Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH > Cologne, Germany > Firm Profile

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH > The Legal 500 Rankings

Industry focus > Energy

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH's energy expertise covers transactions, regulatory matters and dispute resolution. The team advises on matters pertaining to renewable energies, conventional energy and grid connection. Practice head and antitrust expert Holger Stappert is experienced in regulatory law and recently advised on grid connection and marketing issues; Stappert is also experienced in dispute resolution. Transactions, joint ventures and restructurings are key competencies of Michael Bormann, he recently advised energy suppliers and financial investors on the acquisition of wind and solar energy parks, including cross-border acquisitions. Philipp Dietz also focuses his advice on cross-border matters.

Public sector > Planning and environment Tier 1

In close cooperation with the firm's energy and procurement practices, the environmental and planning team at Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is ideally positioned to assist with important infrastructure and industrial projects related to the energy and climate transition. The team is involved in various large decarbonisation projects and advises industrial companies on strategic issues as well as on emissions control, nature conservation and water law. Environmental lawyer Stefan Altenschmidt, who regularly advises clients in the steel and energy industries on ESG issues, is a sought-after contact for these issues. Other mainstays include large hydrogen projects, for which Sabrina Desens is one of the key contacts, as well as urban development projects, for which clients predominantly turn to urban development expert Martin Fleckenstein. As a construction and pollution control law specialist, practice head Stefan Kobes primarily advises on defense projects, while Tobias Leidinger has extensive expertise in nuclear law.

Dispute resolution > Arbitration (including international arbitration) Tier 2

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is considered a popular address for international arbitration proceedings related to energy law as well as for investment arbitration proceedings, which are primarily handled by practice head Richard Happ, while disputes arising from plant construction and infrastructure projects - in the context of which Tim Rauschning is considered to be particularly experienced - as well as product liability and cartel damages mass proceedings are also part of the practice's repertoire. Numerous Chinese and German clients further call upon the team's expertise in proceedings before international arbitration and Chinese state courts, particularly in connection with medical protective equipment and disrupted supply relationships; Katharina Klenk-Wernitzki stands out for her expertise in disputes in the German-Chinese context.

Germany > Employment Tier 2

Mainly assisting with collective employment issues, Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH applies a full-service approach and is regularly instructed to advise on restructuring and reorganisations, staff reductions, including volunteer programs, balance of interest negotiations and social plans, as well as company pension schemes and collective bargaining law issues. Practice head Paul Schreiner has a similar focus and is particularly active in restructuring under co-determination law. Robert von Steinau-Steinrück is one of the key contacts for outsourcing, compliance, employment disputes, works constitution and collective bargaining law, while cross-border projects are often handled by Axel Braun; he is also experienced in operational reorganisation. In July 2022, Kerstin Gröne (restructuring, litigation) and Paul Gooren (collective bargaining law, workforce reductions, compliance, works constitution law) made partners.

Information technology > Data protection Tier 2

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH's team is led by Wulff-Axel Schmidt and advises companies, start-ups and public institutions on the use of data to train AI, international data transfers and digital business models. Stefanie Hellmich routinely assists with the implementation of the EU General Data Protection Regulation and data protection compliance. The team is experienced in the healthcare sector and advises on cloud-related matters, the use of patient data and data protection measures. This is complemented by relevant expertise in litigation, including proceedings before the data protection supervisory authorities and in connection with the enforcement of claims.

Information technology > IT transactions and outsourcing Tier 2

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH specialises in the logistics and technology sector and, in cooperation with the M&A team, supports companies and technology service providers in transactions and outsourcing, where Christian Kuß advises on new technologies such as AI and big data. Michael Rath is well versed in regulated outsourcings, EBA compliance as well as data protection. The transaction support includes the design and negotiation of relevant documents, the implementation of post-closing measures as well as sourcing and IP matters; Wulff-Axel Schmidt is a key contact for the latter.

Public sector > Public procurement Tier 2

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH impresses with its holistic advice to cities and municipal utilities, federal and state ministries and, in some cases, private companies: cooperation with its internal antitrust, environmental, energy and real estate lawyers allows the team to provide procurement and litigation advice in relation to a variety of innovative projects. These include power plant decarbonisation, IT procurement, construction and transport infrastructure projects, and defense procurement. Stefan Mager assists a large number of clients with the design and execution of tenders related to IT and urban development and took over the practice management from Ulf-Dieter Pape in July 2022, who continues to act in various review and administrative proceedings before regional courts and the ECJ. Tobias Osseforth is also experienced in litigation and further assists with high-profile procurement proceedings in the healthcare sector.

