Includes the advice to companies as employers on individual and collective employment law as well as advising executive bodies.
Employment in Germany
CMS
CMS ‘ sizeable employment law team, also distinguished through its proportion of women at almost 55%, further expanded the partner roster in January 2021 with the appointments of Kira Falter (specialist in external staffing and HR compliance), Alexandra Otto (restructuring and SE formations) , Amelie Schäfer (HR compliance) and Maximilian Koschker (digitisation and work 4.0) as well as restructuring and compliance expert Sören Seidel (previously Counsel at Allen & Overy LLP ) in September 2021. The team size predestines the group for large-scale national and cross-border restructuring, transaction and reorganisation mandates. National and international companies from sectors such as automotive, real estate, energy, technology and life sciences call upon the team's expertise in plant closures and staff reduction measures (including recent Covid-19-related matters), co-determination and SE conversions, including entailing social security issues. Technological transformation and digitisation topics are also part of the reorganisation consulting and constitute a cornerstone of the practice; here, Gerlind Wisskirchen and Björn Gaul are among the key contacts and advise on the introduction of IT systems and outsourcing as well as all other employment and corporate co-determination issues, including compliance and whistleblower system projects. The team is led by Martina Hidalgo and Daniel Ludwig, both practice heads are highly active in restructurings.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Björn Gaul; Gerlind Wisskirchen; Nina Hartmann; Tobias Polloczek; Alexander Bissels; Amelie Schäfer; Kira Falter; Alexandra Otto; Maximilian Koschker; Sören Seidel
Testimonials
‘The degree of specialization of individual lawyers in the law firm is a great added value for us. In the area of labor law, for example, there are specialists for AÜG or interim management. We really appreciate this verticalization within individual departments.’
‘What we particularly appreciate about Mr Bissels is that we can reach him at any time and that he answers our inquiries very quickly and on a daily basis. His advice is at the highest legal level without being academic at the same time; he always explains complex labor law problems in a way that is understandable for non-lawyers and – what is particularly important to us – always finds a pragmatic solution for our operational practice. ‘
‘The reliability of the lawyers in terms of the scope and quality of their statements and opinions is unique. There are no ad hoc answers that would later have to be put into perspective or even corrected. Difficult questions are only clarified within the law firm before the client receives an answer. The second very reliable point is the 100% adherence to schedules. Agreed deadlines are met without exception. And finally, the third – no less important point – is accessibility. Calls or e-mails are answered immediately without having to be reminded. This gives you the security of being supported and advised in urgent cases so that you can react correctly.’
‘Martina Hidalgo deserves a special mention. Her expertise and experience are impressive. Added to this is her ability to grasp and understand new client-internal relationships and to adapt her advice to the individual situation and difficulty. Without exception, she appears fully prepared, professional, convincing and assertive in court.’
‘Very experienced in complex restructuring, very practical advice, precise feedback with clear recommendations, extremely good accessibility of all contact persons, due to the size of the employment law practice, a short-term involvement is also possible; very good internal transfer of information (you always have the feeling that all contacts have the same level of knowledge).’
‘Prof. dr Björn Gaul: Outstanding knowledge in all areas of employment law, very solution-oriented and practical advice, very good eye for what is feasible, extremely good availability, very pleasant to work with.’
‘Dr. Nina Hartmann: Very strong in collective law issues, very solution-oriented and practical advice, very good eye for HR processes, extremely good availability, very pleasant to work with.’
‘I would particularly like to emphasize the excellent cooperation with Mrs. Kira Falter. Her expertise paired with friendliness is an asset. Their accessibility is also exceptionally good and their reaction speed is outstanding. If you have any questions about corporate law or labor law in other countries, she can put you in touch with colleagues within a very short time. ‘
Key clients
Mahle
Douglas Holding / Parfümerie Douglas
Sievert
Drees & Sommer
Fraport
E.ON
Steag
Telefónica
Porsche
BioNTech
Work highlights
- Advice to MAHLE on international restructuring.
- Advice to Douglas Holding / Perfumery Douglas on the implementation of the SOP project, its Europe-wide Store Optimization Program, on all labor and social law issues.
- Advice to the Sievert group of companies on the international reorganization and conversion of Sievert AG to Sievert SE.
Gleiss Lutz
In addition to standalone advice, Gleiss Lutz is a recognised practice for matters at various intersections, such as M&A and data protection. Recent restructuring sales, jointly handled with the transaction and restructuring practices, were among the key topics, focussing on the sale of companies to restructuring consultants and PE funds. Practice head Thomas Winzer and Steffen Krieger are among the key contacts in this segment and routinely handle restructuring, reorganisation and transaction-related matters; Krieger also advises and represents employers in disputes with employees, works councils, staff councils and trade unions. Recent topics at the interface with IT and data protection include IT security and compliance matters, not least due to the higher proportion of home office settings during the Covid-19 pandemic. Another interface topic is the remuneration of the board of directors, with Winzer and Christian Arnold as the main contacts. The latter is also the key contact for the conclusion and termination of employment contracts with board members and managing directors. He often advises on corporate co-determination in the context of restructurings.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Christian Arnold; Ulrich Baeck; Martin Diller; Jens Günther; Katrin Haußmann; Steffen Krieger; Stefan Lingemann; Doris-Maria Schuster; Rut Steinhauser
Testimonials
‘Very structured and holistic view of the problem. Not purely legal aspects are taken into account, but always operational and personnel policy aspects as well.’
‘In the last 6 months, Rut Steinhauser has turned a project with us, which we all thought could not be implemented, into a more than successful target scenario with extreme perseverance and goal orientation. The type of cooperation and the personal contact were very pleasant and, in addition to all professionalism, always characterized by empathy for the personal concerns of the team members.’
‘Steffen Krieger: Long-term contact with the company, who guides his partners through the most difficult issues elegantly and calmly with a calm but always very clear legal line. Also very pleasant to work with on a personal level.’
‘Outstanding expertise in board law, especially employment contracts and remuneration.’
‘Christian Arnold. Great experience, knows the market like no other, pragmatic advice, very responsive.’
‘The practice is characterized by the fact that all aspects of complex labor law are covered, e.g. B. employment law issues that require the attention of management, as well as pensions and remuneration. In addition, they are able to translate complex issues into practical and solid advice and offer solutions. They don’t use any technical jargon and are very practice-oriented in their advice.’
‘Thomas Winzer is distinguished by his ability to translate complex labor law issues into practical solutions. He is always very responsive and a trusted advisor.’
‘Extremely customer and result-oriented. Special features of the client are always immediately taken into account when finding a solution.’
Work highlights
- Advising the supervisory boards of Volkswagen AG and TRATON SE on the reorganization of the management teams of VW and TRATON.
- Employment law advice to the Paracelsus clinics on a comprehensive corporate restructuring and refinancing.
- Advising various companies in connection with IT systems (data protection, co-determination, works constitution law, IT security, compliance); Negotiations with works councils, arbitration board proceedings.
KLIEMT.Arbeitsrecht
KLIEMT.Arbeitsrecht is among the top firms in the German employment law market and advises an impressive client roster from various sectors. With five locations, the firm is well positioned for nationwide consulting and the supervision of international projects through different cooperations. Name partner Michael Kliemt is a key contact in Düsseldorf and renowned for his expertise in restructuring, transformation, outsourcing and integration projects, he also advises executives on the conclusion or cancellation of management board contracts and on defending against claims for damages. Additional restructuring experts are Burkard Göpfert in Munich as well as Barbara Reinhard in Frankfurt, who is experienced in the agile transformation of companies as well as collective bargaining and industrial action law. Stefan Fischer heads the Berlin office and focuses on works constitution and collective bargaining law, while also handling labour court litigation. The Hamburg team was strengthened with the promotion of Henrik Lüthge to partner in January 2021; he advises on individual and collective employment law.
Practice head(s):
Michael Kliemt; Barbara Reinhard; Burkard Göpfert; Stefan Fischer
Other key lawyers:
Alexander Ulrich; Oliver Vollstädt; Markus Bohnau; Henrik Lüthge
Key clients
A.T. Kearney
ABB
Adidas SE
Air Liquide
Airbus
Allianz
Atos Information Technology GmbH
Axel Springer
Bayer
Citrix
Daimler
Deutsche Bahn / DB Regio
Deloitte
Deutsche Telekom
DXC
Fujitsu
GE
GfK
Griesson
Hamburg Commercial Bank
Henkel
Hermes
Hewlett Packard
Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
Hüls GmbH & Co. KG
IKB
INGDiba
Intersnack
Knorr Bremse AG
MAN / MAN Energy Solutions
McKinsey
Nokia
Nordsee
Oracle
Paul Hartmann AG
Pro7Sat1
Procter & Gamble
Rheinmetall
Roland Berger
Saarstahl
Santander
SAP
Schön Klinik SE
Siemens
Siemens Healthcare GmbH
Stada
Takeaway.com (Lieferando)
Teekanne
Warth & Klein Grant Thornton
Westend Bank AG
Xerox
K+S
Deutsche Messe AG
Zalando SE
Siemens Energy
Condor
Blacklane
ARAG
Capgemini
Danske Bank
Deutsche Bundesbank
OPOPE Germany GmbH
Peek & Cloppenburg KG
real GmbH
TÜV Rheinland AG
UHE GmbH & Co. KG
Warner Media Group
Bofrost
NTT Data
Work highlights
- Comprehensive advice to the Santander Consumer Bank on the transformation and realignment of sales.
- Advising SHS-Stahl-Holding-Saar GmbH & Co. KGaA (Saarstahl) on the restructuring and transformation process leading to the departure of 2,500 employees, including negotiations with the trade union and works councils (among other things on downsizing, outsourcing projects and the use of temporary workers) and cross-border actions.
- Advising the Airbus Group on realignment, restructuring and corporate works council issues. In addition, ongoing employment law advice, particularly on individual staff reduction measures.
ADVANT Beiten
Among the key strengths of ADVANT Beiten‘s employment law team are restructuring and transformation support, including related reconciliation of interests and social plan negotiations, German labour court proceedings and the supervision of collective bargaining negotiations. These key strengths correspond with the expertise demonstrated by practice head Wolfgang Lipinski, who also represents clients in court. The full-service firm is well versed in interfacing tax, data protection and supervisory law issues, as well as the transfer of obligations and assets in occupational pension schemes. Experience in working time regulations and works constitution law further complement this offer. HR departments of various companies are also offered an expat tool with regard to cross-border leasing of employees. Currently, the focus is on secondments from Germany to EU and EEA countries, with a plan to extend this to countries outside the EU. Gerd Kaindl, whose extensive work focuses on individual and collective employment law, made partner in January 2021, while Angela Schilling, who is experienced in employer consulting, joined Schiedermair Rechtsanwälte in January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Christopher Melms; Daniel Hund; Christian Freiherr von Buddenbrock; Thomas Barthel; Thomas Drosdeck; Markus Künzel; Gerd Kaindl
Testimonials
‘Very good team, always fast and super competent, broad service, including bilingual translations, preparation of documents, all-round package full service! Very good range of training courses on the subject of labor law.’
‘Dr. Daniel Hund: High level of expertise, pragmatic approach.’
‘Team excellently organized, high availability. ‘
‘Dr. Barthel is an outstanding dogmatist, goes into the undergrowth of social law regulations, but also into clear heights of constitutional and European law; great forensic scientist.’
‘We have been working with the labor law team for a number of years. They are always very professional with extensive specialist knowledge, trustworthy, efficient, solution-oriented and react quickly.’
‘Dr Barthel: When many lawyers give an answer ‘no’ without an alternative solution, Dr. Barthel always has a solution and pulls it through. We are very grateful for that. Dr Barthel has extensive expertise and helped us a lot with the transfer of operations. Dr Barthel is always available, even when he’s on vacation. We are very satisfied with the cooperation.’
‘No matter the question, whether it’s “completely normal” labor law, pension schemes or the construction tariff, which is complicated for us, we receive competent, quick answers. The networking of the individual specialist lawyers across the locations is very good and there is a very high level of service orientation.’
‘Our recently completed centralization process in several departments was very well supported and the disputes in court were not settled with the prospect of maximum profits for the law firm, but good, quick legal clarification.’
Key clients
Adler Modemärkte AG
AMLD Arbeitgeberverband der Maler in Deutschland e.V.
ams sensors Germany GmbH
BayWa AG
Charité CFM Facility Management GmbH
Faber-Castell
FTI Touristik GmbH
Gate Gourmet (deutsche Gesellschaften)
Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
Heraeus Holding GmbH
Huawei Deutschland
LBBW Landesbank Baden-Württemberg Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts
Media-Saturn
MTU Aero Engines AG
thyssen krupp Steel Europe AG
voestalpine-Group
Work highlights
- Advice on labour, tax, data protection and regulatory law to LBBW Landesbank Baden-Württemberg in connection with the transfer of obligations and assets in the occupational pension scheme to a pension fund.
- Advice to Faber-Castell in the strategic preparation and negotiation (reconciliation of interests and social plan, etc.) of a comprehensive organizational change and staff reduction measure affecting the Faber Castell main companies.
- Advising Adler Modemärkte AG on the implementation of a restructuring concept, including negotiations on a reconciliation of interests and social plan.
Allen & Overy LLP
Allen & Overy LLP‘s German employment team is an integral part of the international firm and therefore predestined for global client relationships. The international focus is also reflected in the practice group management: in May 2021, Markulf Behrendt, head of the global employment law practice, took over the management of the German practice from Hans-Peter Löw. Löw remains a key advisor for employment law in the banking and financial services sector as well as remuneration, bonuses, incentive plans and employee participation. Behrendt regularly takes the lead in restructuring and HR compliance mandates, which, alongside collective bargaining and industrial action law, remuneration and employee participation, are among the group's core topics. Recently, the team was increasingly instructed by clients from the retail, aviation and automotive sectors on restructuring and reorganisational matters. The team also expanded its advisory capacities in the sectors technology and online trading as well as occupational pension scheme issues. Thomas Ubber is recommended for monitoring collective bargaining negotiations; his expertise also includes defending against the threat of strike actions. In September 2021, Counsel Sören Seidel (focus on restructuring and compliance) joined CMS as partner.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Hans-Peter Löw: Absolutely experienced and therefore focused; very engaging personality.’
