Q&A with Klaus Oblin
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Q&A
Q&A with Klaus Oblin
Klaus Oblin, founder of OBLIN Rechtsanwälte Attorneys at Law in Vienna, Austria, has been successfully representing prominent businesses and state entities for many years.
He stands out in cross-border proceedings where politically sensitive issues meet commercial matters and has been consistently engaged as lead counsel and arbitrator in a number of high-volume arbitrations under various internationally acknowledged rules. Drawing from both civil and common law practical experience, he is known for his ability to concurrently lead teams from multiple jurisdictions. His practice focuses on energy; mergers and acquisitions; infrastructure and transport; investments; banking and finance; construction and engineering; and chemical and pharmaceutical.
Fluent in English, German, and French, Oblin earned his law degree from the University of Vienna and his LL.M. from the University of San Diego School of Law.
Q: Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
A: There wasn’t one. After high school, I did my mandatory military service and went straight to law school, did the mandatory court clerkship and proceeded to join a law firm as an associate.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
A: Feeling the privilege of being asked to win an argument for others.
All smiles, Klaus with his sons, Lorenz and Moritz.
Q: Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
A: No specific individual. To me, bad examples teach more effectively than good ones.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: “Go west young man,” so I signed up for a post-graduate degree at the University of San Diego School of Law and got to intern with a local law firm.
Q: What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
A: Read other people’s thoughts.
Q: What is your proudest career achievement?
A: Putting my doctoral thesis and Ph.D. graduation certificate under my parents´ Christmas tree as a surprise.
Q: What other career path might you have chosen?
A: Novelist.
Q: What is your most treasured material possession?
A: There is no specific item, probably the place we live at.
Q: What is your happiest childhood memory?
A: Many, most connected to playing football or tennis (with my little brother).
Klaus Oblin obtained his LL.M. from the University of San Diego School of Law.
Klaus Oblin
Q: What is your favorite movie and book?
A: Movie: “The Mission,” and “Medici” (TV series).
Book: “Summa Theologica” (Thomas Aquinas), “Aphorismen zur Lebensweisheit” (Arthur Schopenhauer), “Zauberberg” (Thomas Mann), and “Forsyte Saga” (John Galsworthy).
Klaus is pictured with his colleagues Per Neuburger (left) and Michael Ibesich.
Q: What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
A: The woods during nighttime.
Q: What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
A: There is no such thing as leisure time.
Klaus and his sons sport a special love for the game of tennis.
Q: What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A: “Become who you are and stay true to yourself.”
Q: Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
A: Pope Francis, Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, and Michel Montaigne.
Q: What are the top three items on your bucket list?
A: Pilgrimage. Africa safari. Being a grandfather.
