Challenges in team building
Kraml admits that finding the right talent is a challenge. “It’s actually difficult,” she says, “but it’s usually the case that when you’re looking, it often becomes more difficult, and then, when you’re not looking, you get CVs at the table and you think, phew, you should actually strike?”
Diversity as a strength
A particular source of pride for Kraml is the diversity at DLA Piper, especially when it comes to women in leadership positions. “We are 40 percent partners,” she emphasizes. “I don’t think any other law firm in Austria can imitate us.” She highlights that many of these partners are also mothers, which underlines the compatibility of career and family.
Diversity funding programs
DLA Piper relies on various programs to promote diversity:
- Mentoring programs for women
- Paternity Leaves for both parents
- “Elevate” program for people from less privileged backgrounds
- Menopause program to support women going through menopause
Kraml emphasizes: “There is really extensive thought being given to how we can integrate all people and help them.”
Current legal cases and market trends
In her daily work, Kraml deals with a variety of topics:
- Complex credit cases that may lead to criminal law
- Hotel contracts and hotel management contracts
- Logistics
- Impending transactions
Optimism for the real estate market
Despite the challenges, Kraml sees positive developments: “Something is definitely happening again. There is movement in the market again.” She expects even more to happen in 2025, especially with regard to interest rate developments. New players and family offices are increasingly entering the market.
The importance of networks
Kraml emphasizes the growing importance of networks in the industry. She particularly appreciates the international connections at DLA Piper: “With two or three contacts at the latest, I think you can approach anyone you want in the world.”
Advice for career starters
Kraml has clear recommendations for young people who want to enter the legal industry:
- Bring passion and commitment
- Network from the start, even in young networks in the real estate industry
- Learn the craft and build professional expertise
- Use opportunities such as secondments in other offices
Birgit Kraml’s insights show that despite challenges in the market, diversity, international networking and continuous learning are key to success in the modern legal and real estate industry.
