Post by Dr. Balthasar Strunz

Folks, my time at Solaris has come to an end. When I joined this place some time ago, all I knew was that I wanted to go start-up. See how life as a counsel would be in a more stimulating environment. I was a competition counsel then - and the last thing I thought I would be doing was becoming a banking lawyer. I knew nothing about the law. Well, after a few interviews I was sold. The people I talked to, the laid-back yet professional vibe, and the distinct feeling that these guys really enjoyed what they were doing - all of this I found super inspiring. So I joined. And I haven’t regretted this choice for a single day. Working at Solaris was foundational for me as a person and my career. A good six years later I know a little more about banking (and the law). I have witnessed the incredible energy driving the fintech industry. Most importantly, however, I have had the pleasure of working with wonderful people, quite a few of whom have become close friends. My time at Solaris has taught me one thing: work, even if stressful at times, does not have to be toxic, negative, loud or hierarchical. In fact - and that’s maybe just stating the obvious - work can be great fun when you are surrounded by people you like and who support you. What you can achieve then, both individually and as a team, is simply better. Working with the Solaris Legal Team has been extremely rewarding. I have learned a bunch and would like to thank each and every one of you: Dr. Christoph Ickenroth, Sarah Dilan Börühan, LL.M., Maria Bröker, Nicole Drude, LL.M. (London), Ilkim Ozturk, Tilman Schultheiß, Dr. Patrick Reiswich, Inez Nuding. You are a fantastic, motivated, and reliable pack of lawyers! It’s been an honor. My particular gratitude goes to David Lamers, LL.M. (Wellington), Peter Lohmann, Oliver Vahrenholt de Lucena, Daniel Becker, LL.M. (Stellenbosch), Nicolas Knecht, Max Englhard and Ansgar Finken. Without you I wouldn’t be writing the above lines with so much enthusiasm. Your support and friendship were instrumental. There are many more to mention, so I’ll pick a few. Thanks for our time together: Sarah Abdelrahman, Jieqiong(Jackie) Tu, Anna-Lena Rehs, Konstantin Kavvadias CFA CAIA FRM, Florian Redeker, Joerg Abrolat, Pietro Emo, Leonard Coen, Max Kleinhans, Christopher Brunner, Nuwan Angelo Herath Herath Mudiyanselage, Katharina Krabel, Marcel Mandry, Rinse Jacobs, Joerg Diewald, Walter Minehuber, Anne Liebmann, Aris Paskopulos, Tamay Schimang, Lisa Schnackenbeck, Leif Wienecke, Miroslav Jakúbek, Jorge Reinoso, Jan Ostermann, Baha Jamous and Conor Gale. Long live Solaris (and the B. Club)! (To be continued ofc)