Firms To Watch: Commercial litigation

Under the leadership of Alex Petrasincu und Wolf von Bernuth, Hausfeld Rechtsanwälte LLP represents both plaintiffs and defendants, particularly in cartel and capital market disputes.
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is increasingly visible in supply chain disputes, particularly in the automotive sector, but is also adept in representing clients in franchise as well as commercial conflicts across various industries.

Commercial litigation in Germany

Gleiss Lutz

Gleiss Lutz is considered one of the leading addresses for dispute resolution: under the leadership of Stefan Rützel, who is experienced in financial and corporate as well as post-M&A disputes, the team has in-depth expertise in compliance-related follow-up proceedings - including in connection with corporate liability -, claims and liability claims enforcement as well as in defending clients against cartel damages claims. Class and mass lawsuits in the capital market and antitrust context, in which Eric Wagner is particularly active, as well as product liability and recall cases represent additional mainstays, while the team recently also experienced an increase in energy disputes - here, its representation of Lanxess, led by David Quinke, in the billion-dollar dispute over an EEG levy is particularly noteworthy. Andrea Leufgen is an experienced contact for transactional, banking and financial disputes as well as joint venture disputes, while Tobias Boecken focuses on conflicts in the construction and plant engineering sector.

Praxisleiter:

Stefan Rützel


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Andrea Leufgen; Eric Wagner; David Quinke; Tobias Boecken


Kernmandanten

Abellio Rail GmbH


Bundesgesundheitsministerium/Paul Ehrlich-Institut/|Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM)


Daimler AG


Deutsche Telekom AG


Wirecard insolvency administrator


Lanxess


Mercedes Benz AG


RWE Generation SE


Abellio Rail GmbH


Highlight-Mandate


  • Internal processing of allegations and civil law enforcement of claims nationally and abroad for the insolvency administrator of Wirecard AG, including a balance sheet nullity suit and board liability claim against Markus Braun.

  • Comprehensive advice for the Federal Ministry of Health/Paul Ehrlich Institute/Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) in connection with the vaccine issue, including negotiations on the procurement of new vaccines, the design of donation contracts, the buyback and exchange of vaccines and the defense against claims for recourse due to vaccination damage.

  • Strategic advice to and defense of Mercedes Benz AG against customer claims in connection with the diesel issue.

Hengeler Mueller

Hengeler Mueller's powerful dispute resolution practice acts in capital market disputes, antitrust damages litigation, conflicts in the IT and communications sector as well as in board liability and post-M&A proceedings. Philipp Hanfland is particularly experienced in the latter area as well as in the context of capital market, corporate and insolvency conflicts, while Antonia Hösch has extensive expertise in contractual and corporate disputes and Markus Meier focuses on representing companies in civil law disputes. Numerous financial services and energy companies also rely on the team in complex, cross-border disputes before state courts.

Weitere Kernanwälte:

Philipp Hanfland; Markus Meier; Viola Sailer-Coceani; Antonia Hösch; Carsten van de Sande; Daniel Engel; Mathäus Mogendorf


Linklaters

Due to its interdisciplinary set-up and global integration, Linklaters' renowned dispute resolution practice handles an impressive number of contentious matters for national and international companies in the healthcare, energy, automotive and financial services industries; the team places a particular focus on banking, corporate and commercial disputes, antitrust damages proceedings as well as D&O and product liability conflicts. In the energy sector, the practice further focuses on contentious supply contract, price adjustment and hardship clauses issues, where practice head Alexandros Chatzinerantzis has extensive experience, as well as on construction, commercial and corporate conflicts. Contentious ESG matters are also increasingly contributing to the practice's case load - here Julia Grothaus (antitrust and corporate law) places a strong focus on liability risks associated with sustainability issues. While Rupert Bellinghausen is active in post-M&A arbitration proceedings, class actions, antitrust damages litigation, product liability and corporate disputes, Kerstin Wilhelm advises on white-collar criminal proceedings. Counsel Anke Krause is one of the key contacts for product liability proceedings and contractual disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Alexandros Chatzinerantzis


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Rupert Bellinghausen; Julia Grothaus; Christian Schmitt; Kerstin Wilhelm; Anke Krause


Referenzen

‘Christian Schmitt and his team are very good, professional and competent, so that clients feel that they are in good hands and well advised. The team is also very pragmatic and can be creative in defining and advising on defense strategies.’

‘Highly motivated and qualified, very pleasant, pragmatic, goal-oriented and solution-oriented.’

‘Broad practice with the opportunity to seamlessly integrate colleagues with specialist knowledge. However, it is advisable to pay close attention to the scope of work of the specialist colleagues involved.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising and representing Steinhoff International Holdings NV in shareholder litigation in connection with allegations of alleged accounting irregularities on the company listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Also representing the company in an investor test case before the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court.

