Baker McKenzie ‘s Investigations, Compliance and Ethics practice offers broad experience in all preventive and forensic compliance matters and places a strategic focus on international investigations. The six-partner team assists with compliance due diligence regarding anti-corruption and export control, which recently led to numerous instructions, particularly in connection with the Russia sanctions, and is also a proven advisor on the implementation and review of compliance management systems and M&A transactions. Nicolai Behr is a key contact for the latter segment; his leading role in the development of the standardised and data-supported global M&A compliance due diligence concept Compliance Lighthouse deserves special mention. Behr jointly heads the practice with Andreas Lohner, who specialises in corporate compliance, liability issues and anti-corruption. The team acts across numerous industries and increasingly focuses on advising on ethical issues including ESG; the latter area is among the key strengths of Anahita Thoms, who is well versed in sustainability and environmental issues and regularly handles relevant liability issues. Among the client base are financial institutions as well as companies from the automotive, chemical, logistics, energy, IT and consumer goods sectors, which also benefit from the firm’s legal tech tools such as the Compliance Cockpit and a digital compliance manual. In April 2022, Katharina Stüber (previously at Allen & Overy LLP) strengthened the team’s capacities with expertise in capital market-related compliance.
Compliance in Germany
Baker McKenzie
Testimonials
‘Good availability, very competent, internationally networked, digital tools that significantly improve cost efficiency.’
‘Anahita Thoms: Particularly good international network and representative of compliance issues with a high degree of integrity. Pragmatic recommendations for action, especially in a multinational context .’
‘Anahita Thoms is of course distinguished by her legal expertise combined with practical relevance. The use of legal means and instruments is weighed against possible consequences and effects in practice. She also stands out for her down-to-earthness and accessibility. In contrast to other professional representatives, she does not display any degree of arrogance, overconfidence or a personal need for recognition. ‘
Work highlights
- Comprehensive third party review of 40 agents in numerous high-risk countries (including interviews with the agents) for a global manufacturing company.
- Implementation of all KYC processes in the context of numerous transactions as well as conception of the global M&A compliance due diligence process for a DAX40 company.
- Advising a DAX40 company in designing global corporate compliance in the area of export controls and sanctions.
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance‘s White Collar, Regulatory & Compliance practice offers comprehensive expertise in preventive compliance matters, including product, anti-corruption and antitrust compliance as well as relevant cross-border aspects. Other core areas are sanctions, the whistleblower guideline and ESG issues. Thomas Voland, who is well versed in human rights and environmental matters pertaining to supply chains and companies, employment law expert Ines Keitel as well as co-practice head and healthcare specialist Peter Dieners also frequently assist with ESG matters. Employment law compliance constitutes a growth area in addition to remuneration compliance, collective legal protection and employment data protection. Co-head Heiner Hugger is known for his expertise in criminal law compliance and was recently particularly active in assisting with internal investigations.
Other key lawyers:
Stefan Menner; Ines Keitel; David Pasewaldt; Marc Besen; Michael Dietrich; Thomas Voland
Testimonials
‘Clifford Chance’s team excels at project management and ensures a smooth experience for clients. ‘
‘Ines Keitel: It was (and is) a pleasure to work with her. She fully understands the needs of the customer.’
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Hogan Lovells International LLP offers expertise in compliance audits, certifications, risk analyses and M&A compliance and impresses with an increasing workload pertaining to ESG compliance matters, particularly the new supply chains law as well as the EU Commission’s proposed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive; Christian Ritz is a key contact here. Investigation expert Sebastian Lach heads the team, which primarily acts for national and international companies in the automotive, life sciences, healthcare, TMT and financial sectors. In March and October 2022, the Berlin team welcomed counsel Lukas Ritzenhoff from Hengeler Mueller, he focuses on advising investors and VC-financed companies, while Philip Matthey joined the Munich team, he was previously head of compliance at TRATON. Olaf Schneider comprehensively advises on compliance and corporate governance, while Désirée Maier covers both preventive compliance and criminal law matters; she has particular industry expertise in the life sciences. The team is also known for its development of legal tech applications, including a Dawn Raid app, the Cyber Breach app and a compliance hub. In January 2023, Sebastian Gräler (compliance, internal investigations, ESG) was appointed partner.
