CMS' sizeable employment practice, which not least impresses with its high proportion of female lawyers, is present across eight German locations and advises on all aspects of individual and collective employment law at national and international level. The impressive client base includes DAX companies, corporations and executive bodies, often from the energy, technology, life sciences, real estate and automotive sectors. Recently, the group saw a particular demand for advice on integration processes, industrial constitution and co-determination rights, collective bargaining negotiations, company agreements and personnel transfers. In addition, clients have access to the team's extensive expertise in transactions, restructuring and reorganization; practice heads Martina Hidalgo and Daniel Ludwig are regularly in charge of these matters. The team is also well versed in post-merger employment advice, which is also mirrored by the partner promotions of Anja Naumann (focus on business transfers and conversions) and Boris Alles (restructuring) in January 2022. Alongside negotiation assistance with trade unions and works councils, the practice further covers social security-related issues. Other current themes include digitization and transformation topics such as outsourcing and mobile working, which are covered by Gerlind Wisskirchen as well as employment law compliance; Sören Seidel is a key contact for the latter area. Björn Gaul complements the digital range with expertise in IT and whistleblower systems.
Employment in Germany
CMS
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Björn Gaul; Gerlind Wisskirchen; Nina Hartmann; Tobias Polloczek; Alexander Bissels; Maximilian Koschker; Anja Naumann; Boris Alles; Sören Seidel
Testimonials
‘Very pragmatic and practical advice on employment law. The team around our central contact is excellently organized, always up to date and reacts very quickly and precisely.’
‘Very well networked within the law firm and active across disciplines.’
‘Martina Hidalgo has a full overview of the work in Germany, has enormous ad hoc knowledge and is invariably punctual. The reliability of legal assessments and statements is fascinating. Daniel Ludwig is very knowledgeable, fast and extremely pragmatic and solution-oriented. Efficient expense accounting. He is also a very good negotiator (eg with works councils).’
Key clients
Alliance Healthcare
Arla Foods
Bang & Olufsen
BionTech
Coherent
Douglas Holding / Parfümerie Douglas
Drees & Sommer
DuPont
E.ON.
Fielmann
Fraport
Greensill
Haniel
Lavazza
Mahle
Gucci
Porsche
Telefónica
Vodafone
Work highlights
- Comprehensive strategic and operational advice on individual and collective law for Telefónica, including on transformation issues (new work, digital working environments) including solutions for mobile working, performance management and restructuring.
- Advice to E.ON. on numerous employment law issues, including transformation projects, division of business areas and subsequent integration processes; Integration of the Innogy workforce into the E.ON group of companies, drafting of collective agreements and advice on collective employment law.
- Successful completion of Douglas’ extensive international Store Optimization Program (SOP) and ongoing employment law advice.
Gleiss Lutz
Gleiss Lutz' employment experts are among Germany's market leaders and, in addition to providing straightforward employment advice, also handle transaction-related issues and litigation. Recent sought-after advice frequently related to crowdworking, company pensions in connection with pension funds, employee data protection and mobile working abroad as well as temporary employment, digitization issues including corresponding transformation projects, trade union and works council negotiations, co-determination rights and executive liability issues. Restructuring expert and practice head Thomas Winzer is supported by Steffen Krieger , among others, in restructuring, reorganization and insolvency-related issues; in addition, Krieger is experienced in dispute resolution, while Christian Arnold specializes in advising on the conclusion and termination of service contracts with board members and managing directors. Rut Steinhauser is a key contact for transactions in the technology sector; she also focuses on the digital economy and venture capital-related matters. Another key contact is Jens Günther, who is experienced in industrial constitution and collective bargaining law, employment law 4.0 and company pension schemes. The wide-ranging offer is complemented by intersecting expertise in antitrust law and compliance. Stefan Lingemann (labour and social security law) and Ulrich Baeck (banking sector) retired in quick succession at the turn of the year 2021/2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Christian Arnold; Martin Diller; Jens Günther; Katrin Haußmann; Steffen Krieger; Doris-Maria Schuster; Rut Steinhauser
Testimonials
‘Especially in large projects and deals (outsourcing and M&A), Gleiss Lutz is characterized by the highest level of professionalism. Cross-practice teams have a very high level of professional and economic know-how and work very well together. The work meets the highest standards, not only from a legal point of view, but also with regard to economic and negotiation-strategic aspects.’
‘Extraordinarily high professional competence, which is noticeable in the unexcited and practical advice as well as in the court representation. The pleadings and expert opinions are to the point. Great experience and high level of competence in representation towards social partners.’
‘Thomas Winzer: reliable and a fantastic lawyer. It is a pleasure to work with him.’
Work highlights
- Advice on employment law to PHOENIX Pharmahandel on the acquisition of large parts of the Continental European business of US pharmaceutical trader McKesson Corporation. The transaction covers business in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Lithuania and Monaco.
- Employment law advice to several DAX and MDAX companies on the remuneration system for the board of directors and the remuneration report on the remuneration of the board of directors in accordance with Section 162 AktG (ARUG II).
- Employment law advice to several DAX companies on large and strategically important projects.
KLIEMT.Arbeitsrecht
After the opening of a Berlin office in January 2022, KLIEMT.Arbeitsrecht now advises its impressive client base from a total of six German offices, with cross-border projects being managed with the help of a cooperation network. In addition to its offices, the firm also expanded its partner clout with the appointments of Thomas Gerdom (restructuring and manager consulting) and Ferdinand Groß (works constitution law) in January 2022 and with the return of Martin Eisenbeis (focus on advising financial investors) in October 2022 as principal counsel (previously at Trebeck & von Broich Rechtsanwaelte PartG mbB), it also pushed its personnel growth; Eisenbeis is to further expand the Cologne presence. With this set-up, the group is particularly predestined for restructuring and transformation processes as well as acquisition-related employment advice: thus, matters relating to staff reductions and associated negotiations on reconciliation of interests and social plans, negotiations with works councils, arbitration board procedures and collective bargaining negotiations are just as much part of its typical work load as mobile working, regulated remuneration, compliance investigations and company pension schemes. Furthermore, the practice continues to be entrusted with Covid-related matters, including outsourcing, external personnel and agile working. A quartet consisting of name partner Michael Kliemt, who is experienced in executive board contracts, litigator Stefan Fischer, restructuring expert Burkard Göpfert and Barbara Reinhard, who is well versed in collective bargaining and industrial disputes, leads the team.
Practice head(s):
Michael Kliemt; Barbara Reinhard; Burkard Göpfert; Stefan Fischer
Other key lawyers:
Alexander Ulrich; Oliver Vollstädt; Markus Bohnau; Henrik Lüthge; Thomas Gerdom; Ferdinand Groß; Martin Eisenbeis
Testimonials
‘Always responsive, short response times with very useful results; open to discussion, good balanced results. Very good knowledge of the industry and, if necessary, short-term familiarization with new business topics. Outstanding legal qualifications, also beyond labor law; clear coverage of so-called ancillary areas of law such as corporate law, transformation law, social security and tax law.’
‘High-class advice. Trusting and long-established cooperation. Excellent employment law expertise.’
‘Kliemt is the benchmark when it comes to employment law. All national and international developments are anticipated in such a way that sensible preparation is possible without time pressure. Kliemt is solution-oriented and knows what medium-sized companies need: no excessive treatises and comparisons of legal issues in the style of expert opinions, but clear and implementable paths with profound opportunity/risk assessments that are also understandable for decision-makers. Resources are always made available in such a way that schedules can be implemented.’
‘Michael Kliemt has been a close companion of our company for many years on complex restructuring and strategic issues.’
‘Barbara Reinhard: Outstanding legal expertise, extremely pragmatic implementation proposals.’
‘In-depth labor law and strategic advice; top quality and regular information on relevant topics such as legal changes and developments in labor law. Proactive issue tracking.’
‘In addition to outstanding labor law knowledge and experience in (extra)judicial proceedings, Burrkard Göpfert is characterized by extensive knowledge of various sectors. This makes him a valuable sparring partner in strategic approaches. Oliver Vollstädt is a guru of labor law.’
‘Outstanding quality of advice: All facets of individual and collective labor law are covered. Very practical advisory support in legal disputes and works council negotiations as well as non-contentious issues. All in all, unbeatable value for money on the German market.’
Key clients
A.T. Kearney
ABB
Adidas SE
Air Liquide
Airbus
Allianz
ARAG
Atos Information Technology GmbH
Axel Springer
Bayer
Blacklane
Bofrost
Capgemini
Citrix
Condor
Danske Bank
Deloitte
Deutsche Bahn / DB Regio
Deutsche Bundesbank
Deutsche Messe AG
Deutsche Telekom
DXC
Fujitsu
GE
GEA
GfK
Grant Thornton
Griesson
Hamburg Commercial Bank
Henkel
Hermes
Hewlett Packard
Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
Hüls GmbH & Co. KG
IKB
INGDiba
Intersnack
K+S
Knorr Bremse AG
MAN / MAN Energy Solutions
McKinsey
Nokia
Nordsee
NTT Data
OPOPE Germany GmbH
Oracle
Peek & Cloppenburg KG
Porta
Pro7Sat1
Procter & Gamble
real GmbH
Rheinmetall
Roland Berger
Saarstahl
Santander
SAP
Schön Klinik SE
Siemens
Siemens Energy
Siemens Healthcare GmbH
Stada
Takeaway.com (Lieferando)
Teekanne
TÜV Rheinland AG
UHU GmbH & Co. KG
Warner Media Group
Westend Bank AG
Xerox
Zalando SE
TRATON
Fresenius Kabi
DEKRA SE
Messe München
Wacker Neuson SE
Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
Robert Bosch Automotive
Work highlights
- Support for SIEMENS Energy in negotiations for a future agreement, reconciliation of interests and social plan, volunteer program to reduce 3,500 employees.
- Advising Airbus on the reorganization of its German legal structure, including negotiations with the group works council, transfer of operations for approx. 3,000 employees in Germany and the formation of subgroups.
- Advising Rheinmetall AG; Litigation for the company and restructuring measures for numerous subsidiaries, including negotiating the reconciliation of interests and structuring the transfer of operations, implementation of the reorganization of Rheinmetall Protection Systems (closure of the Krefeld site and relocation to Bonn and Lohmar); Reorganization and reduction of the number of business units.
ADVANT Beiten
ADVANT Beiten's employment team is known in particular for its restructuring expertise and also focuses on collective bargaining law and company pension schemes. International players and listed companies are advised in cooperation with various law firm associations and thus, the group not only covers day-to-day employment issues, but also impresses with know-how in transactions; other recent matters also entailed international aspects such as sending workers abroad and the employment of internationals. On personnel level, the practice recently experienced a lot of movement: at the turn of the year 2021/22, experienced litigator Markus Künzel took over the practice management from Wolfgang Lipinski, whose comprehensive expertise in individual and collective employment law stays with the team. In addition, the firm's partner clout was further expanded with the appointments of Stefan Lochner (restructuring, reconciliation of interests and social plans), Gerald Müller-Machwirth (employee leasing and employee invention law), Elisabeth Miesen (hiring and termination procedures), Olga Morasch (industrial constitution law and restructuring) and Sonja Müller (social security law and legal representation) in January 2022. And growth was also experienced through the arrival of Michael Matthiessen (employment contracts and industrial constitution) in March 2022 from Hardtke, Svensson & Partner, Sebastian Kroll (industrial constitution law, reorganization and restructuring) in September 2022 from Ruge-Krömer and Ariane Loof in October of the same year; she was previously with KPMG Law in Germany and specializes in data protection.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Christopher Melms; Daniel Hund; Christian Freiherr von Buddenbrock; Thomas Barthel; Thomas Drosdeck; Wolfgang Lipinski; Stefan Lochner; Gerald Müller-Machwirth; Elisabeth Miesen; Olga Morasch; Sonja Müller, Michael Matthiessen; Sebastian Kroll; Ariane Loof
Testimonials
‘The ADVANT Beiten team is broad, so that you have one main contact and can fall back on the entire team for special issues. The solution approaches are then always coordinated and the interests of our company are ideally taken into account.’
‘Very profound knowledge in several areas, both in individual and in collective employment law. Among other things, on company remuneration schemes, digital solutions for foreign assignments, restructuring, arbitration boards, mobile working; Efficient advice and design of HR processes in companies. Wolfgang Lipinski is very experienced and practice-oriented, conceptually strong, brilliant negotiation strategist.’
‘Technically highly professional. Quick and reliable solutions at all times and competent support in negotiations with operating partners.’
‘Overall, a very strong, extremely friendly team, which is closely interlinked in terms of expertise – very efficient processing of tasks – even when deputizing.’
‘The Advant Beiten team is always available and able to develop pragmatic and quick solutions to problems. Significantly above-average success rates both on an individual legal level and in the collective area (collective agreements). Christopher Melms: Expert in collective bargaining law and with his experience from other mandates always able to find solutions.’
‘Thomas Barthel’s team is exceptionally client- and business-oriented, professional, pragmatic and solution-oriented in the interests of the client.’
