Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Commercial litigation

Under the leadership of Alex Petrasincu and Wolf von Bernuth, Hausfeld Rechtsanwälte LLP represents plaintiffs and defendants particularly often in cartel and capital markets disputes.
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is increasingly visible in supply chain disputes, particularly in the automotive sector, but also represents clients across other industries in franchise conflicts and commercial disputes.

Commercial litigation in Germany

Gleiss Lutz

Numerous industrial companies benefit from Gleiss Lutz's dispute resolution expertise in high-profile litigation involving trade disputes, cartel damages claims, supply disputes and conflicts relating to corporate, insolvency and managerial liability law; the practice is also well versed in defending clients against mass and class actions, particularly in the capital market and antitrust context as well as in relation to the diesel scandal. The main contacts include David Quinke (corporate, capital market, post-M&A and insolvency law conflicts), , who is increasingly active in the energy sector, Eric Wagner (also experienced in liability disputes), and Andrea Leufgen (particularly visible in financial disputes). Stefan Rützel, who acts in financial and corporate conflicts as well as in post-M&A and cartel damages disputes, heads the practice, which also includes Tobias Boecken, who handles conflicts in the construction and plant construction sector.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Rützel


Testimonials

Very collegial and nevertheless (or maybe because of that) very professional cooperation of the team.

Very well positioned team that always works very pragmatically and offers practice-oriented solutions. The team members were easy to reach at all times.’

‘Outstanding expertise and result-oriented advice characterize the team. The briefs were excellent and to the point.

Work highlights


  • Advice to the insolvency administrator of Wirecard AG in the internal processing of allegations and enforcement of claims under civil law in Germany and abroad, including actions for balance sheet annulment and actions for directors’ liability.

  • Legal defense of an international financial services provider against compensation claims related to cum-ex transactions.

  • Strategic advice and legal defense of Mercedes Benz against customer lawsuits in connection with the diesel issue.

Hengeler Mueller

Based on intensive cooperation between the German, London and Brussels locations, Hengeler Mueller's powerful dispute resolution practice is able to support numerous listed companies, family offices and associations across industry groups in national and cross-border conflicts related to multifaceted issues. The Frankfurt office focuses on capital market disputes, while the Düsseldorf team handles numerous complex cartel damages claims. The Berlin practice is frequently entrusted with disputes in the IT and communications sector, but, just as its Munich unit, is particularly involved in directors' liability and post-M&A proceedings. In addition, the practice utilizes its cross-location capacities in mass proceedings, product liability conflicts and supply disputes, with ESG regulations increasingly causing movement in the latter area. Markus Meier is active on the entire spectrum of civil litigation, Viola Sailer-Coceani advises on corporate, insolvency and executive liability proceedings, while Philipp Hanfland possesses experience in post-M&A and damage compensation proceedings in the automotive and financial industry, and Carsten van de Sande is visible in corporate, insolvency and financial disputes. Daniel Engel (contract, capital market and corporate conflicts) and Mathäus Mogendorf (contract, corporate and insolvency disputes) joined the partnership in January 2022, while Johanna Peters and Luisa Kuschel, who are both well versed in a wide range of damages claims proceedings, made counsel at the same time. Other key lawyers include Maximilian Bülau (capital markets, contractual and corporate disputes) and Antonia Hösch, who is particularly proficient in contractual disputes.


Linklaters

Linklaters' interdisciplinary structure and international capacities result in an impressive number of dispute resolution instructions arising from insolvency, antitrust and directors' liability disputes, damages claims, supply and price law conflicts as well as corporate and post-M&A disputes. The team acts for national and international companies in the healthcare, energy, automotive and finance industries as well as the manufacturing sector and is also skilled in product liability cases, while contentious ESG issues are also increasingly contributing to the practice's high workload. Practice head Alexandros Chatzinerantzis focuses on supply and price adjustment conflicts in the energy sector as well as construction, commercial and corporate disputes, while highly regarded arbitrator Rupert Bellinghausen also handles antitrust damages litigation, product liability and corporate disputes. Julia Grothaus has experience in antitrust and corporate conflicts as well as in post-M&A disputes.

Practice head(s):

Alexandros Chatzinerantzis


Testimonials

Practical and solution-oriented. Strategically strong, calm. Clear communication, clear opinion/guidance.