Other key lawyers:
Désirée Maier; Christian Ritz; Olaf Schneider; Angelina Leder; Philip Matthey; Sebastian Gräler
Testimonials
‘A great, powerful team. ‘
‘Hogan Lovells is very experienced in compliance. I like that Hogan Lovells is very practical, has lots of good practice examples and doesn’t write complicated legal memos/guidelines that nobody understands like other law firms do. Hogan Lovells is really to the point. ‘
‘Désirée Maier: Actually always available, answers immediately, is always very accommodating, always nice, very practical in making recommendations and is extremely knowledgeable about compliance.’
‘Olaf Schneider has extensive experience in the field of compliance and also gives very good recommendations for practice. Olaf Schneider is top for me .’
‘Outstanding team strength that is unparalleled in the market .’
‘Olaf Schneider is an excellent lawyer with a great feeling for the situation. Sebastian Lach leads the team with a strong presence. Angelina Leder knows the files in detail. ‘
‘The cooperation with Hogan Lovells is characterized in particular by excellent expertise in the legal areas relevant to us, which we need for our compliance work on an international level. Particularly noteworthy is the fast and, above all, solution-oriented and pragmatic approach .’
‘Mrs. Dr. Angelina Leder: An excellent lawyer and advisor, very friendly, extremely competent and knowledgeable, always approachable, pragmatic and to the point .’
Key clients
Currenta GmbH & Co. OHG
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
Medela
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE
World Wide Fund For Nature
Work highlights
- Advising Currenta GmbH & Co. KG on conducting an internal investigation and the audits in connection with the explosion and fire incident at the hazardous waste incineration plant in Leverkusen on July 27, 2021.
- Representation of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG in internal investigations and the global coordination of proactive communication with authorities.
- Advising a leading global automotive manufacturer on global ESG compliance, including compliance requirements under the new supply chain law and the EU Commission’s proposed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
Pohlmann & Company
Pohlmann & Company follows a cross-locational as well as multidisciplinary approach. The team is regularly instructed by large national and international companies and has noteworthy experience in US-related monitorships. The group specialises in compliance, corporate governance, ESG and environmental law and is primarily active in the preventive arena. Practice head Andreas Pohlmann and his team offer comprehensive advice on compliance management and audits, risk analyses and whistleblower protection. The practice’s criminal law and investigative capacities were strengthened in November 2021 with the addition of criminal law expert Martin Schorn from Noerr, who also advises on money laundering and environmental matters; the latter area is also the main focus of Uwe Erling and Horst Schlemminger. Julia Kahlenberg comprehensively advises on preventive compliance with a focus on Asia-related issues. Nicole Willms impresses with corporate law and D&O expertise while Thomas Lüthi regularly assists with CMS and business partner due diligence. Christian Beer is a key contact for compliance and corporate governance.
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Lüthi; Nicole Willms; Horst Schlemminger; Christian Beer; Julia Kahlenberg; Uwe Erling; Martin Schorn
Testimonials
‘Excellent references, both from the individuals and from the firm as a whole. Not only theoretical knowledge / legal expertise, but extensive practical experience, also in application and prevention .’
‘The team is very experienced and responsive, even beyond partner level. From our point of view, the teams were always sufficiently diverse. Fee arrangements and settlements always corresponded to what was agreed .’
‘Julia Kahlenberg: Good strategic sparring partner in difficult situations, very committed, ready to discuss and calibrate different options.’
Key clients
Celanese-Gruppe
DAW SE
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG
ENTEGA AG
Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
GEA Group AG
Krones AG
Rentschler Biopharma SE
Telefonaktiebolaget L. M. Ericsson
VTG AG
Wacker Chemie AG
Zalando SE
Work highlights
- US DoJ/SEC monitorship for Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson with a term of three years.
- Internal investigation and comprehensive advice on numerous compliance and corporate governance issues for Zalando SE.
- Advising Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA as the group parent company in connection with complex issues of group risk and compliance management, including the group-wide reorganization of the existing case management system for internal investigations.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper‘s compliance practice primarily advises on tax, criminal, data protection and employment law issues and also covers cross-border matters. The team has regulatory expertise, Guido Kleve and Ludger Giesberts are the key contacts here, and assists with product compliance, ESG and the new supply chain law. The team is led by Christian Schoop, who is well versed in both forensic and preventive issues, and is regularly instructed by numerous international companies from across all industries. Recently, the practice added new clients to its roster, particularly from the healthcare sector. Emanuel Ballo handles the interface between criminal law and compliance and most recently advised on whistleblower protection, the new supply chain law and money laundering compliance, while Gunne Bähr and counsel Volker Lemmer are among the key contacts for insurance compliance.