‘Thomas Ubber is an extremely experienced partner who exudes calm even in difficult situations. He manages to analyze extremely complex issues in a first-class legal manner and to prepare them in a practice-oriented manner. This makes complex issues easier to discuss at management level. It is characterized by clear recommendations. ‘
‘Very practical advice. Great understanding of the needs of the clients. High availability and operational readiness. Understanding of collective bargaining relationships in group companies.’
‘Mr. Ubber is an outstanding attorney due to his in-depth understanding of collective bargaining and labor disputes.’
‘Very experienced and pragmatic team. Thinks not only in legal aspects, but also integrates politics and communication with unions and employees. In addition to legal advice, an excellent team for the development of changing restructuring strategies.’
‘Thomas Ubber is an extremely experienced employment lawyer. He rests within himself and always gets to the heart of complex issues. I always approach labor law issues with Mr. Ubber!’
‘Markulf Behrendt is an excellent labor lawyer – extremely creative and a perfect sparring partner.’
‘The Ubber-Behrendt team complement each other perfectly – both in terms of content and temperament! ‘
Key clients
Airbus
Amazon
Autoliv
Baker Hughes
Banco Santander
BCS Automotive Interface Solutions / Luxshare
Claas KGaA
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Lufthansa
Gerry Weber
Greensill Bank
Helios Kliniken
SAP
W. L. Gore
Work highlights
- Advising AIRBUS on the insourcing of logistics services for an international logistics and goods transport company.
- Advising Banco Santander on labor law aspects in connection with the acquisition of highly specialized technology goods of the Wirecard Group’s European business division Payment Services and Processing (Merchant Payments; Acquiring & Issuing).
- Comprehensive advice to Gerry Weber on the successful completion of the insolvency proceedings and the further restructuring in all legal areas for restructuring and repositioning. Employment law, including advice on the implementation of personnel measures.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Klaus-Stefan Hohenstatt; Thomas Müller-Bonanni; Ulrich Sittard
Noerr
In January 2021, Noerr expanded the ranks of associated partners with three promotions and also its roster of equity partners with the promotion of Stefan Schwab in Berlin. His focus on restructuring, outsourcing, co-determination and occupational pension schemes reflects the broad service spectrum, including cross-practice cooperations on acquisition and restructuring projects. The core expertise of Andreas Butz, who manages the group from Düsseldorf, also lies in restructuring advice. Further key strengths are compliance advice pertaining to external staff and temporary work as well as the representation in labour court proceedings. The expertise in executive remuneration structures as well as the German Remuneration Ordinance for Institutions (Institutionsvergütungsverordnung) was strengthened in December 2021 with associated partner Boris Blunck (previously Counsel at Allen & Overy LLP ).
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Heidi Mahr; Tillmann Hecht; Patrick Mückl; Stefan Schwab; Boris Blunck
Testimonials
‘Understand your client and offer targeted advice and solutions’ – this is absolutely common practice among the colleagues at Noerr! As a client, you quickly realize that Noerr accompanies the client in a highly competent manner, but always on an equal footing. With Noerr it is absolute teamwork. Noerr adapts extremely flexibly to client requirements and external circumstances. As a client, you can feel that the colleagues at Noerr also work very well together, which always has a positive effect on working with the client.’
‘An extremely high level of service, an extremely high level of expertise combined with the “size” to also admit when a question first has to be clarified internally, this combined with an extremely pleasant way of working together – this across the entire Noerr team.’
‘High level of commitment, efficient team, no “following” colleagues. Concrete addition of specialists for special and interdisciplinary issues, efficient briefing of colleagues.’
‘In addition to competence, good communication, quick reactions and teamwork. Also empathetic towards the employees and their representatives in difficult decisions and measures.’
‘The Noerr team is very well and competently positioned, both technically and in terms of personnel. Response times are very short and flexibility when required is very high.’
‘Andreas Butz: negotiation professional and uncompromisingly oriented towards the company’s objectives.’
‘Outstanding labor law expertise, particularly in transactions related to restructuring and insolvency. Creative solutions, responsive team.’
‘Especially Dr. Schwab is available almost anytime. Even with extremely short-term inquiries, he is available – even well outside of normal working hours – and provides great support. We not only trust his legal statements, but also his recommendations for implementation and action. His pleasant manner completes the cooperation.’
Seitz Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater
The team at Seitz Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater continued its successful course of advising on major projects and was instructed by numerous well-known companies from the aviation, automotive and industrial sectors, among others. In addition, the team is experienced in advising executives and supporting employment law compliance procedures. Two internal partner appointments in January 2021 emphasise the recent growth: Sabine Schwarz focuses on restructuring and ongoing employment law advice, while Christian Achtmann frequently handles large liability proceedings and advises companies, executives and supervisory bodies on matters pertaining to D&O liability and D&O insurance. Both are part of the team led by Stefan Seitz (major employment law projects, collective bargaining law and compliance), Thomas Kania (restructuring, HR matters and executive advice) and Marc Werner (restructuring, pensions, collective bargaining and works constitution law and corporate co-determination). Another key contact is Counsel Maximilian Schmidt, who, in addition to various individual and collective employment law issues, also covers sports employment law as well as matters at the intersection with data protection.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘You really feel that the practice is a team, the advice is consistent, even with different lawyers.’
‘It will be delivered quickly and on time. The suggestions are never far from reality and always have the “whole” in mind.’
‘Dr. Seitz is relevantly networked at the highest level, which can be of great advantage, especially in the direction of trade unions.’
‘Dr. Schmidt delivers results that are pragmatic and can be implemented excellently.’
‘Especially in difficult negotiations, e.g. B. of social plans, the style is tough and realistic, but always makes sense in dealing with the social partners. From a company perspective, the results were very good.’
‘The breadth and depth of expertise of the employment law team is impressive. We really appreciate that the advice is not limited to a legal assessment, but includes the concerns of the company and presents practice-oriented, problem-free possible solutions.’
‘Dr. Stefan Seitz is a proven expert in collective bargaining law who knows how to reconcile the company’s challenges with the demands of the trade unions.’
‘Sabine Schwarz has a particular strength in advising companies on matters that require empathy in the implementation and in the judicial enforcement of claims.’
Key clients
ams AG/Osram Licht AG
AXA Versicherung AG
Bayer AG
Berkshire Hathaway
Brose Fahrzeugteile
Bundesrepublik Deutschland
Carl Zeiss AG
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Deutz AG
Douglas Gruppe
Dumont Medien AG
EA Electronic Arts
Eintracht Frankfurt
Eon SE
Esprit Retail
Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof
GoDaddy Inc.
Huawei
Jabil Inc.
Nemak Group
R+V Versicherung
Rewe Group
Roche Pharma
Scor
Sony Europe
Stellantis/Psa/Opel
Thyssenkrupp AG
Uniper SE
Universitätsklinik k´Köln
Voith
Tier Mobility
Theo Mueller Group
Work highlights
- Advising Deutsche Lufthansa AG on corporate restructuring in Germany; complete labor law and strategic advice; Planned job cuts of around 20,000 jobs throughout the group, negotiations on reconciliation of interests and social plans, accompanying collective bargaining with various trade unions.
- Employment law support of Eon SE in day-to-day business; Representation in labor law proceedings from the second instance and support in the major Integration Innogy project.
- Support of the thyssenkrupp AG in the large-scale project restructuring and independence of the steel division.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie‘s employment and pension law expertise makes the team a particularly good choice for national and international M&A transactions and post-merger integrations as well as other cross-border projects, such as restructuring, reorganisation and outsourcing. These topics are routinely handled by Christian Reichel and Steffen Scheuer, who jointly head the team from Frankfurt and Munich respectively. Scheuer is also an experienced litigator and part of the compliance group. Compliance advice is another core topic and includes advice on external staffing. The group regularly cooperates with other practice groups such as IT and data protection, covering employee data protection and digitisation matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Günther Heckelmann; Bernhard Trappehl; Alexander Wolff; Katja Häferer; Matthias Köhler
Testimonials
‘Effective distribution of work in the processing of mandates leads to rapid success. A common thread is always worked on.’
‘Katja Häferer is an excellent consultant and is available 24/7. With the entire team, complex and interdisciplinary mandates are accepted and processed with foresight.’
‘Baker McKenzie’s attorneys have a very wide range of knowledge and experience. The focus is on the practical implementation and practicability of proposed solutions. There is particular expertise in the preparation and implementation of very complex restructuring measures and operational changes.’
‘Dr. Christian Reichel is a very experienced lawyer who has a very high level of experience in supporting and implementing very complex restructuring measures. He is a very skilful and creative negotiator who always keeps an overview even in very difficult situations and actively drives the process forward. He is very qualified, but also respectful of the other side, which contributes to a constructive atmosphere. He is very personable and of high integrity.’
‘Very competent contact persons. Very solution-oriented, strong negotiator and offer very good pragmatic approaches.’
‘Baker is characterized by strong and good cross-border networking. It is possible to coordinate topics throughout Europe with a central German lawyer and thus lead them to success. I’ve never had that before at other law firms.’
‘Working with Ms. Häferer is very professional and positive. She is characterized by the right instinct in tricky situations.’
‘With his broad experience, Bernhard Trappehl can provide excellent support in complex negotiation situations.’
Key clients
Metro AG
Livekindly
GEA
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG)
Embracer Group
Mytheresa
Arbonia
Paragon Partners
Dentsply Sirona
Procter & Gamble
Broadcom
SAP
Marvell
Fresenius Kabi
Knorr-Bremse
Capgemini
Vodafone
Macy’s
Transparency International
KKR
Foot Locker
Siemens AG
Work highlights
- Employment law advice to Metro AG on the implementation of a multi-year strategic partnership in the field of digital and IT with Wipro Limited.
- Employment law advice in connection with the works council structures of Foot Locker Germany and the introduction of short-time work; Employment law advice in several European countries on Covid measures and possible state funding.
- Employment law advice to MYT Netherlands Parent BV, parent company of luxury e-commerce platform Mytheresa, on its c. $407 million IPO of American Depositary Shares (ADS).
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH‘s employment team notably expanded during the reporting period: Astrid Schnabel and of counsel Volker von Alvensleben from DLA Piper as well as Katharina Müller from Andersen joined in May 2021. Schnabel and von Alvensleben contribute to the practice’s expertise in works constitution law, whereas Müller handles digital change as well as project work-related matters (restructuring and outsourcing projects, including personnel adjustment measures), with additional experience in the restructuring context. In July 2021, Marco Arteaga and Annekatrin Veit from DLA Piper followed, which strengthened the advisory capacities in occupational pension schemes. The team, led by practice head Paul Schreiner, who focuses on restructuring projects and collective disputes between the company’s social partners, comprehensively covers matters pertaining to collective and individual employment law, including litigation.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Axel Braun; Robert von Steinau-Steinrück; Astrid Schnabel; Katharina Müller; Marco Arteaga; Annekatrin Veit; Klaus Thönißen; Volker von Alvensleben
Testimonials
‘Axel Braun is a brilliant lawyer with many years of experience.’
‘High level of expertise, reliable, very familiar with collective labor law in particular.’
‘Axel Braun: Deep on the subject, solution-oriented, explains legal backgrounds in a way that is understandable even for non-lawyers and in an appropriate tone. High availability, even at short notice.’
‘A strong and experienced employment law team with little turnover. Very strong in negotiations, arbitration boards, collective labor law.’
‘Very flexible, internationally well networked and always practice-oriented “translation” of the laws.’
‘The cooperation is always positive for the client, everything is well-rehearsed – even across national borders. Many thanks for the support.’
‘Paul Schreiner: Central contact, very broad expertise in labor law.’
‘Klaus Thönissen can always provide answers and is also very strong in BR topics.’
Key clients
METRO Deutschland GmbH
Amazon
Euler Hermes Deutschland
Remondis Gruppe
Rhenus Gruppe
Friedhelm Loh Group
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA
Carcoustics Deutschland GmbH
Ernst & Young GmbH
HELIOS Kliniken
Schmitz Cargobull AG
METRO LOGISTICS Germany GmbH
Ströer
Faurecia
Deutsche Bahn AG
Heitkamp
Lowell Group
AURELIUS Equity Opportunities SE & Co. KGaA
Work highlights
- Employment law advice to the Esprit parent company Esprit Holdings Ltd. in connection with the realignment of the Group.
- Legal representation and Germany-wide support for all German Amazon companies.
- Advising METRO LOGISTICS Germany GmbH on downsizing and tariff changes following the sale of the Real stores.
Pusch Wahlig Workplace Law
Pusch Wahlig Workplace Law opened two new offices: in October 2020, the Hamburg office opened under the management of newcomer Albrecht Nehls (previously at Kolaschnik Partner ) – he is extensively active in individual and collective employment law and has specialist expertise in church employment law – and in December of the same year the Cologne office was opened, which is under the leadership of Verena Braeckeler-Kogel. Braeckeler-Kogel advises primarily on restructuring, mass redundancies, plant closures and business transfers; professional skills that she shares with practice head Tobias Pusch, who most recently advised digital companies on transactions and the founding of SEs. Also well versed in transactional support is Marius Fritzsche, he made partner in July 2021. In addition, the group represents clients in court proceedings and offers advice on compliance and data protection issues. In October 2020, Dirk Freihube, who focuses on the banking sector, joined GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Wahlig; Jochen Keilich; Holger Thomas; Verena Braeckeler-Kogel; Albrecht Nehls; Tobias Brors; Marius Fritzsche
Testimonials
‘The team is fully synchronised, no matter which contact person you just spoke to or who answers, there is no loss of information, no repetitions necessary. Very good responsiveness, but most outstanding is that PWWL listens carefully and speaks the language of its clients. Extremely practical, entrepreneurial – in addition to 1st class employment law know-how.’
