Marc-Philipp Wiesenberg

Marc-Philipp Wiesenberg is deeply passionate about law. He describes himself as an “ambitious, empathetic and team-oriented” professional who channels his tenacity to accomplish ambitious goals. With an eye toward legal excellence, Marc-Philipp lets his powerful drive fuel his motivation to rise to the top of his field.

His desire to get into the legal sector initially was sparked by a deep passion for the practice of law itself. “I find immense satisfaction in analyzing complex legal issues, researching precedents and formulating persuasive arguments,” Marc-Philipp says. Similarly, his fascination with the “dynamic nature” of international law and complex global business operations planted a desire to contribute to the growth of multinational law firms.

And so, after growing up in Cologne, Germany, this determined go-getter went on to earn his legal credentials at some of Germany’s biggest public universities. He soon got the license to practice law and established a thriving career in both the public and private sectors—Marc-Philipp has worked in various roles for some big-name multinationals in the legal and business worlds, including Ford and BLD, as well as the city of Berlin’s public prosecutor’s office and its chief of police. He’s currently a senior projects and product litigation associate at top international law firm Hogan Lovells, an organization he had long aspired to join.

Soon, however, Marc-Philipp made the decision to step back into the classroom. As he explains, “[I wanted] to gain a deeper understanding of corporate law as it relates to my work with American clients at Hogan Lovells.” This objective led him to the Executive LL.M.—a transformative joint program from IE Law School and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law that helps participants upskill their legal competencies and expand their business knowledge.

“This program aligned perfectly with my professional goals and aspirations,” he says, which included gaining knowledge and skills for his role and growing a robust professional network within the global legal ecosystem. The diversity present in all our classrooms certainly helped him realize the former, exposing Marc-Philipp to a variety of peers from a wide range of backgrounds. “The contacts made with individuals from different industries and regions will not only broaden my professional horizons but also contribute to my personal growth.”

Marc-Phillip is grateful for the chance to study in both Madrid and Chicago—just one of the competitive elements of the Executive LL.M. Being able to add to his qualifications while also continuing his work at Hogan Lovells was another powerful incentive. “This unique arrangement allowed me to seamlessly combine my academic pursuits with my professional obligations,” he notes.

However, the highlight of his experience in the Executive LL.M. has been the enriching, supportive atmosphere fostered by the IE Community. “Whether it was group projects, study sessions or even casual conversations, my fellow students always showed a genuine interest in each other's well-being and success,” Marc-Philipp explains. The resulting camaraderie nurtured a spirit of collaboration that led to personal and academic success. Likewise, the faculty’s dedication and impressive expertise fueled meaningful discussions and a deeper exploration of comparative law. That’s because, as he explains, “The professors not only imparted knowledge but also challenged us to think critically, question assumptions and consider different perspectives.”

“The opportunity to study at two prestigious institutions in different locations exposed me to different legal systems and cultural perspectives”

For Marc-Philipp, empathy is the key to a successful legal career. “I have a genuine interest in understanding and connecting with people on a deeper level.” This people-oriented approach has allowed him to develop sustainable professional relationships while encouraging positive, supportive workplace cultures.

Now, completing the Executive LL.M. has also cemented his belief in the power of teamwork to nurture innovation, solve complex problems and realize common objectives. However, the most significant takeaway was the importance of good negotiation skills in international legal practice—the process of becoming an effective negotiator has given Marc-Philipp a broader outlook, cultural sensitivity and excellent communication skills. Overall, he believes taking part in the program has not only inspired his intellectual curiosity but also push his professional development into hyperdrive: “Completing the Executive LL.M. will have a positive impact on my professional career, opening up new possibilities and opportunities,” he says, adding, “Let’s see what future brings!”