Testimonials
‘DLA Piper and in particular Dr. Emanuel Ballo differs from other typical large law firms through his down-to-earth and incredibly competent way of working .’
‘Emanuel Ballo is very competent and engaging .’
‘Practical solutions quickly and easily. Sympathetic lawyers with outstanding practical knowledge .’
‘Emanuel Ballo is an outstanding lawyer with particular expertise. Not only is he very familiar with the theoretical matter, he also works with his team to develop practical and interest-based solutions .’
Key clients
Unilever
Work highlights
- Advice to Unilever on the legal obligations under the new supply chain law, in particular with regard to the implementation of the obligations in an existing compliance management system.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP ‘s internationally-oriented team is renowned for its investigations practice, which also advises on a wide array of preventive compliance matters, including antitrust, anti-corruption and data protection matters. A recent growth area is the advice on foreign trade law, particularly in connection with Russia. The team is experienced in monitorships and handles crypto-related issues and ESG matters. The compliance all-rounder Benno Schwarz has longstanding experience in FCPA monitoring, while Finn Zeidler covers the criminal law interface. Senior associate Katharina Humphrey is well versed in corruption law and Markus Nauheim focuses on corporate governance. Antitrust lawyer Michael Walther and employment lawyer Mark Zimmer are other key contacts.
Other key lawyers:
Benno Schwarz; Finn Zeidler; Markus Nauheim; Markus Rieder; Michael Walther; Mark Zimmer; Katharina Humphrey
Testimonials
‘With Gibson Dunn one not only gets outstanding competence, but also well-established teams.’
‘Gibson Dunn consistently works in a customer-centric manner: one gets the most suitable team, no matter what office in the world the experts are based in. Gibson always sees the big picture and does not neglect business aspects. ‘
‘Finn Zeidler is the safe choice for critical investigations in the financial services sector, . ‘
Gleiss Lutz
Gleiss Lutz‘s comprehensive compliance offering covers internal investigations, strategic crisis support and the enforcement and assertion of liability claims, preventive matters such as CMS reviews, audits, risk analyses and corporate governance, including D&O liability matters. The team regularly advises on international corruption and money laundering issues, whistleblower protection, supply chain due diligence as well as greenwashing, sanctions and ESG. The client base primarily consists of large companies from the automotive, pharmaceuticals, medical, energy, media, consumer goods and defence sectors, while the team also increasingly handled cum-ex and accounting matters in the finance segment. Investigations specialist Eike Bicker heads the team, which also includes Marcus Reischl (compliance, investigations and civil dispute resolution) and Eric Wagner (product compliance).
Testimonials
‘We enjoy working with Dr. Eike Bicker, who has excellent expertise and is a good sparring partner .’
‘The team at Gleiss Lutz has been involved in spectacular cases in recent years. In addition to the extraordinary technical expertise, it also has a very large wealth of experience. ‘
‘Good team with good connections to other relevant areas of the law firm. ‘
Key clients
Wirecard
Volkswagen
Audi
Porsche
Daimler
Regiomed Kliniken
VfB Stuttgart
Noerr
Noerr comprehensively advises on preventive compliance issues, including the implementation and review of compliance management systems, of which many have cross-border ties, as well as the new supply chain law and trade compliance, most recently in connection with the Russian Ukraine war. The client base consists of numerous DAX40 players, among others. The interdisciplinary expertise covers ESG compliance, where co-head Sophia Habbe advises companies and corporate bodies with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Other core areas are product compliance, Thomas Klindt is a key contact here, as well as external staff matters at the employment law intersection. Co-practice head Torsten Fett is regularly instructed by banks and financial service providers in connection with both investigations and preventive issues. Bärbel Sachs is a key contact for trade compliance.
Key clients
Boxine GmbH (tonies GmbH)
GEMÜ Gebrüder Müller Apparatebau GmbH & CO. KG
Work highlights
- Advising the management board of a logistics company in connection with the optimization of the corporate governance structure, in particular with regard to the analysis of the existing structure and the development of a going-forward strategy.
- Advising a DAX40 company in connection with allegations of misconduct in communication by a member of the board of directors, including clarification of the facts, legal analysis and submission of recommendations for action.
