Hogan Lovells International LLP‘s diverse compliance team is experienced in advising clients in the automotive, financial, life sciences, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The practice places a strong focus on US-related matters, including the advice on sanctions, compliance management systems, compliance audits, product liability and ESG compliance with a particular focus on the new supply chain law and the EU Commission’s proposed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. Sebastian Lach (internal investigations) heads the practice and is supported by Désirée Maier (life sciences), Olaf Schneider (US compliance) and Christian Ritz (ESG compliance issues and support for start-ups). The former chief compliance officer of the TRATON Group, Philip Matthey, joined the Munich-based team in October 2022 and is experienced in antitrust proceedings and investigations before the EU Commission. Sebastian Gräler in Düsseldorf is well versed in environmental compliance and joined the partner roster in January 2023. Former public prosecutor Simone Ridder (criminal law compliance) joined the team as counsel in July 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Christian Ritz and his team have excellent knowledge of the LkSG, which they convey to clients in a practical manner.'
  • 'Christian Ritz is very knowledgeable about the law and is able to explain the business and legal implications from a business perspective.'
  • 'Olaf Schneider combines unrivaled experience from in-house work with the overview of an external consultant.'
  • 'Very good accessibility and communication, professional and service-oriented team of consultants.'
  • 'Noteworthy is the flexible availability. The solutions are very pragmatic and well-founded.'

Key clients

  • Vitesco Technologies
  • Cariad SE
  • Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
  • World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF Deutschland)
  • SVEVIND

Work highlights

  • Advising Vitesco Technologies on and conducting an internal investigation on various technical compliance issues.
  • Advising German and international companies, including OBI and Ingram Micro, on ESG compliance, in particular the implementation of the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sebastian Lach

Other key lawyers

Désirée Maier, Olaf Schneider, Christian Ritz, Philip Matthey, Sebastian Gräler, Angelina Leder, Simone Ridder, Lukas Ritzenhoff