Bird & Bird LLP is skilled in both individual and collective labour law matters, including project and restructuring support in a range of sectors such as technology and retail. Barbara Geck is at the helm, a veteran of international employment law, especially reorganisations and co-determination law. The group’s dedicated international HR Services Group demonstrates its commitment to day-to-day HR advice. Catharina Klumpp is another key team member, particularly for dealing with works councils.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'During our collaboration, the attorneys at Bird & Bird Germany demonstrated exceptional professionalism and responsiveness in the area of employment law. When urgent matters arise, they provide legal opinions immediately and facilitate communication between our company and its various partners, enabling us to determine solutions quickly.'
- 'Their sector-specific advice and strong litigation skills are invaluable, particularly in daily HR matters. Overall, excellent commitment to practical and client-focused solutions.'
- 'Very good collaboration with partners in Germany and internationally. Prompt responsiveness, excellent ad hoc advice and ability to deliver high-quality work products efficiently, reflecting a keen understanding of client needs. Very good international network. Professionalism and expertise by the partners have significantly enhanced our projects, making them a standout choice in the industry.'
- 'Over the past year, the employment team at Bird & Bird has been an invaluable partner to our company as we navigated a range of complex EU employment matters.'
- 'The German Bird & Bird team is extremely reliable. I feel the work I send over to them is always in a safe pair of hands. They are quick to accept work and provide advice and outcomes that fit the job at hand.'
- 'Working with Bird & Bird in Germany is a consistently good experience. They are articulate, quick to respond and take business continuity as the first priority.'
Key clients
- 3M Deutschland GmbH
- Allianz SE
- Hisense Gorenje Germany GmbH
- Itron GmbH
- Longi Solar
- Messe München GmbH
- Metro Deutschland Group
- Solventum Group
Work highlights
Advised 3M Deutschland GmbH on individual and collective matters, including employee committee negotiations.
Advising a global automotive supplier on social plan negotiations with works councils for two plant closures spanning several years, providing employment law advisory support during mass layoffs, managing complexities from evolving customer requirements, facilitating conciliation committees, negotiating works agreements on leave policies, and offering continuous day-to-day support throughout the process.
Advised Solventum Group on individual and collective matters, negotiating with employee representative bodies, facilitating restructuring initiatives like relocating functions, negotiating collective employment issues, supporting operational changes through works council negotiations, and advising on German employment law.
Practice head
Barbara Geck
Other key lawyers
Catharina Klumpp; Thomas Hey