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP offers expertise in AML, IT-supported compliance solutions and the whistleblower guideline and frequently cooperates with the firm's international network. Among the client base are mainly players from the financial sector in addition to online service providers as well as automotive and manufacturing companies. Financial sanctions and embargoes are among the key topics, including potential conflicts between EU and US law, as well as compliance requirements in connection with telemedia and messenger service providers. In the preventive compliance area, Daniel Zapf (previously at DLA Piper) joined the team in May 2022 and focuses on anti-money laundering CMS and compliance due diligence, while Tine Schauenburg is well versed in liability risks. Nils Clemm is regularly instructed by management bodies. In March 2023, former practice head and criminal lawyer Karl-Jörg Xylander joined the boutique CCI-LEGAL in Munich.
CMS
Led by Harald Potinecke, who focuses on investigations, compliance management systems and product liability, CMS ‘ compliance practice primarily supports companies from the aviation and defence industry as well as the energy and finance sectors in matters pertaining to external staff, whistleblowing, insider trading and money laundering prevention; Joachim Kaetzler is a key contact for the latter. The advisory offering covers sanctions, supply chain due diligence and corporate governance, including D&O liability issues in addition to various legal tech tools. Amelie Schäfer handles matters at the interface between employment law and compliance, while Florian Block is experienced in compliance management systems, including risk monitoring.
Testimonials
‘ Competent, client and solution-oriented .’
‘ Technically flawless, concrete and very responsive .’
‘ CMS Germany has been a cooperation partner of ours for many years and is therefore very familiar with our needs – the cooperation is therefore extremely efficient and, above all, solution-oriented.’
Key clients
Bayerische Landesbank
ECE Group
Nord L/B
Augustinum-Gruppe
Work highlights
- Advice, representation and support for a DAX40 group in the processing of compliance violations and in connection with the assertion of liability claims.
- Advice, representation and support for a DAX40 group in the design and implementation of compliance risk monitoring in the form of an early warning system with a focus on identifying and analyzing possible future risks in the ESG area.
Dentons
Integrated into the global network, Dentons‘ compliance team assists with all aspects of compliance management systems and advises across several industries on money laundering prevention, capital market-related compliance and interfacing data protection and tax law issues. The team is well versed in ESG matters, whistleblower protection and supply chain due diligence, while cross-border matters are covered thanks to the international network. The team is led by Christian Schefold, who is experienced in data protection, money laundering and fraud prevention, and Judith Aron, who regularly advises on cross-border mandates; Aron also co-heads the European compliance practice. Peter Braun advises on compliance issues pertaining to award bans by international financial institutions and Gabriele Haas is a key contact for corporate governance. Josef Hainz and René Grafunder are well versed in antitrust compliance.
Other key lawyers:
Peter Braun; Julia Pfeil; Gabriele Haas; Ann-Kristin Cahnbley; Maria Brakalova; Josef Hainz; René Grafunder
Testimonials
‘Large integrated and experienced practice. ‘
‘Josef Hainz – excellent antitrust lawyer – many years of experience in handling complex cases .’
‘ Excellent advice; very knowledgeable and helpful; always with a pragmatic approach .’
‘René Grafunder: Excellent support, couldn’t be better! ‘
Key clients
CherryHUB
Fresenius Medical Care
Gothaer Finanzholding AG
Jacobs UK Ltd.; Jacobs GmbH
Volkswagen AG
Yamaha Music
AKA Ausfuhrkredit-Gesellschaft mbH
European Export and Trade Bank
Amazon Europe Services
IT.NRW
PUMA SE
Vivy GmbH (Allianz Group)
Honeywell International Inc.
Erwin Hymer Group SE
Work highlights
- Advising Volkswagen AG on updating the Directive (EU) 2019/1937 following the international introduction of a central whistleblower hotline in 91 jurisdictions as well as support in updating the central business partner due diligence procedure in 107 jurisdictions.
- Advice to a listed chemical company on internal guidelines regarding whistleblowing and case handling advice as well as advice on the effective expansion of the compliance management system, taking into account the risk profile.
- Advising an international manufacturer of medical devices after the World Bank issued an award ban. Representing the company before the EU Commission, the EBRD and the national authorities, each defending against a national award ban.