‘Modern team, high level of expertise, available at all times, binding feedback, simply outstanding type of cooperation.’
‘Markus Künzel: an experienced lawyer with good negotiating skills, he brings his ideas to negotiations with workers and unions in a targeted manner. Professional appearance, strong in communication and very flexible. Very goal-oriented and fair.’
Key clients
Adler Modemärkte AG
Allianz SE
Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG
EEW Holding GmbH & Co. KG
Flughafen München GmbH und AeroGround Flughafen München GmbH
Francotyp-Postalia Holding AG
Gate Gourmet
IKEA
Market Logic AG
Nippon Steel
Safeguard Global
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG / Sennheiser Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG
Work highlights
- Insolvency employment law support and implementation of a reconciliation of interests for Adler Modemärkte AG by closing around 40 fashion stores with simultaneous preparation for the resale to the investor Zeitfracht.
- Comprehensive strategic advice to Nippon Steel on complex restructuring and transformation issues.
- Advising Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG / Sennheiser Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG on the sale of the Consumer Division to listed company SONOVA Holding from Switzerland.
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH offers a full-service approach in individual and collective employment law, resulting in an advice portfolio which covers collective bargaining law, agile working and staff reduction measures, including negotiations on reconciliation of interests and social plans, as well as HR compliance, employee participation programs, transaction support and reorganization and restructuring: the group's experience in representation before arbitration boards and courts complements the offering. Noticeably, company pension schemes are a particular strength of the team, especially of Marco Arteaga, while pension-related financing as well as tax and regulatory issues are handled across practices. Clients predominantly stem from the life sciences, automotive and logistics sectors; here, practice head Paul Schreiner regularly assists with restructuring-related issues. Sandra Sfinis (industrial constitution law and restructuring) made partner in July 2021, while Susanne Burkert-Vavilova (individual employment law and co-determination issues) joined from Hochtief AG as counsel at the end of 2021.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Axel Braun; Robert von Steinau-Steinrück; Marco Arteaga; Klaus Thönißen; Sandra Sfinis; Susanne Burkert-Vavilova
Testimonials
‘Competent and always friendly. Everyone supports us in our concerns. Very fast and good response time.’
‘Perfectly trained. Very competent.’
‘Pragmatic, well connected in the market.’
‘Axel Braun: Very agile, well-connected.’
‘Paul Schreiner: Many years of experience, practical translation into HR work.’
‘Very solution-focused, many pragmatic ideas, extensive expertise.’
‘Quiet nature, solution-oriented, pragmatic.’
‘Klaus Thönißen: impresses with his quick and analytical perception and the pragmatic solution-orientation in practice!’
Key clients
Amazon
Euler Hermes
Lowell Group
Friedhelm Loh Group
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA
Alloheim Senioren-Residenzen SE
DENSO TEN EUROPE GmbH
HELIOS Kliniken
Schmitz Cargobull AG
Daikin Chemical Europe GmbH
Banco Santander S.A.
Faurecia
Deutsche Bahn AG
Rituals Cosmetics B.V.
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals
Chugai Pharma Germany GmbH
H & M Hennes & Mauritz B.V. & Co. KG
Verizon Deutschland GmbH
Cisco Systems GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising and representing AGV MOVE as the employers’ association of the Deutsche Bahn Group as well as Deutsche Bahn AG and subsidiaries in strategic and legal issues in connection with the collective bargaining agreement, including conducting some court proceedings throughout Germany.
- Advice to Daimler AG on the reorganization of its CTA structure in the course of the group’s demerger.
- Ongoing advice to H & M Hennes & Mauritz BV & Co. KG on issues of individual and collective employment law, including representation in court proceedings and in works council negotiations and arbitration boards.
Noerr
Led by restructuring expert Andreas Butz at the Düsseldorf location, Noerr's team takes on the whole array of individual and collective employment law issues. In addition to restructuring, transactions and employment law due diligence, key competencies also include advice on the separation from previous management, collective bargaining, transfers of operations and the outsourcing of pension obligations. Frequent IT-related matters include data protection and agile working as well as issues arising as part of IT and digitization project implementations. The group's emphasis on transactional support was underlined by the partner appointment of Benjamin Jahn in January 2022. Stefan Schwab is another key contact whose expertise covers company pension schemes, co-determination issues and outsourcing.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Heidi Mahr; Tillmann Hecht; Patrick Mückl; Stefan Schwab; Boris Blunck; Benjamin Jahn
Seitz Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater
Seitz Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater's holistic consulting approach culminates in major employment law projects and restructurings which often include business model realignments, work 4.0 topics as well as changes in collective bargaining and co-determination structures; Marc Werner is a key contact for this. This offering is complemented by intersectional competence in insolvency employment law, compliance expertise and transactional support including post-merger integration. Counsel Maximilian Schmidt covers sports employment law, while Stefan Seitz regularly applies his individual employment law experience for senior executives and Thomas Kania primarily advises on collective employment law. In response to an increased number of instructions pertaining to employment law digitization, Stephan Pötters and Johannes Traut made partners in January 2022; both are dedicated to data protection and IT law issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Seitz team provides comprehensive advice, taking into account all business aspects, and searches intensively for legal design and solution options which are always operationally beneficial to the company.’
‘Stefan Seitz: Very experienced lawyer in all consulting, collective bargaining and employment law issues with a very good network.’
‘Highest level of professionalism, always available and helpful, fast and uncomplicated correspondence with clients, also via digital platforms, excellent solutions always taking the client’s interests into account.’
‘Very competent and always solution-oriented, always pragmatic, understandable presentation of complicated legal issues, fast and reliable.’
Key clients
Deutsche Lufthansa Group
Alstom Group
Stellantis (PSA, Fiat Chrysler, Opel/Vauxhall)
Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof / Signa
AMS/Osram
Amphenol Group
Axa
Borbet Group
Bayer AG
Bundesrepublik Deutschland
BARMER
Bauwens
Brose
Cinedom
Covestro AG
Deutz AG
DOUGLAS GRUPPE
Deutscher Fußball-Bund e.V. (DFB)
Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund (DOSB)
DuMont Mediengruppe
E.ON SE
EA Electronic Arts
Eintracht Frankfurt
Flowserve Inc
ESPRIT
GoDaddy Group
Gothaer Group
Huawai Group
Infineon AG
Ista Gruppe
Jabil Inc.
JAMESTOWN US-Immobilien-Gruppe
LAYA Group
Morphosys AG
Müller Gruppe
Nemak Gruppe
Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group
real GMBH
Roche Pharma
R+V Versicherung
REWE
Swarovski Group
SCOR
Segula Technologies
Sony Europe
Stadtwerkekonzern Köln
Ströer SE
ThyssenKrupp AG
Tosoh Gruppe
Tier Mobility
TK Elevator
Universitätsklinik Köln
WKW Automotive
Zeiss Group
Zooplus AG
Work highlights
- Advising Deutsche Lufthansa Group on a large restructuring project (approx. 50,000 employees), including numerous collective bargaining negotiations.
- Employment law and strategic advice to Opel/all companies of the Stellantis Group in Germany, including on restructuring issues (headcount reduction of approx. 10,000 employees) and post-merger harmonization concept after the merger of PSA and Fiat Chrysler.
- Employment law support for Alstom Group on the post-merger integration of Bombardier’s railway division into Alstom Group and on a restructuring project.
Allen & Overy LLP
Embedded within its global firm network, Allen & Overy LLP's employment law team assists with cross-border projects as well as with German individual and collective employment issues. Typical instructions in the latter area relate to works council negotiations, the introduction and modification of remuneration models and employee participation schemes, company pension schemes (including company pension compliance), the use of external staff and HR compliance. Personnel reduction measures, including the negotiation of social plans and reconciliation of interests, represent the responsibilities of practice head Markulf Behrendt, while counsel Sebastian Schulz covers bonus structures and related disputes. Thomas Ubber possesses additional expertise in collective bargaining law. In October 2021, counsel Boris Blunck (extensively active in employment law) joined Noerr as associated partner, while financial sector expert Hans-Peter Löw left for a counsel position at DLA Piper in spring 2022. Peter Wehner (company pensions and company pension compliance) made partner in May 2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Development of creative and alternative solutions; good distribution of roles in critical negotiations.’
‘The consulting services are without exception of the highest quality and always very useful in practice. In time-sensitive matters, the team is always available for us.’
‘They offer industry-based knowledge in their advice, not only on the topic at hand, but also on the big picture.’
Key clients
Airbus
AGV MOVE
Aquila
Autoliv
Baker Hughes
BCS Automotive Interface Solutions / Luxshare
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Lufthansa
Gerry Weber
NBC Universal
PagoNxt/Santander
SAP (Emarsys)
Vivantes
W. L. Gore
Work highlights
- Advising Airbus on the establishment and implementation of two settlement agreements on the implementation of overtime and on-call duty.
- Advising Deutsche Bahn on the collective bargaining disputes with GDL and defending the client against strike measures by GDL, including summary proceedings with the aim of banning the strike.
- Employment law advice to PagoNxt/Santander and Santander Group on the integration after the takeover of the Wirecard core business by Santander.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie's employment advice contains strong notes of the firm's global orientation, resulting in frequent activity in the context of national and international M&A transactions, corporate reorganizations (including staff reduction measures) and post-merger integration. This is complemented by pension and tax law expertise; a range of topics that co-practice head Christian Reichel is also dedicated to, while current issues such as new work and digitization continue to contribute to the team's workload as well. For matters related to compliance and the use of external staff, the practice often cooperates with the firm's compliance and internal investigations experts; co-practice head Steffen Scheuer regularly acts at this interface, but also advises on employee data protection. Günther Heckelmann retired in December 2021.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Bernhard Trappehl; Alexander Wolff; Katja Häferer; Matthias Köhler
Testimonials
‘Baker McKenzie achieved great results for us in very complicated and difficult employee and union negotiations and litigation.’
‘Christian Reichel always has the bigger picture in mind and also sees cross-connections to adjacent legal fields.’
‘Technically, the team occupies a top position. We are very satisfied with the cooperation.’
Key clients
SAP SE
Capgemini
Celanese
Netflix
Sika AG
Metro AG
ABB AG
Dentsply Sirona
BMI
ZF Friedrichshafen
GSK Consumer Health GmbH
Takeda
PayPal
Apple
Work highlights
- Representing SAP SE before the Grand Chamber of the ECJ on the issue of trade union representation on the supervisory boards of European companies (SEs).
- Employment law advice to Sika AG on the takeover of the MBCC Group (Master Builders Construction Chemicals), the former BASF construction chemicals division, from Lone Star Funds.
- Employment law support for Celanese on the takeover of the Mobility & Materials business unit from DuPont de Nemours Inc.
Pusch Wahlig Workplace Law
Pusch Wahlig Workplace Law is one of the largest employment law boutiques in Germany and covers all individual and collective employment matters at a total of six German locations. The firm experienced significant growth in July 2022 with the addition of a five-person team consisting of of counsel Georg Annuß (corporate and board consulting), Jan Rudolph (SE law and works constitution law) and Ingo Sappa (employment law accompanying transactions) as well as two new associates from Staudacher Annuss Arbeitsrecht. (previously Staudacher Annuß). The partner clout was further increased with internal partner appointments of Anna Martin (restructuring, transactions), Meike Christine Rehner (corporate restructuring, termination litigation) and Eckbert Müller (M&A, corporate restructuring) in July 2022. Due to its broad practice, instructions on SE issues, co-determination and post-merger integration form just as much a part of the group’s day-to-day business as insolvency-related topics, remuneration structures and the adaptation of working conditions to modern forms of work. Verena Braeckeler-Kogel and practice head Tobias Pusch are among the key contacts for restructuring; Pusch also handles liability issues. Albrecht Nehls applies his expertise on church employment issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Wahlig; Jochen Keilich; Holger Thomas; Verena Braeckeler-Kogel; Albrecht Nehls; Tobias Brors; Marius Fritzsche; Georg Annuß; Jan Rudolph; Ingo Sappa; Anna Martin; Meike Christine Rehner; Eckbert Müller
Testimonials
‘First-class and reliable cooperation with the law firm, highly recommended. We always experienced flawless and quick communication at all times. Everything was very reliable, complex issues were always explained very well. The whole team was extremely friendly and nice – you could tell that everyone “behind the scenes” got along well!’
‘Always competent, quick feedback, comprehensive advice, very tough deadlines, which they met with a lot of overtime. I valued the collaboration at “equal footing”. Personally, I don’t want to work with anyone else.’
‘Well-founded specialist knowledge and realistic assessment of the legal problems faced by the client.’
‘Individual goal-oriented performance. High qualification, extraordinary experience.’
‘Our key contact succeed very quickly in adapting to the company’s own style of communication and internal dealings with one another. This develops a common team spirit, which makes working together very pleasant. Internal communication is good, appointments are made quickly, easily and reliably.’