‘ Thomas Wahlig not only impresses with his outstanding expertise, but also with his personality. His calm demeanor exudes sovereignty and regularly leads to the best results, especially in difficult negotiation situations.’
‘ Marius Fritzsche: Pragmatic and focused, yet comprehensive and relevant . ‘
‘ Super open and professional team, great cooperation, lots of fun, always available, very good work and communication!’
‘Dr Holger Thomas – our best external legal advisor, absolute benchmark for excellent legal advice in connection with the best responsiveness, excellent service attitude and above all a high degree of pragmatism and understanding of risk . ‘
‘ There is a competent contact person for all specialist areas. Dealing with clients and each other is appreciative and positive. Good availability and response times. Binding communication.’
‘ Albrecht Nehls: Very competent, practical recommendations, reliable.’
‘ Ms. Braeckeler-Kogel is a proven expert in employment law in the banking and finance sector.’
Key clients
Avaya Deutschland GmbH
Carglass
Carl Zeiss AG
Check24 Gruppe
Delivery Hero
Dussmann
Ewellix GmbH
flaschenpost SE
Gartner
Generali
Hyatt Group
Imperial Brands/Reemtsma
Korian Deutschland AG
Magna
Mandarin Oriental
Mainova
ManpowerGroup Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
McDonald’s
Mitsubishi/Logisnext
QVC
Rabobank
Rolls Royce
RWE Renewables
Spie Lück Gruppe
Sixt SE
Uniper
Uniqlo
Work highlights
- Advising Flaschenpost SE on the sale to the Oetker Group, the largest exit in the German start-up scene in 2020.
- Advising MAGNA International (Germany) GmbH on a major restructuring project.
- Advising McDonald’s Germany LLC on setting up its own delivery service.
vangard | Littler
vangard | Littler is regularly instructed by numerous companies, for which the team sometimes acts as an outsourced HR department. The advisory portfolio covers all individual and collective employment law issues, including the drafting of contracts, litigation and matters pertaining to occupational pension schemes as well as data protection. The team also advises employers on national and cross-border projects – where clients benefit from the integration into the global employment law boutique Littler Mendelson, PC – such as restructuring, post-merger integration, staff reduction measures and the German market entry. Corinna Verhoek in Düsseldorf is a key contact for restructuring, litigation and negotiations with works councils; in Hamburg, Tobias Berdesinski advises on occupational pension schemes and works constitution law, and in Berlin, Rajko Herrmann is an expert on data protection under employment law as well as working time and remuneration schemes. The restructuring expert Peter Hützen and salary partner Sebastian Maiß (new work processes) left to join michels.pmks Rechtsanwälte at the end of 2020, while salary partner Henning Müller, who advises many Hamburg companies, switched to Altenburg Fachanwälte für Arbeitsrecht in February 2021. The partner level grew internally with the promotions of Dagmar Lessnau (particular expertise in transactional matters pertaining to employment law) and Stephanie Koch (right of co-determination and termination) to salary partners in January 2022. Jan-Ove Becker and Thomas Griebe are key contacts in Hamburg.
Other key lawyers:
Corinna Verhoek; Dennis Lüers; Tobias Berdesinski; Rajko Herrmann; Christoph Crisolli; Dagmar Lessnau; Stephanie Koch ; Jan-Ove Becker; Thomas Griebe
Testimonials
‘The team at Vangard | Litter is very reliable, customer-oriented, motivated and committed. Familiarization with new topics after joint discussion of the topics offered very good support in relation to the creation of relevant and legally sound documents and tests. ‘
‘Mr. Dennis Lüers: Very goal-oriented, solution-oriented and competent. Responds very quickly to inquiries.’
‘The team as a whole is very responsive and well connected internally. Even if the cooperation usually refers to the direct contact person, topics in the case of substitution are quickly taken up. The same applies to the international network (Littler), with whom working together is also very uncomplicated and pleasant from our point of view.’
‘Dr. Rajko Herrmann is always very easy to reach – even by the standards of a law firm of this type – and will get back to you in a very short time. The processing times for inquiries are very short, so that as a client you never have to wait.’
‘Miss Dr. Corinna Verhoek has a high level of employment law expertise and is outstanding in client handling. Very quick replies and votes. Good litigation and pleadings.’
‘Very customer-oriented and experienced team. Vangard is characterized by a high level of technical expertise combined with very practical solutions. There is always a realistic assessment combined with various options that would be viable.’
‘The law firm’s fees are always reasonable and the expenses are clearly and comprehensibly shown in the invoices .’
‘vangard is an excellent partner in the field of employment law. Practical, internationally positioned and thus networked throughout the world via one contact person. Very open and friendly-appreciative way of working at the highest quality level.’
Key clients
AccorInvest Germany GmbH
AstraZeneca GmbH
Birkenstock GmbH & Co. KG
C&A Mode GmbH & Co. KG
DACHSER SE
Dell GmbH
easyJet Airline Company Ltd.
gematik GmbH
Generali Lebensversicherung AG
GoGlobal
Gruner + Jahr / DPV Deutscher Pressevertrieb GmbH
Huawei Technologies Deutschland GmbH
New Work SE (Xing)
NORDSEE Gruppe
Novartis Germany
NTT Data
Olympus Group
Radisson Hotel Group
Rheinbahn AG
Salesforce.com, Inc.
Stena Line GmbH & Co. KG
Western Union LLC
Work highlights
- Support for the Olympus Group in restructuring across twelve jurisdictions and support for the sale of the imaging division to Japan Industrial Partners in the form of an asset deal.
- Advising the Professional Employer Services organization GoGlobal as part of their market entry in Germany and eight other European countries, in particular on issues of temporary employment.
- Ongoing employment law advice to Salesforce.com, Inc., including on issues related to the purchase of an Accenture product, with a particular focus on avoiding a TUPE.
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland handles all individual and collective employment law issues, including regular cooperations with other practices such as corporate and M&A, data protection and restructuring. Taskforces, joining experts from across its German and international offices, routinely cover cross-border instructions on mergers, restructurings and business transfers. Practice head Frank Achilles also focuses on cross-border project support, while Rolf Kowanz is a renowned expert for matters pertaining to occupational pension schemes. The client portfolio consists mainly of large international corporations, including the healthcare and life sciences, automotive, consumer goods and technology sectors.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Even complex topics are quickly grasped, reduced to the essentials and carefully introduced to possible solutions. Legal formalities limited to what is necessary. Good practice look.’
‘Bernd Pirpamer: Very experienced, safe, prudent, pleasantly practice-oriented; grasps the topics very quickly and gives possible solutions without losing sight of special features. Leaves room for your own. Elegant legal advice.’
‘Mr. Bernd Pirpamer: Very confident, competent and goal-oriented appearance. Solution-oriented.’
‘Professional competence, friendly, available until late in the evening, flexible in making appointments – a call to discuss matters is also possible in the evening.’
‘The cooperation is great.’
Key clients
AR Packaging
Aspen Pharma
BioNTech
Celenus-Kliniken
Knorr-Bremse
Philip Morris
Reconomy
Ricoh
Securitas
Work highlights
- Advising Aspen Pharma in connection with the €642 million sale of the European thrombosis business to the US pharmaceutical company Mylan.
- Support of a global energy management group in the negotiation of a reconciliation of interests and a social plan in connection with the closure of a German site with simultaneous production relocation to Romania.
- Employment law advice to a leading global semiconductor manufacturer in connection with the worldwide carve-out of a business unit.
GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB
A key strength of GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB‘s team is supporting large companies in national and cross-border restructurings, including entailing collective bargaining, reconciliation of interests and social plan negotiations as well as mass redundancies and the representation in dismissal protection proceedings. The group regularly covers topics at the inferface with insolvency law, evident in the frequent instructions from insolvency administrators. The team covers all day-to-day employment law and social security matters and increasingly advises on national and international acquisitions. Practice head Ulrich Fülbier is predestined to advise international clients on German employment law due to his extensive experience working for US law firms. The advisory capacity in the financial sector has expanded with newcomer Dirk Freihube, he is part of the Frankfurt team since the end of 2020 and was previously at Pusch Wahlig Workplace Law.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Bezani; Burkhard Fabritius; Ralf Hottgenroth; Marcus Richter; Dirk Freihube; Frank Wilke
Testimonials
‘ Burkhard Fabritius distinguishes himself: excellent specialist knowledge, short-term availability, practical solutions, friendly, personable demeanour . ‘
Key clients
SONA Autocomp Germany / BLW Präzisionsschmiede GmbH
Borgers SE & Co. KGaA (Olbrich GmbH)
RUBIX
NBHX Trim GmbH
Leoni AG
BPW Bergische Achsen KG
Deutsche Post
apt Products GmbH
Studio 100 GmbH
AUREGO
Hommel Hercules Werkzeughandel GmbH & Co. KG (Tochtergesellschaft Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG)
Luftfahrt Gesellschaft Walter mbG (LGW)
Work highlights
- Advising the insolvency administrator of the SONA Group on restructuring and the restructuring transfer to a buyer.
- Advising Borgers SE & Co. KGaA (Olbrich GmbH) on labor law restructuring.
- Advising RUBIX GmbH on labor law restructuring and various litigation.
Greenfort
Greenfort focuses on clients' representation in individual and collective employment law disputes, negotiating with works councils on, among other things, remuneration schemes, reconciliation of interests and social plans. The team is routinely intructed by companies, but also advises executives in contentious matters resulting from separation scenarios. This core competence, including internal compliance investigations, correlates with the expertise demonstrated by practice heads Mark Lembke and Jens-Wilhelm Oberwinter, and is further enhanced by experience in M&A transactions and reorganisation measures, including issues pertaining to collective bargaining as well as works constitution law.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Jens-Wilhelm Oberwinter is competent, balanced and creative.’
‘All team members are very friendly, committed and you can feel that the team cares about you as a client. Extremely competent, professional, fast and available 24/7.’
‘The first contact was formative. When I Prof. Dr. Lembke wrote to Lembke on a Friday evening by e-mail, I got an answer on the same day, and on the following day, a Saturday!, we had a brief exchange .’
‘Prof. dr Lembke is very self-confident and absolutely competent. My employer is an American public company. Mr. Lembke’s additional training in the US was extremely helpful in anticipating the approach, culture, mindset and being prepared accordingly. His confident demeanor and pragmatic approach meant that a joint solution could be found that everyone involved could be satisfied with.’
‘The Greenfort team supports us significantly in the design and negotiation of an in-house wage agreement in the metal industry. With the first-class knowledge of all collective bargaining issues and considering the respective “pros” and “cons”, we work out very good long-term solutions together.’
‘Very pleasant contact persons at all levels, good coordination among each other. You know that depending on the complexity, the right person will take care of the issue.’
‘Dr. Jens Oberwinter is always friendly, always calm and always knows what to do. He is an outstanding employment lawyer, but always keeps an eye on the political environment, which is often more important than the pure legal assessment.’
‘Uncomplicated handling, customer orientation, always keeping an eye on the client’s interests.’
Key clients
Abbott Medical GmbH
Arbeiterwohlfahrt Kreisverband Wiesbaden e.V.
BIO BREADNESS GmbH
Braskem Europe GmbH
Controlware Holding GmbH; Dimetis GmbH, iCognize GmbH
CSL Behring GmbH
Degussa Bank AG
Gas-Union GmbH
Gorenje Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH
ING-DiBa AG
InnoEnergy GmbH
Institut Allergosan Deutschland (privat) GmbH
INVISTA (Deutschland) GmbH; INVISTA Resins & Fibers GmbH; INVISTA Textiles Germany GmbH
John Zink KEU GmbH
Korn Ferry (DE) GmbH
M+W Müller Weyand Dental GmbH
MDH AG Mamisch Dental Health
Molex CVS Dabendorf GmbH, Molex CVS Bochum GmbH; Molex CVS Hildesheim GmbH
Molex Elektronik GmbH; Molex Connectivity GmbH; Molex Deutschland GmbH; FCT elektronic GmbH
Panasonic Automotive Systems Europe GmbH
Parzeller-Group
PIMCO Europe GmbH
Planon GmbH
Shopify
Skrill Services GmbH
Stratasys GmbH
Kuoni-Gruppe
Wella Company
World Childhood Foundation (Stiftung der Königin Silvia von Sweden)
World Hotels AG
Work highlights
- Comprehensive advice to the Wella Company on works constitution matters, including representation in court disputes and arbitration board proceedings.
- Extensive advice and representation of Molex CVS Dabendorf GmbH in negotiations with the works council on far-reaching reorganization measures including production and relocation of sales and development.
- Comprehensive advice to PIMCO Europe GmbH as part of a large restructuring project.
Schweibert Leßmann & Partner
During the reporting period, Schweibert Leßmann & Partner intensified its employment law advice in the transactional context, cooperating with large firms and boutiques specialised in M&A and corporate law. The main focus however remains on restructurings, including staff reduction measures as well as reconciliation of interests and social plan negotiations; Ulrike Schweibert is a central contact here. She also handles contentious matters before the BAG and the ECJ. In January 2021, Simone Kühnast was made partner in Berlin. She focuses on works constitution law and supports companies in arbitration board proceedings.
Other key lawyers:
Ulrike Schweibert; Rüdiger Hopfe; Anja Mengel; Christoph Herrmann; Simone Kühnast
Testimonials
‘Professionally well-founded, practical solutions, pleasant cooperation.’
‘Dr. Christoph Herrmann: Technically very good, confident demeanor, taking conflicting interests into account.’
‘I have had nothing but positive experiences with the law firm Schweibert Lessmann & Partner, starting with the friendly acceptance at the virtual and real reception desk through to the quick response time and high-quality professional support from the partners. At no point did the team leave any doubt that service is important to our company.’