Hengeler Mueller
Hengeler Mueller focuses on forensic compliance and supports its clients base, which consists of numerous listed German companies from the real and financial economy in money laundering, corruption and antitrust prevention. Other core areas are external staff matters pertaining to employment law, ESG and whistleblower protection. Due to international developments, the team increasingly advised on compliance matters in connection with sanctions. The key members of the interdisciplinary team are Vera Jungkind (public commercial law and data protection), criminal lawyer Wolfgang Spoerr and Fabian Quast, who is experienced in public law and investigations. Carolin Raspé (compliance and data protection) and Malte Wundenberg (banking regulatory compliance) were appointed counsel in January 2022.
Other key lawyers:
Fabian Quast; Markus Ernst; Constantin Lauterwein; Vera Jungkind; Daniel Weiß; Wolfgang Spoerr; Carolin Raspé; Malte Wundenberg
Linklaters
Linklaters recently increasingly assisted international financial institutions and companies in the aviation, energy, consumer goods and manufacturing sector with sanctions, including Russia-related sanctions, as well as transactions and the EU Blocking Regulation. The interdisciplinary team acts across various sectors and advises domestic and foreign clients on corporate governance, D&O liability, tax compliance as well as money laundering and corruption prevention. Antitrust compliance matters constitute another mainstay of the practice. Corporate lawyer Hans-Ulrich Wilsing advises on corporate governance and jointly heads the Crisis Management and Compliance team with Kerstin Wilhelm, who covers both preventive and forensic compliance issues.
Testimonials
‘Speed with extremely high quality.’
‘High expertise.’
‘Team led by Mrs. Dr. Kerstin Wilhelm is big enough for all relevant compliance tasks.’
Work highlights
- Advice to a leading German automotive supplier following a tax audit at a German subsidiary on transfer pricing issues and successful settlement with the public prosecutor, including the termination of proceedings or the prevention of the opening of proceedings and reduction of the fine.
- Advising international financial institutions and numerous companies from various sectors nationally and abroad on the sanctions measures adopted by the EU, the USA and the UK that followed Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
The corporate governance and compliance practice at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP advises numerous German and international clients in the financial, TMT, consumer goods, transport and automotive sectors on compliance management, audits and investigations, of which many have frequent cross-border ties to the US. The team, headed by Bernd Mayer, routinely advises governing bodies and is experienced in the prevention of fraud, corruption and money laundering. Additional expertise encompasses export control matters and the prevention of subsequent sanctions. Sarah Johnen is a key contact for corporate governance issues.
Testimonials
‘Their global reach and their pragmatic approaches and solutions – and that they reevaluate them when the facts change .’
‘Extremely good understanding of the challenges of a DAX group. Very good political flair. Strong advice .’
‘Bernd Mayer is a very strong advisor for delicate matters.’
‘Sarah Johnen is an extremely meticulous lawyer with a very good feeling for the needs of a large corporation .’
Work highlights
- Advising the board of directors of a global service provider in the field of transport and logistics in a corruption case.
- Preparation of the defense of a leading international investment bank against possible claims for damages from other banks in connection with cum-ex transactions.
Taylor Wessing
Taylor Wessing advises start-ups and well-known medium-sized companies and global corporations on preventive and forensic compliance. The team assists with the implementation and review of compliance management systems, risk analyses and compliance training, advises on whistleblower guidelines and healthcare compliance and is increasingly active in the ESG sphere. The internationally-oriented practice is jointly led by Jan-Patrick Vogel, who specialises in HR compliance, and Martin Knaup (corporate compliance). Further key contacts are Stephan Manuel Nagel (antitrust compliance) and Mike Goldammer, who heads the firm’s China compliance division.
Testimonials
‘Practical concepts for implementing compliance in companies .’
‘Jan Vogel: Practical and solution-oriented advice. ‘
‘Quick look for the essentials and the situation as well as the client’s objectives. ‘
‘Jan-Patrick Vogel has a very honest and empathetic manner. Due to his quick comprehension, tailor-made solutions are developed that can also be implemented pragmatically and at short notice. He advises and supports with foresight, recognizes topics relevant to his clients and is always there when individual support is needed .’
‘Taylor Wessing’s compliance team stands out for its holistic and organizational consulting approach. ‘
‘Martin Knaup knows how to bring compliance requirements and operational concerns into a pragmatic and solution-oriented balance and thus actually turns compliance into a tool! ‘
‘Comprehensive knowledge of all compliance areas, good availability and pragmatic solutions. Experts on various issues are quickly placed. Invoicing is easy to understand. Especially when several companies are involved (on both sides) there is good coordination in advance .’