‘The practice has an unsurpassed positive attitude. I’ve never worked with a team that takes this attitude so consistently. PWWL is always prepared for all questions and needs and answers questions in advance. The law firm has a very good business sense and delivers pragmatic solutions. The client is the focus.’
‘Very good sparring in the team to design the best possible employment law solutions and enforce them in and out of court. Very good availability and flexibility in terms of time. Very professional, forward-thinking way of working.’
‘Very pragmatic and well thought-out solutions and always available.’
Key clients
8fit GmbH
Adler Real Estate AG
Allianz Global Investors GmbH
Arive GmbH
Avaya Deutschland GmbH
AXA Partners S.A.S
Bilfinger SE
BRAV-Gruppe
Carl Zeiss AG
Ceva Tiergesundheit GmbH
Check24 Gruppe
Delivery Hero SE
Dussmann Group
Engel & Völkers GmbH
Everphone GmbH
flaschenpost SE
Flink SE
Gartner
GetYourGuide Deutschland GmbH
Hotels by HR
Hyatt Group
Imperial Brands / Reemtsma
IAV Automotive Engineering
Korian
Magna
Mainova AG
Mandarin Oriental
ManpowerGroup Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
McDonald’s Deutschland LLC
McMakler GmbH
momox GmbH
QVC
Rabobank
Rolls-Royce
RWE Renewables
Safran Cabin Germany GmbH
Sixt SE
Stage Entertainment GmbH
Uniper
UNIQLO EUROPE LTD
Work highlights
- Advising Delivery Hero on employment law aspects of the Gorillas financing round.
vangard | Littler
vangard | Littler assists a wide range of clients with all individual and collective employment law issues. Recently, the practice applied its expertise particularly often in the restructuring context as well as in downsizing, new work, new economy and company pension schemes matters; Hamburg-based litigator Tobias Berdesinski is a key contact for the latter. In Düsseldorf, Corinna Verhoek is an experienced contact for negotiations with works councils and staff reduction measures, while Rajko Herrmann in Berlin is well versed in co-determination law and often advises clients from the aviation, logistics, IT, software and media sectors. In June 2022, the digital consulting wing was strengthened by the salary partner appointment of Esther Dehmel, who is well versed in the IT and start-up sectors, while the appointments of Dagmar Lessnau (also co-determination and works constitution law) and Stephanie Koch five months prior enhanced the salary partner presence in transaction-related employment matters and day-to-day employment issues respectively. Further equity partner promotions in January 2023 included Julia Viohl (drafting contracts, separation processes under employment law, restructuring) and Matthias Sandmaier (restructuring, works constitution law, negotiations with employee representatives). Thanks to its integration into global employment boutique Littler Mendelson, P.C., the firm is also well equipped for cross-border issues such as international recruiting, whistleblowing, data protection, mediation and entering the German market; Jan-Ove Becker in Hamburg is a key contact for US clients.
Other key lawyers:
Corinna Verhoek; Dennis Lüers; Tobias Berdesinski; Rajko Herrmann; Christoph Crisolli; Dagmar Lessnau; Stephanie Koch; Jan-Ove Becker; Thomas Griebe; Esther Dehmel; Julia Viohl; Matthias Sandmaier
Testimonials
‘vangard’s practice is always very competently staffed and is very internationally positioned thanks to the association with Littler. We are supported by very experienced lawyers. The law firm strives for a diverse lineup and is committed to sustainability.’
‘Great team; pragmatic advice and good experience, especially in advising young companies/start-ups.’
‘The team is characterized by the fact that they completely represent each other. If the main contact person for a topic cannot be reached or is absent, a substitute person who works on the topic takes over seamlessly.’
Key clients
AstraZeneca GmbH
easyJet Airline Company Ltd.
AccorInvest Germany GmbH
Ada Health GmbH
C&A Mode GmbH & Co. KG
CABB
Dell GmbH
Exporo AG
FLINK SE
gematik GmbH
Generali Lebensversicherung AG
Go-Ahead Baden-Württemberg GmbH
Henry Mobility GmbH („Get Henry“)
Huawei Technologies Deutschland GmbH
Huntsworth Health Gruppe
Josef Meier GmbH & Co. KG
New Work SE
Novartis Deutschland, einschließlich Konzernunternehmen (Hexal, Sandoz)
Olympus SE & Co KG
Plastic Omnium Gruppe
Rheinbahn AG
Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG
Sabena Aerospace
salesforce.com Germany GmbH
Schüttflix GmbH
TIER SE
TomTom Gruppe
Work highlights
- Advising Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG including cross-border support on the introduction of a globally standardized remote working policy for 9,000 employees at 1,200 locations worldwide.
- Managed the Europe-wide spin-off of Olympus Group’s Scientific Solutions Division, covering ten countries, including the transfer to the newly formed company.
- Advised TIER Mobility SE on all employment law issues related to TIER’s expansion abroad (including Ireland, UK, Greece, Dubai and Italy).
Arqis Rechtsanwälte
Arqis Rechtsanwälte focuses on employment law advice related to compliance and data protection and is particularly experienced in the life sciences and telecommunications sectors. Company pension schemes advice represents another mainstay for the practice which has established a task force assisting with topics related to de-risking and pension buy-outs; here, practice co-head Tobias Neufeld is one of the key contacts who is also adept in regulated remuneration and HR compliance. This offering is complemented by expertise in transaction- and transformation-related employment law. Practice co-head Andrea Panzer-Heemeier also routinely acts in employment matters pertaining to corporate and stock corporation law, an area that was further strengthened with the arrival of Anja Markworth (previously at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer ) as special counsel in December 2021; she specializes in employment advice in the M&A and venture capital sphere.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very good practical experience, also in the area between digitization and employment law.’
‘Very good, reliable communication and coordination. Very friendly handling.’
‘Excellent combination of legal expertise and practical consulting skills.’
Eversheds Sutherland
Its close cooperation with its M&A and corporate teams as well as across locations result in Eversheds Sutherland's particular competencies in cross-border transactions and restructurings with an industrial focus on automotive, consumer goods, life sciences, logistics and TMT. Practice head and works constitution law expert Frank Achilles regularly handleds co-determination issues as well as works agreement and collective bargaining and represents clients in contentious proceedings and before arbitration boards. Rolf Kowanz is usually in charge of company pension schemes matters, which represents another core competence of the team; he is also experienced in supporting staff reduction measures and outsourcing projects. Stephanie Bäuerle (reorganization and restructuring) and Felix Römisch (works constitution law and industrial action law) recently made counsel.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Marco Ferme; Rolf Kowanz; Bernd Pirpamer; Manuela Rauch; Stephanie Bäuerle; Felix Römisch
Key clients
AR Packaging
Aspen Pharma
BioNTech
Celenus-Kliniken
Knorr-Bremse
Philip Morris
Reconomy
Ricoh
Benteler
Birkenstock Gruppe
CyrusOne
Enel Green Power Germany
Glanbia Nutritionals
Glenwood
Johnson Controls Group
Sherwin-Williams
Securitas
GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB
National and international restructuring form the central pillars of GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB's employment law advice which includes all associated issues such as reconciliation of interests, social plan and collective bargaining negotiations, volunteer programs and dismissal protection processes as well as insolvency-related matters. In addition, the team covers various classic employment and social security matters such as works constitution law, compliance and temporary employment, is well versed in litigation and also provides data protection expertise. Due to years of experience in US firms, practice head Ulrich Fülbier frequently advises internationally active clients, while Dirk Freihube is an expert for advice in the financial sector.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Bezani; Burkhard Fabritius; Ralf Hottgenroth; Marcus Richter; Dirk Freihube; Frank Wilke
Testimonials
‘Reliability, very good accessibility. Technically very competent. Practical and solution-oriented.’
‘Dirk Freihube is our competent and well-respected legal advisor in all employment law matters. He works quickly, reliably and with absolute confidentiality and is always in the interest of our company.’
‘Burkhard Fabritius: Available quickly and at all times, pragmatic, goal-oriented advice, very high level of legal and strategic expertise.’
Key clients
Alliance Automotive Group
AUREGO
Borgers SE & Co. KGaA (Olbrich GmbH)
BPW Bergische Achsen KG
Deutsche Post
Dolce & Gabbana
E.I.S. Aircraft Products and Services GmbH
Gebr. Storck GmbH
HUK-COBURG Insurance Group
Hommel Hercules Werkzeughandel GmbH & Co. KG (Tochtergesellschaft Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG)
Leoni AG
LG Electronics Germany
Luftfahrt Gesellschaft Walter mbG (LGW)
Nexans
NBHX Trim GmbH
Pfalzmarkt e.G.
Räuchle GmbH + Co KG
RUBIX GmbH
Rentschler Biopharma SE
SONA Autocomp Germany / BLW Präzisionsschmiede GmbH
Superior Industries Production Germany GmbH
Thermofischer
Ufenau Capital Partners AG
Vivantes Netzwerk für Gesundheit GmbH
Vorwerk Deutschland Stiftung & Co. KG
x+bricks AG and SCP Group S.à r.l.
Work highlights
- Advice to HUK-COBURG on an investment in Neodigital Versicherung AG and on the establishment of a joint venture in the field of motor vehicle insurance with Neodigital.
- Advice on employment law to Superior Industries Production Germany GmbH in connection with the restructuring of the German production facility in Werdohl.
- Advice to the Alliance Automotive Group on the acquisition of the German Knoll GmbH and other parts of the Knoll group as well as on the operation of a company from insolvency (according to the acquisition concept).
Greenfort
Greenfort handles all facets of individual and collective employment law, including in- and out-of-court representation in contentious proceedings, while its non-contentious advice focuses on transactions and reorganization measures such as restructuring, downsizing and transfers of business. This advice spectrum is provided by practice heads Mark Lembke and Jens-Wilhelm Oberwinter among others and, in accordance with the firm's internal orientation, also includes social plan and reconciliation negotiations as well as remuneration and incentive programs matters, works constitution law, corporate co-determination and collective bargaining law. While the practice primarily acts for companies, it recently also saw an increase in instructions from executives.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘A distinctive law firm. Holistic, valuable, modern advice at the highest level. Unorthodox, groundbreaking, always tailor-made. Reliable advisers, hands-on doers, entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs with the goal: We make our clients happy! Excellent advice, great service, highly competent lawyers, very friendly reception.’
‘The Greenfort team is very practical, always available, flexible, responsive and has an extremely large knowledge base/network for the topics that are important to us.’
‘I found the team to be very proactive and enthusiastic. Mr. Lembke is not only an excellent lawyer, he also knows how to find solutions in difficult situations that are not obvious at first glance.’
Key clients
3D Systems GmbH
Abbott Medical GmbH
AML RightSource
Arbeiterwohlfahrt Kreisverband Wiesbaden e.V.
BIO BREADNESS GmbH
Controlware Holding GmbH
Dimetis GmbH
iCognize GmbH
Degussa Bank AG
Gas-Union GmbH
Gorenje Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH
HIRO Lift Hillenkötter + Ronsieck GmbH
ING-DiBa AG
InnoEnergy GmbH
Institut Allergosan Deutschland (privat) GmbH
John Zink KEU GmbH
Kienzle Automotive GmbH
Korn Ferry (DE) GmbH
Kuoni-Gruppe
Licharz 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
Panasonic Business Support Europe GmbH
Panasonic Connect Europe GmbH
Panasonic Marketing Europe GmbH
Parzeller-Group
PIMCO Europe GmbH
Planon GmbH
Primonial REIM Germany AG
Shopify
Stratasys GmbH
Wella Company
World Childhood Foundation
World Hotels AG
Work highlights
- Comprehensive advice to Wella on works constitution matters, including representation in disputes and arbitration board proceedings.
- Comprehensive advice and representation of Arbeiterwohlfahrt Kreisverband Wiesbaden eV in dealing with the AWO scandal.
- Advising and representing Molex CVS on the closure of its Dabendorf production site.
Küttner Rechtsanwälte
Specializing in employment law, the Cologne-based Küttner Rechtsanwälte covers a wide range of topics and mainly acts for clients from the automotive, finance, transport, life sciences and consumer goods industries, but recently also experienced an increase in instructions from the public sector. The practice focuses on corporate transactions and restructuring, work 4.0, company pension schemes, works constitution law and compliance as well as employment law investigations, data protection and the use of external staff. In addition to employer support, the team is also experienced in advising executives. Key contacts include restructuring specialist Thomas Niklas, Tim Wißmann, who is experienced in the automotive sector, and data protection expert Thomas Faas, who is also adept at insolvency-related matters. Jürgen Röller (individual and collective employment law) retired recently but will remain with the team as of counsel.
Other key lawyers:
Jürgen Röller; Robert Lungerich; Gerd Schwamborn; Michael Dietzler; Herbert Hertzfeld; Tim Wißmann; Thomas Niklas; Benjamin Ittmann; Thomas Faas
Testimonials
‘The team stands out due to its high level of expertise, timely processing, friendliness, helpfulness and availability.’
‘The office is always 100% available. Deep and broad knowledge of employment law, very high level of commitment and trustworthiness. The team is able to grasp very complex issues very quickly, to recognize possible weak points, to play to strengths and to advise on the corporate strategy, to implement and support the issues.’