‘I would like to praise our contact Christoph Herrmann! Thanks to his many years of working with us, he knows our company very well and can therefore give us excellent advice and respond to the individual characteristics of our corporate culture and policies. I especially appreciate his different perspectives on subjects that go well beyond textbook knowledge. He is also characterized by a very good way of explaining, which also makes it possible for laypeople to understand the legal background. A little fun here and there and makes working together particularly pleasant.’
‘The law firm Schweibert Leßmann und Partner is characterized by excellent employment law advice and litigation. The cooperation is very professional, always result-oriented. For me, the law firm is the perfect representative for the company side and for all questions of employment law.’
‘Frau Prof. Dr. Mengel is very reliable when it comes to coordination and appointments, and I really appreciate that, since follow-up processes and activities are usually linked to her work. Not only does she have outstanding employment law expertise, she is also very committed to finding solutions. I really appreciate working with her. I particularly mandate them in difficult and complex matters.’
‘Extremely reliable, practical advice. Law firm without the usual airs and graces that top lawyers used to being successful have, and without aggressive acquisition activities. Very good value for money, you pay for good performance, not for the trappings.’
‘Dr. Herrmann particularly impresses with excellent process management. He is a very good sparring partner for all personnel and labor law issues.’
Key clients
Allianz SE
Banque Europèenne du Crédit Mutiel
Berlin Hyp AG
Bundesarbeitgeberverband der Personaldienstleister
BNP Paribas S.A. Niederlassung Deutschland
CHG-MERIDIAN AG
Citigroup Global Markets Deutschland AG
Clere AG
CSL Behring GmbH
Deutsche Apotheker- und Ärztebank
Deutsche Kreditbank AG
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Deutsche WertpapierService Bank
Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners Management GmbH
Dräger & Wullenwever print + media Lübeck
e-hoi GmbH
Delivery Hero SE
Fresenius Gruppe
Global Savings Group GmbH
Hawesko Holding AG
Hitachi Vantara GmbH
ifp Privates Institut für Produktqualität GmbH
Investitionsbank Berlin
I2xGmbH
IQPC Gesellschaft für Management Konferenzen mbH
Joyson Safety Systems Aschaffenburg GmbH
Kirkland & Ellis
Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH
Liqui-Box
Landesbank Berlin AG
MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
mittemitte GmbH
Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
SirionLabs plc
Sparkasse Bremen
Takeaway Express GmbH
Solaris Bank AG
Triumph Motorrad Deutschland
Vattenfall GmbH
Viafintech GmbH
Volkswagen Financial Services AG / Volkswagen Bank
WIRmachenDRUCK GmbH
Wolt Enterprises Oy
WISAG Gruppe
Work highlights
- Employment law advice to Advent on the acquisition of a majority stake in the Hermes Group.
- Advice to ASG Airport Service GmbH in connection with a complex cross-sectional staff reduction, including support for the reconciliation of interests and social plan negotiations up to the decision of the arbitration board, support for the mass redundancy consultation and the announcement of around 90 redundancies in April 2021.
- Advice and support for Deutsche Lufthansa AG in the closing process after the sale of the European catering business to Gategroup.
Taylor Wessing
With the partner promotion of Christian Maron in April 2021, Taylor Wessing emphasised its focus on the US, reflected in the increased support for North American clients entering the German market. The Japan desk already expanded with the partner promotion of Michael Johannes Pils in mid-2020. At the same time, Johannes Simon also made partner. He comprehensively handles all individual and collective employment law issues, including restructuring advice, a key advisory focus of the practice. Since 2021, the team is headed by Kilian Friemel, who took over from restructuring expert Marc André Gimmy, while the latter was simultaneously promoted to the firm’s management. Other key topics are data protection– particularly for technology-oriented companies – healthcare and compliance.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Oliver Bertram; Michael Johannes Pils; Christian Maron; Johannes Simon; Marc André Gimmy
Testimonials
‘Thorough preparation of briefs, good feeling for technical topics, very good communication.’
‘Christian Maron: Very personable, approachable, pragmatic, flexible, robust and responsive. ‘
‘Fast availability, practical results without getting lost in too many detailed questions.’
‘Dr. Christian Maron: A strong ‘care’ and delivering actionable results.’
‘High degree of coordination among the team members – everyone contributes their expertise to the overall result. One coordinates the team.’
‘Real service mentality, willing to perform, friendly, competent. Sufficient practical relevance to be able to give pragmatic advice on what makes sense, is feasible or is overdone.’
‘Extraordinary practical relevance, very solution-oriented, always available.’
‘Very proactive and up-to-date information on all labor law issues relevant to our company. Always coordinated and up to date.’
Key clients
Adobe
Alliance Automotive
Angelini Pharma
Asana
Brooks Automation
Candy Hoover
Databricks
Deepl
Deutsche Pfandbriefbank
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Eventbrite
Evonik
FRONIUS INTERNATIONAL GmbH
Haier
HAYS
ID Logistics
Informatica
KARL MAYER Gruppe
Luminar Technologies
Lyft
Medallia
Oskar Frech
Panasonic
Randstad
REWE
Ricoh
Sensera
Sophos
STEMCELL Technologies
Techtronic Industries
Telefónica
Transparency International
Zeppelin Group
Work highlights
- Comprehensive ongoing employment law advice to Adobe.
- Comprehensive advice to the German company Ricoh on employee and group data protection, in particular on the introduction of shared IT solutions and on negotiations with the works councils.
- Transactional labor law support for the Spanish Telefonica company in Germany, as part of a fiber optic cable construction joint venture.
Arqis Rechtsanwälte
Arqis Rechtsanwälte‘s employment law group demonstrates particular strength at the interface with compliance and data protection, not least due to the corresponding expertise of both practice heads Andrea Panzer-Heemeier and Tobias Neufeld; the entry of Lisa-Marie Niklas (individual and collective employment law and employee data protection) from CMS in September 2021 has further accentuated this strength. Neufeld complements this approach with expertise in occupational pension schemes. The team also regularly advises on remuneration schemes, often in connection with restructuring, which is another core competence. Further popular interface topics are matters pertaining to corporate law, SE conversions as well as transactions. Counsel Hendrik von Mellenthin, who extensively covers employment law, made partner in the autumn of 2021.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent mix of legal and strategic advice combined with detailed know-how and very high reliability. In particular, we value the law firm’s function as a sparring partner for legal issues in our special environment.’
‘In addition to excellent legal expertise, our counterparts are characterized above all by a pragmatic approach and a strong focus on our specific needs.’
‘Tobias Neufeld and colleagues give extremely practice-oriented advice that can be implemented specifically in management and personnel decisions. Not only is a risk assessment given, but creative, legally correct solutions.’
‘With Tobias Neufeld’s expertise in negotiating restructurings with the works council committees and his special knowledge of social security law and data protection law issues, he rounds off his very comprehensive employment law advisory skills. Mr. Neufeld is always approachable and answers very quickly. ‘
‘ARQUIS stands for innovative solutions.’
Key clients
Cariad SE
Konzernbetriebsrat der Volkswagen AG
Aufsichtsrat der Volkswagen AG
Deutsche Invest Capital Partners
McKinsey & Company, Inc.
L’OCCITANE
C. Thywissen GmbH
CWS boco International GmbH
HSP Schwahlen GmbH
International School of Düsseldorf
St. Georges International Schools
L’Oréal Deutschland GmbH
Ornua Deutschland GmbH
Work highlights
- Advice to Cariad SE on the establishment of the new software unit in the VW Group, advice in connection with the SE conversion, participation agreement and structural collective agreement.
- Advising the group works council of Volkswagen AG on works council remuneration, advising on the whistleblower system, negotiating a group works agreement.
- Advising Deutsche Invest Capital Partners on the bid for the Bosch hydraulic pump business. The division comprised around 900 employees at locations in Germany, China, the USA and Brazil.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper recently experienced several staff departures: Bernd Borgmann (restructuring and transactions) as well as Eva Einfeldt (restructuring and works constitution law) left for DWF Germany Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH at the end of 2020, while Volker von Alvensleben (works constitution and collective bargaining law and transactions) joined Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH as Of Counsel in April 2021. He was followed by Astrid Schnabel (works constitution law) in May 2021 and Marco Arteaga (occupational pension schemes) in July 2021. The team, led by Kai Bodenstedt, currently focuses on collective employment law, including restructurings and any associated litigation as well as negotiations with works councils. Occupational pension schemes are another core focus.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘DLA’s labor law practice is characterized by in-depth expertise in a wide variety of areas of labor law, e.g. B. Collective bargaining law, pension law, transfer of employees, etc., and the international orientation also in cross-border problems or transactions. In addition to legal excellence, the focus is particularly on the economic perspective in terms of the client. It is important to emphasize the networking in a wide variety of industries and the internal networking with other practice groups such as corporate, M&A or restructuring.’
‘Dr. Henriette Norda is a strategically far-sighted and legally excellent lawyer with great creative power and great negotiating skills.’
‘ Highly professional and quick processing of our concerns, very short response times, goal- and practice-oriented and well-considered advice.’
‘ Perfect networking of topics. It was very difficult to find a law firm that has expertise at the interface of labor law and insurance supervisory law. DLA Piper was able to cover this perfectly. Other law firms could not provide us with this expertise.’
‘Jens Kirchner and his colleagues have done an excellent job of dealing with the difficult area of the interaction between insurance supervisory law and labor law with regard to the co-determination rights of the works council and have found a good solution in negotiations with the employee committees. In particular, the very specific European legal regulations and the provisions of the BaFin could be used profitably in this way. The colleagues responded very well to us as clients, grasped the problem area very well and worked out a tailor-made strategy.’
Key clients
EasyJet
Georgsmarienhütte GmbH
Hertz Autovermietung
H&M Hennes & Mauritz Logistik AB & Co. KG
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Merlin Entertainment
Medtronic
Mozilla
NortonLife-Lock (f.k.a Symantec)
PVH (Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein)
Qualcomm Inc.
Work highlights
- Ongoing advice to Qualcomm Inc. on all works constitution issues.
- Advising Georgsmarienhütte GmbH on the use of financial support from the Economic Stabilization Fund (WSF).
- Advising Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG on the reorganization of their company pension scheme for employees in Germany.
Hengeler Mueller
Transactional support is the key element of Hengeler Mueller ‘s employment law expertise, not least due to close ties with its M&A team. Christian Hoefs and Hendrik Bockenheimer frequently teake the lead in advising on issues pertaining to management boards and executives. This offering is complemented by Hoefs’ experience in corporate co-determination and occupational pension schemes. In addition, he advises clients on internal investigations and represents them in labour court as well as arbitration proceedings.
Other key lawyers:
Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek
Since February 2021, Bernd Weller jointly heads the employment law group with Astrid Reich at Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek. She replaced Andreas Walle, who remains an integral part of the team. The trio mainly focuses on restructurings, compliance and works constitution law, among others; Weller is also experienced in litigation. At the end of 2020, the Berlin office welcomed church employment law specialist Utz Andelewski as well as a team from Dentons (Andelewksi was co-leader there).
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Andreas Walle; Utz Andelewski; Martin Reufels; Johan-Michel Menke; Arietta von Stechow
Testimonials
‘I am enthusiastic about the long-standing, constant, exceptionally good legal advice. The law firm’s unique selling point is that the lawyers at Heuking really try to understand the respective client and to work out a solution that is tailored to the needs of the respective company.’
‘ The good accessibility and the short-term response to inquiries, which are extremely important when necessary and always provide a high degree of security, should be emphasized.’
‘Both Dr. Menke and Ms. von Stechow are great legal advisors with excellent knowledge of employment law, with whom you can always discuss new paths and break new ground together. The consulting services are always to the point, very structured and – depending on how much you want to be involved yourself – solutions are always offered that are exactly right for the client.’
‘Extremely competent team, guarantees comprehensive, interdisciplinary advice on complex issues.’
‘Dr. Andreas Walle: In-depth specialist knowledge, strategic competence in complex negotiation situations, excellent negotiation skills, reliable and quick response to inquiries, the best quality of reports and statements. Legal representation almost always successful.’
‘Customer and problem-oriented, pragmatic, technically well coordinated and qualified.’
‘ Heuking’s employment lawyers have a pronounced “hands-on” mentality and impress with their confident demeanor even in complex negotiations, especially in distressed situations.’
‘ Excellent solutions even in difficult legal issues.’
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Its interdisciplinary and close-knit network is a main feature of Hogan Lovells International LLP‘s employment law offering, evident in regular cross-border mandates at various interfaces such as M&A and corporate as well as compliance and data protection. Thus, the employment law support of M&A transactions is among the key topics. Practice head Tim Gero Joppich also focuses on cross-border projects and regularly handles issues pertaining to works agreements and corporate co-determination as well as dismissal protection. Bernd Klemm is a specialist in occupational pension schemes.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Kerstin Neighbour; Hendrik Kornbichler; Eckard Schwarz; Bernd Klemm
Testimonials
‘Competent, reliable, fast. ‘
‘We work almost exclusively with Mr. Bernd Klemm. He is very experienced, competent and works very precisely. We can fully rely on him. He answers all our inquiries and orders quickly and with great quality. It is particularly worth mentioning that Mr. Klemm always proposes concrete, constructive and practicable possible solutions and is a good discussion partner.’
‘Unique service and fast turnaround times. ‘
‘Competent, determined and proactive.’
‘Eckhard Schwarz is always approachable, reliable, always develops solutions – also of a pragmatic nature.’
‘ Very good expertise, well structured, quick to respond.’
Work highlights
- Advising Signal Iduna as part of the VISION2023 transformation program, which aims to make work structures more agile.
- Assisting Aluminum Oxid Stade GmbH (AOS) with their plan to temporarily reduce the collective wage and other wage components.
- Advising the Dentsu Group in Germany on all employment law issues related to their global transformation program.
