White & Case LLP > Frankfurt, Germany > Firm Profile

White & Case LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Capital markets > Debt capital markets

Its full integration within the firm's US and European capital markets practices enables White & Case LLP's DCM team to provide issuers and underwriters with comprehensive advice on the creation and updating of various debt programs (EMTN, DIP, commercial paper, AT1 programs, structured notes , German Structured Note Programme) as well as on bond and other debt financings, both independently and as a part of existing bond programs; recently, the practice also increasingly assisted with green bond issuances and fintech-related matters such as bond issues secured by cryptocurrencies. These skills are complemented by the group's particular expertise in the high-yield area, which is led by Rebecca Emory and Gernot Wagner. Key lawyers also include DCM and ECM expert Karsten Wöckener and Cristina Freudenberger (bonds, promissory notes, mortgage bonds and various structured financial products), who made partner in January 2022.

Information technology > IT transactions and outsourcing Tier 1

The renowned team at White & Case LLP acts for numerous well-known clients and DAX companies. The expertise encompasses various technology transactions, the outsourcing of IT infrastructure, application management, business process outsourcing and cloud computing. Clients benefit from the firm's global network and international cooperation on cross-border mandates. The practice, which also includes data protection and cybersecurity expert Detlev Gabel, is led by Jost Kotthoff (sourcing, outsourcing and various technology transactions).

Restructuring and insolvency > Insolvency Tier 1

Integrated into the firm’s global network, White & Case LLP offers comprehensive advice on insolvency law. Accordingly, the team is frequently appointed in the context of international insolvencies and offers industry expertise in various sectors, including automotive, shipbuilding, retail and aviation. Practice head Sven-Holger Undritz was recently appointed insolvency administrator in the stationary retail and shipbuilding sectors, and Biner Bähr was appointed trustee in the insolvency of an electric car manufacturer. Christoph Schulte-Kaubrugger is experienced in insolvencies in the energy and retail sectors and Jan-Philipp Hoos is well versed in the automotive sector. Sylvia Fiebig is another key member and focuses on operational restructuring and change management issues. At the beginning of 2022, Felix Höpker, a specialist in liquidation and continuation of companies, and Daniel Schwartz, who specialises in international insolvency law, were appointed partners and Moritz Kriegs (insolvency administration, insolvency and restructuring law) was appointed local partner.

Banking and finance > Financial services: regulatory Tier 2

The partner appointments of Martin Weber and Sebastian Pitz in January 2022 and the addition of Woldemar Häring (previously counsel at Allen & Overy LLP) at the end of 2022 strengthened White & Case LLP ‘s regulatory capabilities at the intersections with dispute resolution (Weber) and M&A (Pitz and Häring). This combined expertise is reflected in the representation of banks in proceedings before the European Court of Justice against the Single Resolution Board (SRB) pertaining to bank levies and advice to financial institutions on cooperations and restructurings. The group has additional capacities at the capital markets interface, while Pitz is also a key contact for governance issues. Practice head Henning Berger is well versed in German and European regulatory matters, issues related to ECB supervision in the eurozone and Brexit-related topics. In December 2022, counsel Carsten Lösing (regulatory issues pertaining to financial and payment services) joined YPOG as associated partner.

Banking and finance > Project finance Tier 2

White & Case LLP ‘s project finance practice, headed by Hamburg-based Florian Degenhardt, regularly cooperates with the energy team in Düsseldorf and public law practice in Berlin. This combined expertise is used by banks, institutional investors and sponsors in national and international energy and infrastructure projects with a focus on European mandates. Recently, the team advised on solar and wind farms (onshore and offshore) and various other energy projects as well as motorways, digital infrastructure, LNG and port terminals and rolling stock. The advice covers financing via project bonds, (green) promissory note loans and other investment-compliant financing solutions as well as ECA-covered financing and EIB and KfW financing. In September 2022, the practice welcomed local partner Roland Arlt from Schalast Law | Tax; he is experienced in project financing, loans, bonds, securitisations and finance restructuring.

