Q&A with Tina Denso
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Q&A
Q&A with Tina Denso
An attorney with Broedermann Jahn in Hamburg, Germany, Tina Denso concentrates her practice on distribution law, international commercial law, contracts, as well as national and international litigation and arbitration. Fluent in German and English, Denso holds degrees from Universities of Freiburg, Cologne and London (LL.M., 1999).
Q: Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
A: I started as an attorney right away (not unusual here in Germany). Yet, to finance my student life, I took on many jobs, especially as a waitress for many years. That teaches you a lot about people.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
A: Being a guide in the legal jungle to help a client to solve his or her issues, seemed quite a fulfilling task.
Q: Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
A: Our late senior partner, Erhard Jahn, was a wonderful mentor. He had a very charming way to teach me to be precise in drafting legal documents and writs, refrain from polemics when corresponding with opposing side, and to have real interest in your client.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: Do not be afraid or too impressed or blinded by another person’s wealth, might or power – after all they are all human beings with human needs.
Q: What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
A: I would love to be able to play the drums really well and play in a band – but I never even started with beginner lessons and I fear I never will. Maybe in my next life….
Q: What is your proudest career achievement?
A: There is not the one specific achievement. I am always proud if clients are happy with the outcome of a lawsuit or contract negotiations which I advised on.
Q: What other career path might you have chosen?
A: I would have loved to become an architect.
Tina Denso
Q: What is your most treasured material possession?
A: My father’s wristwatch. He was one of the smartest people I know, but then suffered from dementia and could not read the clock anymore. So, my mother gave me his wonderful golden watch one time for Christmas and as of then (I never wore wristwatches before), I highly treasure “his” time.
Q: What is your happiest childhood memory?
A: Lazy summer holiday days at the sea, with the sand under my bare feet, and relaxed parents that allowed us to stay up late and the only concern was whether my inflatable penguin would have just as much fun in the water as I had.
Q: What is your favorite movie and book?
A: Several. To choose one: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (movie) and The Offing (book) by Benjamin Myers.
Q: What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
A: About 20 years ago, I travelled along the ancient Silk Road from Pakistan to China. The whole trip was amazing, but certainly the Karakorum Highway was outstanding. It impressed me deeply, how such a road could have been built in this inhospitable area on such narrow paths.
Q: What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
A: Apart from reading and cooking: I love playing field hockey. I used to play highly competitive (being a goal-keeper for 20 years), but now (since almost another 20 years as field player) I play for having fun with a great team. And to have a good excuse for a drink after sports.
Q: What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A: Always look on the bright side of life.
Q: Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
A: Primerus lawyers from as many different countries as possible!
Q: Name the top three items on your bucket list?
A: Have a great night out with Marc and Janna in Nashville. See the Rolling Stones live in concert. Fight my fear of heights and go skydive.