‘The cooperation with Mike Goldammer and his team in Shanghai is great and so we have contacts and competent advice for all “time zones”. At the same time, the service of having a conversation directly on site in China is very helpful and often makes it easier to determine the facts.‘
Key clients
6CATS International
AMANDUS KAHL GmbH & Co. KG
Aqseptence Group
Bilfinger
Bundesverband des Elektro-Großhandels VEG
Ceconomy AG
DRK Blutspendedienst West
ECE Gruppe
Etsy
Fette Compacting GmbH
HAYS
INDUS Holding
Infarm
Röhm
thyssenkrupp
VDDI – Verband der Deutschen Dental-Industrie / GFDI Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Dental-Industrie
Work highlights
- Advising Infarm on the implementation of a comprehensive compliance risk analysis, risk mapping and implementation of effective preventive compliance measures aimed at setting up a holistic compliance management system.
- Ongoing advice to thyssenkrupp on compliance and antitrust issues as well as antitrust and merger control law advice on the sale of thyssenkrupp Infrastructure GmbH.
- Advising HAYS on financial supervisory law, corporate governance and all compliance issues (especially supply chain law, trade secret law, whistleblowing).
Latham & Watkins LLP
In the preventive arena, Latham & Watkins LLP focuses on transactions and investment-related compliance and recently increasingly assisted with whistleblower protection matters. The team advises numerous DAX and MDAX companies and is jointly led by corporate law expert Tobias Larisch, criminal lawyer Thomas Grützner and Tim Wybitul, who is experienced in data protection issues and government negotiations. Matters at the interface with antitrust, banking supervisory and employment law are also covered, with further capacities in the area of sanctions and embargoes. Stefan Bartz, who is experienced in compliance and commercial criminal law, was appointed counsel in January 2022.
Key clients
Strabag
Credit Suisse
Work highlights
- Advising Credit Suisse on the so-called Suisse Secrets allegations that the bank violated money laundering and corruption regulations.
- Advising a DAX group in connection with the audit of the whistleblower system and associated reporting offices of subsidiaries.
AGS Legal
AGS Legal focuses on forensic compliance and offers its client base, which primarily consists of medium-sized companies, ongoing advice on compliance matters, investment-related compliance due diligence and civil law proceedings. The team also assists committees and governing bodies with compliance issues, including liability. Practice head Jan Kappel is a key contact for the latter, he is also experienced in criminal and civil law. Florian Junkers has expertise in asset tracing and recovery, while Oliver Zöll advises on the interface between employment and data protection law. Wendelin Acker focuses on liability matters and litigation.
Key clients
CCI Capital Partners
Fleischhauer Gruppe
GERES Group
Interhomes AG
Kempinski SA / Kempinski AG
Kraftanlagen Energies & Services GmbH
Libyscher Staatsfonds
Work highlights
- Representing the former head of diesel engine development in the internal investigation; Representation before law enforcement authorities in Germany; Coordination of the processing and representation in the US together with co-counsel in the US.
- Representing the insolvency administrator of the assets of EN Storage GmbH in the processing of a pyramid scheme with almost €100 million in damage for investors.
GSK Stockmann
GSK Stockmann routinely advises on compliance management systems, risk analyses, health checks and business partner due diligences. The practice recently assisted with compliance due diligences in the transactional space as well as supply chain due diligence. The team primarily acts on behalf of medium-sized companies and is well versed in money laundering prevention. Practice head Eric Mayer specialises in anti-corruption and industrial compliance.
Testimonials
‘The service meets the demands, professional, of high quality and with a sense for the essentials. Customized solutions are sought and found .’
‘Not just “selling” a consultation, but with knowledge of the economic, corporate policy and industry-specific background, tailor-made and economical solutions are found with a sense of pragmatism.’
‘Eric Mayer is outstanding. ‘
Key clients
Affimed GmbH (BioTech)
Apogenix AG (BioTech)
Aroundtown SA
Lupin Atlantis Holdings SA
Medraxa Therapeutics GmbH
Rejuveron Life Sciences AG
Sponge Compliance (ehemals IDOX / Interactive Dialogues, Brüssel)
SÜSS MicroTec SE
Vetter Pharma-Fertigung GmbH & Co. KG
Vonovia SE
Work highlights
- Advice to SÜSS MicroRtec SE on the development of the compliance management system and compliance organization as well as on the compliance risk analysis and revision of regulations.