‘Outstanding expertise in employment law and extremely good cooperation and support across the spectrum of the legal field.’
Key clients
Atlas Copco Holding GmbH
Vaillant GmbH
DHL
Grimme-Institut
Nissan Center Europe GmbH
Shell Deutschland GmbH
WDR
Norgine GmbH
Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR)
Super RTL GmbH & Co. KG
Foveruka e.V. / Ford Werke GmbH
Work highlights
- Nationwide advice and representation of DEVK Versicherungen in all areas of individual and collective employment law. Most recently, advice on the contractual structure of the (regulated) remuneration of its executive board.
- Comprehensive advice and representation of MDR in connection with freelancers who assert employee status in court.
- In-court and out-of-court advice and representation for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia on numerous employment law issues, such as disputes over the classification of employees in the state’s courts and public prosecutor’s offices, as well as coordination with responsible actors (including the NRW Ministry of Justice).
Schweibert Leßmann & Partner
Schweibert Leßmann & Partner focuses its employment expertise on restructuring support, where name partner Ulrike Schweibert is also experienced; she also represents clients before the Federal Labour Court and the ECJ. Advice includes all related issues such as staff reduction measures, business transfers, negotiations on the reconciliation of interests and social plans, as well as company pension schemes and the harmonization of pension schemes after transactions. Recently, the practice also demonstrated its know-how in employee data protection, co-determination, collective bargaining and industrial action law. Elena Heimann, who specializes in restructuring projects and works constitution law, joined from Bluedex as counsel in July 2022, while Anja Mengel (ongoing management consulting, protection against dismissal and works constitution law as well as court proceedings) became self-employed in January 2023.
Other key lawyers:
Ulrike Schweibert; Rüdiger Hopfe; Christoph Herrmann; Simone Kühnast; Elena Heimann
Key clients
Allianz SE
Banque Europèenne du Crédit Mutiel
Berlin Hyp AG
Berliner Zentrum für internationale Friedenseinsätze
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
DB Vertrieb GmbH
Fresenius Gruppe
Gersfelder Metallwaren GmbH
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
Nuri GmbH
Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
SirionLabs plc
Sparkasse Bremen
Solaris Bank AG
Triumph Motorrad Deutschland
Vattenfall GmbH
Viafintech GmbH
Volkswagen Financial Services AG / Volkswagen Bank
WIRmachenDRUCK GmbH
WISAG Gruppe
Work highlights
- Employment advice to Fresenius Medical Care on the Global Operating Model Transformation Program (FME25).
- Employment advice to Yucaipa Acquisition Corporation on the acquisition of Signa Sports United as part of a SPAC IPO.
- Negotiation of collective agreements for various companies of the WISAG Aviation Group and advice in connection with strikes.
Taylor Wessing
In 2021 and 2022, Taylor Wessing put a strong focus on pandemic-driven issues such as downsizing, temporary employment and recruiting, while its other mainstays also include restructuring, employee data protection, HR compliance and the German market entry of international clients. Kilian Friemel leads the team and is experienced in the development of concepts for making personnel, pay and working hours more flexible. The team's core competence in mobile work advice was underlined with the appointment of Michael Beer as salary partner in May 2021, while Janine Krupa-Soltane joined as salary partner from DLA Piper in November 2021 and focuses on employee data protection and co-determination in the IT industry. Nico Jänicke (focus on employee participation programs) made equity partner in May 2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Oliver Bertram; Michael Johannes Pils; Marc André Gimmy; Nico Jänicke; Michael Beer; Janine Krupa-Soltane
Testimonials
‘Extremely professional and well-connected. Contribute good practice examples, innovative ideas and creativity. The service from a single source is very valuable.’
‘Great cooperation, always to the point and equipped with good ideas and support.’
‘Very collegial interaction; Very high level of professional expertise in relevant employment law issues. Pragmatic handling of our inquiries and easy to understand answers. Consulting strongly oriented towards practice/reality and relevant to business; uncomplicated and fast response to inquiries.’
Key clients
Adobe
American Airlines
Audi
DeepL
DoorDash
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Evonik
Lyft
Panasonic
REWE
Ricoh
Telefónica
Angelini Pharma
Asana
Brooks Automation
Candy Hoover
Databricks
Deutsche Pfandbriefbank
Eventbrite
Froneri (Schöller)
FRONIUS INTERNATIONAL GmbH
Haier
HAYS
ID Logistics
KARL MAYER Gruppe
Luminar Technologies
Medallia
Randstad
Sophos
Techtronic Industries (Milwaukee etc.)
Zeppelin Group
Work highlights
- Advice to DoorDash on the expansion to and market entry in Germany as well as ongoing advice on employment law, including health protection, co-determination rights and AÜG.
- Ongoing employment law advice to American Airlines.
- Transactional employment law support for the Spanish Telefónica company in Germany as part of a fiber optic cable construction joint venture.
DLA Piper
In November 2021, DLA Piper saw the departure of associate Janine Krupa-Soltane (individual and collective employment law), who joined Taylor Wessing as salary partner, but welcomed financial sector expert Hans-Peter Löw, who is known for his regulatory and data protection expertise, from Allen & Overy LLP as senior counsel the following spring. Collective employment issues, reorganization and restructuring and company pension schemes form the core of the group's client work, which also mirrors the expertise of practice head Kai Bodenstedt; he has many years of experience in advising internationally active companies and groups on restructuring and works council negotiations as well as in representing them in disputes with employees and works councils in court and before arbitration boards.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Jens Kirchner, Pascal Kremp; Henriette Norda; Hans-Peter Löw
Testimonials
‘Recognized professional competence in all facets of employment law paired with a very good understanding of practical framework conditions and operational practices. Solution-oriented approach with clear suggestions for practical implementation. In addition, excellent coaching in negotiation situations.’
‘The pragmatic advice, high flexibility and solution orientation is extremely helpful and highly appreciated. The balance between legal advice and economic considerations is always given and leads to sustainable solutions.’
‘Fast reaction times, precise advice and prompt delivery with outstanding results, both nationally and internationally.’
‘Kai Bodenstedt: Fast and balanced advice with a high level of professional expertise, extremely pleasant and uncomplicated cooperation.’
‘Jens Kirchner and the team are outstanding in taking on the specific situation, putting themselves in the position at hand and also pointing out alternatives or situations that are not specifically requested.’
‘Henriette Norda is exceptional. She is a true powerhouse: sharp, precise, incredibly responsive. She offers pragmatic solutions for complex issues. She is also experienced in litigation and is exactly the lawyer you want on your side.’
‘Perfect and direct communication with the entire employment law team. Proactive advice from DLA Piper when laws have changed and contracts need to be adjusted.’
‘DLA works in a solution-oriented and, above all, entrepreneurial manner. It’s not about brilliant legal literature achievements, but about solutions in a specific, company-related individual environment. Hands-on, a mentality not always found in law firms.’
Key clients
Axalta
Freeline Therapeutics GmbH
Fritz Schäfer GmbH & Co KG
H&M Hennes & Mauritz Logistics
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Medtronic
Merlin Entertainment
Project Real Estate AG
Qualcomm
Burberry
Georgsmarienhütte GmbH
Work highlights
- Advice to Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG on the spin-off of the E-Mobility division and the further development of Print Solutions, Packaging Solutions and Technology Solutions segments.
- Advising Qualcomm on a works agreement on artificial intelligence and co-determination rights in matrix structures and negotiations on the works agreement.
- Advising Fritz Schäfer GmbH & Co KG on individual and collective bargaining issues, restructuring measures and employment law compliance in several cases with an international dimension.
Hengeler Mueller
Acquisition assistance represents the central pillar of Hengeler Mueller's employment law practice, which is not least a result of the close cooperation with the firm's corporate and M&A teams and the specialization of its practice heads Hendrik Bockenheimer and Christian Hoefs. Other frequent matters include restructuring and reorganization, including downsizing and negotiations with employee representatives, while the practice also saw an uptick in instructions relating to short-time work and temporary renumeration reductions. Expertise in board matters, company pensions, co-determination and company pension schemes complement the advice offering.
Other key lawyers:
Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek
Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek‘s employment group is headed by Bernd Weller and Astrid Reich, both of whom are well versed in assisting with restructuring, compliance issues and works constitution matters; Weller complements this with litigation experience and was recently particularly active in individual employment disputes. Other recent matters included advice on management board separation scenarios, pandemic-related short-time work issues as well as use of external staff and co-determination. Utz Andelewski possesses special expertise in church employment law, while Markus Schmülling, who made partner in January 2022, regularly applies his expertise for clients in the automotive sector. Alexander Bork (international focus; advising stock corporations on management board contracts) and Volker Voth (restructuring and negotiating with works councils) made partner in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Andreas Walle; Utz Andelewski; Martin Reufels; Johan-Michel Menke; Arietta von Stechow; Markus Schmülling; Alexander Bork; Volker Voth
Testimonials
‘Very high level of knowledge, always up-to-date. Excellent transfer into practice.’
‘Dynamic team.’
‘Johan-Michel Menke is an excellent negotiator.’
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Hogan Lovells International LLP is an experienced advisor on international transaction, transformation and restructuring projects, but also focuses on compliance and data protection advice; alongside this project work, practice head Tim Gero Joppich is also experienced in the introduction of new HR IT systems. The offering is complemented by Bernd Klemm's expertise in company pension schemes. Recently, the group also handled issues relating to false-self-employment and SE conversions.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Kerstin Neighbour; Hendrik Kornbichler; Eckard Schwarz; Bernd Klemm
Testimonials
‘Reliable advance information on relevant changes/innovations. Implementation characterized by common sense and practical relevance.’
‘Legal advice tailored to the client, pragmatic approach and risk considerations where desired and appropriate. Current topics are addressed proactively. Seamless collaboration and support from different consulting areas as well as across different geographical regions/countries. Single point of contact for all (initial) inquiries.’
‘Expertise, professionalism, accessibility, reliability, flexibility. Extremely cooperative, trusting and friendly working relationship. Pragmatic approach wherever possible. View of the bigger picture.’
‘Eckard Schwarz: Always available, reacts quickly and has a very high level of competence. Has extensive experience and entrepreneurial understanding. Personally very pleasant.’
‘Unique commitment and support in all employment law issues; in urgent cases immediate availability and prioritization. Showing different options for action, including the consequences.’
‘Fast and professional, strong on the matter.’
‘Very good accessibility and reliable management of order processing. Creativity in the development of practical solutions. Proactively providing impetus for the further development of our corporate culture.’
‘Continuity, reliable!’
Key clients
Kantar
Booking.com
Uber
FlixMobility
Statkraft
BNP Paribas Real Estate
Uber
Manroland Pension Trust e.V.
@-yet
Stadtwerke Aachen AG
Dynavax
MicroVention Deutschland GmbH
Choice Hotels
Dentsu
DÖRKEN
Chr. Hansen GmbH
HAPEKO Hanseatisches Personalkontor Deutschland GmbH
Aluminium Oxid Stade GmbH
Loro Piano
Marken
GfE Metalle und Materialien GmbH
MHM Holding GmbH
Mānuka Health New Zealand Limited
Work highlights
- Advice to Kantar on the introduction of Workday, including negotiations with the central works council and comprehensive advice and negotiation of a transformation project to redesign working conditions.
- Advising Booking.com on various employment law issues, in particular in connection with a restructuring and a global hybrid working project.
- Advising FlixMobility on converting its legal form into an SE and further developing its management structure.
JUSTEM Rechtsanwälte
As a firm specializing in employment law JUSTEM Rechtsanwälte covers a wide range of individual and collective employment matters. In addition to data protection and contractor compliance related to the use of external personnel – matters which are frequently handled by Daniel Klösel who also possesses expertise in employment matters in the professional sports industry – the case load includes restructuring, new work , working time models as well as assistance with separation scenarios and subsequent disputes. Separation processes are often handled by Henning Reitz, who further focuses on ongoing works constitution advice. Caroline Bitsch focuses on remuneration systems and regulatory requirements in the banking sector, while Thilo Mahnhold demonstrates strength in advising on matrix structures, restructuring and compliance issues.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Bitsch; Thilo Mahnhold; Henning Reitz; Daniel Klösel
Testimonials
‘All partners/employees of the law firm are technically outstanding, always approachable, can explain legal issues in an understandable way and advise using a pragmatic approach. Clients with a small number of questions are treated with the same courtesy as large clients.’
‘They develop practice-oriented solutions with risk assessment, taking into account all necessary aspects. Short distances, quick coordination and responsiveness at all times.’
‘Caroline Bitsch and Thilo Mahnhold: Both have a very high level of competence, do excellent work and are always available for us in a timely manner. They also know how to create a personal relationship, which is extremely important for working together.’
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
Evonik
FrankfurtRheinMain GmbH
Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe Privatbank AG
Hollmann International
LHB AG
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.)
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
- Advising Bethmann Bank AG on the revision of remuneration guidelines and the adjustment of existing company agreements.