Real estate and construction > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 2

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH routinely cooperates with the procurement law and planning law teams and advises on construction law and project support. Capacities at the procurement law interface were strengthened with the arrival of Tobias Osseforth from LUTZ | ABEL RECHTSANWALTS PARTG MBB in January 2022; this expertise is regularly requested by public sector clients as well as project developers and investors in connection with infrastructure projects, including the construction of hospitals and energy-related projects. The team is led by Achim Meier, who is experienced in court and arbitration proceedings as well as construction law matters.

Real estate and construction > Project development Tier 2

Trade and distribution > Trade, distribution and logistics Tier 2

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH impresses with its distribution law expertise, which is regularly requested by companies from the automotive, logistics and healthcare sectors; practice head Steffen Gaber also focuses on the automotive industry and advises on supplier disputes and contract changes, which corresponds with the team's expertise in contract law and dispute resolution. Another key contact here is distribution law expert Johannes Teichmann, who joined from Baker McKenzie in January 2023. The practice is additionally well versed in trade and distribution law: Maximilian Dorndorf primarily assists with contract negotiations in connection with IT and digitisation projects, while Anne Caroline Wegner focuses on distribution antitrust law and handles franchise and supplier contracts.

Transport > Advice to the transport sector Tier 2

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH advises clients from the rail transport, aviation, logistics and energy sectors, which regularly call upon the team's expertise in the areas of public transport, regional rail transport and e-mobility. The team regulalry advises on project developments, including planning and construction law issues, and M&A transactions in the transport sector. The automotive supplier expert Steffen Gaber is also experienced in defending against contractual claims. He co-leads the team with Maximilian Dorndorf, who advises clients in competition law disputes and also counts the areas of outsourcing, IT and logistics among his core competencies. In addition to private transport operators, the team is also instructed by public sector clients on procurement law issues in connection with privatisations and the associated tender procedures.

Transport > Maritime and shipping Tier 2

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is experienced in transactions and related financing in the maritime industry and also covers interfacing environmental and tax law matters. The practice management is shared by a trio: Benjamin Hub acts at the interface between corporate and insolvency law, while Florian Schulz specialises in M&A and joint ventures,  and Daniel Fehling is well versed in M&A as well as matters pertaining to commercial and river cruise ships. Shipping companies, ship owners and ports also instruct the team on digitised contract drafting and other documents. Jette Gustafsson is the key contact for digitisation matters, she also advises on maritime trade law and cross-border disputes.

Banking and finance > Fintech Tier 3

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH's fintech practice primarily focuses on regulatory topics, including crypto-related licensing procedures, the development of platform business and market entry issues as well as cooperation and development agreements and interfacing data protection matters; these competecies are complemented with expertise in financing rounds and transactions. Key contacts include Stefanie Hellmich (IT and data protection) and Rolf Kobabe (regulatory law). Daniel Latta is experienced in payment transactions law and joined the practice from Noerr at the end of 2022.

Banking and finance > Investment funds Tier 3

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH routinely cooperates with the Luxembourg team in assisting asset managers and institutional investors with the structuring, launch and sale of alternative investment funds, investments in alternative investment products and the structuring of investment platforms. This is complemented by expertise in regulatory and tax matters. Practice head Bela Jansen ((investment) tax and regulatory issues in the asset management area), Achim Pütz (conception, documentation and sales of structured financial products) and Martin Hüwel (asset management, investment and insurance supervisory law). Henning Brockhaus (previously at KPMG Law in Germany) joined the practice in July 2023 and is well versed in the securities fund area. Frank Wilbert (asset management and regulatory law) joined WTS in 2023.

Corporate and M&A > M&A

With international offices in Asia, London and Luxembourg, Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is well positioned for cross-border inbound and outbound transactions and is particularly active in the mid-cap segment. Alongside DAX40 companies, the practice also assists German medium-sized companies in the energy and infrastructure, healthcare, automotive as well as technology and telecommunications sectors. Practice head Stefan Galla, like Michael Bormann, advises on joint ventures and corporate restructuring, while Thomas Kuhnle is well versed in post-M&A issues related to restructuring and crisis situations. Private equity expert Andreas Vath joined from KPMG Law in Germany in April 2023.

Dispute resolution > Product liability Tier 3

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH represents clients from the mechanical engineering, electronics and automotive sectors across the entire spectrum of cross-border and national product liability matters, including product liability and product safety issues as well as product compliance, product recalls and damages claims. Led by Steffen Gaber, who is responsible for the automotive and mobility industry group, the team welcomed Johannes Teichmann, who is experienced in product liability, product compliance and dispute resolution, and Rebecca Romig, who joined as counsel, from Baker McKenzie in February 2023.