JUSTEM Rechtsanwälte
Employment law specialists JUSTEM Rechtsanwälte cover a wide range of individual and collective employment law issues. This includes all interface issues, such as employee data protection, contractor compliance to avoid liability risks when using external personnel – Daniel Klösel has noteworthy expertise here – which, in addition to restructuring support, disputes with works councils and trade unions as well as litigation resulting from separation scenarios, form the core of activity. Clients also benefit from the regulatory competencies pertaining to remuneration matters, especially in the banking sector. Caroline Bitsch, among others, advises on remuneration schemes, while Henning Reitz often assists with the drafting of executive or executive bodies contracts and also advises on works constitution law. Thilo Mahnhold handles restructuring mandates as well as matters at the intersection with compliance.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Bitsch; Thilo Mahnhold; Henning Reitz; Daniel Klösel
Testimonials
‘The law firm, which focuses exclusively on employment law, advises us very competently on all complex questions of employment law.’
‘The enormous and well-founded knowledge of Dr. Reitz helps us to make the right decision on strategic issues.’
‘Within the law firm there are specializations, such as data protection, so that each relevant topic can be served by an expert.’
‘I work in particular with Dr. Mahnhold and Dr. Kloesel. I get individual advice from both of them, promptly and competently, which not only takes into account the legal but also the operational situation, so that there are always very good recommendations for action.’
‘Dr. Mahnhold is a very experienced lawyer who can create a nice and relaxed working atmosphere in any situation, even in demanding meetings (example: social plan negotiations).’
‘ I appreciate Kloesel’s sharp mind and quick comprehension.’
‘Justem’s work is characterized by the rare combination of high technical knowledge with pragmatism and experience. When it comes to employment matters, Justem is clearly my first choice.’
‘Caroline Bitsch, whom I have known for almost thirty years, is extremely well-versed in collective employment law and a passionate advocate for her clients; and she is very experienced. ‘
Key clients
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
ALANTRA Deutschland GmbH
Aramark Gruppe, u.a. Aramark Holding Deutschland GmbH
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. (BBVA)
Bethmann Bank AG
CAA Base Ltd. (CAA Gruppe, Base Soccer)
Dürr AG
Emerson Gruppe
ESH GmbH/Rhönsprudel Gruppe
Evonik
FrankfurtRheinMain GmbH
Hauck & Aufhäuser Privatbankiers AG
Hollmann International
LHB AG
L&S Gastronomie-Personal-Service GmbH & Co. KG
National Westminster Bank plc (vormals Royal Bank of Scotland plc)
ODDO BHF AG
R.A.T.H. Gruppe (VIAS Rail GmbH, Rurtalbahn GmbH u.a.)
Rethink Legal GmbH
Technogroup Unternehmensgruppe (Technogroup IT-Service GmbH u.a.)
Tempo-Team Personaldienstleistungen GmbH
Universal-Investment Unternehmensgruppe (Universal-Investment-Gesellschaft mbH)
vdp Verband der Pfandbriefbanken
Vertiv
Work highlights
- Comprehensive employment law advice to ABN AMRO Bank/Bethmann Bank AG, including on the implementation of further digitization processes and the preparation of company agreement negotiations. In addition, advice on reorganization measures, the drafting of employment contracts and employment conditions.
- Comprehensive restructuring advice to the Emerson Group regarding the closure of two of the three German locations of a company, including disputes with the works council and trade union.
- Comprehensive employment law advice to the Universal-Investment group of companies on individual and collective law issues, including issues of regulation and corporate co-determination; strategic advice on the introduction of labor law guidelines and negotiations with the works council on remuneration issues.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP has longstanding experience in restructuring measures, including insolvency-related restructuring, and is well versed in international transactions under employment and pension law thanks to the close cooperation with the M&A and PE teams. The expertise of practice head Tobias Leder, who is active in the healthcare and life sciences sector, also falls into this category. Further regular interface topics are data protection as well as compliance, including criminal law issues, which complement the advisory portfolio.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Outstanding experts, very client-oriented, quick response.’
‘Dr. Tobias Leder: Excellent expert, very reactive, very good negotiator.’
‘Excellent jurisprudence, first-class professional advice that was always pragmatic and goal-oriented.’
‘ Direct contact with the partner was possible at any time, very prompt feedback, very good availability.’
‘Our partner at LW was Ms Anne Kleffmann, who advised and represented us in three employment law matters. Ms. Kleffmann understood in an outstanding way what was important to us as clients and also where the red lines lay. She did an excellent job of representing our interests, both professionally and personally.’
Key clients
Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
Dediq
RENK AG
Hexal AG
Novartis Pharma AG
Swiss Re Europe S.A. – German subsidiary
Allgeier SE
Work highlights
- Advising RENK AG on Executive Board matters and negotiating termination agreements with former Executive Board members.
- Employment law advice to Allgeier SE in the demerger and listing. The advice included numerous questions of employee and works council participation, in particular with regard to the SE works council.
- Comprehensive employment law advice to Dediq in connection with the negotiation, conclusion and implementation of the joint venture agreement with the SAP group for the development, distribution, licensing and operation of software solutions for the financial and insurance services industries.
Linklaters
Due to its global network, Linklaters employment law practice regularly advises financial institutions, DAX30 companies and global corporates on national and international transactions, reorganisations and restructurings. These projects are regularly led by practice head Matthew Devey as well as Timon Grau. Grau is also experienced in employee data protection and compliance and assists with internal investigations. In April 2021, René Döring joined from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, his area of expertise is pension law.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The employment law team around Matt Devey is the team that you want to have on your side of the table in complete transactions, as the team is experienced and pragmatic, comprehensive advice is always provided at a high level even in transactions with different jurisdictions and the team is quick even in stressful situations, stays calm and doesn’t lose its sense of humor .’
‘Matt Devey has exceptional transaction experience and leads to pragmatic, no-frills solutions. He shares knowledge and experience with his associates and clients, which leads to above-average results.’
‘Collective and individual employment law, no question is too complex for this team.’
‘Matt Devey’s sensible approach with practical suggestions has greatly helped us in navigating a relatively complex body of employment law.’
‘Matt Devey is helpful, friendly, concise and experienced in the field of German employment law.’
‘Matt Devey has built a first class managing associate in Yukiko Kijima-Hitzelberger who provides thoughtful employment law advice, a clear delineation of regulatory expectations, a practical perspective on advice and the ability to explain difficult issues in a variety of ways.’
‘Ms.Wärmelberger-Kijima has extensive expertise in all aspects of employment law, which can also be easily implemented in practice.’
‘Timon Grau got straight to the point – he was adept at explaining the – often tedious and surprising – field of employment law to a compliance team composed of legal professionals, but not employment law experts. I also appreciated that he was open to a strategic rather than a legal discussion. ‘
Oppenhoff
Oppenhoff comprehensively covers individual and collective employment law issues with a focus on restructurings, reorganisations and transactions – often handled by practice head Jörn Kuhn – as well as out-of-court and in-court disputes with employees, works councils and trade unions. Kuhn’s experience in occupational pensions adds to the core expertise in corporate co-determination, compliance and data protection. These technical skills are further enhanced by special sector knowledge in automotive, digital business, retail and consumer goods, healthcare as well as the industrial segment.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Alexander Willemsen; Gilbert Wurth; Kathrin Vossen; Isabel Hexel; Anja Dombrowsky
Key clients
Adient Group
CBRE
Diebold Nixdorf
Finanz Informatik
Glatfelder
Rhomberg-Sersa Group
RIMOWA
TI Automotive
United Airlines
Viatris
Work highlights
- Advising Shop Apotheke on several purchase transactions, including the recent acquisition of Smartpatient GmbH.
- Advising VHV Holding on the takeover of the Eucon Group from Hg Capital. Eucon.
- Ongoing employment law advice to a US airline, including legal representation, in particular regarding disputes with flight attendants.
Osborne Clarke
Osborne Clarke is regularly instructed in the context of strategic global transformation processes, often at the interface with IT and data protection law. Advice on IT outsourcing projects is a particular strength, alongside support for reorganisations, transfers of operations, entry into the German market and plant closures. Practice head Thomas Leister is an expert in developing strategic concepts for companies in the recruitment sector.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Osborne Clarke has very competent lawyers. They also take the time to understand our business and give us options. They also know very well what is happening in our industry and often help us to get an outside perspective. Also, they are very responsive and get back to you quickly with results. We have been working with them in several European countries for over 10 years.’
‘Timo Karsten is very well connected in our industry and with the authorities.’
‘Everyone is very customer-oriented, nice people to deal with and always think of our well-being. They are our trusted advisers. ‘
Key clients
Allegis Group
Automobili Pininfarina GmbH / Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Blume2000 AG
Bruker Gruppe Deutschland (Bruker EAS, Bruker HTS, Bruker BioSpin, RI Research)
CLAAS KGaA mbH
Cornerstone onDemand Inc.
DAIKIN Airconditioning Germany GmbH
Diageo Great Britain Limited
Framode GmbH
GitLab, Inc.
Haema AG
HCL Technologies Germany GmbH
Open Text Gruppe Deutschland (Open Text Software, Mailstore, Recommind)
SITA Airport IT GmbH
Sodexo-Gesellschaften
Veritas
VfB Stuttgart 1893 AG
Wipro Technologies GmbH
Wooga GmbH
WW (vormals Weight Watchers)
Work highlights
- Comprehensive advice to the Bruker Group Germany: company agreements on short-time work, introduction of Salesforce and the resulting downsizing, restructuring of the remuneration system, collective bargaining to adapt to the digital working world; Site closure, along with negotiations on reconciliation of interests and social plan; Conclusion of a recognition collective agreement.
- Advising CLAAS KGaA mbH on the introduction of new home office models.
- Advised Cornstone onDemand Inc. on the restructuring following the acquisition of the Saba/Lumesse group of companies, including negotiations with the works council on the reconciliation of interests and social plan with a particular focus on the consultation process.
SCHRAMM MEYER KUHNKE
Employment law boutique SCHRAMM MEYER KUHNKE offers ongoing advice on contentious issues as well as on national and international projects such as restructuring, outsourcing and M&A transactions. The key contacts are name partners Nils Schramm , Holger Meyer and Michael Kuhnke, the latter also handles compliance and employee data protection matters. In July 2021, Matthias Lodemann made partner, who, in addition to collective employment law expertise, focuses on individual advice to companies and executives in termination scenarios, in particular with regard to post-contractual non-competition clauses.
Other key lawyers:
Michael Kuhnke; Holger Meyer; Nils Schramm; Matthias Lodemann
Testimonials
‘The collaboration with Dr. Lodemann runs really well. The response times to inquiries are very fast and the answers are very competent.’
‘The direct involvement of the partners and the specialization in advising employers enable well-founded, fast and interest-oriented support.’
‘Dr. Holger Meyer: Easy to get in touch with, quick response, practical solutions tailored to your interests.’
‘Mr Schramm is an experienced employment lawyer. Legally, he is beyond any doubt. His advice is pragmatic, his service is outstanding.’
‘Good teamwork. Office size is very good.’
‘Dr. Holger Meyer: Highly professional, comprehensive knowledge, easy to reach, very good adviser on labor law issues.’
Key clients
Allianz Technology SE
Alstria office REIT-AG
Apleona
Bilfinger SE
BNP Paribas REM
BUSS – Gruppe
Colgate-Palmolive
Continental AG
Deutsche Seereederei Gruppe
DNV GL
ECE – Gruppe
Edel & Co. KGaA-Gruppe
Elis-Gruppe (zuvor Berendsen)
Feldmuehle GmbH
FUCHS-Gruppe
Funk Gruppe
Greenpeace Energy
Haldex AB
Hawesko Holding AG
IBM
Laverana-Gruppe (Lavera Naturkosmetik)
Ontex Gruppe
OTTO DÖRNER
Otto M. Schröder Bank AG
PERI Gruppe
Schuhkay und Schuhkay 1882
SSI Schäfer
Stadt Hamburg
tesa SE
Travelite GmbH & Co. KG/Titan Hamburg GmbH
Unilever
UPM GmbH
Villeroy & Boch GmbH
VTG AG
Work highlights
- Comprehensive employment law advice to Haldex AB on the closure of the Heidelberg plant (negotiations of a reconciliation of interests and social plan, transfer company, implementation of the downsizing).
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Watson Farley & Williams LLP mainly focuses on restructuring and reorganisation projects, including insolvency-related mandates, as well as employee data protection. The team also represents clients in labour court proceedings. The group is active in advising on redundany measures, negotiations with works councils on reconciliation of interests and social plans, as well as the introduction of new IT systems, including the negotiation of corresponding company agreements. This is complemented by capacities in the compliance area. Practice head Nikolaus Krienke demonstrates expertise in works constitution and collective bargaining law and advises on employee data protection as well as employee leasing.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Extremely committed and solution-oriented advice.’
‘Dr. Philipp Byers is an extraordinarily competent lawyer who combines specialist knowledge with negotiating skills.’
‘From our point of view, WFW is something special, because you always get a clear legal and risk assessment for all questions (that’s normal), but you always get clear recommendations for action on how to deal with very tricky cases in order to solve them as well as possible, noiselessly and in the interests of the company. The assessments of the legal cases are 100% correct for the subsequent outcome in court. Very short training period in very specific local regulations and very good market overview.’
‘Dr. Andreas Wiegreffe: Very precise analysis of the existing problems. Very quick and practical answers that get to the point. Thanks to his expertise, we were able to solve very difficult cases well and promptly. Clear assessments are made and clearly communicated. His role in internal discussions and negotiations with works councils and trade unions is outstanding, where his negotiating tactics and forward-looking approach were able to solve the most difficult conflicts, some of which had been smoldering for years.’
‘Good availability and coordinated communication within the team. So far, the law firm has always covered the skills we asked for and needed.’
