Gerd Bucerius: A visionary lawyer and his lasting impact today!

Gerd Bucerius: A visionary lawyer and his lasting impact today!

Gerd Bucerius, one of Germany's most influential lawyers and publishers, died on September 29, 1995. His legacy extends far beyond his role as a businessman. He was not only the publisher of the renowned magazinestarand the newspaperTHE TIME, but also founder of the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS. This foundation became the nucleus of the Bucerius Law School, an institution dedicated to promoting academic excellence in Germany.

After Bucerius' death, Manfred Lahnstein took over the chairmanship of the foundation's board of trustees. This was initiated by prominent personalities such as Helmut Schmidt and Reinhard Mohn, who wanted to ensure continuity in the foundation. Lahnstein had previously stated that Bucerius was a risk-taking publisher who loved both opportunities and challenges. These qualities not only shaped his career, but also the financial basis of the foundation when he exchanged his share in Gruner + Jahr for Bertelsmann shares.

A person with visions

In a conversation on the occasion of the memorial day, Professor Karsten Schmidt, honorary president of the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS, discussed Bucerius' life's work. Schmidt, who knew Bucerius for many years and gave him legal advice, characterized him as an exceptional person. “He was a conservative with a lot of new ideas,” Schmidt recalled.

Bucerius was primarily politically active and took an active part in social debates. He was intelligent, impatient and dynamic; his passion for jurisprudence was obvious. Despite founding and managing his own law firm, he was rarely seen there, which reflects his numerous engagements.

Cultural commitment and lasting legacy

The foundation also places great emphasis on education and the arts. Gerd Bucerius not only had a keen interest in legal issues, but also supported the visual arts. The Bucerius Kunst Forum was founded as an independent institution in 2002, but Bucerius and his wife Ebelin were never able to visit it. Brigitte Lichtenauer-Blumenfeld, a close friend of the couple, is convinced that Ebelin would have greatly appreciated the exhibitions.

Gerd Bucerius' legacy is also carried on through the Bucerius Law School, which was founded in 2000 and which has significantly improved the quality of legal education in Germany. Lahnstein is sure that Bucerius would have been proud of this development.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Bucerius's death, companions of Bucerius were interviewed to reflect on their memories. The picture that emerges through these stories is that of a courageous, unconventional and always willing to learn man who has left a lasting mark in both the world of law and the publishing industry.

For many, Gerd Bucerius will be remembered not only as a founder and visionary, but also as a person who was ready to challenge himself and always look for something new.

These details underline the remarkable life's work of Gerd Bucerius, whose ideas and challenges continue to have an impact today. His foundation and the projects associated with it are a living testimony to his commitment to education and society.

[law-school.de] reports that Bucerius’ vision and unconventional way of thinking are still a role model for many today. His views and actions are a real inspiration for the next generations of lawyers.

[zeit-stiftung.de] emphasizes that Bucerius' life and his principles continue to provide inspiration for many people who want to actively participate in social processes.

His unique legacy and philosophy live on at the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS and the Bucerius Law School.