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Interview with Janna Japing – Alumna of Bucerius Law School and AFB Member

Janna Japing studied law at Bucerius from 2005 to 2009. She is currently in her second year of being a Referendar. The so-called “Referendariat” is a two-year-program every German lawyer goes through post-law school, working in different areas of law to get a full-rounded legal education before being admitted to practice.

What one aspect of the Bucerius experience is the most important for you?

I value the feeling that there is always someone there to help. I never felt left alone if I had a question.

What did you like the most about your time with Bucerius and the ZEIT-Stiftung?

Hands down, it was my semester abroad. I spent it at NYU Law and fell in love with New York City. I’m sure a lot of other students feel the same way about their semester abroad. Wherever you spend it, it’s such an amazing opportunity that Bucerius provides. It shows that, especially for German law students, Bucerius is not only about getting good grades on your State Exam, but also about broadening your horizons and having fun.

What do you value most in the Bucerius family?

The growing network of friends and contacts, not only in Germany but all over the world. Often, when you find out someone also went to Bucerius, you help each other out.

What did you enjoy most while in Hamburg?

This is a hard question because I spent four years there, so I am going to go with this: If you take a boat on the Alster, not a sailboat but one of those touristy little rowing boats or paddle boats, there is a café called Café Canale in Winterhude that has a window out to one of the canals where you can buy coffee, cake or even beer while sitting in your boat. It’s wonderful!

Who do you think should be a Bucerius fellow in the U.S.?

A Bucerius fellow in the U.S. should be someone open-minded and personable, who has no problem approaching all types of people, including difficult ones.

What should every American know about Bucerius?

For American law school students, I’d say they should know it’s a great place to spend a semester abroad. Everyone I’ve talked to who came to Hamburg to study abroad has told me they have not regretted it.

What can Bucerius learn from the U.S.?

I think here in the U.S., law schools might have more guest lecturers who come in to teach a class that would ordinarily not be offered. I took Introduction to Chinese Law at NYU for example, which was taught by someone who normally teaches in California. The one guest lecturer I took a class with at Bucerius, Toni Fine from Fordham, was so much fun and such a welcome change from our normal schedule that I’d say, “More of that please!”

What is your biggest extravagance?

I spent four months in Miami this year as part of my Referendariat, and while sitting in the office with a view of the ocean, I daydreamed about having my own island; so I finally got one on eBay. It’s inflatable, sits two people and has a palm tree with a detachable monkey. It’s delightful!

What is your current state of mind?

I alternate between being really happy about being back in New York and stressed because I am studying for the 2nd State Exam. I try to focus on the former.

What German proverb do you like most?

“Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei,” which means, “Everything has an end, except the sausage – it has two.” Normally not my first pick, but I like thinking of it when I’m stressed out because it helps me realize that whatever is stressing me will come to an end eventually.