Interview with lawyer Dr. Christoph Urbanek

Today we welcome Dr. Christoph Urbanek MRICS for an interview. The experienced real estate and financing expert founded his own law firm, Urbanek Law, and the financial boutique Urbanek Finance in July 2024 after many successful years in renowned law firms. In this interview, you will learn about his motivations and entrepreneurial goals, underestimated trends in the legal and real estate sector and valuable tips for trainee lawyers who are also aiming for a steep career at partner level.

As part of our “CareerInsights” interview series, we ask personalities from the legal scene - from career starters to industry giants - for insights into their own careers and one or two career tips.

After many years of experience and a successful career as a partner in top international law firms, you founded your own law firm, Urbanek Law, and the financial boutique Urbanek Finance in July 2024. What were your motivations and what goals did you set for your own companies?

There were many reasons for taking this step:

Firstly, I wanted to have the opportunity to shape a law firm according to my own ideas, with a strong focus on individual client care and tailor-made solutions. I wanted the flexibility to pursue innovative approaches and break new ground in legal advice and financial management.

Secondly, it was important for me to create a working environment where quality and team spirit are paramount. I strongly believe that a strong, committed team is the key to success and I wanted to build a firm where talent is nurtured and utilized to the best of its ability.

My goals for Urbanek Law and Urbanek Finance are clearly defined. I strive to support our clients with the highest level of expertise and personal commitment and to stand by their side as a trusted partner. In the long term, I want to develop Urbanek Law and Urbanek Finance into leading names in legal and financial advice that stand for excellence and integrity. We not only want to solve our clients' legal and financial challenges, but also help them achieve their goals and grow sustainably.

Your law firm specializes in the areas of real estate law, banking law, contract law, corporate law and financing, such as senior loans, junior loans, mezzanine capital and bridge loans. How did you find your “hobbyhorse”? And what advice would you give to lawyers who have not yet found their specialty?

I specialized in the areas mentioned because I recognized early on that there was a high demand and complex challenges in these areas of law that appealed to me. My interest and expertise have developed over time by working on various mandates and collaborating with specialists. This has allowed me to deepen my skills and develop a particular passion for these areas of law.

For lawyers who have not yet found their area of specialization, I have the following advice:

• Gain experience: Try out different areas of law to get a feel for what suits you and what interests you. Internships or initial work experience in different areas can be very helpful.

• Further training: Use further training, seminars and specialist literature to expand your knowledge in different areas of law. This will enable you to better assess which areas you are particularly suited to.

• Mentoring and networking: Seek out exchanges with experienced colleagues and mentors. Their experience and advice can often be helpful in the decision-making process.

• Self-reflection: Think about which topics and activities particularly motivate and fulfill you. A personal interest and enthusiasm are often the key to choosing the right area of specialization.

• Market observation: Pay attention to trends and developments in the legal market. Sometimes interesting specializations arise due to current needs and changes in the industry.

By combining these approaches, you can discover your “hobbyhorse” and specialize in an area that will bring you long-term pleasure and success.

Real estate law in particular is an exciting interdisciplinary field. Are new developments and restructurings still the dominant topics or is the transaction business also picking up speed again?

Real estate law does indeed remain an exciting interdisciplinary field. While new developments and restructurings are still the dominant topics, it can be observed that the transaction business is also gaining momentum again. This could be due to the increasing demand for real estate investments and the stabilization of the markets. It will be interesting to see how these trends develop and what new challenges and opportunities will arise in real estate law.

Which trends in the legal and real estate sector do you think are underestimated?

In my opinion, the following trends in particular are underestimated in the legal and real estate sector:

Digitalization and automation: advancing digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence are revolutionizing legal advice and property management. Automated processes and digital contract processing save time and costs, but are often not yet fully utilized.

Sustainability and ESG criteria: Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are becoming increasingly important. In the real estate industry, sustainable construction methods, energy-efficient buildings and social responsibility are key issues that are not yet given sufficient attention.

Blockchain and smart contracts: The use of blockchain technology and smart contracts has the potential to transform the real estate and legal industries by making transactions more transparent and secure. This potential is often not yet fully recognized.

What three tips can you give to trainee lawyers who are also aiming for a stellar career on the partner track?

1. Excellence in client service: Develop strong relationships with your clients and always deliver first-class legal advice. Be proactive, respond quickly to requests and exceed your clients' expectations. A satisfied client is often the key to referrals and long-term relationships.

2. Continuous professional development: Stay on top of the latest legal developments and continually educate yourself. Attend specialist seminars, read legal literature and take advantage of further training opportunities. Specialist knowledge in a particular area of law can give you a competitive advantage and demonstrate your expertise.

3. Networking and visibility: Establish contacts within and outside your law firm at an early stage. Use networking events, legal conferences and social media to network and strengthen your professional presence. Actively participate in professional associations and societies to increase your visibility in the legal community and make valuable connections.

Through a combination of excellent client service, ongoing education and strategic networking, you can successfully advance your career on the Partner Track.

We would like to thank you for the exciting insights and wish you continued enjoyment and success with Urbanek Law.

Profile: Personal questions for Dr. Christoph Urbanek

Where and how do you recharge your batteries
During joint activities with my children

What book are you currently reading?
I don't have time for that at the moment

Which app is indispensable for you?
WhatsApp

What is your greatest strength?
My greatest strength is my ability to solve complex problems efficiently and creatively. I can think analytically quickly, incorporate different perspectives and develop innovative solutions that are both practical and sustainable. This ability has helped me to successfully complete projects in the past.

Your favorite quote?
May you live in interesting times.