‘Dr. Byers is always personal and available to us at almost any time. If you are prevented from doing so, you will always be contacted very quickly by Dr. Byers personally. This support is absolutely extraordinary. In addition, we are advised by Dr. Byers on employment law issues relating to the company merger and ideally covers the interface with employee data protection. In the case of cross-divisional issues, a division-specific expert from the law firm was always available for advice.’
‘Good coordination and responsiveness and informative value at all times!’
‘Pragmatic solutions and a good sense of humour.’
Work highlights
- Advice and representation of the provincial holding and all subsidiaries in the labor law implementation of the merger of provincial Rhineland and provincial North West.
- Extensive employment law support for the entire restructuring of the ADAC Group with staff reductions, which in particular also included the strategic design, coordination with the management consultants and close coordination of the project with the management and the board of directors.
- Extensive advice on employment law to the München Klinik gGmbH as part of a multi-year restructuring plan, including negotiations with the general works council on reconciliation of interests and social plans.
act AC Tischendorf Rechtsanwälte
In addition to frequent instructions on restructuring, reorganisation and post-merger integration matters, act AC Tischendorf Rechtsanwälte focuses on comprehensive employment law advice to its mostly medium-sized client roster. In line with this full-service approach, the team regularly covers various interface matters. Among the key contacts are Stephan Schwilden and Sven Tischendorf, who is experienced in employment law, restructuring and (distressed) M&A. Schwilden advises on the reorganisation of occupational pension schemes as well as restructuring projects. The team also assists with separation scenarios involving executive bodies.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very professional. Very thorough and yet fast.’
‘Due to the size of the law firm, there is always an attorney with special expertise.’
‘Even in very difficult cases, Ms. Jawad always has a creative solution to achieve a very good result. She is always available for her clients, even on their well-deserved vacation.’
‘I’ve been working with ACT (Dr. Schwilden and Dr. Bogenschütz) for years and I’m always amazed and impressed by the pragmatic and good solution approaches of the law firm. I am also extremely satisfied with the speed and implementation of inquiries and legal cases.’
‘Dr. Stephan Schwilden: Very direct and fast response time paired with pragmatic and very good solutions regarding implementation. Due to his many years of professional experience and expertise in all previously requested topics, immediate response with an absolutely goal-oriented approach.’
‘Nina Bogenschütz: Very experienced employment lawyer who takes us as a client along with us, even in very tricky and extremely complex matters, and makes the matter understandable for all parties. Because of her experience in and in court, we have already solved many a case together.’
‘Very pragmatic and creative, always smart and always to the point. Broadly positioned and cost-effective.’
‘Friederike Jawad is clever and client-oriented. Thomas Block is very technically savvy and Stephan Schwilden is one of the best at negotiations.’
Key clients
Beinbauer Automotive Group
All4Labels Gruppe
Fürstliche Castell’sche Bank
Biotest AG
Franz Haniel & Cie GmbH
Hallhuber
Edscha Gruppe
Läpple Gruppe
Sage Automotive Interiors GmbH
Sonova
ACHAT Hotel- und Immobilienbetriebsgesellschaft mbH
Schenck Process Gruppe
Vossloh-Schwabe Gruppe
HSE24 Gruppe
DKMS gGmbH
ADAC
NGK SPARK PLUG EUROPE GmbH
VIROTECH Diagnostics GmbH
Quadriga Capital Beteiligungsberatung GmbH
Agaplesion
Galata Chemicals Gruppe
i@d Germany GmbH
ID Logistics
Kelvion Group
Norma Group SE
NanoTemper
Onlineprinters GmbH
Pond Security Group
Putzmeister
Talis Group
Tempton Group
Work highlights
- Advising the Edscha Group on the comprehensive restructuring of the German production sites.
- Advising the Läpple Group on the comprehensive restructuring of the German group locations.
- Advising Sage Automotive Interiors GmbH on the labor law integration of employees after the takeover of Adient’s car seat covers business.
Bird & Bird LLP
Bird & Bird LLP ‘s employment law expertise is evident in ongoing day-to-day business support, including litigation and data protection issues. Another key element is the advice on cross-border projects, where the team is well positioned due to its international network. Restructuring mandates form a central part of the global workload and most recently included various company reorganisations pertaining to Covid-19. Practice heads Martin Nebeling and Barbara Geck regularly handle transactions under individual and collective employment law aspects.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
1. FFC Frankfurt e.V.
DS Dichtungstechnik GmbH
Inapa Deutschland GmbH
Internationaler Sportgerichtshof (CAS/TAS)
Live Person
Messe München
Metro AG
Page Group
Planview Gruppe
Pfizer
Renesas IDT
Tech Mahindra
Teknor Apex Gruppe
W.I.S. Sicherheit + Service GmbH & Co. KG
Work highlights
- Advised Pfizer on the global spin-off of the Upjohn business and its merger with Mylan NV to form the new global pharmaceutical company Viatris Inc.
- Advising Metro AG on the reorganization of the group’s internal IT service business and supporting the outsourcing of parts of the IT business.
- Advising Tech Mahindra GmbH on day-to-day labor law business, in particular litigation.
Dentons
Dentons‘ strength is collective employment law advice, in particular restructuring and M&A transactions, including insolvency-related mandates. The team, co-led by Markus Diepold, offers interdisciplinary support and regularly operates across different locations. Diepold also advises clients on various day-to-day employment and social security law issues with particular sector expertise in the healthcare, metal and electronics as well as automotive industries. Co-head Sascha Grosjean complements this approach with expertise in occupational pension schemes and HR compliance.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Mr Diepold is extraordinarily competent.’
‘Fast, high-quality advice with results that can be implemented in practice. The mandates from the litigation area are also managed excellently and in a resource-saving manner by the team. In the case of absences, there is always a representative who is very well incorporated into the factual and legal status.’
‘Markus Diepold deserves special mention with his outstanding knowledge of employment law and his many years of experience, which pays off in particular in employment law issues relating to M&A transactions and in collective employment law matters .’
‘ I notice that there is good teamwork in what is undoubtedly a large law firm. Lawyers, academic staff and secretarial staff work in a well-coordinated manner and exchange ideas, so that I as a client receive competent answers and working aids quickly and well-founded, even in complex or new subject areas.’
‘The individual contacts are binding, dependable and reliable. The lawyers always provide competent answers and solutions. The interaction is characterized by friendliness and courtesy.’
‘Competent, careful and structured. Good internal substitution rules. Balanced representation of the interests of the law firm and the client . ‘
‘Markus Diepold is very helpful for employment law issues, the advice is always understandable, discussions at eye level, no “useless” legal advice is sold or incomprehensible memos are written, but exactly the questions that exist are solved.’
‘ Very pragmatic approaches, availability at short notice, solution-oriented, trusting cooperation at eye level.’
Key clients
Arjobex
Arlington Germany GmbH
BG Kliniken Holding; BG Kliniken Tübingen und Reutlingen gGmbH
BVV Bankenversicherungsverein a.G.
Dillinger Hütte (Stahl-Holding-Saar GmbH & Co. KG)
ERGO Group AG
Infracapital
Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer e.V.
Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)
IOTA Foundation
KKR-Portfoliounternehmen WebMD
Nordwest Dental GmbH & Co KG
SKODA AUTO Deutschland GmbH
Solarisbank AG
Unser Heimatbäcker Unternehmensgruppe
Volkswagen AG
Yamaha Music Europe GmbH (einschließlich der Tochtergesellschaft Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH)
Yonsung Group
Work highlights
- Advising the Recylex Group (in particular Harz-Metall GmbH and Weser-Metall GmbH) in self-administered insolvency proceedings on complex restructuring measures and the clarification of individual and collective labor law issues in day-to-day business.
- Comprehensive employment law advice to Volkswagen AG in connection with the acquisition (carve-out and transfer of business) of HELLA’s camera software division.
- Advising the KKR portfolio company WebMD on the acquisition of the leading information and education platform coliquio.
Fringspartners
Employment law experts Fringspartners‘ broad advisory portfolio corresponds with its diversified client base, including companies, board representatives and executives. Among the core topics are restructuring measures, frequently handled by Ulrich Wahlers and Michael Bogati; Wahlers is also experienced in litigation and represents companies in individual and collective employment law proceedings as well as in internal investigations, while Bogati is known for his collective bargaining and works constitution law expertise. Arno Frings focuses on supporting managing directors and board members in negotiations and disputes with employers.
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Friendly and absolutely competent team with outstanding individuals. Always well prepared for the topics. Good acceptance and very good placement skills.’
‘Punctual, reliable, competent and absolutely convincing appearance.’
‘Technically highly competent, always targeted information and support, not a single legal error in 15 years of cooperation, very friendly team, very customer-oriented, without relinquishing the technical responsibility.’
‘Michael Bogati is a reliable and dependable, highly competent partner, always able to provide information, even with special questions ad hoc or in a very short time, always explaining the logic and thus contributing to the fact that the professional competence on the client side is constantly increasing.’
‘Very practical and pragmatic recommendations.’
‘Interdisciplinary approach and extensive expertise.’
‘Absolute professionalism. Calm analytical reaction even in critical situations. Strategically far-sighted. 24-hour availability if necessary.’
‘Michael Bogati is extremely experienced and extremely competent. All steps and strategies are explained in a comprehensible manner and prove to be appropriate. A lawyer who is a pleasure to have by your side in the fight for justice.’
Key clients
Ministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Landwirtschaft, Natur- und Verbraucherschutz des Landes NRW
PAYONE Ingenico Gruppe
igus GmbH
FrieslandCampina Germany GmbH
Diesel Technic SE
Mitsubishi Electric
Mango Textilhandel
Work highlights
- Comprehensive employment law advice to the PAYONE Ingenico Group. In particular, intensive negotiations as part of the post-merger integration with numerous works council bodies nationwide.
GvW Graf von Westphalen
GvW Graf von Westphalen offers comprehensive employment law advice, including compliance, data protection and occupational pension schemes, evident in numerous long-term client relationships. In addition to ongoing advice, the team has noteworty expertise in collective bargaining negotiations and restructuring – including related dismissal protection proceedings – as well as the representation in arbitration boards. Practice head Philipp Wiesenecker in Frankfurt is experienced in banking employment law. The Stuttgart office expanded with newcomer Axel Klasen (previously at Heussen Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH ) in October 2020.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘GvW gets to the point, ie relevant topics are clearly worked out and highlighted.’
‘A particular unique selling point is the ability to concisely formulate even complex legal issues in clear and understandable language. [In contrast to the legal elaborations of other law firms that are otherwise often provided, which remain incomprehensible without a lawyer]. In addition to the legal assessment, GvW also looks at the practical implications and the real options for action.’
‘Christof Kleinmann combines a high degree of integrity with professional competence. He is available at all times and proactively drives the issues assigned to him to a solution.’
‘Christof Kleinmann represents both company parties in various mandates on the subject of co-determination. In conflicts, this makes him an authentic integration figure who is trusted by both parties. With this positioning, Mr. Kleinmann played a very large part in the compromises found in the course of negotiations, whereby legal action could be avoided.’
Key clients
Stiftung Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen
Degussa Bank AG
LBBW Asset Management Investmentgesellschaft mbH
Vereinigung Cockpit e.V.
Kasseler Verkehrs- und Versorgungs-GmbH
windeln.de SE
Brady GmbH
DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale
Volkswagen Financial Services AG
SILBITZ GROUP BETEILIGUNGS GmbH
Silbitz Guss GmbH
hoerl Information Management GmbH
Learnship
STADA
econtech GmbH – Systempartner Netzbau
Apparatebau Kirchheim-Teck
Horizon
Kessel
Stada Shanghai
Salzgitter Mannesmann International (HK) Ltd.
PETER-LACKE Shanghai Co. Ltd.
GEMÜ
DB Fahrzeug-instandhaltung GmbH
profine
Audio-Technica Deutschland GmbH
Audio-Technica Ltd.
Astorplast Klebetechnik GmbH
Baosteel
Work highlights
- Advising LBBW Asset Management Investmentgesellschaft mbH on employment law and in particular on works constitution law.
- Comprehensive employment law advice to the Stiftung Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, including compliance and data protection.
- Ongoing advice to Degussa Bank AG, in particular on protection against dismissal and resolution procedures as well as in arbitration boards.
Hoffmann Liebs
Hoffmann Liebs‘s advisory offering is particularly attractive for medium-sized companies, including project support as well as ongoing employment law advice. Recent key topics were reorganisations, restructuring and transactions as well as related staff reduction measures and negotiations on reconciliation of interests and social plans. Wolfgang Bucksch and Heiko Langer are among the key contacts for the latter. Jörg Podehl is experienced in restructuring and regularly offers support in negotiations with works councils and trade unions, while also representing clients on arbitration boards and before labour courts.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Overall good knowledge and availability, even at short notice. Very responsive. ‘
‘Knowledgeable and not afraid to take a stand and share it. ‘
Key clients
Dornbracht AG & Co. KG
Symrise AG und Tochtergesellschaft
Vodafone Group Services GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising Dornbracht AG & Co. KG on the comprehensive reorganization of many company departments. In addition, advice on changes in the international sales team, including at Dornbracht India Pvt . ltd
- Advising the Symrise Group on individual and collective labor law issues as well as on cross-border labor law disputes.
- Ongoing advice to Vodafone Group Services GmbH on labor law and projects, in particular on disputes before labor courts.
Laborius
Employment law boutique Laborius in Hanover offers advice to a client roster of employers and executives. Jens Siebert is experienced in advising employees, while in September 2021, the group benefitted from the cooperation with Matthias Pletke from Hanover University. The team’s expertise covers all individual and collective employment law issues, including restructuring, which is regularly handled by Peter Schrader and Tina Thoms, whereas Rhea-Christina Klagges frequently assists with matters pertaining to church employment law.