Alexandros Chatzinerantzis: not afraid to propose clear guidance and course of action. You always come out of the meeting with a result. He is very strategic and pragmatic, clear in communicating with all relevant stakeholders. You feel very well looked after during the consultation, experience and a calm attitude are evident.

Linklaters has a good and diverse team, very responsive and collegial. A pleasure to work with the colleagues there. Open communication and they take great pleasure in their work.’

Work highlights


  • Advising and representing Steinhoff International Holdings NV in shareholder lawsuits in connection with allegations of alleged accounting irregularities at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The instruction also includes representing the company in investor model proceedings before the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court.

  • Advising Genting Hong Kong/Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and conducting preliminary injunction proceedings to enforce a payment obligation by way of anticipation of the main issue. The subject of the proceedings is the payment commitment of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania under a multi-stage financing agreement to support the cruise company suffering from the Covid 19 measures, which among other things maintains four shipyards in Germany.

  • Advice and representation in and out of court for Deutsche Oppenheim Family Office AG (formerly Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. AG & Co. KGaA) in enforcing claims arising from directors’ liability and other complex issues against former board members.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie's diverse dispute resolution expertise is primarily applied in antitrust, post-M&A and patent disputes as well as pharmaceutical-related and insolvency conflicts, in the context of which the practice advises numerous industrial companies and financial institutions as well as insolvency administrators, ministries and auditing firms. In the commercial litigation sphere, Heiko Haller focuses on contractual disputes for pharmaceutical companies and leads the team together with Günter Pickrahn, who often assists with Asia-related matters. Jörg Risse has extensive experience in infrastructure sector disputes and post-M&A proceedings and also acts for companies in the chemical, automotive, medical and mass transport industries, while Tobias Höfling, who made partner in July 2022, has been expanding the practice's corporate litigation capacities. Jürgen Schramke is well versed in real estate disputes among other matters.

Practice head(s):

Günter Pickrahn; Heiko Haller


Clifford Chance

In addition to commercial, banking and financial disputes, Clifford Chance's comprehensive dispute resolution skills also cover a wide range of trade disputes, cartel follow-on damages claims and data litigation, in the context of which Jan Conrady, who made partner in April 2022, and Michael Kremer are particularly visible. The group possesses further expertise in corporate and executive liability disputes. Uwe Hornung has experience in corporate and liability conflicts and post-M&A disputes. Christine Gärtner (banking and capital market proceedings as well as corporate disputes) joined Klinkert Rechtsanwälte PartGmbB at the end of 2022.


Practice head(s):

Michael Kremer


Other key lawyers:

Uwe Hornung; Jan Conrady


Testimonials

Good cooperation with departments; Large team with many suitable professionals, therefore optimal availability.

Commitment, transparency, professional excellence and all with a lot of humor! It’s simply a joy!

Both legal and commercial approach. They really listen and understand the client’s needs. Adaptability to developments and possible changes in approach. Availability also for unscheduled sessions. Timely, detailed and to the point results.’

Hogan Lovells International LLP

Based on a broad sector focus, including the automotive, technology, energy and life sciences industries, Hogan Lovells International LLP engages in corporate, antitrust, commercial, advertising, supply and insolvency disputes, as well as civil and administrative conflicts related to data and cyber breaches. The practice is also increasingly involved in ESG conflicts arising from transactions, contracts and supply chains, and has experience defending companies against mass and class actions at national and European levels. Practice head Tanja Eisenblätter impresses with expertise in competition and commercial disputes, Detlef Haß primarily represents automotive companies in supply chain disputes and is also well versed in insolvency dispute resolution, while Ina Brock supports pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers in product liability litigation. Key lawyers also include Kim Lars Mehrbrey (cartel damages and professional liability litigation, corporate disputes), Carolin Marx, who focuses on supply and antitrust disputes, and Matthias Schweiger, who is skilled in collective damages proceedings. Sophia Jaeger made counsel in January 2022 and focuses on corporate and antitrust disputes.

Practice head(s):

Tanja Eisenblätter


Testimonials

Hogan Lovells has one of the best pharmaceutical disputes departments.’

Hogan Lovells is an excellent full-service practice that not only impresses with its excellent economic understanding, but also with the comprehensive advice that can cover every legal area. This is an advantage in the case of more complex disputes when other areas of law are also affected.’

‘The professionals work extremely conscientiously and always deliver very well thought-out solutions that can also be implemented pragmatically. In the area of litigation, all possible scenarios are always considered and kept in mind in order to achieve the best possible solution for the client.

