Mr Kaßmann, why exactly does a company in the construction supply industry need a legal expert?

From my perspective, any business of a certain size needs an in-house lawyer. My role is less about handling complaints, which fortunately are rare in our company. My job is to legally support the company’s development, for instance, when acquiring another company or establishing a cooperation. Additionally, there are numerous legal challenges that are becoming increasingly important, such as compliance, data protection, and corporate housekeeping.

What is your status as a legal expert within the company?

This is what I love about SMEs: the direct ability to influence. The pathways are short, and implementing legal advice in a medium-sized business happens immediately, directly impacting the company’s development.

There’s never a dull moment. Take the recently passed Supply Chain Act, for instance. My colleagues and I are kept busy with it. Societal developments and changes in the global economy also have an impact on us.

Can you give us a specific example?

We deal extensively with patent law. Every innovative company relies on intellectual property rights to ensure its leadership in innovation is legally protected. This has immense economic importance since it often involves safeguarding a company’s market position.

In the digital economy, the legal climate has become tougher. We are witnessing the displacement of traditional companies by platform providers, along with an increase in disputes with enormous financial stakes. Sometimes, the survival of an entire company can depend on the outcome of a legal dispute.

You also mentioned societal developments …

Some legislative initiatives reflect how much politics feel the need to react to societal trends. There is a tendency to regulate more and more, often with the aim of being "tougher" on businesses. It’s crucial that the economy speaks with one voice. At the end of the day, we all need and want to continue thriving economically and ensure Germany remains an attractive business location. Small businesses, in particular, must not be overburdened.

For this to succeed, we need to network and exchange ideas. Ultimately, we all face the same challenges – including us in-house lawyers. Many years ago, I founded a circle in Ostwestfalen where corporate lawyers can exchange ideas. Initially, it involved five companies; today, it has grown to 35. I have been a member of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Legal Committee for four legislative periods now. The interaction with colleagues and the exchange of ideas significantly enriches my work. This is something I truly enjoy, because: I am a corporate lawyer through and through.