Capital markets > Structured finance and securitisation Tier 2

White & Case LLP's team recently demonstrated its structured finance expertise in supporting asset-backed financing and ABCP securitization transactions as well as synthetic securitization of loan portfolios, each of which was led by practice head Dennis Heuer. However, the team is also well versed in the management of NPL transactions, including direct portfolio sales and structured transactions by way of securitization, and regularly incorporates its regulatory expertise, particularly in the area of ESG. The client portfolio includes both financial institutions and investors as well as companies.

Compliance Tier 2

White & Case LLP offers expertise in AML, IT-supported compliance solutions and the whistleblower guideline and frequently cooperates with the firm's international network. Among the client base are mainly players from the financial sector in addition to online service providers as well as automotive and manufacturing companies. Financial sanctions and embargoes are among the key topics, including potential conflicts between EU and US law, as well as compliance requirements in connection with telemedia and messenger service providers. In the preventive compliance area, Daniel Zapf (previously at DLA Piper) joined the team in May 2022 and focuses on anti-money laundering CMS and compliance due diligence, while Tine Schauenburg is well versed in liability risks. Nils Clemm is regularly instructed by management bodies. In March 2023, former practice head and criminal lawyer Karl-Jörg Xylander joined the boutique CCI-LEGAL in Munich.

Compliance > Internal investigations Tier 2

White & Case LLP's White Collar Crime and Investigations practice recently accompanied banks in connection with alleged tax offenses, money laundering and the trade of business secrets, both in a national and international context. Among the client roster are companies from the manufacturing, real estate, automotive and media sector. Tine Schauenburg, who is well versed in liability issues, is among the key contacts as well as Nils Clemm, who is well versed in communicating with investigating and supervisory authorities. The Frankfurt-based team was strengthened in May 2022 with Daniel Zapf from DLA Piper, who is experienced in both the preventive and forensic compliance segment. Criminal lawyer and former practice head Karl-Jörg Xylander joined the Munich boutique CCI-LEGAL in March 2023.

Dispute resolution > Arbitration (including international arbitration) Tier 2

Embedded in White & Case LLP's global arbitration practice, the German team led by Markus Burianski stands out for its internationality both with regards to matters and client base, which is primarily composed of large, globally active companies in the energy, construction, technology, automotive and chemical industries. Recently, the group has frequently been involved in investment arbitration proceedings, post-M&A disputes and disputes relating to supply and contractual issues. Alexandra Diehl possesses in-depth expertise in investment arbitration proceedings as well as in IP, liability and post-M&A disputes, while Christian Theissen predominantly handles disputes in technology-based industries, including automotive, and is particularly involved in conflicts related to supply contracts, post-M&A and liability issues. Federico Parise Kuhnle, who was appointed local partner in January 2022, has a focus on energy sector disputes, while Alexander Lang is often involved in construction law disputes.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 2

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

Private equity > Transactions

White & Case LLP's team routinely covers cross-border matters, thanks to the firm's international network. In cooperation with locations in Europe, the US and Asia, investors and companies are advised on mid-cap and, increasingly, large-cap transactions as well as exits. Practice head Stefan Koch assists with various transactions, including LBOs, MBOs and takeovers, and is supported by healthcare transaction specialist Tomislav Vrabec and Jan Ole Eichstädt, who is experienced in technology-related transactions. In November 2022, local partner Albrecht Schaefer (PE, M&A and corporate) joined from Linklaters.

Real estate and construction > Real estate Tier 2

White & Case LLP covers all aspects of real estate law, but traditionally focuses on large-volume transactions, where Rostyslav Telyatnykov frequently takes the lead. These regularly pertain to the purchase and sale of commercial portfolios, residential units and healthcare properties, including forward transactions. Related financing, refinancing and restructuring issues are covered by Holger Wolf, among others. Clients benefit from cross-practice as well as cross-locational cooperation, especially with the office in Luxembourg, which opened in March 2022. Due to the latter, financings and transactions which are structured in Luxembourg are also part of the advice offering.