Dr Kim Lars Mehrbrey: Unique attention to detail, which is already expressed in conversations or negotiations, always makes sense and is efficient. Due to his forward-looking nature, it is worth involving him in negotiations in order to avoid any disputes in the future or to make comprehensive and complete arrangements.

The team is able to cover all legal issues that are relevant to us, be it with a focus on Germany or in a European context. Depending on the complexity, the consulting work is carried out cost-efficiently by associates and/or partners. Experts in the individual departments are brought in at the right time and coordinated internally so that we as the customer receive timely, comprehensive advice on the relevant projects that is tailored to our needs.’

‘The team has excellent knowledge of the healthcare market and our company, which simplifies instruction and allows HL to proactively identify potential problem areas.’

‘The team is able to work efficiently with internal lawyers and the business and to communicate legal aspects appropriately to the addressee.

Key clients

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG


Mainstream Renewable Power


Hyundai Motor Deutschland GmbH


Work highlights


  • Defense of Dr. Ing. hc F. Porsche AG against civil damages claims.

  • In-court and out-of-court support for a world leading pharmaceutical company in connection with products.

  • Representing Hyundai Motor Deutschland GmbH in a large number of legal disputes.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP's dispute resolution team primarily applies its expertise in defending and enforcing data protection claims, bankruptcy and antitrust damages proceedings, post-M&A disputes and supply disputes. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary, and often cross-border, practice is sought after for corporate disputes and also has considerable experience in mass proceedings, in the context of which the team regularly makes use of various legal tech tools. The client base predominantly includes international high-profile companies in the TMT, automotive and financial services sectors. Christoph Baus acts across the entire spectrum of commercial proceedings and leads the team. Anne Löhner, who focuses on commercial, post-M&A and shareholder disputes, and Alena McCorkle, who is well versed in post-M&A disputes, often advise on cross-border matters and both made partners in January 2022. Counsel Stefan Patzer assists with insolvency and antitrust disputes among other matters.

Practice head(s):

Christoph Baus


Testimonials

Latham & Watkins’ German litigation team is world class and unbeaten in organizing mass litigation.

Dr Christoph Baus: One of the best litigation lawyers I know. Confident, analytically brilliant and with unique experience in organizing mass proceedings.’

‘Dr. Alena McCorkle, who joined the partnership in January 2022, is the greatest talent of her generation in my view. Legally outstanding, perfect teamwork and with outstanding commitment to the client. It is great that the firm had the courage to work with her and Dr. Anne Löhner to make two great talents partners at the same time.

A team that is also geared towards constructive teamwork outside their own law firm and has a great deal of experience in organizing large matters. Very responsive.

Alena McCorkle: Likeable team player, solution-oriented and always to the point. Very strong appearance in court. Anne Löhner: Analytical, clever and well organised.

Great unit! Great internal cohesion, extremely result-oriented and academically strong.

The Latham & Watkins Commercial Litigation team is known for its sheer clout. The team is highly motivated and already fields extensive litigation experience on associate level.

Stefan Patzer: An outstanding lawyer and client understander; creative, fast, to the point.

Key clients

Air Berlin


Bundesverband deutscher Banken e.V. – Einlagensicherungsfonds


Credit Suisse


Liberty Global


Mercedes-Benz Group AG


Meta Platforms, Inc.


Royal London Mutual Insurance Society


Scholz Holding


Scottish Widows


Work highlights


  • Advising Credit Suisse on the so-called Suisse Secrets allegations that the bank violated money laundering and corruption regulations.

  • Advising and representing Mercedes-Benz Group AG in court, primarily before higher regional courts throughout Germany, in connection with diesel emissions.

  • Representing Meta Platforms in proceedings before the Federal Cartel Office on suspicion of abuse of a dominant position in connection with data protection and antitrust regulations.

