Cathedral of Trier
Jakob von Eltz-Rübenach began his career in the church in 1523 when he became a "Domizellar" of the Cathedral of Trier. He later studied law and theology at the University of Heidelberg, the University of Leuven, and the University of Freiburg. He gained a canonicate of the Cathedral of Trier on 15 September 1525. He was elected cantor of the cathedral on 30 June 1547 and as dean on 13 October 1547.