Effective media and public relations work has become an essential part of modern fire service leadership. At the same time, navigating the legal framework governing media relations requires a sound understanding of press and media law alongside the complex requirements of emergency response and administrative law.

As part of the BRef2024/1 and AB2025/1 leadership training programmes at the Institute of the Fire Service NRW in Münster, Verena Haisch led Module 3.5 on 3 November 2025. Together with the first group of participants, she explored and discussed the legal foundations and practical challenges of media relations within the fire service.

The programme focused on key issues such as the protection of personality rights, the role and purpose of professional public relations, and the responsible handling of information. The lively discussions highlighted both the strong interest in these topics and the high level of responsibility demonstrated by fire service leaders in this sensitive field.

Verena Haisch is already looking forward to continuing the exchange with the second group of participants, who will be completing the module in the near future.

On 26 September 2025, from 12:00 to 16:00, the Working Group of Women Lawyers (ARGE Anwältinnen) within the German Bar Association will host a panel discussion at the DAV headquarters in Berlin on the impact of fake news and hate speech on democracy. The event will be followed by the Working Group’s General Assembly.

Disinformation and online abuse increasingly shape public discourse. How do fake news and hate speech threaten the rule of law, diversity of opinion, and democratic participation? What legal remedies are available, and where is there a need for further reform, prevention, and legal guidance?

The panel discussion, “Fake News, Hate Speech – Impact on Democracy,” will bring together experts from legal practice, civil society, and advocacy organizations, including representatives of HateAid. The discussion will explore legal, societal, and practical responses to the growing challenges posed by disinformation and digital harassment.

The event will take place at the DAV House in Berlin and will conclude with the General Assembly of ARGE Anwältinnen. It replaces the organisation’s Autumn Conference for 2025.

The German Women Lawyers Association (djb) Elects New Leadership Team 

At its annual assembly, the German Women Lawyers Association elected a new leadership team, sending a strong signal for the future of the organisation and its continued commitment to equality and the rule of law. 

The newly elected President is Susanne Baer, former Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court and one of Germany’s most distinguished legal scholars. Her election marks an important milestone for the association. 

The Executive Board also includes a highly accomplished group of legal professionals. Lucy Chebout, attorney-at-law and constitutional court judge in Berlin, was confirmed as Vice President, as was Verena Haisch, attorney-at-law in Hamburg. 

Newly elected to the Executive Board is Nadine Köster, Head of Division at the Federal Central Tax Office in Bonn, who succeeds Petra Lorenz as Treasurer after ten years of dedicated service. 

Several commission chairs were also re-elected, reflecting the continuity and expertise that characterize the association’s work. 

A particular highlight of the assembly was the formal establishment of the new permanent commission “Law of the Digital Society”, which has now been incorporated into the association’s statutes. The commission will be chaired by Theresia Rasche, attorney-at-law in Hanover and the djb’s Data Protection Officer. 

In addition, Annalena Mayr and Leah Salmanian were elected as representatives of members in legal training. 

The newly elected leadership team reflects the diversity, expertise, and strong commitment that continue to define the djb and its work for gender equality, equal opportunities, and the fight against discrimination.