- Advice and representation of professional athletes and coaches of CAA Base Ltd. in various legal disputes relating to separations and bonus payments; also employment law advice on multinational player deals in professional football.
- Advising Universal-Investment-Gesellschaft mbH on topics related to the pandemic, such as working from home, concepts for returning to work and 3G at work. In addition, support for the implementation of matrix structures in the international group of companies, including litigation.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP focuses on employment advice on restructuring and reorganizations, including insolvency-related restructuring, and is also well versed in transactional employment advice thanks to the cross-practice cooperation with its private equity and M&A teams as well as its international ties; reflecting the sectoral expertise of practice head Tobias Leder , this experience is often applied for clients in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. In addition to his advisory work, the practice lead is also experienced in representing clients in disputes before employment and civil courts. Expertise in employment law compliance and data protection completes the group's offering. Anne Kleffmann (financial sector experience) joined Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in April 2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Tobias Leder always advises from the client’s point of view and in a practical manner.’
‘Extremely service-oriented and technically experienced team.’
‘Tobias Leder: Outstanding employment law expert who knows how to successfully manage complex matters.’
Key clients
Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
Airbus Cybersecurity GmbH
Dewpoint Therapeutics GmbH
Hexal AG
Körber AG
MGM International Television Productions
Novartis Pharma AG
Panasonic
SAP Fioneer
Salutas Pharma GmbH
Sandoz International GmbH
Star Alliance
Swiss Re Europe S.A.
TeamViewer AG
Work highlights
- Ongoing employment law advice to Airbus Defense and Space GmbH and current representation in court proceedings.
- Ongoing employment law advice to Airbus Cybersecurity GmbH and support in two court proceedings.
- Ongoing employment law advice to MGM International Television Productions in connection with the development of the German location.
Linklaters
Linklaters is frequenly instructed by financial institutions, DAX companies and other global players to advise on international transactions and restructuring; Matthew Devey, who handed over the practice management to Timon Grau in May 2022, is also committed to this topic. Grau's client work also corresponds with the practice focus and further includes compliance and data protection issues as well as litigation and internal investigations. He also assists with board and managing director matters and compensation issues. René Döring's expertise is drawn upon by clients seeking advice on company pension schemes and pension disputes. YukikoWärmelberger-Kijima made counsel in November 2021 and underpins the practice's approach with expertise in business transitions, outsourcing projects and pension issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘It is a very trusting cooperation at a very high legal level. Legal advice can be fully relied on to provide full coverage of adjoining aspects, including economic and political implications and risks, when relevant.’
‘Extensive knowledge of individual and collective employment law. Good coordination skills in transactions with a foreign element and partner law firms. Fair billing.’
‘Since aspects of employment law often affect several areas of law, very good networking between the various areas of law and extremely well-established cooperation between the various partners and teams is crucial, which Linklaters as a firm and Mr. Döring as the lead partner have always excellently managed.’
Work highlights
- Advising Daimler AG on the spin-off and IPO of the Trucks & Busses division, including due diligence for the IPO and preparation of relevant employment law passages for the IPO.
- Advising Genting Hong Kong Limited, MV WERFTEN and Lloyd Werften on the restructuring of four large shipyards, including the overall concept of the employment law restructuring.
- Advising Mondi on employment and company pension law related to the sale of the global Personal Care Components business to Japanese Nitto Denko Corporation, including various collective employment law issues and setting up a global retention bonus program.
Oppenhoff
Oppenhoff's consulting portfolio includes all individual and collective employment issues with a focus on supporting restructuring, reorganizations and transactions, while recently also experiencing an increase in instructions on contentious issues. This corresponds with practice head Jörn Kuhn's wealth of experience: in addition to restructuring, he is well versed in in- and out-of-court disputes with employees, works councils and trade unions, but also advises on company pension matters, particularly in the context of transactions. In addition to collective employment law, Kathrin Vossen is further adept at individual employment law and focuses on illness-related dismissals, operational integration as well as health management and employment law for severely disabled people. These technical skills are complemented by sector expertise in the automotive, IT, retail and consumer goods, insurance and aerospace industries.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Alexander Willemsen; Gilbert Wurth; Kathrin Vossen; Isabel Hexel; Anja Dombrowsky
Testimonials
‘Tasks are handled as a team, which means that they can be answered promptly.’
‘Isabel Hexel is always available to us and has, without exception, always given us reliable and qualitatively very good advice over the past year and a half and has conducted employment law proceedings for us.’
‘Isabel Hexel is always reliable, working with her is always pleasant and a lot of fun. We are very happy to have found such qualified, reliable support in her.’
‘Oppenhoff impresses with extremely fast reaction times, on-time deliveries, high-quality professional information and elaborations as well as various foreign language skills.’
Key clients
Adient Group
CBRE
Diebold Nixdorf
Finanz Informatik
Glatfelder
Rhomberg-Sersa Group
RIMOWA
TI Automotive
United Airlines
Viatris
Osborne Clarke
At Osborne Clarke, digital transformation and new work, including all associated matters such as outsourcing, use of external staff (contingent workforce compliance) and hybrid forms of work, represent particular strengths of its employment law advice. Subsequently, the team is regularly instructed to advise on strategic international projects that often entail IT and data protection aspects; this includes IT outsourcing projects as well as reorganizations, transfers of operations and German market entries. Practice head Thomas Leister is particularly experienced in the development of strategic concepts for companies in the recruitment industry.
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Testimonials
‘Very good teamwork, short response times, always available. deep knowledge. We can rely on Osborne Clarke’s colleagues.’
‘All colleagues are extremely friendly and competent. They help immediately without having to wait long.’
‘Everything was always handled with pinpoint accuracy.’
Key clients
Bruker Group Germany (Bruker EAS, Bruker HTS, Bruker BioSpin, RI Research)
CrownPeak Technology Inc.
Diageo Great Britain Limited
edding AG
HCL Technologies Germany GmbH
Lumberg Connect GmbH
Tech Mahindra GmbH
VfB Stuttgart 1893 AG
Wipro Business Services GmbH (vormals METRO-nom)
Wipro Technologies GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising VfB Stuttgart 1893 AG on managing director matters.
- Advising Tech Mahindra GmbH on the purchase of Beris consulting GmbH and its subsidiary LINEAS Informationstechnik GmbH.
- Advising Lumberg Connect GmbH on the transformation of a production company with around 1,200 employees in Germany.
SCHRAMM MEYER KUHNKE
Hamburg-based employment law boutique offering SCHRAMM MEYER KUHNKE offers companies assistance with a wide range of employment matters. In addition to ongoing advice it is project support that ensures a heavy caseload consisting of restructuring, outsourcing and M&A transactions. Cross-jurisdictional issues are handled in cooperation with a network of best friends firms. Key contacts include name partners Nils Schramm (restructuring and company takeovers), Holger Meyer (restructuring and outsourcing projects) and Michael Kuhnke (M&A and outsourcing transactions, transfers of operations and restructuring; also advice to board members and managing directors).
Other key lawyers:
Michael Kuhnke; Holger Meyer; Nils Schramm; Matthias Lodemann
Testimonials
‘Outstanding expertise in the field of employment law, particularly from an employer’s perspective.’
‘Holger Meyer: Clever mind, great negotiating skills in court.’
Key clients
ADAC Weser Ems
Allianz Technology SE
Alstria office REIT-AG
Apleona
Bilfinger SE
BNP Paribas REM
BUSS – Gruppe
Colgate-Palmolive
Continental AG
Deutsche Seereederei Gruppe
DNV GL
Dow Chemical – Gruppe
ECE – Gruppe
Edel SE & Co. KGaA-Gruppe
Elis-Gruppe (zuvor Berendsen)
Falck Rettungsdienst
Feldmuehle GmbH
FUCHS-Gruppe
Funk Gruppe
Green Planet Energy
Haldex AB
Hawesko Holding AG
IBM
IFF-Gruppe
Kyndril (div. ehemalige IBM-Gesellschaften)
Laverana-Gruppe (Lavera Naturkosmetik)
Leiser Gruppe (u.a. Leiser, Schuhkay, Schuhkay 1882, Schuhhof)
Ontex Gruppe
OTTO DÖRNER
Otto M. Schröder Bank AG
PERI Gruppe
SSI Schäfer
Stadt Hamburg
tesa SE
Travelite GmbH & Co. KG/Titan Hamburg GmbH
Unilever
UPM GmbH
Villeroy & Boch GmbH
VTG AG
Work highlights
- Advice to Bilfinger SE on all employment law issues and on restructuring.
- Ongoing employment law advice to Colgate-Palmolive and in connection with restructuring.
- Advising Continental AG on restructuring.
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Watson Farley & Williams LLP's employment advice focuses on restructuring and reorganizations on one hand and on employee data protection on the other, but also includes employment law compliance and litigation; this regularly involves staff reduction measures, reconciliation of interests and social plan negotiations, negotiations with works councils on working time models and short-time work, and the introduction of new IT systems. Practice head Nikolaus Krienke also provides employment advice in relation to transformation processes and large-scale projects and is further well versed in assisting with compliance investigations and subsequent court proceedings.
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Testimonials
‘The team works extremely precisely and always reliably. All research and negotiation paths are always well thought out and success-oriented.’
‘The team at Watson Farley & Williams is very knowledgeable in employment law, employee data protection and general data protection law and is characterized by extremely practical advice. It was always very flexible and always very readily available, so that even peak loads could be absorbed.’
‘The company’s best interests always come first. Accessibility and customer orientation TOP. Very open and honest, the assessment of success chances are always on point. Very friendly team. Super advice and support in the conversion of our bonus agreements.’
‘Nikolaus Krienke is a perfect advisor both personally and professionally; always approachable, radiates calm and serenity.’
‘In addition to the undoubtedly existing professional excellence, the team always pursues a pragmatic approach, which achieves a highly efficient implementation of restructuring. Communication with everyone involved is excellent.’
‘Philipp Byers is pragmatic, legally versed, creative and works closely along clients’ goals.’
‘Andreas Wiegreffe is assertive in negotiations with the works council and knows how to quickly achieve outstanding results through excellent negotiation skills.’
‘Nikolaus Krienke is incredibly good at restructuring projects.’
Key clients
ADAC Gruppe
Apple Retail Germany B.V. & Co. KG
BioNTech SE und Tochtergesellschaften
BNP Paribas S.A.
ENERVIE – Südwestfalen Energie und Wasser AG
Fujitsu Technology Solutions GmbH
HR Group GmbH & Co. KG
Lego GmbH
Manpower Gruppe
München Klinik gGmbH
NTT Germany AG & Co. KG
Orsted Services A/S
Provinzial Holding AG
Sparda Bank München
Autobahn Tank & Rast Gruppe
TUI Cruises GmbH
UniCredit Bank AG
Vonovia SE
Yaskawa Europe GmbH
Work highlights
- Employment law advice to TUI Cruises GmbH and representation, in particular in connection with the merger of the operations of TUI Cruises GmbH and Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahren GmbH. Drafting and negotiation of various new company agreements, in particular on working hours, remuneration and IT systems.
- Advice to Provinzial Holding AG including subsidiaries on the implementation of a merger of two subsidiaries. Advice and representation of the holding board in collective bargaining matters as well as in the practical post-merger implementation.
- Accompanying the entire restructuring of ADAC Group, including the downsizing and redesign of a working time model for breakdown assistance as well as the negotiation of a new IT model and new holiday regulations with the works councils.
act AC Tischendorf Rechtsanwälte
act AC Tischendorf Rechtsanwälte's employment practice is geared towards the needs of German medium-sized companies, while Europe-wide advice is facilitated through its integration into an international law firm association. Key themes include restructuring, work 4.0, compliance and company pension schemes. Stephan Schwilden is active in the latter and often accompanies the reorganization of company pension schemes for private equity companies. Name partner Sven Tischendorf acts at the intersection of employment law, restructuring and (distressed) M&A. In July 2022, Nina Honstetter made partner; she advises on the whole array of individual and collective employment matters with litigation representing another focus.
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Other key lawyers:
Thomas Block; Friederike Jawad; Nina Bogenschütz; Nina Honstetter
Testimonials
‘A brilliant sparring partner for restructuring projects. A first address, especially in complex projects that are critical in terms of content and time. On top of that, they are extremely likeable – consultants who are simply a pleasure to work with. Any time!’
‘Very strong and solution-oriented in terms of content, pleasant to deal with.’
‘Stephan Schwilden: Entrepreneurial vision, very experienced and hands-on. Outstanding negotiator. Smart demeanor. Sven Tischendorf: Entrepreneurial thinking and extremely strong in business, always to the point, solves problems, creates trust and is extremely committed and legally brilliant. Nina Bogenschütz: Integrates all parties perfectly, solves every topic in a charming way, always approachable and extremely competent.’
