Duncan Gorst (LLB Law –European- Magister 2012)

Alumni Profile: Duncan Gorst

We recently caught up with alumnus Duncan Gorst (LLB Law –European- Magister 2012) who is an associate at Hogan Lovells in Munich, Germany. Here he tells us what he’s been doing since graduating and reflects on the highlights of his studies at Exeter and the skills and experiences it gave him

"I had studied German up to A Level and wanted to combine German with a vocational degree. At the time, Exeter offered a dual degree in English and German law, which included a year abroad in Germany. This combination was why I ultimately decided to study at Exeter. I enjoyed learning about two systems of law simultaneously, as well as the experience of studying abroad in Germany.

Since graduating from Exeter, I have had the fortune to live and work in several different countries. Shortly after graduation, I undertook an internship at a Chinese law firm in Beijing. This was an amazing cultural and professional experience. After a brief stint in London, I moved to Germany to take up a position as a paralegal in the international arbitration group of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton in Frankfurt. I had already gained a first insight into international arbitration due to my participation in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot during my studies abroad in Germany. My time in Frankfurt was very rewarding and I ultimately decided to stay in Germany. After qualifying as a lawyer via the New York Bar, I started as an associate at the German law firm Hengeler Mueller, where I spent two years working on international litigation and arbitration matters. I then moved to Munich to take up a position at Hogan Lovells, which is where I am now.

International arbitration is an exciting and dynamic field that has enabled me to build a life and career abroad. I most enjoy the truly international element to my work, helping businesses to manage and resolve their legal issues, and working together with people from all over the world on a variety of matters and projects.

I frequently come back to concepts that I learned in the course of my law degree, in particular from contract and commercial law. The German language and German law elements of my degree were also instrumental in my securing a job in Germany. Other than that, I am glad to have kept an open mind in regards to my career path. I am not now where I imagined I would be when I graduated, but I am definitely happy with how everything turned out."

Date: 8 June 2020