Introduction
Hello! I’m Louis Weston, currently a Co-Founder of Glasskube and a dedicated legal professional. I’m from Vienna, Austria, and have always been fascinated by how law shapes our society. Although I always wanted to study law, I wasn’t sure if I could actually do it. When my best friend in high school decided to study law, I decided to tag along and give it a shot.
I started my academic journey with a Bachelor's Degree in Law from the Vienna University of Economics and Business, where I immersed myself in the foundations of legal studies. This strong academic background helped me transition into the professional world. After my bachelor's degree, I took some business courses and studied in the US for a semester at the University of Illinois. Upon returning to Austria, I enrolled in a Master's Degree in Law at the Vienna University of Economics and Business to complete my legal education.
After finishing my degree, I began working for a startup in the financial industry and took over the legal department. I was responsible for negotiating deals with major clients like Apple, Deutsche Bank, and Volkswagen Bank, and I started specializing in contract and privacy law. This role was challenging as I was the only legal person in a company of around 100 people, but it was where I learned the most.
I always wanted to have my own company. One of my best friends, who was a CTO at a small software company, and I often discussed the problems we faced at work. After a few months of brainstorming and working on our idea, we decided to quit our jobs and pursue it full-time. Starting my own company was hard, involving long hours and learning many new skills. I had to dive into technical areas like Cloud Computing, Kubernetes, and Open Source, as well as finance and sales.
Throughout my journey, I’ve faced numerous obstacles and challenges. Studying law was tough, with long hours and difficult exams. Transitioning from working in a startup to founding my own was a significant leap, filled with uncertainties and the need to quickly adapt and learn. However, these experiences have made me more resilient and adaptable.
I am excited to bring my combined legal, business, and startup knowledge to students. I hope to share not only the successes but also the challenges and obstacles I’ve faced, to provide a realistic and relatable perspective on navigating a career in law and business.
Law Fellow
career options
Law Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
The ability to conduct thorough legal research is crucial. It involves understanding and applying statutes, case laws, and legal precedents to current cases and educational materials.
Creating precise and enforceable legal documents is a fundamental skill. This involves attention to detail and a deep understanding of legal language and implications.
Effective negotiation skills are essential, particularly when dealing with contracts and agreements. This involves understanding the needs and positions of all parties, finding common ground, and crafting mutually beneficial solutions.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
The ability to conduct thorough legal research is crucial. It involves understanding and applying statutes, case laws, and legal precedents to current cases and educational materials.
Analyzing legal issues from multiple perspectives to find the most effective solutions.
Understanding the needs and concerns of students to tailor educational content that is engaging and supportive.
Louis
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Law Fellow
:
My journey to my current role was a series of learning experiences and opportunities. After completing my Bachelor's Degree in Law from the Vienna University of Economics and Business, I expanded my horizons with business courses and a semester at the University of Illinois in the US. Returning to Austria, I pursued a Master's Degree in Law at the same university.
After finishing my degree, I joined a startup in the financial industry and took over the legal department. In this role, I negotiated deals with major clients like Apple, Deutsche Bank, and Volkswagen Bank, specializing in contract and privacy law. This was a huge challenge because I was the only legal person in a company of around 100 people. I often felt overwhelmed but learned a lot on the job, which gave me the skills and confidence to co-found my own software startup. My legal expertise was crucial in hiring employees, negotiating contracts, and engaging with investors.
Navigating the job market was also challenging and required a lot of resilience. The rigorous interview process involved numerous applications and rejections. I often felt discouraged, but platforms like LinkedIn and job portals played a key role in my search. Each step, whether successful or not, taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. These experiences have made me more resilient and adaptable, ultimately leading me to a fulfilling career that combines my legal, business, and startup knowledge.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
If I could speak to my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of perseverance and continuous learning. The legal field is vast and ever-evolving, and staying curious and adaptable is key. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and never underestimate the value of networking and building professional relationships.
Final thoughts & tips
As you embark on your legal career, remember that there is no single path to success. Each experience, whether positive or challenging, contributes to your professional development. Stay committed to your goals, seek out mentors, and be open to learning from every opportunity. Your unique journey is what will ultimately define your success.
Resources to dig in more
Harvard Law Blog - Insights from Harvard Law
A valuable resource for staying updated on legal trends, case studies, and academic insights.
LSAC Resources
Offers comprehensive information on law school admissions, including tips and resources for prospective students.
Legal Cheek - Legal News and Careers Advice
Provides the latest news, insights, and advice on careers in law.
American Bar Association (ABA) - Career Center
A hub for career resources, job listings, and professional development in the legal field.