Practice head(s):
Peter Schrader; Jens Siebert; Tina Thoms; Rhea-Christina Klagges
Testimonials
‘Absolutely sound expertise in the areas of employment law; Prompt handling of the requests made; Team spirit; quick comprehension and thinking about entrepreneurial problems.’
‘Short distances, flat hierarchies, quick feedback, smooth processing. Work quickly and silently in the background.’
‘Jens Siebert distinguishes himself as a partner of the Laborius law firm in that he tries to understand the respective facts quickly by asking very precise questions, in order to then come to quick, pragmatic and legally secure solutions together with the client. We are very satisfied with the cooperation.’
‘Tina Thoms grasps the problem very quickly and can immediately weigh up the opportunities and risks and specifically recommend a possible approach. In addition, she is always open to our own approaches. She is extremely professional and confident, which is reflected in her technical and methodological skills and her empathy.‘
‘Ms. Thoms has a very convincing and always sovereign demeanor. Her pleasantly reserved manner, despite her outstanding competence, makes her very likeable. We always feel very well represented and represented by Ms. Thoms. ‘
‘Peter Schrader: Very adept – and for all his legal work – the creative head of the practice. Seeks (and finds) constructive solutions, but does not avoid confrontation if the client wishes and/or supports it. I have never experienced the appearance in court in such an excellent form.’
‘Our contacts are Prof. Dr. Schrader, Mrs. Thoms, Dr. Klagges: Excellent industry and company knowledge, excellent and tailor-made solutions outside the “mainstream”. Very good knowledge of the operating parties, therefore well-suited negotiation strategies.’
‘Remarkably perfectly coordinated team of lawyers. The partners and the “related” associates work hand in hand without any discernible loss of friction. The cases submitted are clearly communicated to one another; the team of lawyers is “in the picture”. This is where Laborius differs from other service providers.’
Key clients
Bahlsen Gruppe
meravis Wohnungsbau & Immobilien GmbH
Sitech Sitztechnik GmbH
Volkswagen AG
B&O Gruppe
PV Cockpit (TUIfly)
Concordia Versicherungen
Gegenbauer Holding SE & Co. KG
Fuchs Gruppe
GET N GmbH & Co. KG
Silgan White Cap Manufacturing GmbH
Stratic Lederwaren – Jacob Bonifer GmbH
Gebr. Brasseler GmbH & Co. KG
Work highlights
- Representation of PV Cockpit (TUIfly) as part of the staff reduction measures due to the corona pandemic. A reduction of over 750 full-time jobs for pilots and cabin crew was planned.
- Advising the Fuchs Group on all individual and collective employment law issues.
- Representation of Volkswagen AG in a large number of proceedings (including mass proceedings) and advice on various individual and collective employment law issues and expert opinions.
Loschelder
A loyal client portfolio of medium-sized companies reflects Loschelder‘s comprehensive advice on individual and collective employment law, including related topics such as data protection and litigation. Among the key contacts are Detlef Grimm, who focuses on employee data protection in addition to restructuring support, HR expert Sebastian Pelzer, who advises executives on matters pertaining to employment, liability and separation, and Martin Brock, his advisory focus is on works constitution law as well as alternative forms of employment.
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘In all labor law matters we are given good advice, our attention is drawn to risks and alternatives are shown in order to achieve good solutions. We feel that we are in very good hands there.’
‘High competence, pragmatic, realistic solutions, high workload.’
‘With a high level of competence, our concerns and inquiries are answered in a reasonable time. The interests of the client are taken into account across the board.’
‘Dr. Pelzer: With a high level of professional competence, the advice is holistic and very clear and solution-oriented on the basis of the knowledge about the client.’
‘Sebastian Pelzer gave us competent advice on the closure of a business unit and always kept a 360° view of the situation. The labor law situation was clear quickly and comprehensively, and we reached a very fair agreement with the employees. The bottom line is that Mr Pelzer and his team saved us a lot of money. Mr. Pelzer is also very confident and competent when advising C-level executives and their contracts.’
‘Very comprehensive range of advice and the processing of issues that affect several areas of law and therefore require the involvement of several lawyers, works very well.’
‘Dr. Martin Brock: Very pleasant to work with, very solution-oriented.’
‘ A relaxed atmosphere paired with excellent expertise in all areas of employment law. Personal contact is always pleasant and deadlines are met. The manageable size of the law firm – in contrast to other large law firms with which we have also worked – gives the client a clear feeling that he is not just a number, not just one of many.’
Work highlights
- Ongoing advice on labor and works constitution law to AOK Systems GmbH; currently, for example, advice on the IT works agreement.
- Advising Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH on legal actions to determine the ineffectiveness of the unfounded limitation after a previous two-year assignment under AÜG.
- Ongoing employment law advice to Mazda Motor Europe GmbH/Mazda Motor (Deutschland) GmbH; most recently advice on short-time work and occupational pension schemes.
MAINWERK Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB
MAINWERK Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB offers employment law support to medium-sized companies and corporations, not least due to the broad range of subjects covered, including both restructuring as well as ongoing advice. In addition, litigation matters are handled by Ulla Rupp and Kerstin Panhorst. Rupp also advises on remuneration matters pertaining to the financial industry. The core team also includes Oliver Driver-Polke (downsizing measures, remuneration systems and collective bargaining negotiations), Kai Golücke (restructuring, IT company agreements and data protection) and Henning Wiehe (transnational transactions and reorganisations as well as restructuring under employment law). Sebastian Scheffzek, experienced in management consulting, left the firm in January 2021 and joined BSB Quack Gutterer.
Other key lawyers:
Oliver Driver-Polke; Kai Golücke; Kerstin Panhorst; Ulla Rupp; Henning Wiehe
Testimonials
‘Most of the lawyers at the Mainwerk law firm used to work for a company themselves. The advice and representation is therefore extremely practical and can be used to a large extent without changes. Cultural concerns are taken into account, language and scope are adapted to the respective recipients, especially in written elaborations. The fee is good value for money, especially when compared to the very high fees charged by large law firms on average. ‘
‘Mr. Kai Golücke is an expert in many areas of employment law. He has a good feeling for company interests, especially with regard to works councils. Since he has worked in a company himself, he knows the interfaces and various issues and provides precise and coherent advice accordingly. Compared to many other lawyers I have worked with in the past, his reports contain clear statements that can be used in practice without major transfer payments.’
‘Henning Wiehe: Excellent employment lawyer, always available, pragmatic and goal-oriented, always up to date.’
‘Oliver Driver-Polke understands the problems of our facility and delivers tailor-made solutions: quickly and service-oriented.’
‘We work with Mrs. Rupp. She has excellent technical knowledge, a very hands-on approach and always delivers on time and always with the best quality. She also has very good judgment and negotiation skills. ‘
‘Ms. Panhorst has excellent broad expertise and helps with strategies and procedures with very difficult works councils and employees.’
‘Very professional and timely legal advice, even on extensive topics and issues.’
‘Pragmatic, efficient, collegial. With a lot of understanding of what is important for the client – and what is not. At Mainwerk, the focus is absolutely on the client and not the (billing) clock.’
Key clients
AGC Biologics GmbH
Beck & Kaltheuner Feuerfeste Erzeugnisse GmbH & Co. KG
Capri Sun Gruppe
Coca Cola European Partners GmbH
Düker GmbH
FoamPartner Gruppe
Franklin Templeton
Goodman
IHK Pfalz
Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Hessen
Oracle
ProMinent Gruppe (Heidelberg)
Pühl GmbH & Co. KG
SSP Deutschland GmbH
Technogym Germany GmbH
Teknos Deutschland GmbH
United Grinding Gruppe
Volks- und Bausparverein Frankfurt
Work highlights
- Representation of KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA in collective bargaining negotiations with IG BAU.
- Ongoing, comprehensive advice to the Prominent Group on works constitution and individual legal matters; including conducting decision-making processes.
- Advising the thyssenkrupp Group on the restructuring of a collective bargaining system at a group company in southern Germany, including the implementation of an arbitration board process and the conclusion of supplementary, company-related collective agreements.
McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP
McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP focuses on collective employment law – with corresponding expertise demonstrated by practice head Volker Teigelkötter. The team is regularly instructed by companies of all sizes and is well versed in matters pertaining to individual employment law. In addition to ongoing advice, other key topics include remuneration systems, restructuring projects including staff reductions and negotiations on reconciliation of interests and social plans, as well as matters pertaining to compliance and the use of external staff. A recent upwards trend was the advice on data protection and related mandates.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very competent and service-oriented lawyers. They have excellent legal knowledge and can also use their knowledge very well in practice.’
‘Dr. Philipp Schäuble is committed and very reliable. Together with his team, he can also deal with complex orders very competently at short notice and is a valued negotiating partner for everyone involved because of his calm and balanced manner.’
‘Outstanding expertise in labor law, especially in complicated outsourcing transactions.’
‘Dr. Christian Rolf: Very high level of expertise combined with very good service.’
‘Dr. Volker Teigelkötter: Very well-founded and at the same time very pragmatic.’
‘Dr. Christian Rolf is an enrichment as a consultant on labor law issues, especially at the interface with corporate law. Clear in the matter and the content management, straightforward in the coordination and communication – he always shows practical solutions as an alternative to legal (im)possibility.’
‘Extraordinary customer orientation, high entrepreneurship and service orientation in the team.’
‘ Extraordinarily capable team in all legal facets (also bordering on employment law).’
Key clients
1&1 Versatel Deutschland GmbH
Audi AG
BayernLB
DMG MORI Group
Kemna Gruppe
Metro AG
MVV Energie AG
Praxair Surface Technologies
Savills
The TUM Campus Heilbronn gGmbH
trivago N.V.
United Internet AG
United Internet AG
Wüsthoff
Yangfeng
Yazaki Europe Limited
Zwilling-Gruppe
Work highlights
- Advising United Internet AG on a redesign of the remuneration system, on home office and on the design and termination of service contracts with the corporate bodies of the group companies.
- Ongoing employment law advice to 1&1 Versatel Deutschland GmbH; Most recently, advice on Covid-19 issues, the reorganization of the technical area and the merger of the two locations in the Ruhr area.
- Employment law advice to trivago NV, in particular on reorganization issues and various topics related to the Covid-19 crisis.
michels.pmks Rechtsanwälte
In early 2021, michels.pmks Rechtsanwälte opened offices in Düsseldorf as well as Cologne. Simultaneous recruting for both locations resulted in the additions of Sebastian Maiß (advice on new work models and the introduction of IT systems) and Peter Hützen (data protection and project support) from vangard | Littler and Jan Peter Schiller (advises at the interface with data protection) from CMS, while Matthias Kappus (recruiting and dismissal of executives, managing directors and board members) had already joined the team from the latter in November 2020. The group is well positioned for ongoing advice on individual and collective employment law as well as project support – name partner Marcus Michels demonstrates particular expertise in both segments– including litigation. Gunther Mävers regularly handles cross-border matters pertaining to inbound business of foreign clients as well as foreign projects from German based clients.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Jannis Kamann; Jan Peter Schiller; Sebastian Maiß; Peter Hützen; Matthias Kappus; Ulrich Kortmann; Tilman Isenhardt; Markus Pillok
Key clients
Adler TS GmbH
Brauerei zur Malzmühle Schwartz GmbH & Co. KG
Dachser SE
DTM Deutsche Tele Medien GmbH
Duisburger Hafen AG
Johnson & Johnson
METRO Markets GmbH
Music Store Professional GmbH
Reuter Gruppe
UFA Show & Factual GmbH
Work highlights
- Ongoing advice to the Bethlehem Gesundheitszentrum Stolberg gGmbH in connection with the comprehensive recruitment and hiring of skilled workers from abroad and the implementation of the accelerated skilled worker process.
- Ongoing advice on employment law to the brewery zur Malzmühle Schwartz GmbH & Co. KG, in particular on short-time work benefits and disputes related to collective agreements.
- Ongoing employment law advice to Dachser SE, including litigation; most recently, among other things, representation in a decision-making process on the extraordinary termination of a works council member.
Orth Kluth Rechtsanwälte
Orth Kluth Rechtsanwälte covers all aspects of individual and collective employment law, including representation in labour courts. Recently, the group was particularly active in restructuring support and ongoing advice. Covid-19-related issues, such as short-time work and home office were among the workload, including assistance with occupational pension schemes and the use of external staff. The China and France desks each provide support for German-bound activity from abroad and vice versa for German companies’ cross-border matters. In line with the team’s advisory capacities, practice heads Guido Matthey and Simon Grosse-Brockhoff put particular emphasis on supporting companies in restructuring, personnel adjustments and works constitution matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very good expertise, fair price, open and honest advice.’
‘Excellent expertise and flawless record before the labor court.’
‘The team is extremely competent, very available and extremely pragmatic. Risks are pointed out to him, but good solutions and recommendations are also given (and not, as is so often the case, a soft recommendation that is provided with question marks). Things are actively driven and you can rely on them 100%.’
‘Very good, open and goal-oriented discussions, very good and solution-oriented recommendations. Very good support on all levels: strategic, tactical, operational. Very good partner.’
‘ Pragmatic solutions and generally good accessibility; high engagement.’
Key clients
bofrost* Gruppe
Ericsson Deutschland
GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft
Kiekert AG
Konecranes GmbH / Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
Melitta Group
Siemens Industry Software GmbH
SMS group GmbH
Stadtwerke Krefeld AG und Tochtergesellschaften
TK Elevator GmbH (zuvor thyssenkrupp elevator AG)
Zumtobel Deutschland GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising GEA Group AG in negotiations with the group works council on the conclusion of an agreement for domestic group companies regarding rationalization in several domestic group companies.
- Advising Siemens Industry Software GmbH on collective labor law issues relating to personnel and co-determination.
- Advising TK Elevator GmbH on various restructuring projects, including the establishment of new corporate structures after leaving the thyssenkrupp Group and the reorganization of the works council and (group) co-determination structure through the collective agreement.