Industry focus > Healthcare and life sciences Tier 3

Led by Oliver Kairies (Hannover), of counsel Cornelia Yzer (Berlin) and Denis Ullrich (Leipzig), Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH 's healthcare and life sciences team offers cross-practice advice on transactions (above all in the hospital sector) and the market launch of medical devices (where the team frequently assists pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers with related regulatory matters) as well as distribution law and product liability. The digital healthcare segment includes expertise in IT, IP and data protection, which leads to regular instructions by foreign investors in the context of smart healthcare solutions; traditional medical device manufacturers are also among the client roster.

Industry focus > Telecoms Tier 3

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is experienced in advising on the expansion of districts, cities and housing associations, including fixed networks, fibre optic, WiFi and 5G, and covers related corporate and procurement law issues; the team also assists with contract drafting as well as review and complaint proceedings. A recent growth area is the regulatory monitoring of WiFi-related services in cars and aircrafts. Practice head Wulff-Axel Schmidt complements this advice offering with expertise at the IT and data protection interface.

Information technology > Information technology and digitalisation Tier 3

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH regularly assists with the development of digital business models, the use of new technologies, AI and autonomous driving and acts on behalf of start-ups, corporations and public sector clients, including educational institutions, companies and ministries. Wulff-Axel Schmidt (sourcing and IP matters; licensing and cooperation agreements; IT project agreements) heads the team, which also handles litigation.

Intellectual property > Unfair competition Tier 3

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH's competition practice focuses on the luxury goods and retail sectors as well as the mobility and logistics industries and covers license agreements, advertising law issues, registration procedures and disputes. Geert Johann Seelig and Detlef Mäder, who both have longstanding experience across the entire soft IP spectrum, jointly lead the group.

Public sector > Commercial administrative law Tier 3

Combined with competencies in environmental, planning and energy law, Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is focused on advising on the energy transition and in this context assists with power plant decarbonisation as well as research and infrastructure projects. Stefan Altenschmidt is considered a key contact in this area and, as an ESG expert, also advises large companies on environmental compliance and due diligence obligations, in particular on the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. Practice head Thomas Gohrke is experienced in public construction and real estate law and primarily advises publicly financed investment and construction projects in the university and university medical sectors. The team further demonstrates litigation expertise in representing companies and associations in Corona aid-related proceedings.

Public sector > State aid Tier 3

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH's team provides comprehensive state aid advice in relation to the energy transition and thus assists with various infrastructure and industrial projects; in close cooperation with its environmental and energy practices, the team advises on the funding and eligibility of hydrogen projects and power plant decarbonisation. Public sector clients further instruct privatisation proceedings expert Ulf-Dieter Pape to assist with state aid compliance issues. The group is led by EU state aid lawyer Helmut Janssen, who, in addition to his experience in energy projects, also acts in legal proceedings before the EU commission.

Trade and distribution > Foreign trade law Tier 3

Jointly led by export control and embargoe expert Ole-Jochen Melchior and antitrust specialist Helmut Janssen, Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH advises on various foreign trade law matters. Melchior advises companies on regulatory frameworks, sanctions and export control procedures, while Janssen regularly joins forces with the China expert Thomas Weidlich and the corporate practice on investment control in the context of international transactions. Litigator Richard Happ routinely represents clients in foreign trade arbitration proceedings.

Germany > Antitrust Tier 4

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH primarily advises across the energy, automotive, digitisation, healthcare and life sciences sectors on merger control, cartel damages and fine proceedings and acts in a forensic capacity in preliminary investigations and internal investigations, where Sebastian Felix Janka regularly takes the lead; the team also covers interfacing distribution law matters, here, practice head Anne Caroline Wegner is a key figure. Her team includes Holger Stappert, who is experienced in the energy sector, as well as Cosima Flock, who advises on compliance, market manipulation and abuse matters in the energy sector and made counsel in July 2023. Johannes Teichmann, who is experienced in distribution antitrust and distribution law, joined the team in February 2023, followed by antitrust lawyer and healthcare expert Christian Burholt in July of the same year; the latter will also take over the management of the firm’s healthcare and life sciences practice; both were previously at Baker McKenzie.

Corporate and M&A > Corporate Tier 4

It is international corporations in the healthcare, chemical and energy sectors that primarily benefit from Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH's corporate capacities in restructuring (especially cross-border mergers), corporate governance, cooperations, joint ventures and corporate disputes . Restructuring expert and practice head Stefan Galla advises on corporate issues, company acquisitions and joint ventures at a national and international level, while Björn Simon, who is experienced in corporate, contract and capital market law, supports industrial and family businesses as well as institutional investors.

Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 4

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH focuses on the insurance product side on the one hand, particularly the German business of primary and reinsurance companies and insurance brokers based in the EU and other countries, as well as the advice on insurance company law on the other hand; this includes ​​insurance supervision and contract law. Co-head and counsel Alexander Mönning is a key contact for the first segment and co-head Rolf Kobabe a key figure for the latter. Transaction support is another core focus, thanks to interface expertise in corporate law. Marco Arteaga is well versed in company pension schemes.

Intellectual property > Trade marks Tier 4

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH  focuses its trade mark advice on a client base predominantly comprised of companies from the mobility and logistics as well as consumer goods sectors and acts in both a litigious and strategic capacity. It further covers interfaces to design, competition and copyright law and is frequently involved in cross-border proceedings and global portfolio management. Geert Johann Seelig, whose expertise spans the entire spectrum of intellectual property protection, including transactional IP support, jointly leads the practice with competition and trade mark lawyer Detlef Mäder.

Private equity > Venture capital Tier 4

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH's venture capital practice acts integrated into the corporate and M&A team led by Stefan Galla and is headed by Andreas Tüxen and Philipp Glock. Founders, start-ups and venture capital investors are supported in financing rounds, investments, share acquisitions, exits and related corporate law issues. The transaction capacities were strengthened in April 2023 with the addition of Andreas Vath (previously at KPMG Law in Germany).

Real estate and construction > Real estate Tier 4

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is experienced in real estate transactions and project developments in the logistics and healtcare sectors. The team also covers related state aid and procurement law matters and places another focus on asset management and commercial tenancy law, including the growth area ESG. The latter frequently pertains to photovoltaic projects on the rooftops of logistics, commercial and industrial properties. Practice head Achim Meier complements these capacities with experience in the defence against and enforcement of supplementary claims as well as in developing claims strategies. In July 2022, the notary Dianusch Nazari (transactions and financing) joined the partner roster.

Restructuring and insolvency > Restructuring Tier 4

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is equally experienced in representing companies in crisis as well as investors and creditors. The practice is well versed in all aspects of restructuring and assists with self-administration and protective shield proceedings. The latter is a focus of Gunnar Müller-Henneberg, who is experienced in restructuring and insolvency law and took over the management of the practice in January 2023. Marcus Backes is well versed in restructuring matters, distressed M&A and insolvency law matters, while Reinhard Willemsen regularly supports German companies and their subsidiaries in self-administration.

White-collar crime > Advice to companies Tier 4

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH covers all traditional areas of corporate defence and also assists with the management of collaborative defences as well as the representation of banks and financial institutions in high-profile proceedings, including cum-ex. André Große Vorholt is particularly experienced in the areas of tax evasion, embezzlement, corruption and fraud and leads the team; which follows a cross-practice approach thus also covering relevant antitrust, energy and data protection law matters.

Capital markets > Debt capital markets Tier 5

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH's expertise is aimed at assisting medium-sized companies with bond issues; however, the team is also increasingly active on the banking side and advises on securities descriptions and base prospectuses updates. Practice head Ingo Wegerich possesses deep expertise in issuance programs and derivatives, while Rolf Kobabe particularly often assists with regulatory matters.

Media > Entertainment Tier 5

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH supports large production and broadcasting companies at the interface between media and corporate law in transactions, company formations, joint ventures and contract negotiations. In addition to media law, Stephan Rippert is also experienced in content-related contract drafting and jointly heads the practice with IT compliance and IP expert Wulff-Axel Schmidt and Michael Rath, who is well versed in joint ventures in the IT and entertainment sectors.

Germany > Private clients and non-profits Tier 5

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH acts integrated into the international law firm network unyer and advises wealthy private individuals, family offices and family businesses on all aspects of German and international tax and succession law as well as on the establishment of family foundations and asset structuring. Practice head Andreas Blunk is experienced in M&A matters and supports family businesses in the sale of shares and real estate. Arnd Becker is also well versed in corporate law and has additional expertise in family law and succession matters; Zacharias-Alexis Schneider is a key contact for matters at the interface between tax and corporate law; he utilises this expertise in transactions and corporate succession issues.

Restructuring and insolvency > Insolvency Tier 5

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH's experience in insolvency law benefits companies in crisis, investors and creditors as well as insolvency administrators, who instruct the team in the course of insolvency proceedings, protective shield proceedings as well as restructuring and the implementation of insolvency plans. Practice head Gunnar Müller-Henneberg and Marcus Backes frequently support governing bodies in the enforcement of as well as in the defense against liability claims.

Germany > Tax Tier 6

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH advises domestic and foreign corporations, large family businesses, financial services providers, institutional real estate investors as well as wealthy private individuals and non-profit organisations on corporate taxation, M&A and real estate transactions as well as in the context of investment and fund structuring. Bela Jansen, who is experienced in asset management-related (investment) tax and regulatory matters, heads the practice.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation