Hogan Lovells International LLP helps companies across key sectors, including automotive, pharmaceuticals, and financial services, mitigate reputational damage and legal risks through discreet internal investigations, regulatory reporting, and defence against criminal allegations. Practice head Sebastian Lach leads multi-jurisdictional investigations for German and international blue-chip companies, often leveraging advanced e-discovery platforms. Désirée Maier and Christian Ritz also conduct cross-border internal investigations, audits, and respond to dawn raids, in addition to representing clients in criminal proceedings. Lukas Ritzenhoff brings particular expertise in managing high-stakes investigations involving allegations of sanctions violations, corruption, fraud, and money laundering.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team led by Christian Ritz reacts incredibly quickly to new developments, is flexible in its advice and well-connected. Pragmatic solutions are developed to advance and conclude internal investigations.'
- ‘Christian Ritz stands for high reaction speed, precise advice and a very well consolidated presentation of results for the management board.'
- ‘Client friendly, familiar with new technologies and exceptional understanding and expertise on national and international laws.’
- ‘Désirée Maier is client-friendly and up to date with new technologies and law. Sebastian Lach is client-friendly, with an exceptional legal and pragmatic approach. Lukas Ritzenhoff is also client-friendly, with good business solutions.'
- ‘Extensive legal expertise.’
- ‘Response speed and quality.’
Key clients
- Vitesco Technologies GmbH
- ZF Group
- Evonik Industries AG
Work highlights
Supported an international audit firm on potential fraud allegations in connection with climate change-related projects.
Advised Vitesco on an internal investigation regarding potentially inadmissible defeat devices in engine control units provided to an OEM and related topics.
Supported ZF in a comprehensive e-discovery project.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Désirée Maier
Christian Ritz
Lukas Ritzenhoff
Practice head
Sebastian Lach
Other key lawyers
Désirée Maier; Lukas Ritzenhoff; Philip Matthey; Christian Ritz; Olaf Schneider; Angelina Leder; Sebastian Gräler; Dorina Bruns