Restructuring and insolvency > Restructuring Tier 2

As a major international law firm offering both restructuring advice and insolvency administration, White & Case LLP focuses on major cross-border restructurings, which require international networking and interdisciplinary cooperation. This includes advising international companies and various subsidiaries involved in US Chapter 11 proceedings on the restructuring of European financing. In this context, both creditors and companies are advised. In addition, contentious insolvency matters such as the defence against and enforcement of rescissory and liability claims form another mainstay, which is complemented by industry expertise in shipping. Sven-Holger Undritz and Riaz Janjuah jointly head the practice, with Janjuah in charge of restructuring advice. At the beginning of 2022, Felix Höpker (administration and company liquidations), Daniel Schwartz (regularly takes on the role of general representative in self-administration and protective shield proceedings) and Moritz Kriegs (focus on insolvency proceedings) were appointed partners.

White-collar crime > Advice to companies Tier 2

White & Case LLP offers extensive preventive and reactive white-collar crime expertise, which the team demonstrates at national and international level. In addition to financial institutions, the client base consists of players from the automotive, real estate, transport and TMT sectors, including social media platforms and messenger services, which the team supports in fine proceedings, investigations and criminal compliance issues. Most recently, the team assisted with allegations of money laundering, corruption, embezzlement and cybercrime as well as environmental crime and criminal tax matters, where the team also acts for the damaged party. In May 2022, the capacities in cross-border investigations and money laundering prevention were strengthened with the arrival of Daniel Zapf, previously at DLA Piper. Internal investigations are also a focus of Tine Schauenburg and Nicolas Rossbrey, who was appointed local partner in December 2021. Nils Clemm's expertise includes crisis-related committee advice. Former practice head Karl-Jörg Xylander (experienced in communication with the authorities) left the team in March 2023 and joined CCI-LEGAL.

Banking and finance > Fintech Tier 3

White & Case LLP's fintech team follows a cross-practice and cross-location approach with frequent instructions from German and international banks, platforms, fintechs as well as their investors and shareholders. Recently, the practice assisted clients with takeovers and transactions, handling both corporate as well as regulatory issues pertaining to the integration and subsequent licensing procedures. Financing rounds and the expansion of product portfolios were further prominent topics. Key contact Karsten Wöckener is experienced in financing rounds and the launch of digital platforms. Counsel Carsten Lösing (payment services supervisory law) joined YPOG in December 2022 as associated partner.

Banking and finance > Lending and borrowing Tier 3

White & Case LLP‘s integrated global approach is evident in a London-based practice management team on the one hand, as well as the team’s capacities in advising clients on German, English and US law on the other. Debt finance practice head Vanessa Schürmann in Frankfurt also covers matters pertaining to English law, in particular in the segments leveraged finance transactions, acquisition financing and corporate loans, which correlate with the German team’s advice offering. Schürmann’s and the team’s expertise in interfacing capital market law matters (such as term B loans) is frequently requested by banks and also, increasingly, corporates.

Banking and finance > Real estate finance Tier 3

The regular close cooperation of the real estate and capital market teams forms a cornerstone of White & Case LLP‘s real estate financing and acquisition advice. In addition to cross-practice cooperation, lenders and real estate investors benefit from the international network, including the new Luxembourg location which opened in March 2022. Thus, the team is well positioned to advise on Luxembourg-linked structured financing and transactions. Key contacts include Thomas Flatten (real estate, acquisition and project financing as well as restructuring) and Sébastien Seele (various forms of financing in the real estate sector).

Capital markets > Equity capital markets Tier 3

Its international and cross-practice setup allows White & Case LLP's ECM practice to advise issuers and underwriters on domestic and cross-border equity transactions, including SPAC and de-SPAC transactions, under German and US law, as well as on pre-IPO rounds of financing and other transactions embedded in financing packages. ECM and DCM expert Rebecca Emory is a key contact for the team, which further strengthened this intersection with the arrival of Yannick Adler from Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in August 2021.

Corporate and M&A > Corporate Tier 3

As part of the firm's global network, White & Case LLP's German practice is particularly well equipped to handle complex cross-border M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions which it often handles for listed companies, including group and stock corporation law aspects and structural measures. Practice head Alexander Kiefner is the key contact for large cross-border deals and related structural measures as well as corporate disputes, in particular appeal, approval and arbitration proceedings; alongside Julia Sitter, he also advises on general meetings and corporate governance. Hans-Georg Schulze, who made partner in January 2022, focuses his transactional advice on the automotive, energy and technology sectors.