  • Representation of Deutsche Oppenheim Family Office AG (formerly Sal. Oppenheim) in various legal disputes with personally liable partners regarding various real estate transactions.

  • Ongoing advice to Yunneng Wind Power Company Ltd on claim management, claim enforcement in interim relief (Germany and Malaysia) and preparation of several adjudication and arbitration proceedings against a Malaysian special vessel operator and a Malaysian bank in connection with the delays in the construction of the largest offshore wind farms in Taiwan.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie's comprehensive dispute resolution expertise includes insolvency, antitrust and post-M&A disputes as well as a wide range of pharmaceutical and patent conflicts, in which the group primarily represents clients from the pharmaceutical, IT and infrastructure sectors, but also financial institutions and insolvency administrators, ministries as well auditing firms. The practice is jointly managed by Heiko Haller and Günter Pickrahn: in addition to routinely advising pharmaceutical companies on contractual disputes, Haller's expertise is particularly evident in conflicts relating to large energy projects, such as the construction of nuclear power plants and offshore wind farms; Pickrahn, who also acts as an arbitrator, handles post-M&A disputes as well as licensing and intellectual property rights issues. In the corporate litigation sphere, Tobias Höfling assists with numerous resolution challenges, board liability disputes and conflicts between M&A advisors and investors over transaction remuneration, while technology-related disputes and mass litigation represent Nicolai Behr's focus, who made partner in July 2023. Senior Associate Max Oehm is a key contact for professional liability issues.

Praxisleiter:

Günter Pickrahn; Heiko Haller


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jörg Risse; Jürgen Schramke; Tobias Höfling; Nicolai Behr; Max Oehm


Referenzen

‘Large, established practice that literally covers all litigation areas. Real LegalTech expertise and commitment. Remarkable responsiveness.’

‘Jörg Risse: Extremely experienced. Very quick comprehension. Skilled negotiator. Knows every trick in the book.’

‘Heiko Haller: Very responsive, hardworking. Strong in argumentation and negotiation.’

Clifford Chance

With a broad sector focus that includes the automotive, technology and energy industries, Clifford Chance is dedicated to commercial, contractual, corporate and antitrust disputes, in particular cartel damages proceedings (follow-on), as well as cum-ex-related and data protection conflicts; practice heads Michael Kremer, Jan Conrady and Thomas Voland are among the key contacts for the latter area. The team also possesses deep expertise in banking and financial services disputes, with complementary skills in white collar crime and tax issues. Of counsel Uwe Hornung is a key contact for contentious corporate and transactional matters.

Praxisleiter:

Michael Kremer


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Uwe Hornung; Jan Conrady; Thomas Voland; Peter Burckhardt


Referenzen

‘Ability to scientifically penetrate legal questions that have not yet been dealt with in jurisprudence/commentaries or have not been dealt with conclusively or completely. Thinking out of the box in the high-end legal sector.’

‘Peter Burckhardt: Very structured way of working. Very reliable and stringent lines of argument in the process and good representation in meetings. I particularly appreciate our legal “sparring sessions” with an open and creative exchange of opinions on equal terms, which have led/lead to real mutual gains in knowledge and ultimately to resilient and successful strategies in proceedings.’

Hogan Lovells International LLP

With extensive expertise in the financial services, life sciences and energy sectors, Hogan Lovells International LLP is considered a popular address for corporate, energy, commercial and antitrust disputes, while practice head Tanja Eisenlaub also regularly handles litigation in the automotive sector. Other mainstays include insolvency disputes and civil and administrative conflicts as well as data protection proceedings and complex, international supply chain disputes in the automotive and mobility sectors; Detlef Haß is considered particularly adept in the latter segment. In addition to litigation before state courts, counsel Christoph Pelz is also well versed in out-of-court dispute resolution.

Praxisleiter:

Tanja Eisenblätter


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Detlef Haß; Kim Lars Mehrbrey; Carolin Marx; Sophie-Isabelle Horst; Ina Brock; Inken Knief; Karl Pörnbacher; Carla Wiedeck; Christoph Pelz


Referenzen

‘Hogan Lovells is very flexible and business-oriented. They offer practical solutions and are always available to their clients. Above all, the in-depth specialist knowledge and comprehensive competence in different legal areas is above average and very positive when it comes to finding creative solutions to complex problems.’

‘Accessibility, solution orientation, professional guidance beyond your own area of ​​expertise, proactive solution suggestions, flexibility, openness.’

‘It’s a very broad, consistently excellent and very pleasant team where working together runs smoothly and is a joy. The team is characterised by strategic expertise and precise, first-class work.’