Noerr

Noerr's liability law competencies also extend to the dispute resolution sphere, where the interdisciplinary team often represents both board members and companies in D&O liability conflicts in addition to numerous product liability disputes. Furthermore, the practice is regularly instructed with corporate, insolvency and insurance disputes, post-M&A conflicts as well as with antitrust damages proceedings and also has expertise in mass proceedings in the financial services sector. Henner Schläfke heads the collective redress and mass proceedings practice and focuses on contract and liability disputes, while Oliver Sieg is responsible for liability and insurance; he also co-heads the entire dispute resolution team. Christine Volohonsky, who is often involved in international proceedings, heads the corporate and financial disputes department and further advises on insolvency-related conflicts.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Sieg


Key clients

Omnicom Holding Germany GmbH


Kommunale Wasserwerke Leipzig GmbH


TÜV SÜD AG


Audi AG


PACCAR Inc. / DAF Trucks NV / DAF Trucks Deutschland GmbH


Work highlights


  • Representation of a former member of SolarWorld AG’s management board in proceedings regarding a €730 million damages claim related to directors’ and officers’ liability for payments after insolvency.

  • Representing Omnicom Holding Germany GmbH in several corporate disputes.

SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft

SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft impresses with expertise in product liability and insolvency-related disputes, contractual and executive liability conflichts as well as in antitrust, post-M&A and corporate disputes; the practice is also particularly visible in mass proceedings in the automotive industry. The dispute resolution team is jointly led by Jochem Reichert (corporate and post-M&A conflicts), Thomas Liebscher (corporate and capital market disputes among others) and Michael Molitoris (product liability and insurance disputes) and also includes Stefan Zeyher who is experienced in contentious corporate and post-M&A matters.

Other key lawyers:

Stefan Zeyher


Testimonials

The team is characterized by above-average reliability, careful and conscientious detailed work compared to the industry. This work is prepared at high speed so that the client also has enough time to think about the pleadings and to give his input.

Joachim Reichert: Always working at the front end to the customer, not shifting anything to assistants and employees – this means that he has a high level of expertise in the case, even in detail – even small administrative things go through his desk – the highest level of technical/substantive competence – but, opposite to others, he also takes risks when he sees opportunities.’

A well-established law firm that covers the range of advice we expect. The strong expertise in product safety and liability that Michael Molitoris brings to the team is what led us to the firm.’

Michael Molitoris: Certainly one of the most experienced lawyers for product liability and product safety, especially in the automotive industry, and has been valued by us for many years as a consultant on domestic and foreign product safety and liability issues. In addition to his distinctive expertise, Mr. Molitoris also has a very good understanding of technical facts and context.’

Strong and pragmatic.

Key clients

Bayer AG


Volkwagen AG


AUDI AG


Knaus Tabbert AG


Work highlights


  • Advising and representing Bayer AG in connection with claims for damages by investors against Bayer for alleged violation of disclosure requirements in the acquisition of Monsanto with a current total value in dispute of €27 million.

  • Advising and representing AUDI AG in court in connection with the diesel issue; in particular strategic advice and representation in the so-called VTDI cases (engines developed by AUDI AG in-house). Added to this is (strategic) advice on foreign class action lawsuits.

  • Advice and legal representation of Knaus Tabbert AG in approx. 500 individual cases in connection with the Fiat diesel issue; here in particular strategic advice and legal representation.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP is particularly active in disputes in the energy, insurance and technology sectors arising from damages claims, post-M&A, supply, contract and insurance conflicts. The team regularly cooperates with in-house experts from its insolvency, corporate, IP and IT practices and can also easily access the firm's international offices in cross-border issues; the practice is also adept in mass proceedings. Sonja Hoffmann, who is also experienced in financial disputes, recently handled several real estate conflicts related to Covid-19, while Gero von Jhering focuses on restructuring and insolvency-related disputes. Christian Wirth and Sara Vanetta are both considered strong litigators in insurance disputes and practice head Markus Langen, who is active in both litigation and arbitration, acts with a focus on conflicts related to technology, the internet and social media.

Practice head(s):

Markus Langen


Testimonials

Broad team with a practical and result-oriented approach. Strategic perspective on disputed constellations from the first minute.

‘Extremely strong in technical litigation with complex issues! A reliable partner with pleasant characters.’

‘Christian Wirth: Outstanding litigator with broad experience in handling large contentious matters in various industries; versatile leader of a motivated and competent team.

Sara Vanetta: An outstanding litigator and strategist, always competent, open and unpretentious – a reliable partner!

Key clients

Mercedes-Benz Group AG


Air Berlin


Baltic Cable AB


CMS

CMS represents national and international companies across various industries in liability, contractual and supply disputes and also has expertise in shareholder conflicts, product liability disputes and class actions. Thomas Lennarz, who is well versed in the latter area, is also experienced in commercial and post-M&A disputes and co-leads the team with arbitrator Nicolas Wiegand. Claus Thiery is the key contact for D&O liability disputes while the head of the international litigation practice Peter Wende is skilled in contentious shareholder and D&O liability matters.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Lennarz; Nicolas Wiegand


Other key lawyers:

Claus Thiery; Peter Wende


Testimonials

Easily accessible, reliable, competent, solution-oriented, understandable briefs, very friendly.