Pinsent Masons Germany LLP
Due to its regular support for international clients, Pinsent Masons Germany LLP has special expertise in the areas of energy (Düsseldorf) and technology (Munich), although companies from various other industries – including increasingly from the real estate sector – are comprehensively advised on individual and collective employment law. The team assists with restructuring (including insolvency-related mandates), clients’ representation in court proceedings as well as compliance – the latter frequently in close cooperation with the criminal law team. Manfred Schmid in Munich heads the group and handles all aspects of employment law.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good network and understanding.’
‘Solution-oriented and customer focus.’
‘Always good technical information in an understandable form.’
‘Good and pragmatic solutions.’
Raue
Raue ‘s individual and collective employment law expertise is evident in restructurings, including those related to insolvency, and transactions. Sascha Herms is a key contact here and jointly heads the practice with Judith Heyn, who is well versed in employment law issues pertaining to the public sector and healthcare. Heyn is also a key contact for occupational pension schemes, whereas Herms and numerous other team members provide assistance with labour court proceedings. The ongoing advice features topics such as compliance, data protection and works constitution matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Staudacher Annuss Arbeitsrecht.
Employment law at Staudacher Annuss Arbeitsrecht. has a dual focus: management consulting, led by Peter Staudacher, and consulting for companies and corporations, led by Georg Annuß. Ongoing employment advice, including litigation, is a key advisory focus and the team is also experienced in supporting projects such as restructuring, M&A transactions and SE conversions, as well as matters pertaining to compliance and internal investigations.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP's employment law team is led by newly appointed Hendrik Röger since Frank-Karl Heuchemer left the firm in the summer of 2021 and joined HLB HUSSMANN. The advisory focus remains on the interface with M&A and corporate as well as restructuring and insolvency. Röger is a key contact for the latter, he also frequently advises national and international clients from the transport and energy sectors and handles compliance issues as well as litigation.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team supporting us has very extensive practical knowledge and can convey this in a very understandable and multilingual manner. There is a contact person within the team who is available to answer questions at any time.’
‘Hendrik Röger as a partner has a high degree of flexibility and intercultural competence in addition to in-depth specialist knowledge and industry knowledge. These are highly valued qualities and are a difference to the competition. ‘
Key clients
Panasonic Corporation
EWE AG
STA Travel GmbH
BONITA GmbH
Quad-C / AIT Worldwide Logistics
Nordic Capital
Deutsche Telekom AG
FMC / Maybach Medical
Feilo Sylvania Germany GmbH, Erlangen
Adler Group S.A. (vormals ADO Properties S.A.)
Svenska Handelsbanken
Corestate Capital Holding S.A.
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG
Founders of INPOSIA Solutions GmbH
PEAC Finance Europe / HPS Investment Partners
AvP Group
Heinrich Huhn GmbH + Co. KG
Sachsenring Bike Manufaktur GmbH
Piel & Adey-Gruppe
GEMO Group
FSG Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft
Spiele-Max
Esprit
Work highlights
- Advising the energy company EWE AG on the establishment of a joint venture with the Aloys Wobben Foundation.
- Advice on employment law to the travel provider STA Travel GmbH, which got into financial difficulties as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, on the implementation of self-administered insolvency proceedings and on the sale of a large part of its nationwide branch network. The buyer in the course of a transferred restructuring is cockpit-Flug & Touristik GmbH, a company of the NTRV Group.
- Advice on employment law to BONITA GmbH in connection with restructuring as part of protective shield proceedings in self-administration.
Bluedex
Founded in 2016, Bluedex focuses on employment law and covers related topics at the interface with tax and corporate law. The client portfolio includes numerous large corporations and medium-sized companies, which call upon the team's expertise in employment law and receive support in the implementation of restructuring measures and large-scale projects such as M&A transactions and post-merger integration. Christian Bitsch is the key contact for project support and also experienced in litigation. He jointly heads the group with Michael Fausel, who is well versed in international employment law and secondment matters.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘ Relatively small, dynamic team specializing in employment law. High practical relevance and hands-on mentality. Very good team atmosphere is also noticeable for clients. High service orientation.’
‘Christian Bitsch has the ability to explain complex issues simply. Is extremely creative and solution-oriented. Technically highly qualified, also in special areas. Entrepreneurial mindset. Always has the client’s interests in mind. Very good and charming negotiator.’
‘ Excellent structure through partners and associates with experience in business and the judiciary.’
‘Michael Fausel: Highly competent contact person for all labor law issues, especially those relating to social law.’
‘The Bluedex team has outstanding specialization in the field of deploying international workers in Germany and in the field of posting German workers abroad. The law firm has numerous international cooperations with partner law firms abroad, so that they can deal competently with their clients’ international issues in particular.’
‘Michael Fausel: Experienced in the area of secondment and expatriation with very pragmatic solutions and explanations.’
‘Christian Bitsch has experience in restructuring and social plans.’
Key clients
The Adecco Group
Atos Information Technology GmbH
AUDI AG
EON SE
EnBW AG
Intersport Deutschland e.G.
Naturschutzbund Deutschland
Delivery Hero SE
Marriott Hotelgruppe
Motel ONE
Maritim Hotelgruppe
Amadeus
Amadeus FiRe
Lazard
SThree Deutschland GmbH
Zeppelin Systems GmbH
Work highlights
- Comprehensive ongoing advice on employment law for AUDI AG, both nationally and internationally, including the right to secondment.
- Ongoing employment law advice to INTERSPORT Deutschland eG and support for a comprehensive restructuring measure in 2020/2021.
- Comprehensive employment law advice and court representation of Adecco Personaldienstleistungen GmbH; among other things, advice on the establishment of an alternative works council structure; Assistance with restructuring measures and reorganization of the group.
Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
At Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, the client portfolio includes medium-sized companies as well as international corporations, which receive ongoing employment law advice and assistance with restructuring projects. The latter is a key focus of practice head Klaus Heeke, whose team welcomed Carmen Meola from PwC Legal (PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal AG Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft) in June 2021 and Marcus Kissel from DWF in June 2020. Further key topics are occupational pension schemes, remuneration schemes and clients’ representation in labour court proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Marc Spielberger; Lars Hinrichs; Charlotte Sander; Carmen Meola; Marcus Kissel
Testimonials
‘High expertise in remuneration regulations and good overview of market practice’
‘Trustful cooperation with Lars Hinrichs.’
‘Very high level of professional competence and extraordinary delivery speed, very good feeling for customer needs, pragmatic solution with clear assessment of “residual risks”.’
‘Very friendly communication, always available and responsive, quick feedback.’
‘Very good cooperation. Comprehensive assessment of the facts. Very good response times to inquiries, even with complex issues.’
Key clients
AECOM Deutschland GmbH
Allplan GmbH
Bencard Allergie GmbH
Borek media GmbH
Crown Gabelstabler GmbH & Co. KG
Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions GmbH
GLOBALFOUNDRIES Management Services Limited Liability Company & Co. KG
Global Management Service GmbH
HAHN Group / Walther Systemtechnik GmbH
Interroll Gruppe
Joynext GmbH
HelloFresh SE
KIND Hörgeräte GmbH & Co. KG
Kreissparkasse Miesbach-Tegernsee
La Perla
Lensing Media GmbH & Co. KG
Motorola
Nomos Verlag
Ravago
SIHL
SML
Syntax Systems GmbH & Co. KG
Thomas Sabo GmbH & Co. KG
IONITY GmbH
Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Bayerns
Schweitzer Fachinformationen Gruppe
Kotron Unternehmensgruppe
SieMatic Möbelwerke GmbH & Co. KG
Suer Nutzfahrzeugtechnik GmbH & Co. KG.
VISPIRON Systems GmbH
Work highlights
- Advice to SIHL on staff reductions, reconciliation of interests and social plan as well as on protection against dismissal.
- Advice to the GLOBALFOUNDRIES Management Services Limited Liability Company & Co. KG on drafting, negotiating, concluding and implementing company agreements in the IT sector as well as support in court proceedings to set up an arbitration board and conduct arbitration board proceedings.
- Ongoing employment law advice to AECOM Deutschland GmbH; most recently advice in connection with various operational restructuring measures.
Flick Gocke Schaumburg
Flick Gocke Schaumburg focuses on ongoing employment law and social security law matters, including litigation. Recently, the team advised at the interface with corporate law on issues such as SE foundations, transactions as well as restructuring. Key contact for the latter is practice head Tobias Nießen in Bonn. Other interface areas are criminal law and internal investigations.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Very good quality of advice. Virtually very well organized – up to date.’
‘Very good legal knowledge. Pragmatic.’
‘The proximity to the client is unique compared to other large law firms. The contact is always informed and available. Very good law firm network.’
‘Dr. Tobias Nießen: High professional expertise in employment law. Very high adherence to deadlines. Very close to the client. Delivers efficient and economical solutions that can be implemented in practice. Very good negotiating skills.’
‘The law firm Flick Gocke Schaumburg has extensive group information and is always up to date in the field of employment law. The answers are always very competent and always come promptly.’
‘Due to the many years of cooperation, our contacts are very familiar with the procedures and processes in the group and with the cooperation of the co-determination committees and have extensive historical knowledge. We especially appreciate Dr. Nießen’s advice.’
Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner
Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner‘s advisory offering is primarily tailored to the needs of medium-sized companies, but also has large corporations in its client portfolio. In close cooperation with the M&A and corporate experts, clients are advised on restructuring and reorganisation processes, plant closures, including negotiations on the reconciliation of interests and social plans as well as associated protection against dismissal proceedings. Other key topics include ongoing advice on individual employment law, works constitution and collective bargaining law. Sabine Schröter (head of the Frankfurt office and well versed in employment law pertaining to the hospital sector), Christoph Fingerle (extensively active in employment law, including occupational pension schemes) and Stefan Daub (individual employment law) in Freiburg are among the core team members, as well as Andreas Imping, who jointly heads the Cologne office with Sven Köhnen; both cover various individual and collective employment law issues and Imping handles litigation matters.
Practice head(s):
Sabine Schröter; Christoph Fingerle; Stefan Daub; Andreas Imping; Sven Köhnen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very experienced in dealing with works councils/unions; can show options in any situation; very agile.’
‘Andreas Imping is very experienced, always calm, shows options and knows potential risks.’
‘Sabine Schröter and Volker Marquart have recorded specialist knowledge, give precise recommendations for action and comprehensive problem analyses.’
‘We particularly appreciate the extremely short response time with the consistently high quality of Mr. Imping. At the same time, he formulates things in an understandable way and is open to individual variants.’
Key clients
Elektrizitätswerk Mittelbaden AG & Co und Überlandwerk Mittelbaden GmbH & Co. KG
Felss Systems GmbH
Handwerkskammer Frankfurt-Rhein-Main, Frankfurt
Heritage B. Zug (Schweiz)
Isola US Corp./Isola GmbH
Paracelsus Klinken Deutschland GmbH & Co. KGaA.
Peterhoff-Gruppe, Düren
THILEMANN UCON GmbH
Yello Strom GmbH, Köln
Zeppelin-Gruppe, Garching b. München
TMK Thomas Mack Kommunikation GmbH
KTN Kunststofftechnik Nobitz GmbH
Hutchinson Aerospace GmbH
Hutchinson Holding GmbH
OLUTEX Oberlausitzer Luftfahrttextilien GmbH
Paulinenkrankenhaus gGmbH
Work highlights
- Strategic and operational advice to Hutchinson SA in all restructuring processes of its German subsidiaries, in particular Hutchinson Holding GmbH, Hutchinson Aerospace GmbH, OLUTEX Oberlausitzer Luftfahrttextilien GmbH and KTN Kunststofftechnik Nobitz GmbH.
- Advising Samvardhana Motherson Innovative Autosystems BV & Co. KG on the conclusion of a reconciliation of interests, a social plan and a company agreement to set up a transfer company.
- Advising Paracelsus Klinken Deutschland GmbH & Co. KGaA on numerous restructuring and staff reduction measures.
Jones Day
Jones Day‘s employment law advice follows an interdisciplinary approach across its different offices. The team assists with restructuring and transactions, while ongoing advice on general employment and employee matters define the practice's second cornerstone, including litigation – especially in separation scenarios. These segments are also key areas of expertise for practice head Friederike Steininger in Munich.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Paul Melot de Beauregard; Markus Kappenhagen; Maximilian Baur
Testimonials
‘The Jones Day team is extremely pragmatic and understands exactly how the in-house lawyer can process external legal advice internally without costly reorganization, both in an international and in an interdisciplinary environment.’
‘Whereas other law firms often deliver incomplete or difficult-to-read reports with the aim of minimizing their own liability, Jones Day provides concrete support for solving the existing problems. ‘
‘Friederike Steininger: Very competent (both legally and socially) lawyer who knows how to provide the required advice in international corporations, which sometimes goes beyond the solution of specific individual problems and also includes the explanation/defense of special features of German law (in particular also relating to collective bargaining regulations ) required.’
‘Fast response, on-site presence, comprehensive advice, good interaction with employers’ associations.’
‘ Paul Melot de Beauregard is an excellent sparring partner with a pragmatic and holistic consulting approach. High case understanding with creative approach.’
‘ Maximum service orientation at high speed and quality.’
Key clients
DMK deutsches Milchkontor GmbH
Enpal Sales GmbH
Expedia Group
SAP SE
Suez S.A.
Toyota Material Handling Group
Work highlights
- Representing DMK Deutsches Milchkontor GmbH in model proceedings on night work supplements and other collectively agreed benefits before various labor courts including the BAG.
- Advising a large automotive supplier on the termination of its joint venture with an automotive manufacturer and the division of the plants in Germany, France and Great Britain. Advice on the deal structure and the participation rights of the works councils in France and Germany, including a plant closure in Germany.
- Advising a German company, which is part of a global chemical industry group, on a comprehensive relocation involving the reduction of a significant number of employees. The consultation also included the several-month negotiation of a reconciliation of interests and a social plan with the works council and union.