Key clients
ADAC
All4Labels Gruppe
Fürstliche Castell’sche Bank
Franz Haniel & Cie GmbH
GoodMills
Hallhuber
Edscha Gruppe
HSE Gruppe
DKMS gGmbH
Läpple Gruppe
Progroup
Gestamp Gruppe
Sage Automotive Interiors GmbH
Sonova
Schaltbau Bode
Schenck Process Gruppe
Prodyna SE
Putzmeister
Talis Group
Tempton Group
Pond Security Group
ID Logistics
Vossloh-Schwabe Gruppe
Work highlights
- Advising automotive supplier Gestamp Group on the comprehensive restructuring of German production sites.
- Responsibility and coordination of all Europe-wide employment law advice to the Progroup Group, a producer of corrugated board.
- Advising Schaltbau Bode, a supplier of door systems for buses and trains, on the comprehensive reorganization of German and Polish locations with accompanying staff cuts.
Altenburg Fachanwälte für Arbeitsrecht
From its three German offices, Altenburg Fachanwälte für Arbeitsrecht predominantly advises medium-sized companies on individual and collective employment issues. The practice also assists with international matters via a law firm network and focuses on acquisition-related advice, company pension schemes, restructuring and compliance. Other frequent instructions concern works constitution and co-determination rights as well as representation before employment courts. Name partner Stephan Altenburg assists with reorganization and restructuring, an area that gained further clout with the arrival of Marc Spielberger in September 2022; he joined from Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, where he previously led the Munich team.
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Key clients
Sony Music Gruppe, München und Berlin
PPRO Holding GmbH
ProSiebenSat.1 Gruppe
OSF Services Berlin GmbH
Ashland Industries GmbH
Aareon AG
BERLIN-CHEMIE AG
PohlCon GmbH
NXP Semiconductors Germany GmbH
SWARCO Traffic Holding GmbH
IGEPA Group GmbH & Co. KG
ONYX Generation Management GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising ProSiebenSat.1 Group on various corporate, reorganization and transaction projects with comprehensive advice on employment law matters in close cooperation with HR Legal.
- Comprehensive employment law advice to OSF Services GmbH (German subsidiary of the Open Society Foundation formed by George Soros), primarily on collective employment law.
- Advice to PohlCom GmbH on setting up a holding structure, including the merger of five operating companies into one OpCo with effects on corporate co-determination.
Bird & Bird LLP
Bird & Bird LLP advises companies, managing directors and supervisory board members, often from the consumer goods, health, IT and telecommunications sectors, on individual and collective employment issues. Collective bargaining expert Martin Nebeling and Barbara Geck, who impresses with her expertise in reorganizations and co-determination, jointly head the team. Due to its integration into an international law firm network, the group also often assists with international projects and restructurings which corresponds with Nebling and Geck's mainstays. Core competencies further include the negotiation of company agreements, reconciliation of interests and social plans with works councils as well as negotiations with trade unions.
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Key clients
1. FFC Frankfurt e.V.
Court for Arbitration for Sport in Lusanne (CAS/TAS)
DS Dichtungstechnik GmbH
Hisense Gorenje Germany
Inapa Deutschland GmbH
LivePerson
Messe München
Metro AG
Page Group
Planview Group
Pfizer Deutschland GmbH
Pfizer Inc.
Pfizer Pharma GmbH
Rackspace
Renesas/IDT
Tech Mahindra GmbH
Teknor Apex Gruppe
W.I.S. Sicherheit & Service GmbH & Co. KG
Work highlights
- Advice on the separation of part of Metro Group’s IT business, including negotiation of the relevant regulation with the works council and outsourcing to WIPRO.
- Continuous advice to 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.
- Restructuring and personnel adjustment for Messe München GmbH, including the handling of the previously agreed reconciliation of interests and social plan; also ongoing advice on employment law.
Dentons
Dentons advises on all employment law aspects, but is particularly experienced in assisting employers with collective bargaining matters. Core competencies include corporate co-determination, data protection, restructuring, compliance and M&A transactions as well as company pension schemes: Co-practice head Sascha Grosjean advises on the latter alongside others, but also focuses on HR compliance and temporary employment. Co-practice head Markus Diepold is well versed in supporting large-scale restructurings that often entail cross-border aspects.
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Testimonials
‘Good professional cooperation. Pleasant exchange in problematic situations, with empathy.’
‘Fast reaction and fulfillment of the task.’
‘Great collaboration. Available at short notice and punctual feedback.’
‘Very solution- and practice-oriented.’
‘Markus Diepold provides quick support in all areas of employment law as well as comprehensive short-term support. Furthermore, Mr. Diepold is able to explain the suggestions he has made in a user-friendly manner. This also applies to his participation in negotiations with the works council.’
‘Very good team; questions are answered briefly and concisely. Sense of pragmatism.’
‘Markus Diepold knows our company and advises us pragmatically and competently.’
Key clients
8080 Labs / Databricks
BG Kliniken Ludwigshafen und Tübingen gGmbH /
BG Kliniken- Klinikverbund der gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung gGmbH;
BVV Bankenversicherungsverein a.G.
E.I.M.G. GmbH & Co. Installationstechnik KG
HORIBA Europe
Immunic AG; Immunic Inc.
Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer e.V.
KVPro.de
SKODA AUTO Deutschland GmbH
Solarisbank AG
TEDi GmbH
WDM-Gruppe
Yamaha Music Europe GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising SKODA AUTO Deutschland GmbH on works constitution issues and disputes, including arbitration boards and employment court decision-making procedures, as well as representation in individual legal disputes and dismissal protection proceedings.
- Employment law support for insolvency proceedings in self-administration of EIMG GmbH & Co. Installationstechnik KG, including purchase contract negotiations, implementation of mass redundancies by means of terminations according to the acquisition concept and advice in connection with a transfer of business.
- Advice to BG Kliniken Ludwigshafen and Tübingen gGmbH/ BG Kliniken – Clinic network of the statutory accident insurance gGmbH on company pension law. In addition, advice on the local works council’s alleged co-determination rights in connection with deferred compensation and advice on the conclusion of a group BV.
Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner
Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner advises medium-sized companies and corporations not only on day-to-day individual and collective employment issues, but also on transactions and restructuring – in close cooperation with the corporate and M&A teams – as well as on co-determination matters. The practice management is spread across various locations of the firm: the Frankfurt-based Sabine Schröter mainly supports clients from the healthcare sector, while in Freiburg, Christoph Fingerle is experienced in advising on negotiations with employee representatives in the hospital sector and Stefan Daub frequently applies his expertise in works constitution and collective bargaining law in the context of restructurings. In Cologne, Andreas Imping is an experienced litigator and Sven Köhnen is an expert for employment matters relating to distribution and antitrust law. In August 2022, the Berlin office welcomed Andrea Wilke, who covers corporate-related employment matters and previously worked for insurance broker WTW.
Practice head(s):
Sabine Schröter; Christoph Fingerle; Stefan Daub; Andreas Imping; Sven Köhnen
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Testimonials
‘From the client’s point of view, a very outstanding point is the lawyers’ high level of professionalism and their simultaneously very human and collegial closeness in advising – the lawyers really take on the facts, not just on a higher level.’
‘In difficult processes, they are there to support and advise you from start to finish.’
‘First and foremost, very competent and expert legal advice. Always available, highly responsive, very reliable!’
Key clients
AESCULAP Suhl GmbH
DEDON GmbH
Evangelische Kirchengemeinde Freiburg
Evangelische Sozialstation Freiburg
Evangelisches Stift Freiburg
Evangelisches Sozialwerk Wiesental e.V.
Medizinischer Dienst Baden-Württemberg
Orden der Barmherzigen Schwestern vom heiligen Vinzenz von Paul
Schulstiftung der Erzdiözese Freiburg
Stiftung Katholische Freie Schule (Rottenburg-Stuttgart)
Studierendenwerk Freiburg
Vitra-Gruppe
GLOSTER Furniture GmbH
Handwerkskammer Frankfurt-Rhein-Main
Handwerkskammer Freiburg
Haus Baden (Dr. Albert Speck & Haus Baden GbR)
Heritage B. Zug (Schweiz)
Hutchinson GmbH
Hutchinson Aerospace GmbH
Hutchinson S.A.
idverde-Gruppe
Isola US Corp./Isola GmbH
Kaiser Modehäuser GmbH & Co KG, Freiburg
KTN Kunststofftechnik Nobitz GmbH
MOTHERSON TECHNO PRECISION GmbH
MSSL GmbH
OLUTEX Oberlausitzer Luftfahrttextilien GmbH
Paracelsus Klinken Deutschland GmbH & Co. KGaA
Peterhoff-Gruppe
Ralf Bohle GmbH
Samvardhana Motherson Innovative Autosystems B.V. & Co. KG
SMP Deutschland GmbH
SMR Automotive Mirrors Stuttgart GmbH
SMRC Smart Interior Systems Germany GmbH
Straumann GmbH
Tec-log GmbH
THIELMANN UCON GmbH
THIELMANN WEW GmbH
Wahl GmbH
Wuppermann AG
Xilinx Inc.
Yello Strom GmbH
Zeppelin-Gruppe
Work highlights
- Advice on employment law 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.
- Employment law support for Paracelsus Group as part of numerous restructuring and staff reduction measures.
Fringspartners
Fringspartners exclusively provides employment law advice to companies, board representatives and executives; the team's expertise is particularly strong in restructuring-related matters. Michael Bogati frequently advises on collective bargaining law and supports clients in negotiations of in-house collective agreements with trade unions. Litigator Ulrich Wahlers is another key contact; he focuses on works constitution law and is increasingly active in advising on IT-related works agreements such as regulations on new work and desk sharing agreements under collective employment law.
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Testimonials
‘Very professional practice in all matters, extremely quick and direct processing, very innovative and directly on the burning issues.’
‘There seems to be a good atmosphere in the office. The technical expertise is very high and the answers are always to the point, clear and easy to understand. The team keeps deadlines under control and proactively reminds the client of an important next step.’
‘Very customer-friendly and open communication. Technically very competent. Extremely well connected team.’
‘We work together with Ulrich Wahlers. For me the best external lawyer we have ever had. He has an excellent feeling for negotiation strategies, very extensive knowledge and deals with all issues to an excellent extent and extremely promptly.’
‘A very complete team that covers all aspects of employment law. Very professional and extremely pleasant to work with.’
‘Michael Bogati: Technically outstanding and the social skills are also very good. He is completely convincing with his convincing arguments, both in writing and directly on site at the courts.’
‘Excellent and always up-to-date knowledge is incorporated into pragmatic solutions and constant advice on self-help. There is also almost no question that remains unanswered in the ad hoc appointment. A very trusting and extremely fruitful cooperation.’
‘Michael Bogati: Very practical; Recommendations always take into account the operational conditions/circumstances; no legal excuses; competent, pragmatic, effective.’
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
- Negotiation of an extensive restructuring of the Lippstadt plant for FrieslandCampina Kievit GmbH with a significant downsizing with works councils and trade union representatives.
- Advising PAYONE-Ingenico Group on the restructuring of corporate divisions.
- Support for Rhenus Logistics Group in the implementation of a merger of two large logistics locations after a previous acquisition, including the complete implementation of the post-merger and post-acquisition integration at the level of works constitution and individual rights.
GvW Graf von Westphalen
GvW Graf von Westphalen handles all individual and collective law issues and recently assisted with several restructuring matters as well as with negotiations before arbitration boards. The practice's central pillars also include collective bargaining law and compliance as well as data protection and dismissal protection. Practice head Philipp Wiesenecker complements the offering with expertise in works constitution law and digitization and infrastructure projects, often for the public sector. The appointment of Dominic Köstner as a partner in January 2022 further underpinned the practice's expertise on the employment and corporate interface.
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Testimonials
‘I always notice the very good accessibility and the quick reaction of the team. Answers always come quickly and reliably.’
‘Malte Evers has been advising me for almost ten years. I have always followed his advice and have never regretted it. I can’t remember a single event where we didn’t achieve what we set out to do together. He is always open and honest about the chances of success with a certain procedure and does not mince his words when I as a client am on the wrong track.’
‘Great team, very friendly and polite, always good and fast communication.’
Key clients
Stiftung Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen
Kasseler Verkehrs- und Versorgungs-GmbH
Volkswagen Financial Services AG
DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung GmbH
Brady GmbH
Degussa Bank AG
LBBW Asset Management Investmentgesellschaft mbH
DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale
windeln.de SE
Salzgitter Mannesmann International (HK) Ltd
STADA
Audio-Technica Deutschland GmbH Audio-Technica Ltd.
econtech GmbH – Systempartner Netzbau
SILBITZ GROUP BETEILIGUNGS GmbH Silbitz Guss GmbH
Lombard Medical Technologies GmbH
Biteno GmbH
Rotho Kunststoff GmbH
hoerl information Management GmbH
Memmert
Faber-Castell
Profine Group
Hymer
Work highlights
- Ongoing employment law advice to Stiftung Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, including compliance and data protection.
- Support for Kasseler Verkehrs- und Versorgungs-GmbH in collective bargaining; advice on restructuring and on collective bargaining issues in connection with direct sales.