The Stuttgart team has a large internal network of litigation colleagues as well as cross-departmental know-how that can be accessed quickly if required.

‘The team has a quick grasp of complex processes and, in addition to the purely legal support, also gave us good advice on procedural tactics. Response times were excellent and cooperation was flawless at all times.’

DLA Piper

DLA Piper impresses with special expertise in insurance disputes, where Ludger Giesberts' practice represents numerous well-known insurance companies in individual and mass proceedings. The team is also frequently instructed by companies in the automotive, TMT and life sciences sectors and has further experience in insolvency-related, D&O and product liability disputes. Thomas Gädtke is well versed in commercial, corporate and D&O liability conflicts, Wolfgang Jäger represents companies in commercial contractual disputes and in the context of civil law enforcement actions and Christian Schneider has extensive expertise in representing insurers, reinsurers and insurance brokers in court.

Practice head(s):

Ludger Giesberts


Testimonials

The team pushes cases well beyond normal, using not only judicial but other measures to improve the information base for the process and the chances of cases succeeding.

Wolfgang Jäger: A fighter who goes far beyond expected actions, proactively and unconventionally pushing the case from all sides.

Wolfang Jäger: Not only incredibly clever, but also extremely persistent and assertive. The man has bite and doesn’t give up in court, but is extremely collegial at the same time.

Thomas Gädtke: an absolute luminary in insurance disputes.

Availability at all times, quick assembly of case-related teams, very good and seamless integration of other departments.

Key clients

Discovery Communications Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG ProSieben /SevenOneEntertainment RTL Television WeltN24


WISAG Aviation Service GmbH & Co. KG


Zurich


Winamax SAS


Work highlights


  • Defending an international group with companies in Malta and Gibraltar against numerous claims for damages in Germany and Austria in connection with the offering of allegedly illegal online gambling to German consumers.

  • Representing an IT service provider of an insurance group in preliminary injunction proceedings and in main proceedings against a US IT service provider in connection with a failed data center outsourcing and in court proceedings for alleged payment claims in connection with the project.

  • Defending a leading international aerospace manufacturer against an Asian aerospace and defense company against a €60 million claim for allegedly defective deliveries.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP's dispute resolution practice focuses on ESG litigation in addition to collective redress, with the team being particularly visible in climate protection lawsuits. The group, which acts for numerous national and international companies in the automotive, energy and technology sectors as well as the manufacturing industry, is also regularly instructed with cartel law enforcement and has further experience in corporate and product liability disputes, post-M&A conflicts and shareholder disputes. The key team includes litigator Markus Rieder, Finn Zeidler, who is well versed in commercial criminal law, Michael Walther (cartel and shareholder disputes), Georg Weidenbach (cartel damages claims) and Mark Zimmer (employment disputes).

Testimonials

Markus Rieder’s team specializes in complex disputes, both nationally and internationally.’

‘The team advises professionally, service- and problem-oriented and efficiently.’

‘They are very receptive to legaltech solutions. Interdisciplinary cooperation, also with lawyers from other law firms, is natural to this team.

Key clients

Mercedes-Benz Group


Douglas GmbH


UniCredit S.p.A.


ArcelorMittal


Volkswagen


ISRA Vision


Work highlights


  • Advising Mercedes-Benz Group on the coordination of consumer disputes in Germany.

  • Representation of Douglas GmbH in arbitration proceedings in connection with the squeeze-out.

  • Representing VW in asserting antitrust claims for damages against the car shipping cartel.

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP routinely handles commercial, bankruptcy, insurance and liability disputes primarily in the healthcare and energy sectors. The practice is also particularly adept at disputes in the financial services sector. Marc Zimmerling focuses on commercial, corporate and insurance conflicts, as does counsel Charlotte Willemer.

Practice head(s):

Marc Zimmerling


Other key lawyers:

Charlotte Willemer


Testimonials

In addition to professional excellence in questions of procedural law, the team is characterized above all by the fact that it familiarizes itself very competently and efficiently with the actual and resulting legal questions of a legal dispute and can optimally support the proceedings thanks to the deep understanding that follows.’

