Dirk von Diringshofen’s Post

View profile for Dirk von Diringshofen, graphic

Associate Director Legal & Head of Global Trademarks, Syndikusanwalt @ STADA Group

One question I frequently get asked is about the differences between working in a major German law firm versus an in-house position, along with the advantages of an in-house role. There are many aspects to this, but here is one I was reminded of recently: Saturday, at the Woodstock der Blasmusik in Austria, while watching Swiss PowerBrass perform, I noticed a yellow Cetebe branded umbrella in the crowd (spot it dancing in the video below). Did I notice it because of it being an umbrella used for sun-protection on this extremely hot day? No, there were quite a few umbrellas being scattered throughout the crowd. I noticed it because of the #Cetebe branding. My immediate thought was: cool - that’s one of our brands! My team and I are working together with our colleagues to protect and further build this brand! Seeing our brand out in the world, embraced by consumers, evokes a sense of connection and ownership. This connects with what we are referring to as our #OneSTADA and #Entrepreneurship values. As an in-house counsel, I have the opportunity to support a brand, product, or service long-term, engaging with various aspects of it and fostering a deep sense of ownership not just in my service and contributions but in the overall final product and brand. This differs from the more fleeting involvement an external advisor experiences with the large number of clients and their products, which the external advisor gets in touch with at one point or another. Moments like the one at the music festival highlight the impact of the brand and product on consumers - and thereby of our contribution as in-house counsel to it. While external counsels rightfully take pride in their work and their brand (just as in-house counsels), the unique connection and feeling of ownership in brands and products reaching the consumer that comes with in-house roles offer a distinct perspective. Surprise moments like at the music festival serve as great reminders of the significance of the products we support and the value we bring. And this is the aspect of in-house roles I wanted to point out today. PS: I have no clue who was dancing with the umbrella - was it a colleague, a happy consumer, or just someone who scored the umbrella as a give-away in the past? Your idea is as good as mine - or was it you?

Anna Kochel

Senior Procurement Manager FDF

5mo

Good eye-catch 😌

Like
Reply
Dorit Kühnhausen

Manager Transfer Pricing (Data Analytics and Digitalization Specialist)

5mo

I fully agree!

See more comments

To view or add a comment, sign in

Explore topics