Corporate and M&A > M&A

White & Case LLP regularly handles large-cap multi-billion transactions as well as mid-cap deals in the German and European market and acts with a focus on companies from the energy and infrastructure, technology, finance, automotive and industrial sectors; joint ventures, private equity and venture capital transactions also form part of the team's expertise portfolio. Practice head Tobias Heinrich, who also co-heads the firm's global autotech group, advises technology companies on investments and exit deals, which often carry VC implications, while banks and financial institutions call upon Roger Kiem who also assists with corporate law and is adept at conversions. Joint venture and venture capital specialist Matthias Kiesewetter, Murad Daghles, who focuses on transactions in the Middle East, and Sebastian Pitz, who advises on private and public takeovers, are other key contacts. Hans-Georg Schulze made partner in January 2022 and assists with strategic transactions and carve-outs.

Dispute resolution > Financial services: litigation Tier 3

White & Case LLP's banking advice also includes representation in contentious matters, which often cross the intersection to liability and insolvency law issues. The team, which also acts for investment companies and frequently advises across borders, is also well versed in enforcing damages claims against board members and other liability recipients. The latter area represents a focus of practice head Markus Langen, while Christian Wirth is well versed in mass proceedings among other matters and Sonja Hoffmann possesses in-depth experience in defending financial institutions against damages claims.

Industry focus > Energy Tier 3

Practice head Thomas Burmeister at White & Case LLP is experienced in transactions and regulatory matters, which is characteristic of the team’s advisory approach with a focus on the former segment. This is complemented by Florian Degenhardt‘s project financing expertise. Recently, the team advised investors and energy companies on large-scale national and cross-border transactions in the sectors gas, wind, solar as well as power grids. The regulatory advice covers matters pertaining to hydrogen and contentious energy law issues.

Industry focus > Telecoms Tier 3

White & Case LLP advises on traditional contractual and regulatory issues pertaining to telecommunications law, while the team is also increasingly active in advising platforms, messenger service providers and social network clients. The client base includes a well-known automotive manufacturer, which the practice assists in the connected cars arena, and investors, which are advised on fibre optic investments, data centers and cloud structures. Growth areas include transactions in connection with infrastructure, radio connections, television towers and mobile sites. The team is headed by Norbert Wimmer.

Information technology > Data protection Tier 3

White & Case LLP advises its clients on all aspects of German and European data protection, with particular expertise in cross-border data traffic and cybersecurity. Clients’ representation in international court proceedings is another mainstay as well as the advice on contract and public procurement law. Head of the global practice group Data, Privacy & Cyber Security Detlev Gabel is well versed in data protection as well as technology law.

Intellectual property > Unfair competition Tier 3

White & Case LLP has a particular focus on competition law in the technology, media and social media, automotive, healthcare and life sciences sectors, but is also experienced in the consumer goods and sports industries. Due to its large firm network, IP issues are handled across practices and jurisdictions and with the help of legal tech tools. Hamburg-based practice head Markus Mette is extensively active in IT and IP issues and focuses on brand, advertising and licensing strategies. Stefan Haiplik regularly assists companies with the planning of advertising and branding strategies.

Public sector > Commercial administrative law Tier 3

White & Case LLP‘s practice assists companies as well as the public sector with constitutional issues, legislative procedures and proceedings, with a focus on commercial administrative law matters in the automotive, transport, energy, telecommunications and financial sectors; the team has particular expertise in advising on banking regulation, with Henning Berger being especially active here. Norbert Wimmer represents various international internet companies in administrative and extrajudicial disputes. In January 2022, Martin Weber (financial supervision, public commercial law) made partner. Lars Petersen left for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in August 2023.

Public sector > Planning and environment Tier 3

White & Case LLP impresses with experience in the automotive sector and in technical compliance as well as in associated climate protection and ESG compliance requirements. In addition to product-related and regulatory environmental law advice, the practice assists its clients, including public bodies, investors and companies, with infrastructure projects as well as project developments and financing and also advises on transactions that are regularly cross-border and in the large-cap area. Practice head Norbert Wimmer, who deals with issues relating to regulated industries and projects, is supported by counsel Anna Burghardt-Kaufmann, who advises companies on chemical and hazardous substance law, immission control as well as water and soil protection law.