‘The team questions existing opinions and structures and is thus able to introduce convincing and new arguments into the process. In addition, they work very hands-on, in a spirit of partnership and with foresight, so that you always feel you are in the best hands.

Fast recording of highly complex issues, immediate recognition of the client’s needs, proactive follow-up of the cases handled, constant availability of all respective team members, always the same team members instead of constantly being filled, very reasonable fee calculation [not every minute, but according to the service rendered]. Training of new team members by the team and not the client, very good preparation of decision-relevant information for the client.

Key clients

Aloys Wobben Foundation (AWS)


Uniper SE


Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH


Dentons

Dentons' frequent cross-border dispute resolution activity across industry groups ranges from distribution, antitrust and supply disputes over shareholder, directors' liability and post-M&A disputes to insolvency-related conflicts and class actions, especially in the automotive sector; the team also has experience in product liability disputes. Thomas Nebel and Matthias Hadding, who made partner in April 2022, focus on assisting with mass proceedings and construction conflicts respectively; Nebel is also experienced in commercial and civil dispute resolution and jointly heads the practice with Heiko Heppner who focuses on arbitration proceedings. Christoph Zieger primarily acts in corporate and financial disputes as well as in contentious IT and data protection matters.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Nebel; Heiko Heppner


Other key lawyers:

Matthias Hadding; Christoph Zieger


Testimonials

Wide-ranging dispute resolution practice in various German offices.

Heiko Heppner in Frankfurt and Matthias Hadding in Düsseldorf are convincing litigators.

The team is extremely professional and does an excellent job. Cases are processed in an uncomplicated and cost-efficient way. The Dentons team is available 24/7 to answer any questions.’

‘Answers are always satisfactory and of the highest standard. Invoicing is carried out on a quarterly basis according to the client’s wishes.

Dr Thomas Nebel: Very professional and always delivers on time. Complicated cases are presented simply and dealt with satisfactorily. Very high success rate.

Excellent and experienced litigator, also broad knowledge of substantive law at the highest level.

Dr Thomas Nebel: Excellent litigator, very experienced and at the same time very creative, always solution-oriented, very high level of service.

Key clients

Fresenius Medical Care


Bundesrepublik Deutschland


Mercedes Benz Group (vormals Daimler)


Patrizia AG


Work highlights


  • Representation of the Federal Ministry of Health in asserting claims against suppliers of personal Covid-19 protective equipment for purchase price refunds and damages due to the delivery of defective goods.

  • Representing a Chinese asset manager in enforcing purchase price claims in connection with the sale of solar panels and the investments of a Chinese producer in various European solar power plants in various arbitration proceedings in China (CIETAC) and Italy as well as in various lawsuits before German courts.

  • Representing a DAX40 German medical technology manufacturerin a distribution dispute before African courts.

Heuking

Under the joint leadership of Thomas Wambach and Christian Strasser, Heuking primarily represents German, but occasionally also European companies in trade, supply and post-M&A disputes and is also regularly instructed with D&O liability disputes. In the context of cross-border disputes, the practice can also access its China and French desks. Alongside corporate litigation, Daniel Froesch is further experienced in arbitration proceedings.

Other key lawyers:

Daniel Froesch


Jones Day

The growth of Jones Day's dispute resolution team in recent years is reflected in an increasingly broader coverage of matters: the practice is regularly involved in shareholder and directors' liability disputes, post-M&A conflicts, as well as product liability and technology-related conflicts and also has expertise in antitrust damages litigation. Dieter Strubenhoff, who focuses on corporate and commercial proceedings, and Johannes Willheim, who is experienced in arbitration proceedings, head the practice together.

Testimonials

Open, appreciative and extremely human communication.

Johannes Willheim has known the energy market and its connections for years and can therefore defend our legal interests like no other.

The team is very experienced, broad and international. The cooperation is very customer-oriented and effective.

Great post-M&A dispute experience, especially given the strong M&A focus.

Work highlights


  • Representing a former board member in proceedings before German courts regarding antitrust fines in connection with D&O liability.

  • Representing a general contractor in a German court proceeding in connection with a lawsuit relating to remuneration, delays and defects resulting from the construction of a large coal combustion plant. Several subcontractors are involved in the lawsuit.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright's dispute resolution expertise extends to commercial, post-M&A and supply disputes, directors' liability conflicts and shareholder disputes and is also evident contentious real estate-related matters. Jamie Nowak heads the practice and is primarily involved in commercial disputes, while Constanze Bandilla-Dany regularly handles real estate disputes. Christian Wolf is the key contact for banking litigation.