- Comprehensive advice to Vetter Pharma on CMS implementation and expansion; Compliance risk analysis and compliance health check; business partner due diligence, eLearnings; Compliance inquiries and public official audits as well as support with supply chain due diligence.
- Advice to Vonovia SE on the review of the compliance management system and the compliance organization, compliance training, money laundering training, compliance risk analysis, sanctions list review advice, whistleblowing hotline support and compliance risk analysis.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s Corporate Crime and Investigations team cooperates closely with the firm’s commercial criminal law experts and other interfacing teams. The practice is internationally-oriented, which is reflected in both the versatile client base and the cross-border nature of numerous mandates. The team assists with internal investigations, the implementation and review of compliance management and whistleblowing systems, antitrust and corruption law issues and money laundering prevention as well as asset tracing, sanctions and embargoes. Litigator Dirk Seiler heads the group, which regularly cooperates with the firm’s Alternative Legal Services experts, resulting in comprehensive data and document evaluations and analyses. Counsel Enno Appel offers support on internal investigations and is experienced in matters pertaining to corruption and financial crime prevention.
Key clients
Microsoft Deutschland GmbH, Microsoft Corporation (USA)
Ford-Werke GmbH
Pfizer Inc. (USA), Pfizer Products Inc. (USA), Pfizer GmbH (Deutschland)
Work highlights
- Ongoing compliance and criminal law advice to a global software and hardware manufacturer, in particular to avoid criminal law risks and reputational risks.
- Preventive advice to a leading airline on various penal regulations and guidelines in various jurisdictions.
- Compliance and preventive criminal law advice to an international company in the tobacco industry.
Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB
Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB comprehensively advises medium-sized companies, listed corporations and public sector energy suppliers on traditional and recent compliance issues, covering preventive and forensic matters. Practice head Eike Grunert is well-versed in investigations and compliance management. The team is regularly instructed in connection with the implementation and review of compliance management systems, as well as audits, risk analyses and compliance due diligences in the transactional space. Further competencies include the advice on sanctions as part of national and cross-border internal investigations, whistleblowing and supply chain due diligence. Internationally, the team utilises the firm’s network, while clients also benefit from the innovative use of various legal tech tools. Jochen Pörtge (criminal compliance and internal investigations) joined ADVANT Beiten in January 2023.
Testimonials
‘Pinsent Masons has an experienced and well-established compliance team. Internal investigations are routinely carried out.’
‘The team is characterized by the close cooperation with other practice groups, which regularly play a role in advising companies on criminal law in addition to core criminal law. These include, in particular, labour, data protection, corporate and capital market law.’
‘Pinsent Masons frequently offers fixed prices for certain work steps .’
Key clients
Alfa Laval Corp. AB
Brose
CANCOM SE
GEWOFAG
Hyland Software Inc.
Knorr-Bremse AG
Roboyo Group
TE Connectivity Germany GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising TE Connectivity on the design and implementation of legal ESG requirements according to the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act.
- Advising CAMCOM SE on the review and improvement of the compliance management system, including benchmarking analysis, compliance risk analysis and other compliance measures in preparation for certification according to the latest international CMS standard ISO 37301.
- Advising a leading Fortune 500 investment company on the outsourcing of various compliance-related corporate functions to external service providers.
SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft
SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft offers assistance with the development, implementation and review of compliance management and whistleblower systems. Among the client roster are medium-sized and DAX30 companies, which the practice supports in corporate governance, internal investigations and compliance-related litigation; in addition to enforcing D&O liability claims, this also includes the defense against claims. Corporate lawyers Nicolas Ott and Jochem Reichert as well as Christian Gehling, who is well versed in corporate governance and anti-corruption compliance, jointly head the practice. Michaela Balke advises on corporate governance, compliance and liability issues, while Cäcilie Lüneborg has expertise in stock corporation law and assists both in connection with CMS and internal investigations; the latter made partner in January 2022.
Testimonials
‘SZA is a highly competent law firm in the area of compliance with a considerable wealth of practical experience based on mandates at large companies.’
‘The mandated partners are technically very competent, experienced and also very active in matters of legal training. This also applies to the observation of national and international legal developments and best practice approaches.’
‘The team is focused on the client. It is possible to build up a very good relationship of trust that also allows controversial topics to be discussed. The company’s proposed solutions are taken into account alongside best practice.’
