Clifford Chance's White Collar, Regulatory & Compliance practice is considered a leading address for companies and banks exposed to criminal matters, particularly in the financial services sector. In addition to criminal defense, the practice also assists with criminal tax law, while dealing with cum-ex, cum-cum and similar structures, among other matters. It further advises clients on violations of data protection regulations and economic and financial sanctions, such as Russia sanctions, as well as on anti-money laundering and criminal insolvency issues. Criminal tax law as well as corruption, breach of trust and money laundering are handled by practice head Heiner Hugger, among others, while David Pasewaldt also advises companies on corruption allegations, capital market violations and tax evasion matters. Julia Baedorff, who is another key contact, is distinguished by her expertise in defending clients in preliminary proceedings and in handling internal investigations and compliance issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The team is excellently positioned. Strong staff and excellent quality across all levels.'
'Heiner Hugger, David Pasewaldt and Julia Baedorff work at the highest professional level. They are fast, reliable, professionally outstanding and always collegial. They also have active experience of representing clients in court.'
'The collaboration with Clifford Chance is always professional, cooperative and characterised by open communication as well as a particularly structured and efficient way of working. The teams put together for each case are unusually stable, always extremely well and effectively coordinated, and the manpower deployed is always sufficient and never excessive.'
'In particular, mutual trust, reliability and personal exchange as well as the team's sound expertise and years of practical experience characterise the collegial cooperation. The external appearance is always professional.'
'In my opinion, Heiner Hugger is the best and most experienced corporate defense lawyer in Germany and the (young at heart) old master in this discipline, if not its founder.'
'I value both Julia Baedorff and David Pasewaldt as highly valued colleagues due to their personalities, outstanding knowledge and personal commitment.'
'The team consists of very experienced lawyers who are very familiar with the field and have excellent specialist knowledge.'
'Heiner Hugger is very experienced and is characterised by his calmness when dealing with law enforcement authorities.'
Work highlights
Advising numerous international and European banking groups and asset managers on alleged cum-ex and cum-cum transactions and related deals.
Advising a German bank in an investigation by a German public prosecutor's office regarding an alleged violation of a prohibition on disposal and provision of assets under the EU sanctions against Russia.
Advising an international banking group on criminal confiscation proceedings against a Russian customer against the background of the prohibitions on disposal and provision arising from EU sanctions against Russia.
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.
Julia Baedorff
Practice head
Heiner Hugger
Other key lawyers
David Pasewaldt; Julia Baedorff; Gerson Raiser