Practice head(s):

Jamie Nowak


Testimonials

Jamie Nowak: An outstanding litigator with a great deal of practical experience both inside and outside the courtroom.

Constanze Bandilla-Dany: Very experienced, precise, fast, calm, good feeling, tactically excellent, anticipatory, very patient.

Good structure and mix of young and senior colleagues. Outstanding work and reliability. Billing has always been fair.

Jamie Nowak: A technically very experienced partner with a lot of experience and legal skills.

Key clients

Barclays


Citibank


Credit Suisse International


Depo Auto Parts Ind. Co., Ltd


ECE Market Places GmbH & Co. KG


INEOS Styrolution


Wavetouch Denmark A/S


Work highlights


  • Representing a pension fund against a third-party counterclaim in connection with the acquisition of a large-volume real estate portfolio in Germany and Austria.

  • Advising the German subsidiary of a global Asian electronics group in a commercial dispute with a customer due to allegedly faulty battery systems.

  • Advising and representing a tech start-up in court in relation to the departure of a founding shareholder from management and shareholder group.

Taylor Wessing

Taylor Wessing represents medium-sized companies and large corporations in multifaceted proceedings, which particularly often arise from product liability disputes, but also have origin in commercial, insurance and corporate conflicts. Furthermore, the team is well versed in energy, shareholder and post-M&A disputes and active in pharmaceutical mass litigation. In recent years, the practice has also increased its focus on technology-related disputes. Practice head Philipp Behrendt is experienced in commercial conflicts and also puts emphasis on product liability disputes, which also represents the focus of Henning Moelle who is often involved in cross-border proceedings. Frank Koch and Olaf Kranz are the key contacts for corporate disputes, while Donata von Enzberg focuses on arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Philipp Behrendt


Key clients

AstraZeneca


Bayer


Grünenthal


Melitta


Volkswagen


Friedrich Carl Janssen


Renate Schubries


WilmerHale

In the commercial litigation sphere, WilmerHale has experience in handling corporate and antitrust disputes, executive liability damages claims and product liability disputes, with the practice's advice in the latter area focusing on the mechanical engineering, agricultural and animal feed industries as well as the medical device sector. Contentious expertise also exists at the intersection to data protection and patent law. Vanessa Wettner (corporate governance and capital market disputes), Stefan Ohloff (antitrust disputes) and Hans-Georg Kamann (competition conflicts) jointly head the practice.

Key clients

alpha beta asset management GmbH


Becton Dickinson B.V.


Bitmanagement Software GmbH


Bundesinnung der Hörgeräteakustiker – biha


Bundesrepublik Deutschland – Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie


Bundesverband Öffentlicher Banken Deutschlands VÖB


Deutsche Bahn AG


Deutsche Lufthansa AG


Deutsche Telekom AG


Meta Platforms, Inc.


Hugo Boss


INC SpA und Consorzio Stabile Sis SCpA


Jugendherberge Berlin Ostkreuz gGmbH


Katjes Fassin GmbH & Co KG


Medtronic


OPAL Gastransport GmbH & Co. KG


Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press


Work highlights


  • Representing Becton Dickinson against compensation claims brought by a former sales partner.

Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland's team is particularly frequently instructed with supply chain disputes in the automotive and energy sectors, as well as with product liability conflicts. However, the practice, which also acts for companies in the TMT and consumer goods industries, is further well versed in sales and antitrust disputes and post-M&A conflicts. Stephan von Marschall focuses on corporate disputes and arbitration, while Ralf-Thomas Wittmann covers insurance disputes. Practice head Joos Hellert and Alexandra Watzlawek  are primarily involved in distribution and commercial disputes and Fabian Volz advises on contentious product liability issues.

Practice head(s):

Joos Hellert


Testimonials

Dynamic team, flexible, client-oriented, economically thinking, even very tight deadlines are met!

Dr Joos Hellert: A brilliant strategist. Even in heated discussions in court, he kept calm throughout and was always superior to his opponents when it came to arguments, whereby he was able to shine with his detailed knowledge and very good preparation. He has an incredibly good feeling for the needs of our complex, globally active organization. One quickly notices that he has both in-house and law firm experience at a very high level. His style of writing is unique and he is able to achieve incredible results even in hopeless situations. His service is highly recommended.