- Comprehensive employment, corporate and commercial law support for Volkswagen Financial Services AG as part of a share purchase agreement (joint venture).
Hoffmann Liebs
Medium-sized companies can rely on Hoffmann Liebs' comprehensive employment law expertise which the team recently applied in the context of restructuring and reorganization projects (including insolvency-related issues), litigation and compliance matters. Heiko Langer also focuses on assistance with restructuring measures as well as on works constitution matters. He jointly heads the practice with Jörg Podehl, who regularly oversees the negotiation of employment contracts, the establishment and termination of employment relationships as well as restructuring. The team further includes of counsel Wolfgang Bucksch, who is experienced in downsizing measures, and Julia Reinsch, who frequently advises clients from the public sector.
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Testimonials
‘Very fast reaction times and competent contact persons in all areas. Always there when the team is needed.’
‘Own practical business experience combined with in-depth legal knowledge. Hands-on and solution-oriented. They always keep their eyes on everything.’
‘Julia Reinsch could call on her team at any time, they worked quickly and knew exactly what to do. The practice offers good customer service.’
Key clients
Air Products GmbH
Bank für Sozialwirtschaft AG
Dornbracht AG & Co. KG
Heimbach GmbH
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG
MOD21 GmbH
OQ Deutschland Gruppe
Schlüssel GmbH & Co. KG
Vestas Blades Deutschland GmbH
Vodafone Group Services GmbH
Work highlights
- Support for Vestas Blades Deutschland GmbH during a plant closure.
- Advice to Dornbracht AG & Co. KG on restructuring.
- Advising Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Germany GmbH & Co. KG on the design and negotiation of the group-wide works council structure, including the successful defense of the system in injunction and resolution proceedings.
Laborius
North German employment law boutique Laborius is based in Hanover and offers executives, employers and employee representatives a wide range of advice on individual and collective employment issues. Instructions usually concern collective bargaining matters, representation before employment courts, remuneration systems and staff reduction measures (the latter particularly as part of operational restructurings). Peter Schrader is experienced in providing advice in the context of restructuring; Rhea-Christina Klagges is another key contact and specializes in ecclesiastical employment law as well as in drafting employment contracts and company agreements. Tina Thoms, Jens Siebert and Mathias Pletke (of whom all three are holistic HR management consultants) left the firm at the end of 2022 to found WORK Siebert Thoms Pletke Rechtsanwälte.
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Testimonials
‘The entire law firm is friendly and competent – the secretariat is also outstanding! The lawyers are all highly qualified, responsive and strive for practical solutions. Despite the enormous specialist knowledge, we speak at eye level, which makes working together really fun! Absolute recommendation!’
‘A very profound legal knowledge paired with a pragmatic implementation approach. We received very good support from Laborius.’
‘The exchange is always very constructive and creative. The law firm is characterized by its customer orientation.’
Key clients
Bahlsen Gruppe
B&O Gruppe
Brose Sitech GmbH
Cockpit PV
Concordia Versicherungen
DEUBAU Bauunternehmung GmbH & Co. KG
meravis Wohnungsbau & Immobilien GmbH
Mutares SE & Co. KGaA
Stratic Lederwaren Jacob Bonifer GmbH
Volkswagen AG
Work highlights
- Ongoing advice to Volkswagen AG on individual and collective employment issues and disputes.
- Ongoing employment law advice and representation of meravis Wohnungsbau & Immobilien GmbH in individual and collective law issues and disputes.
- Advising Mutares SE & Co. KGaA (private equity) and all of its holdings (e.g. SABO GmbH) on projects (change of business after acquisition) as well as ongoing advice on individual and collective employment issues.
Loschelder
Loschelder advises medium-sized and listed companies as well as public sector employers on various employment law issues. Recently, the practice experienced an increased demand for advice on staff adjustments and restructuring; this is complemented by expertise in the use of external personnel, variable remuneration systems, know-how protection and company pension schemes. Martin Brock focuses on the latter, while Sebastian Pelzer is well versed in advising executives. Transformation issues such as the digitization of work and modern work forms represent Detlef Grimm's focus.
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Testimonials
‘Competent, reliable, calm, solution-oriented.’
‘Loschelder consists of a real team, not just isolated specialists. I always get help from a single source that is coordinated with colleagues from other legal areas.’
‘Fast, competent and reliable advice at all times! Clear development of strategies, taking into account the possible success here.’
‘High level of competence and speed.’
‘Perfect collaboration with Sebastian Pelzer. Pragmatic solutions and clear demonstration of legal constellations.’
‘The team is very well coordinated. High pragmatism.’
‘Detlef Grimm: Longstanding, outstanding consultant. Always pragmatic, solution-oriented with a lot of understanding for clients’ concerns.’
‘Sebastian Pelzer is always a competent contact for all employment law issues. His advice is characterized by clear opinions and recommendations with a pragmatic focus.’
Key clients
1. FC Köln GmbH & Co. KG
AOK Systems GmbH
Atlas Copco Gruppe
BASALT AG
COGNOS AG / Hochschule Fresenius
DSGF
Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH
Mazda Motor (Deutschland) GmbH
Metro AG
Raiffeisen Warenzentrale Rhein-Main eG
Work highlights
- Ongoing advice to AOK Systems GmbH on employment and works constitution law, for example on the co-determination of the works council in the event of special payments and on the preparation of a corresponding works agreement.
- Advice on employment law to Atlas Copco Group on company acquisitions with contract redesign and restructuring; most recently as part of the acquisition of LEWA GmbH, Pumpenfabrik Wangen and soft2Tech GmbH; also advice on company pension schemes.
- Advising Mazda Motor (Deutschland) GmbH on employment and service contract law, for example on the effects of Covid-19 on the field service.
MAINWERK Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB
MAINWERK Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB's advice offering ranges from long-term assistance to medium-sized companies through to restructuring projects for corporations. The group, and in particular financial industry expert Ulla Rupp and Kerstin Panhorst (who additionally assists with forensic issues), also handles employment litigation. Other matters include staff reduction measures and negotiations with corporate bodies representatives – Oliver Driver-Polke impresses here – as well as remuneration systems and the introduction of new IT systems, which is part of Kai Golücke's consulting repertoire. Henning Wiehe's experience in advising on acquisition-related issues and restructuring complements the practice.
Other key lawyers:
Oliver Driver-Polke; Kai Golücke; Kerstin Panhorst; Ulla Rupp; Henning Wiehe
Key clients
AGC Biologics GmbH
Beck & Kaltheuner Feuerfeste Erzeugnisse GmbH & Co. KG
Capri Sun Group
CORESTATE Group
Coca Cola European Partners GmbH
Düker GmbH
Recticel Engineered Foam GmbH
Franklin Templeton
Goodman
IHK Pfalz
Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Hessen
Oracle
ProMinent Group (Heidelberg)
Pühl GmbH & Co. KG
SSP Deutschland GmbH
Technogym Germany GmbH
Teknos Deutschland GmbH
United Grinding Group (German companies) – part of the Swiss BZ-Bank Group
Volks- und Bausparverein Frankfurt
Work highlights
- Advising CORESTATE Group on the restructuring of German companies.
- Ongoing advice to ProMinent Group on works constitution law and individual employment law.
McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP
Collective employment issues form the central pillar of McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP's employment law advice, which often arise in the course of restructuring, and include matters related to company closures, relocations, outsourcing, mass redundancies and remuneration models as well as negotiations on the reconciliation of interests and social plans. These skills reflect practice head Volker Teigelkötter's focus: in addition to negotiations with works councils and trade unions, he also represents clients before employment courts. Partially due to the pandemic, the group recently handled an increasing number of instructions relating to working time, compliance and data protection issues.
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Testimonials
‘Thanks to many years of consulting in the banking sector, the law firm has a very good understanding of the industry and is very familiar with legal issues relevant to the financial sector. The team is characterized by a very high level of reliability and responsiveness.’
‘Proactive holistic approach and provision of information.’
‘The partners personally take care of the matter. The entire team works closely together. However, the partners themselves are always available as contact persons. Very client-centric and practical approach, which is always a good decision-making aid for clients instead of just explaining the legal situation. Challenges are approached and overcome from the client’s point of view.’
‘Philipp Schäuble: Very high professional competence; very high commitment; reliability.’
‘Christian Rolf is an excellent lawyer. He always has his client’s interests in mind – but also the bigger picture. As a clever strategist, he always helps with the right advice at the right time.’
‘Philipp Schäuble has very good and in-depth knowledge of all legal issues relevant to the financial sector. He is always approachable and never loses his calm.’
‘Thomas Gennert: Extremely professional and technically excellent support. Extremely short response times. Promises are definitely kept or exceeded.’
‘Philipp Schäuble is an excellent lawyer for the very specific area of temporary employment.’
Key clients
1&1 Versatel GmbH
Deckel MAHO PfrontenGmbH
Deckel MAHO Seebach GmbH
IONOS-Gruppe
Teleperformance Germany S.à.r.l. & Co. KG
trivago N.V.
United Internet AG
Yazaki Europe Limited
Work highlights
- Advising 1&1 Versatel GmbH on the redesign of its commission system for sales, including support in the negotiations with the group works council on the performance-based pay increase system and variable remuneration outside of sales.
- Support for Deckel MAHO Pfronten GmbH in negotiations with the works council and IG Metall on the outsourcing of logistics in the newly created logistics center (reconciliation of interests, in-house wage agreements); also advice on employment law and representation in a compliance case.
- Advising IONOS Group on the design of a new long-term compensation program for executive bodies and executives.
Orth Kluth Rechtsanwälte
Orth Kluth Rechtsanwälte offers comprehensive assistance with all individual and collective employment matters. Most recently, the group's main focus lay on restructuring, the use of external personnel and digitization issues. The importance of the latter, including the development of legaltech tools for employment law, was underlined by the salary partner promotion of Beatrice Kemper in July 2022. In April 2022, the team had already welcomed Lukas Stähler (focus on restructuring, post-merger integration, company pension schemes) from HYAZINTH as a salary partner. Practice heads Guido Matthey and Simon Grosse-Brockhoff, complement the practice's advice portfolio with expertise in works constitution law.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Dominique Faßbender; Esther Herrnstadt; Beatrice Kemper; Lukas Stähler
Testimonials
‘Very fast and professional support.’
‘Outstanding analytical skills and an eye for essential and formative elements. Optimal advice to the client and very good preparation. Litigation and tactics are remarkable.’
Key clients
AO Deutschland Limited
bofrost Gruppe
DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH
Elopak GmbH
Ericsson Deutschland
GEA Group AG
Gorillas Technologies
GRT Global Rail Academy and Media GmbH
Hanon Systems Deutschland GmbH
HAZEMAG-Gruppe
Konecranes GmbH / Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
Melitta Group
MVG Märkische Verkehrsgesellschaft GmbH
Nestlé Pensionsfonds AG
Outokumpu Deutschland
Siemens Industry Software GmbH
SMS group GmbH
S-Nation Media GmbH
Stadtwerke Krefeld AG
Sun Chemical Group / BASF Colours& Effects GmbH
Tadano Deutschland
TK Elevator GmbH
ValeoSiemens eAutomotive Germany GmbH
VDM Metals Holding GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising and representing ValeoSiemens eAutomotive GmbH in cross-site production restrictions.
- Support of the SMS Group GmbH in the complete implementation of a complex LegalTech tool with OK Legal IT; also ongoing support function.
- Advising Gorillas Technologies on the post-merger integration following the acquisition of Pandalogistik from competitor Delivery Hero.
Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB
Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB deals with all aspects of individual and collective employment law and is particularly active in the technology and energy sectors. The group regularly advises on digital transformation, compliance and associated employee data protection, as well as on outsourcing, termination scenarios, restructuring and transactions including subsequent negotiations with employee representatives. Practice head Manfred Schmid's expertise in know-how protection as well as employment and criminal aspects of its possible violation completes the team's advice repertoire. EU posting directives expert Kathrin Brügger joined KPMG Law in Germany in the summer of 2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is extremely organized; all feedback is very prompt – and always in the best, most professional manner.’
‘What I believe makes the team unique is their ability to apply knowledge and personality to practical cases in the best possible manner.’
Key clients
Microsoft
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP's employment law advice primarily focuses on reorganizations, restructurings and transactions. Due to its close cooperation with other locations, cross-border project support forms part of its routine workload, while corporate and insolvency intersections are also covered. The latter is one of the mainstays for practice head Hendrik Röger, who also advises on employment law compliance and has many years of experience in the aviation, automotive and energy sectors.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is diverse and maintains a very good working relationship with its clients.’
‘Extremely high reliability, good accessibility, well-founded reviews.’
‘In particular, Henrik Röger and Sebastian Stütze should be mentioned, who are available to us almost any time of the day and support us with pragmatic and needs-based solutions.’
‘Hendrik Röger is a very reliable lawyer who is experienced in his field. He is able to assess complex issues for non-lawyers and to make target-oriented recommendations.’
