CMS has a strong grasp of the pan-European energy market, meaning the group is well placed to handle cross-border natural gas extraction projects, supplementing this with a focus on infrastructure, storage and hydrogen projects. Ursula Steinkemper heads up the team and is the forefront of the group’s regular work advising clients on planning procedures for storage projects. In addition, Holger Kraft is well versed in project financing and energy-related transactions. Shaghayegh Smousavi is key both for litigation, representing clients in German Federal Constitutional Court, and regional courts, and for M&A. On the regulatory side, the group is highly engaged in gas price adjustments and network regulation. At associate level, Marc Riede stands out for both conventional and renewable energy expertise, such as the financing of numerous power stations, onshore and offshore wind farms as well as photovoltaic power plants. Former Of Counsel Fritz von Hammerstein retired in 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Shaghayegh Smousavi is outstanding, with extensive industry knowledge, and an excellent network which enables her to provide lots of different perspectives on topics, yet being very clear in her advice. She also displays creative thinking, a super high work ethic and engagement, and exceptional contributions both in M&A and in court.'
- 'Absolutely outstanding positioning as M&A and energy related legal advisor in Germany.'
- 'CMS offers tailor-made legal advice for its clients. Clients are advised in a very pragmatic and goal-oriented manner on a scientific basis, without being overburdened with the scientific discussions themselves. In addition, clients can rely on CMS to find the best solution for them, both factually and economically, without exception, and to act independently and reliably in the interests of the client.'
- 'The lawyers are highly specialised and have a great deal of experience. Clients are also advised individually in a very pragmatic manner, with a view to finding the best solution for them.'
- 'Broad knowledge of the European and German energy industry combined with excellent legal expertise, strategic and creative thinking, as well as problem solving.'
Key clients
- 50Hertz Transmission GmbH (50Hertz)
- GASCADE Gastransport GmbH
- H2 Amortisationskonto GmbH (Trading Hub Europe GmbH)
- Ionity GmbH
- bayerngas GmbH
- SEFE Securing Energy for Europe GmbH
- Luxcara
- VPI Holding Limited
- EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG
- Encavis AG
- Müller BBM AG
- Bundesverband Erdgas, Erdöl und Geoenergie e.V. (BVEG)
Work highlights
Advising VPI, which is backed by the independent energy trader Vitol, on planned investments of up to €450million in battery projects in Germany.
Advised Bundesverband Erdgas, Erdöl und Geoenergie (BVEG) on the first-time implementation of the CO₂ injection obligations for the German extraction industry under the Net Zero Industry Act.
Advised H2 Amortisationskonto GmbH (Trading Hub Europe GmbH) on the financing and implementation of the amortisation account for the German hydrogen core network, including structuring a €24billion loan from the German development bank (KfW).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Ursula Steinkemper
Other key lawyers
Shaghayegh Smousavi; Holger Kraft; Marc Riede