The team is very practical and hands-on. Client interests are implemented pragmatically.

The law firm offers a wide range of proven experts from different disciplines. The focus on what is realistically feasible is paramount. In an open dialogue, the procedure is discussed and defined together.

Very good, goal-oriented cooperation.

Key clients

Burger King


COR Sitzmöbel


GE Grid


Malindo


Securitas


Tönnies


Work highlights


  • Representing a global leader in energy storage solutions in connection with a cross-border supply chain dispute in Poland under German law against a German and a Maltese company.

  • Representing a logistics company in enforcing payment claims against LEONI due to a supply chain dispute in the automotive sector.

  • Representing a Hamburg-based pension fund in a post-M&A dispute following the sale of the four operating companies of four solar parks in France due to alleged defects in the solar parks.

Kantenwein Zimmermann Spatscheck & Partner

Kantenwein Zimmermann Spatscheck & Partner‘s dispute resolution expertise is primarily sought after by companies in the energy, finance and automotive industries, while shareholders and board members call on the team in shareholder and insolvency-related disputes; the practice also deals with post-M&A, price adjustment and contractual conflicts. The team includes Stefan Hackel, who is experienced in commercial and corporate conflicts. Former practice head Alexander Kröck and Carolin Sabel left the firm in October 2023.

Testimonials

Well established team covering all areas of commercial litigation.

The team works extremely accurately and precisely in a very short time frame. This in German or another European language. This approach enables the in-house colleagues to get excellent results on legal issues, litigation strategy and further action very quickly, on which the further process can be built. In addition, this creates legal certainty.

The individual cogs of the team mesh smoothly, so that you feel in good hands at all times. This also applies to the availability of additional technical resources if they are needed to solve a higher-level problem properly and quickly.

Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB

Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB focuses on post-M&A and D&O liability disputes, but also has an experienced litigator for cartel damages proceedings in Sibylle Schumacher. The team, which primarily acts for companies in the energy and infrastructure industries as well as the manufacturing sector, is also well versed in assisting with contractual, corporate as well as insolvency-related conflicts and further advises on mass proceedings. The latter represents a focus for Johanna Weißbach, while Christian Schmidt is well versed in technical disputes. Martin Eimer (class actions and collective redress) joined Ashurst LLP in May 2022.

Practice head(s):

Sibylle Schumacher


Testimonials

Very good lawyers. Innovatively positioned.

Sibylle Schumacher: Highly professional and quickly familiarized herself with the complicated subject. Solution-oriented approach.

‘The team is very demanding of itself when it comes to meeting deadlines, doing thorough research and considering the commercial aspects of its clients.’

Key clients

Volkswagen AG


Augusta Ventures


f | solar GmbH


AGC Glass Europe S.A.


SKW Schwarz

SKW Schwarz has recently been increasingly active in cross-border supply chain disputes and in conflicts in connection with digital services, but also offers expertise on other commercial disputes as well as on contentious product liability, executive liability and post-M&A matters; capacities in the latter two fields were strengthened with the arrival of Thomas Hausbeck in March 2022 from BUSE. The team, which primarily acts for media, technology, energy and pharmaceutical companies, also includes practice head Arndt Tetzlaff who is experienced in liability and damages claims; Oliver Korte who specializes in commercial and sales disputes; and Ulrich Reber who is experienced in civil and insolvency-related dispute resolution among other matters.

Practice head(s):

Arndt Tetzlaff


Testimonials

SKW has a wide range of qualifications and very experienced lawyers, so that almost all typical legal issues that arise in an SME / start-up can be covered by SKW.

‘Great team providing prompt advice and support with a very hands-on approach. Their accounting is very efficient.’

‘We can definitely recommend the SKW team as reliable and efficient legal counsel.’

Key clients

Home Away Inc.


Telekom Deutschland GmbH


Signal Iduna Gruppe


Schufa Holding


Expedia Inc.


IKEA


Hanwha Q Cells


Netflix


GEHE Pharma Handel GmbH


gesund.de GmbH & Co. KG


Work highlights


  • Advice and representation of Gesund.de GmbH & Co. KG in a test case on the admissibility of brokering contracts for non-prescription medicines between pharmacies and customers, as well as the transmission of prescriptions to pharmacies in connection with telemedical services via the Gesund platform .de.