Key clients
CATERPILLAR
Heinrich Huhn GmbH + Co. KG
Sachsenring Bike Manufaktur GmbH
Spiele Max
Ardian / SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions
JP Morgan Infrastructure Investments Fund (IIF)
Linden GmbH / Sächsische Metall- und Kunststoffveredlungs GmbH
Synthos S.A. / Trinseo
Faurecia S.E.
Landesbank Baden-Württemberg
OfficeCentre GmbH (Staples)
TUIfly
Adler Group
Corestate Capital Holding S.A. (CORESTATE)
Deutsche Telekom / T-Systems
Nestlé
E.ON
Work highlights
- Employment law advice to Faurecia SE in connection with the takeover bid for HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA and the acquisition of 60% of HELLA shares previously held by a pool of family shareholders.
- Advice on employment law in connection with the insolvency proceedings of OfficeCentre GmbH (Staples), including negotiations with various works councils on the sale and implementation of around 700 redundancies.
- Legal representation of TUIfly before the regional employment courts in Hanover and Hamburg in over 50 cases in connection with the restructuring of the company in March 2021.
Bluedex
Medium-sized companies and corporations rely on the experience of Frankfurt-based employment law boutique Bluedex in classic individual and collective employment matters as well as in transactions and restructuring. This is complemented by interface competencies in data protection, trademark and competition law. The team is headed by Michael Fausel, who specializes in secondment law, and Christian Bitsch , an expert on works constitution law; in July 2022, Elena Heimann (individual and collective employment law) joined Schweibert Leßmann & Partner as counsel.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Adecco Personaldienstleistungen GmbH
Amadeus FiRe AG
Atos Information Technology GmbH
Audi AG
Bank of America
BMTS Technology GmbH & Co. KG
Britisch Telecom
Delivery Hero
EnBW
Intersport Deutschland eG
Motel One
Tupperware
SThree
Volkswagen AG
Webasto SE
Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
In addition to ongoing employment law advice, Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH also assists with restructuring, SE foundations and transactions; other core competencies include the advice on regulated remuneration systems at the interface to supervisory law. Litigator Klaus Heeke heads the team, which saw Charlotte Sander being promoted to the partnership in June 2022; she focuses on employment law issues in the IT and data protection sphere. Marc Spielberger (restructuring) joined Altenburg Fachanwälte für Arbeitsrecht in autumn 2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good combination of legal expertise and concrete translation into operational reality.’
‘High expertise and service orientation. Particularly good experience with Lars Hinrichs.’
Key clients
AECOM Deutschland GmbH
Allplan GmbH
Arvato Financial Solutions
Bencard Allergie GmbH
Borek media GmbH
Brill Deutschland GmbH
Crown Gabelstabler GmbH & Co. KG
Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions GmbH
Global Management Service GmbH
GlobalFoundreis Management Services Limited Liability Company & Co. KG
HAHN Group / Walther Systemtechnik GmbH
Interroll Gruppe
IONITY GmbH
Joynext GmbH
Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Bayerns
Kreissparkasse Miesbach-Tegernsee
Lensing Media GmbH & Co. KG
Lixil-Gruppe
Motorola
nGAGE Specialist Recruitment GmbH
Nomos Verlag
PULS GmbH
Räuchle GmbH
Ravago
S&T AG/ Kontron Unternehmensgruppe
Schweitzer Fachinformationen Gruppe
SieMatic Möbelwerke GmbH & Co. KG
Suer Nutzfahrzeugtechnik GmbH & Co. KG.
Syntax Systems GmbH & Co. KG
Thomas Sabo GmbH & Co. KG
Turbodynamics GmbH
VISPIRON Systems GmbH
Windstar Unternehmenensgruppe
Winning Group
Work highlights
- Advising Arvato Financial Solutions on establishing a cross-border matrix structure.
- Advising GlobalFoundries Management Services Limited Liability Company & Co. KG in connection with the preparation, negotiation and conclusion of company agreements related to work process digitisation.
- Advising the Lixil Group on board matters and the introduction of employee participation programs.
Flick Gocke Schaumburg
Flick Gocke Schaumburg's mainstays are the negotiation of collective agreements, reconciliation of interests, social plans, company agreements and remuneration structures as well as transactions, employment law investigations and representation in court and before arbitration boards. The group also covers the interface to social security law. Under the leadership of Tobias Nießen, who covers individual and collective employment matters extensively, the appointments of Ursula Neuhoff (employment law proceedings and litigation) in January 2021 and Sandy Siegfanz-Strauß (employment-related post-merger support) in January 2022 expanded the ranks of associated partners; at the same time, Thomas Lakenberg (transaction-related employment law) joined sgpartner Rechtsanwälte.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Avalara Inc
Borromin Capital Management
Bosch Gruppe
Coesia Group
Comtravo GmbH
DB Regio AG / Deutsche Bahn AG
FRÄNKISCHE Rohrwerke
Gesco AG
HARIBO Gruppe
Laudamotion
M.M.Warburg / Warburg Invest
Ryanair Gruppe
Work highlights
- Ongoing advice to Ryanair Group on employment and social security law, including support in disputes and advice on collective bargaining disputes with pilots and cabin crew.
- Ongoing employment law advice for HARIBO Group.
- Employment law advice to DB Regio AG/ Deutsche Bahn AG on the bidding process for the intended acquisition of various depots and other assets from the insolvent Abellio through an asset deal.
Greenberg Traurig Germany
In addition to ongoing advice on individual and collective employment law, including remuneration models, compliance systems, transfers of business and the use of external personnel, Greenberg Traurig Germany also offers expertise on restructuring and transactions. The latter corresponds to the focus of practice head Kara Preedy, who also specializes in the design and implementation of working conditions. Other key contacts are Holger Faust, who is well versed in works constitution law, and Konradin Pleul, who made partner in January 2022 and negotiates collective agreements with works councils and trade unions among other matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The cooperation among the GT team is positive. Our interests are looked after comprehensively and we are given very good advice. The topics are recorded in great detail, evaluated and checked to see whether the client’s desired goal can be achieved or not – there is always open communication.’
‘Excellent advice, which was delivered incredibly quickly.’
‘All lawyers are top notch when it comes to client needs, exceptional communication.’
‘I have already worked with several team members and have only had good experiences in terms of speed, quality and solution orientation; all this courteously and quickly.’
‘Very high level of professionalism and great expertise, no empty phrases, content is delivered. Possess the ability to explain complex legal issues to the legal layperson, pick them up and enable them to make decisions. Realistic, clear assessment of processes, very willing to help and responsive. Clear assessment of the situation and the time required; timelines are realistically set and adhered to.’
‘Kara Preedy is excellent at advising on large strategic projects and ad hoc advice on urgent issues. She is incredibly responsive and has a feel for client needs as well as market demands. She is incredibly pleasant to work with and provides pragmatic, sensible legal advice on complex issues.’
‘Konradin Pleul’s service concept is great and the client feels completely comfortable and very well looked after. He familiarizes himself with topics in great detail and is always solution-oriented and realistic. In addition, he has very high and very good communication skills and special knowledge and experience in the respective area of law.’
‘Holger Faust is fantastic! Very responsive, open, professional and understands his clients’ business. Has the ability to explain the law to a layperson and has a good sense of humour.’
Key clients
Die Autobahn GmbH des Bundes
Diebold Nixdorf Gruppe
Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
STUDIOCANAL GmbH
Erste Abwicklungsanstalt
Work highlights
- Advising Die Autobahn GmbH des Bundes on collective employment law.
Jones Day
Due to its global network and close cooperation with the corporate team, Jones Day's employment law practice is predestined to assist with mergers and restructurings, while classic topics such as company pension schemes and pseudo-self-employment reviews, including representation in court proceedings, also form part of its day-to-day business. Practice head Friederike Steininger in Munich focuses on transactional support including related matters such as outsourcing.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Paul Melot de Beauregard; Markus Kappenhagen; Maximilian Baur
Testimonials
‘Extremely competent and always available at short notice, advice at the highest level.’
‘In Ms. Steininger we have a very competent contact person who understands our special situation and gives us specific, individual advice and suggested solutions. We can rely on her 100%.’
‘The team works very client-oriented and flexible. It familiarizes itself with the industry-specific tasks and finds adequate solutions.’
‘We feel that we are in good hands with the entire Jones Day team. We always have the feeling that our concerns are dealt with quickly and competently.’
‘Friederike Steininger is highly competent, friendly and very flexible. The cooperation leads to the best possible results and highest satisfaction.’
‘Paul Melot de Beauregard is a very competent contact person, always available and extremely quick to process inquiries.’
‘Very good accessibility, fast delivery with high and bespoke quality. Consulting not only operationally, but also with strategic foresight.’
‘Paul Melot de Beauregard is a real working partner who doesn’t just delegate. High service readiness with excellent professional competence and pragmatic, economical solution approaches.’
Key clients
Cardinal Health
DMK deutsches Milchkontor GmbH
Electronic Theat-re Controls GmbH
Expedia Group
Milliken & Com-pany
SAP
Thai Union
Work highlights
- Advising several group companies of the Expedia Group on comprehensive restructuring projects, including negotiations on reconciliation of interests and social plans with various works councils as well as representing the employer in extensive arbitration board proceedings and numerous employment court proceedings.
- Advising the B-ON Group on the development of a global participation program for employees and other stakeholders.
- Employment law advice to SAP on the strategic partnership with German investor Dediq GmbH.
michels.pmks Rechtsanwälte
With offices in Cologne and Düsseldorf, michels.pmks Rechtsanwälte handles a wide range of individual and collective law issues which also include ongoing employment law advice and project support. Marcus Michels and Gunther Mävers jointly head the practice from Cologne and predominantly assist with the deployment of external personnel and temporary employment as well as with national and international projects; cross-border aspects are handled in with the help of cooperative networks. Sebastian Maiß heads the Düsseldorf office and is experienced in collective bargaining issues, in particular new work and the implementation of new working hours models. Thomas Schulz joined the group as of counsel in January 2022 from an in-house position.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Jannis Kamann; Ulrich Kortmann; Tilman Isenhardt; Markus Pillok; Sebastian Maiß; Thomas Schulz
Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge of medical and employment law. The ideal partner for healthcare professionals.’
‘The team works well together. Information is exchanged efficiently.’
‘Gunther Mävers: Very sound knowledge of immigration law, extremely committed, very practice-oriented solutions.’
‘Marcus Michels: “Old warhorse” of employment law, technically well versed, but always with an eye on practice-oriented, fair solutions that take into account the interests of both sides (employer and employee).’
‘The cooperation with the law firm, especially Jannis Kamann and Gunther Mävers, is very good, pragmatic and trusting with a high degree of professionalism in expertise, experience and necessary urgency and flexibility.’
‘Tilmann Isenhardt: We are extremely satisfied with his expertise. Very approachable with comprehensive legal advice. Legally reliable information at top speed.’
‘Jannis Kamann: Highly professional cooperation paired with a very high degree of trust, confidentiality and commitment. He is available at all times, flexible, very competent, pragmatic, solution-oriented, highly professional and has integrity.’
Key clients
Adler TS
Autozone Inc. / Alldata Europe GmbH
Bethlehem Gesundheitszentrum Stolberg gGmbH
Brauerei zur Malzmühle Schwartz GmbH & Co. KG
DTM Deutsche Tele Medien GmbH
Duisburger Hafen AG
Johnson & Johnson
METRO Markets GmbH
Music Store Professionals GmbH
Reuter Gruppe
UFA Show & Factual GmbH
Work highlights
- Ongoing employment law advice to METRO Markets GmbH on individual employment law and litigation.
- Ongoing advice on labor law and labor migration law for the Reuter Group on all questions of individual and collective labor law; also litigation.
- Ongoing employment law advice to UFA Show & Factual GmbH on all questions of individual employment law, with particular consideration of industry-specific characteristics of a television production company.
Raue
In addition to traditional individual and collective employment advice, Raue offers assistance with mergers, company pension schemes and employment law compliance as well as with industrial constitution law and intersectional social security issues. The group also takes on contentious matters; here, co-practice head Judith Heyn is increasingly instructed by stakeholders from the healthcare sector. Insolvency-related restructuring represents another core competence of the team and of co-practice head Sascha Herms in particular.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is responsive and serves English-speaking clients very well.’
‘They have in-depth legal knowledge and are a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
NORMA Germany GmbH
Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin
Kliniken Nordoberpfalz
DAkkS (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmBH)
Omnicare Beteiligungen GmbH
Berliner Ensemble GmbH
BT Berlin Transport GmbH
BVG Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe
Hochland SE/Hochland Deutschland GmbH
IHK Berlin
Rauch Möbelwerke
Stiftung Berliner Philharmoniker
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising NORMA Germany GmbH as part of the Get on Track restructuring project on the closure of the plant in Gerbershausen (Thuringia).
- Advising the German Heart Center Berlin on its merger with Berlin University Hospital Charité and the merger of respective subsidiaries.
- Comprehensive advice on employment law and social security law for Hochland SE/ Hochland Deutschland GmbH, including the implementation of a compliance management system, the conclusion of company agreements for IT systems and litigation.