Public sector > State aid Tier 3

White & Case LLP advises clients, including truck and electric vehicle manufacturers, energy companies, financial institutions and airlines, on state aid compliance and state aid proceedings. Practice head Christoph Arhold is not only active in competition law but also in European Union law and has considerable experience in litigation before German courts and the European Court of Justice. Kai Struckmann joined Deloitte Legal in February 2022, where he heads the EU and state aid law department.

Insurance > Insurance litigation Tier 4

White & Case LLP's insurance litigation team focuses on high-end business and cross-border cases; pertaining to the latter, clients benefit from the firm's global positioning. Berlin-based practice head Christian Wirth is known for his experience in enforcing D&O liability claims. Recently, he was also increasingly active in matters related to Covid-19. Sara Vanetta represents insurers and policyholders in D&O cases and is well versed in handling mass litigation.

Private equity > Venture capital Tier 4

Integrated into the global network, White & Case LLP specialises in private equity and is also increasingly active in the VC arena. This is reflected in international mandates and instructions from financial institutions, companies and investors. In the fast growth area and the technology sector, practice head Stefan Koch and his team primarily assist with transactions. In January 2022, Sebastian Pitz (financing rounds, especially in the fintech sector) was appointed partner and Marco Stephan (M&A, corporate law) was appointed local partner.

Trade and distribution > Foreign trade law Tier 4

White & Case LLP impresses with expertise in investment control, where the team cooperates closely with the firm's other locations, including Paris and Washington DC. Export control law is another key topic of the practice, which is led by a trio: antitrust lawyer Tilman Kuhn, M&A expert Tobias Heinrich and Lars Peterson, who was appointed partner in January 2022 and handles foreign direct investments, export controls and EU and German competition law matters.

Germany > Antitrust Tier 5

As part of the firm’s global network, the German antitrust law team at White & Case LLP advises on merger control issues in the context of transactions, on damages proceedings and other antitrust-related proceedings; the team has an industry focus on the pharmaceutical, automotive, consumer goods and technology sectors, among others. Axel Schulz, who assists with merger control in Brussels, jointly heads the practice with Tilman Kuhn, who divides his time between Düsseldorf and Brussels and is experienced in antitrust disputes. Kai Struckmann (antitrust investigations) left the team in February 2022 and joined Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH. Lars Petersen left the firm for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in August 2023.

Information technology > Information technology and digitalisation Tier 5

White & Case LLP's practice covers cloud computing, sourcing, outsourcing and technology transactions. Companies, financial service providers and energy suppliers benefit from the cross-practice advice, where the team frequently acts in close cooperation with experts from the areas tax law, M&A and capital market law. Martin Munz (IT, sourcing and contract law), Sylvia Lorenz (digital platforms) and practice head Jost Kotthoff (sourcing, outsourcing, technology transactions) are among the key contacts.

Media > Entertainment Tier 5

White & Case LLP offers in-depth experience in media regulatory matters, particularly in the area of new media. In this regard, the team advises national and international media platforms and technology companies, also in cross-border cooperation with locations in the US and the EU. The development of digital business models is another key topic as well as the implications of the new media state treaty. Sylvia Lorenz is increasingly instructed by digital platforms on data and consumer protection matters, while Norbert Wimmer focuses on telecommunications and broadcasting law; both jointly head the team and are based in Berlin. Lars Petersen departed for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in August 2023.

Germany > Tax Tier 5

White & Case LLP's tax team, which often advises across borders, is particularly active for players in the finance, real estate and energy sectors and impresses with know-how on M&A transactions, structured and asset-based financing, tax planning and tax disputes; the latter also represents the focus of Tim Bracksiek who made partner in January 2022. Practice head Bodo Bender is particularly well versed in advising on tax aspects of transactions.

Germany > Employment Tier 6

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.

United States > Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

Oman > Dispute resolution Tier 3