About
Unlocking human potential with psychological intelligence - in law, leadership and transformation.
What I Do
I support leaders in law firms and legal executives to lead transformation effectively - by unlocking human potential in times of profound disruption.
With a dual background in psychology and law, l help leaders apply psychological intelligence to create the conditions for people to thrive during transformation - by building adaptive cultures, inspiring high performance, and leading change with focus and empathy.
Who I Am
I've worked on the intersection of law and psychology for nearly 20 years. And I still love it.
Throughout my career, l've supported senior leaders across the legal sector to navigate transformation - not just through strategy or structure, but through the most critical and often underestimated lever of all: people.
The core questions I help leaders and teams answer are:
- How do I unlock human performance during transformation?
- How do I build a strong, adaptive culture that supports strategy?
- How do I create the conditions for people and teams to thrive amid disruption?
I bring a dual lens - legal and psychological - to support you with research-backed, experience-tested tools tailored to your unique context.
How I support
Whether you lead a firm, department, or team, I help you activate your strengths and uncover hidden blind spots, build a culture where people and teams thrive amid change, and apply practical tools that drive engagement, performance, and adaptability. In addition to this leadership support, I bring specific expertise in two highly specialized fields:
Witness Examination
- I support lawyers in court and arbitration settings to:
- apply ethical, evidence-based examination techniques
- handle emotion and pressure skillfully
- navigate complex psychological dynamics
Police and Threat Assessment
I advise law enforcement leaders and special units on psychological factors in threat analysis and leadership - with a focus on high-stakes decision-making and human behavior.
Why I Do This Work
I've worked on the intersection of law and psychology for nearly 20 years. And I still love it.
The best leaders:
- inspire, challenge, and support people and teams to grow beyond expectations
- leverage self-awareness to adapt their leadership style to context
- work actively to minimize blind spots and ineffective habits.
I help you become that kind of leader - using deep psychological insight, behavioral science, and systems thinking to make transformation more effective and leadership more human.
What Qualifies Me
With degrees in both psychology and law, l combine deep analytical thinking with behavioral expertise. lunderstand how lawyers think. And how people change.
In the face of digital, Al-driven, cultural, and business model transformation, leadership is more than ever the linchpin for success.
I'm passionate about helping legal leaders build the psychological intelligence they need to lead effectively
Academic & Professional
Background
Education
- German and French law (Cologne and Paris | / Panthéon-Sorbonne)
- Maîtrise en droits français et allemand
- LL.M. Cologne / Paris I- Doctorate in Law
- Master's degree in Psychology
Executive Education & Certifications
- HOGAN Personality Inventory Assessments (Advanced Level, metaBeratung GmbH).
- Systemic Business and Organizational Consulting (Metaforum GmbH)
- Systemic Team Coaching (AoEC)
- Business & Personal Coach (ECA)
Advisory Roles
- Director, Bucerius Center on the Legal Profession (CLP), Bucerius Law School
- Academic Collaborator, IE Law School (Law Ahead Center on the Legal Profession)
- Member, Scientific Board, Federal Association of Commercial Law Firms
(BWD e.V.) - Advisory Board Member on Education,
Global LegalTech Hub (GLTH)
Need more data?
2020
Founder, Deep Human Science
2013-present
Lecturer and consultant in executive education programs and workshops for law firms and legal departments
2013-2021
Professor of Organizational Development and Leadership at the Police University (Brandenburg)
2012
Visiting Professor of Strategic Management at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), Graduate School of International
Relations
2012-2013
Managing Director at the Berlin Centre for Higher Education (BZHL)
2010-2012
Adjunct professor of Psychology at the Berlin School of Economics and Law (Department 5: Police and Security Management)
2008-2010
Doctoral studies in law at the University of Cologne (Dr. iur.)
Doctoral studies in law at the University of Cologne (Dr. iur.)
Managing Director at CENTRAL (Center for Transnational Law), University of Cologne
2007-2012
Professor of Organizational Development and Leadership at the Police University (Brandenburg)
2001-2007
Studied Psychology (Diplom) in Cologne and Berlin, certified Diplom-Psychologist (equivalent to today's Master's level)
1997-2001
German-French law in Cologne and Paris I (Panthéon-Sorbonne), earning a Maîtrise en droits français et allemand and an LL.M. Cologne/Paris
How I work
Strategic
Effective leadership drives your firm's strategy. I focus on outcomes that matter - aligning leadership with business strategy and transformation goals.
Analytic
I work with structured, research-based tools. My approach is informed by science, tested in practice, and tailored to your context.
Supportive
I create a confidential space for reflection, challenge, and honest conversation - with deep empathy and clarity.
Transformative
I help you move from insight to sustainable change - in behavior, mindset, and results. We'll work toward deep change, not just cosmetic, surface-level fixes.
„Madeleine has a truly special ability to create a space of trust and openness. She encourages people to speak honestly - not only about their strengths, but also about their challenges - without fear or hesitation. Even among strangers, she fosters connection, trust, and mutual encouragement. Witnessing this kind of transformation in a group is something truly special."
Dounia Boujddayn, LL.B., Manager, Legal Recruitment at White & Case LLPCore Values
Caring & Empathy
I care deeply about my clients and their growth. Empathy and connection are at the heart of my work.
Learning & Growth
Real learning happens outside the comfort zone. I help you stretch and grow into your role.
Trust & Integrity
You can expect a sincere, respectful, and confidential partnership. Integrity is my foundation.
Clarity & Perspective
I help you reflect, realign, and lead with intention – especially when the stakes are high.
Ready to shape transformation?
Shaping transformation takes insight, clarity, and the right partner.
Let's connect to explore how I can support your leadership agenda.
Schedule a conversation.