The 2024/2025 cycle of the DIS/DIS40 Mentoring Programme kicked off on Wednesday, 11 September 2024. The kick-off event, hosted by DIS/DIS40 Mentoring Programme organizers and DIS40 co-chairs Christoph Gramlich and Nadja Harraschain, along with mentoring programme alumni Antonia Füller and Luca Weskott, marked the beginning of a promising journey for the 44 mentees and 15 mentors participating in this year's programme.
The audience received a warm welcome from Rouven Bodenheimer, Deputy Chairman of the Board at DIS, an experienced practitioner, mentor, and ardent supporter of the programme. He emphasized the significance of the relationships we cultivate early in our careers.
The evening featured a compelling panel discussion on "Feedback, Error Culture and Return on Experience – (How) Do Lawyers Get Better?" The panel brought together distinguished professionals including Abhilasha Vij (Associate at A&O Shearman), Nicolas Rücker (Head of Legal at FREENOW), and Carolin Schwarz (Organisational Development Consultant & Executive Coach). The discussion was expertly moderated by Sophie Eichhorn (Deputy Press Spokesperson at Friedrich Naumann Stiftung für die Freiheit).
Sophie Eichhorn led the panel and the audience through an array of topics including the role of trust for personal growth, the importance of being allowed to make mistakes, and the cultural differences in delivering critical feedback.
Carolin Schwarz opened the discussion by noting that making mistakes does not make us appear incompetent. Instead, it is our response to these mistakes that shapes how we are perceived. She stressed the importance of addressing errors constructively and using them as opportunities for growth.
Abhilasha Vij highlighted the critical role of trust in the workplace, stating that people and teams can only thrive if they trust their leaders and feel safe to make mistakes. This trust, she argued, is fundamental to creating an environment where learning and development are prioritized.
Nicolas Rücker added a profound insight, expressing his surprise at how few law firms actively seek feedback. He emphasized the importance of feedback in fostering continuous improvement and professional growth within legal teams.
After the panel discussion, attendees had the opportunity to network over drinks and finger food, generously sponsored by Osborne Clark. This part of the event allowed participants to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Berlin Dispute Resolution Days and to follow Rouven Bodenheimer's advice by connecting with their peers.
Nadja Harraschain