‘The cooperation also runs smoothly in an international context and when several law firms work together. ‘
‘Small teams that provide targeted and highly competent advice in the respective specialist areas. ‘
‘High level of professional competence; very pleasant contact; very confident, even in contentious situations. ‘
‘Team with a high level of competence in the legal fields relevant to companies .’
‘Christian Gehling: Deep professional understanding and extensive experience with compliance management systems and extensive experience in compliance remediation projects (especially in connection with internal investigations and voluntary disclosures to authorities). Strategic Thinker.‘
Key clients
BASF SE
GBG mbH
Mektec Europe Gruppe
Renolit SE
TLT Turbo
Trumpler GmbH & Co. KG Chemische Fabrik
Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
Work highlights
- Advising a listed company in the automotive industry on setting up and restructuring a compliance management system.
- Advising BASF SE on compliance issues, including maintaining a compliance hotline and environmental compliance.
- Advice to the Mektec Europe Group on setting up a group-wide compliance structure and general compliance advice.
WilmerHale
WilmerHale’s German compliance practice regularly cooperates with the global network and is primarily active in connection with monitorships in the US, where the team acts on behalf of well-known listed companies from the pharmaceutical industry. The team has experience in the implementation and review of compliance management systems as well as transactional and business partner due diligence, while the expertise in cross-border internal investigations constitutes another key topic. Jan Wendler, who is well versed in investigations and monitorships, and Christian Crones, who has expertise in compliance and transactions, jointly head the practice.
Testimonials
‘US regulatory team well connected in US government and financial regulators. Numerous ex-officials who have sufficient inside knowledge of dealing with US government and agencies .’
‘Internationally integrated team; pragmatic; Excellent work results . ‘
‘Jan Wendler: Cooperative and very responsive. ‘
‘Very well integrated international team that benefits in particular from the US strength of the team. Promising German compliance practice established by Jan Wendler in recent years. ‘
‘Jan Wendler: Outstanding position on the German market through involvement in a large number of relevant US monitorships. ‘
‘Small but excellent. Each individual attorney brings a variety of skills to the table, as well as the ability to bring on board other professionals from the firm when the need arises .’
‘ Jan Wendler is an absolute jewel to work with. He is well versed in the European context, but also knows exactly how US and UK regulators perceive problems. ‘
Key clients
Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
Bilfinger SE
Work highlights
- Independent Compliance Monitor for Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA.
- General compliance and sanction law advice to Bilfinger.
Heuking
Heuking‘s team grows increasingly independent from the firm’s commercial criminal law practice and offers support on internal investigations and an increasing workload in the preventive compliance area, where the two taskforces Foreign Trade Law and Corporate Social Responsibility take the lead. Among the client base are medium-sized and listed companies, which frequently draw on the team’s expertise in money laundering prevention, sanctions list screening, know-your-customer checks and the whistleblower protection guideline. The interdisciplinary practice regularly assists with the set-up and implementation of compliance management and whistleblowing systems; the specially developed legal tech tool WhistleFox for the management of whistleblower hotlines is also utilised here. Criminal lawyer and practice leader André-M. Szesny as well as Susanne Stauder are part of the core team; the latter specialises in AML and made partner in January 2022.
Kapellmann und Partner
Kapellmann und Partner accompanies associations and medium-sized companies in the energy, construction, real estate and insurance sector as well as the manufacturing industry on a wide array of matters, including the implementation and review of compliance management systems – particularly corruption and antitrust law matters as well as AML -, risk analyses, audits and training courses. The team has additional competencies in environmental compliance and forensic matters. Axel Kallmayer and practice head Ivo du Mont both focus on antitrust and competition law. In January 2022, Julia Wiemer, who is experienced in antitrust law, made partner, while commercial criminal law expert Vivien Veit joined KRAFT. Rechtsanwälte at the same time. Gregor Schiffers is experienced in national and international compliance management systems and audits and is also part of the core team.
Testimonials
‘Legal expertise at a very high level, pragmatic and practical solutions, easy access to partners, good networking with criminal practice, among others.‘
‘Ivo du Mont: Excellent lawyer, has the ability to familiarize himself quickly and in detail with issues, offers good and practical solutions.’
‘Gregor Schiffers: Quick adjustment to specific problems, very quick processing time, solution-oriented and practice-oriented results, very pleasant contact.‘