Baker McKenzie continues to expand its IT and data protection practice, covering data protection and regulatory matters, digital content and platforms, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and related disputes with supervisory authorities, with particular expertise in the fintech, big data, automotive, healthcare, and telecommunications sectors. Team head Michael Schmidl is well versed within contentious and non-contentious information technology law, handling mandates related to the internet, data privacy and media law. He is supported by Florian Tannen, who focuses on digitalisation, cybersecurity, and the data economy, advising large companies on the market launch of digital products and services involving data processing. Patrick Wilkening is a key name in relation to complex IT-related contracts and projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Exceptional technical understanding as the basis of legal advice for digital products and very good overview of solutions on the market.'
- 'Baker McKenzie's approach is lean, responsive, and pragmatic. Work is delivered quickly, to the point, and with a clear eye toward implementation. Compared to other firms, their efficiency and business alignment are unmatched. For an in-house team navigating complex, high-stakes environments, that level of trust and reliability is invaluable.'
- ‘What sets this team apart is their deep understanding of the legal needs of innovative tech companies. In the fast-moving world of automotive software and testing automation, we need counsel who can keep pace and this team does exactly that.'
- ‘Patrick Wilkening has been a trusted advisor to me for many years, and I can say without hesitation: he is one of the rare lawyers who combines razor-sharp legal intellect with genuine commercial intuition. Even in areas of significant legal ambiguity, he finds ways to navigate toward pragmatic and defensible outcomes.'
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Michael Schmidl
Other key lawyers
Florian Tannen; Michaela Nebel; Simone Rieken; Patrick Wilkening