‘Very competent team with in-depth understanding of the relevant industry (pharmaceuticals). Pragmatic, maintains an overview at all times, even when several proceedings are happening simultaneously.’

Kernmandanten

Google


Wirelane


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Google in antitrust damages claims in connection with the EU Commission’s Google Shopping decision.

  • Advising Wirelane regarding potential violations by Tesla of German calibration law and the consumer protection price information regulation.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP's in-depth dispute resolution experience spans complex commercial disputes, mass litigation and data protection conflicts as well as insolvency and antitrust damages proceedings and contentious post-M&A issues - an area in which Alena McCorkle is particularly well versed - and is reflected in numerous instructions from high-profile international companies from the technology, financial services and automotive sectors. Practice head Christoph Baus is experienced in commercial litigation, while counsel Stefan Patzer's expertise covers litigation as well as of ​​out-of-court dispute resolution; Anne Löhner excels in complex, often cross-border commercial disputes, mass proceedings as well as post-M&A and shareholder disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Christoph Baus


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Anne Löhner; Alena McCorkle; Stefan Patzer


Referenzen

‘Latham certainly dominates with depth and versatility. The team is top-class across all positions. We see Latham as a pioneer, especially in the area of ​​technology, and therefore as particular strong in ​​mass proceedings.’

‘Christoph Baus: Great strategist. Asks the right questions.’

‘Anne Löhner: Very thorough and solution-oriented.’

Kernmandanten

Credit Suisse


Mastercard Europe SA


Mercedes-Benz Group AG


Scottish Widows


Vodafone


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Credit Suisse on the so-called Suisse Secrets allegations and several securities claims following the insolvency of Greensill Bank.

  • Represented Mastercard in a variety of individual proceedings following a third-party cyber incident.

  • Victory for ZF Automotive US, Inc, a subsidiary of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, before the US Supreme Court on the question of the admissibility of discovery for private arbitration proceedings abroad.

SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft

SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft acts in product liability and insolvency disputes as well as in corporate, antitrust and post-M&A conflicts, with key contacts including Stefan Zeyher, Philipp Rüppell, Jochem Reichert and Ben Steinbrück. Thomas Liebscher, who advises on corporate, group and capital market law as well as M&A, and Michael Molitoris, who is experienced in product liability and insurance disputes, are other names to note. Counsel Isabel Fischer focuses on commercial, corporate and contractual disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Jochem Reichert; Thomas Liebscher; Stefan Zeyher; Ben Steinbrück; Michael Molitoris; Philipp Rüppell


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Isabel Fischer


Referenzen

‘I think that the deep market knowledge and our specific sector is one of the key factors in the success of the team and its strength. This leads to a well-focused opinion on a particular topic, speed of response and absolute competence.’

‘Michael Molitoris: One of the best European lawyers in the field of product liability and with an unrepeatable knowledge of the automotive sector. This expertise and his experience make his advice absolutely indispensable for us.’

‘Michael Molitoris: Is particularly characterised by practical legal advice. His suggested solutions are always on point.’

‘Philipp Rüppell: Is the best when it comes to organising complex issues, getting to the point, developing a strategy and negotiating.’

‘Strong team with high partner presence.’

‘Thomas Liebscher: A very good lawyer.’

Kernmandanten

Bayer AG


Volkwagen AG


AUDI AG


Knaus Tabbert AG


EnergieVerbund Dresden


Società Italiana per le Sviluppo dell’Elettronica


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advice and representation of Bayer AG in connection with investors’ damages claims against Bayer due to the alleged violation of disclosure obligations in the takeover of Monsanto with a current total amount of more than €3 billion. There are more than 30 lawsuits from around 340 plaintiffs pending at the Cologne Regional Court.

  • Advice and legal representation of AUDI AG in connection with the ‘diesel issue’; here in particular strategic advice and representation in the so-called VTDI cases (engines developed in-house by AUDI AG); also advising on foreign class actions.

  • Advising the global US group Diebold Nixdorf Inc. on adjudication proceedings in connection with the conclusion of a control and profit transfer agreement as well as in adjudication proceedings in connection with the implementation of a squeeze-out.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP is primarily active in energy sector disputes, but also has extensive experience in the insurance and technology industries as well as in bankruptcy and restructuring conflicts; key contacts include Gero von Jhering and counsel Marlene Maesch. Supply contract proceedings represent another mainstay, which are primarily handled by Markus Burianski and Christian Theissen, as well as post-M&A disputes and contentious matters in the financial services industry; practice head Markus Langen frequently acts in the latter area, while Alexandra Diehl has extensive expertise in mass proceedings in the automotive, energy and pharmaceutical sectors.

