen Grade regularly organises a variety of team events. The event that stuck with Berten the most was the business party at Nelissen Grade's Hasselt branch: “We attended an event at the Hasselt business park with the theme 'the European Football Championship.' The informal intern weekend is another event to look forward to.”
Beau adds, “All events are organised to perfection. For me, the quiz and the New Year's event stood out. This year, the entire team travelled to Cadzand and Ghent. The office events are outings that everyone looks forward to.”
#5 Open corporate culture that encourages independence
In September, several new lawyers will be sworn into the bar at Nelissen Grade. Beau says that because of the open corporate culture, you shouldn't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. “There is a lot to deal with, but everyone is there to help you. Be eager to learn, take on anything that comes your way and be open to grow. It is also important to be independent, responsible and assertive. Follow up on your cases and dare to stand your ground.”
Berten also has a few valuable tips for new lawyers: “Don't rush things. You don't become an experienced lawyer overnight. Nelissen Grade gives you the peace of mind to learn slowly and grow deeply. Also, be social; we are a close-knit firm where people stand up for each other and enjoy having fun together. I always enjoy coming to work because I know I have plenty of social contact between cases.”
“Independence, responsibility and assertiveness are three crucial traits in the workplace at Nelissen Grade.”- Beau Jammaers, junior associate
Do you like the idea of starting as a junior associate at Nelissen Grade?
Get in touch! We are always looking for driven talent.