Clifford Chance excels at providing employment advice in the context of restructurings and transactions as well as in assisting with company pension schemes, while employment and termination scenarios of executive bodies and managers and litigation represent further areas of expertise. Practice head Ines Keitel focuses on compliance advice, including whistleblowing, internal investigations and employee data protection, which also shows in the group's case load. Christopher Fischer (transaction support, company pension schemes) made partner in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team's response speed was outstanding. In addition, our concerns were considered very carefully. Compared to other law firms, the team was already so prepared in the initial meeting that a basic structure of the matter was created and we were able to get started straight away.'
- 'The team's proactive attitude ensures that they tackle even the most complex challenges with determination and innovation. The team thrives under pressure, ensuring deadlines are met and client needs prioritised at all times. In addition, they push the boundaries of traditional German corporate culture, offering a dynamic, flexible and client-focused approach that resonates well with international clients.'
- 'Ines Keitel: Very responsive, interested and pragmatic.'
- 'The team is very committed, practical and solution-oriented. The very well-developed international network is particularly noteworthy, which leaves no constellation we need open.'
- 'Since we have little experience in the German employment market, it is very helpful that the team tells us what we need to hear and not what we want to hear.'
- 'Sebastian Ritz: Creativity and solution orientation in one person. Develops innovative solutions and offers comprehensive expertise.'
- 'Ines Keitel and Clifford Chance's restructuring practice stand out in the industry for their ability to work with management teams and shareholders to solve complex problems and achieve value-added results. They have an excellent command of the restructuring process in Germany. Their advice throughout the mandate was of a high standard.'
- 'Ines Keitel deserves special mention, as she coordinates international issues very professionally and efficiently.'
Key clients
- Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG
- Deutsche Lufthansa AG
- The Family Butchers
- LBS West und LBS Nord
Work highlights
Employment advice to Deutsche Lufthansa AG on the sale of the non-European catering division LSG Group with 131 catering operations, including on-board sales in 49 countries with around 19,000 employees, to the private equity investor Aurelius Group.
Practice head
Ines Keitel
Other key lawyers
Sebastian Ritz; Stefan Simon; Nicole Engesser Means; Christopher Fischer