Praxisleiter:

Markus Langen


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gero von Jhering; Marlene Maesch; Markus Burianski; Christian Theissen; Alexandra Diehl; Christian Wirth; Sonja Hoffmann


Referenzen

‘Excellent advice from a committed, competent team, taking into account company-specific aspects.’

‘Excellent specialist knowledge of the entire team, very pragmatic and solution-oriented approach. Cross-departmental collaboration with other departments and other foreign offices on international issues works smoothly.’

‘Sonja Hoffmann: Not only impresses with her excellent expertise in capital market and real estate disputes, she also always thinks economically and solution-oriented. She has impressive negotiating skills, develops very astute and creative strategies, and thinks way outside the box. She is impressively confident in court and during negotiations. She and her team have become a reliable and always approachable partner for our company over the last few years.’

‘Good team with excellent connections with other areas. Delivers promptly and as agreed, even in critical situations.’

Dedicated and always on the ball .’

‘Christian Wirth: Has a lot of experience and a very good tactical sense.’

Kernmandanten

Vallourec Tubes S.A.S


Air Berlin


CMS

In addition to corporate and product liability disputes, CMS represents numerous clients in complex national and international commercial and transport disputes, but is also involved in post-M&A, banking and financial conflicts as well as in contentious matters in the life sciences sector. The practice is jointly led by Thomas Lennarz (focuses on mass litigation) and Nicolas Wiegand, who predominantly handles arbitration proceedings in connection with large construction projects, joint ventures, IP, IT and energy.

Praxisleiter:

Thomas Lennarz; Nicolas Wiegand


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Claus Thiery; Peter Wende


Referenzen

‘The team is very efficient, especially when dealing with a large number of proceedings. When advising on strategic questions, right specialists are always consulted in order to weigh up all risks accordingly.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing and advising Stellantis as main strategic advisor in several thousand individual lawsuits before German courts in connection with so-called emissions lawsuits.

  • Advice, representation and support for the University Hospital of Bonn (UKB) in the successful defense of a damages claim worth millions.

  • Advising, representing and supporting a wind turbine manufacturer in connection with a dispute regarding a master agreement as well as defects in manufactured wind turbines and the defense against damages claims from customers/wind farm operators in state courts.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper represents national and international companies in the automotive, TMT and life sciences sectors in disputes relating to liability, contract and corporate law and also has expertise in mass litigation. Practice head Thomas Gädtke is considered a specialist in the latter segment, who is also well versed in product and corporate liability as well as in financial services conflicts. Investment protection proceedings as well as commercial and infrastructure disputes are part of Marc Jacob's repertoire, while Wolfgang Jäger has experience in commercial contract litigation and civil damages prosecution; Frank Roth is a sought-after contact for contentious insolvency and joint venture matters.

Praxisleiter:

Thomas Gädtke


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Marc Jacob; Wolfgang Jäger; Frank Roth


Referenzen

‘Very focused, legally outstanding and efficient.’

‘Frank Roth: Impresses with his clear view of the essentials and his efficient management of cases.’

‘Quick response to inquiries. Covers all relevant legal areas, including in an international context.’

Kernmandanten

Atos Information Technology GmbH


Discovery Communications Deutsch-land GmbH & Co. KG ProSieben /SevenOneEntertainment RTL Television WeltN24


Seven.One Entertainment Group GmbH / ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE


Highlight-Mandate


  • Defending an international corporation with companies in Malta and Gibraltar against numerous damages claims in Germany and Austria in connection with the offering of allegedly illegal online gambling to German consumers.

  • Comprehensive in-court and out-of-court representation of a leading IT service provider for the (mutual) termination of a large-volume IT project contract for the development of a nationwide database land register.

  • Out-of-court and in-court representation of a Czech company specialising in the trade of medical devices regarding the enforcement of contractual damages claims and state liability claims against the Federal Republic of Germany.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

In addition to representing clients in civil and criminal litigation, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP's dispute resolution practice also handles collective redress and mass litigation. The team is regularly instructed by national and international companies to assist with corporate and product liability disputes, post-M&A conflicts and ESG litigation, as well as with cartel damages proceedings. Georg Weidenbach is particularly well versed in the latter area, while Markus Rieder, who is experienced in cross-border commercial litigation, advises on ESG disputes including climate and environmental protection matters.

Weitere Kernanwälte:

Markus Rieder; Finn Zeidler; Georg Weidenbach; Kai Gesing


Referenzen

‘Know-how, creativity.’

‘Markus Rieder: top lawyer, dedicated, creativity and intelligence.’

Kernmandanten

Mercedes-Benz Group


Atlas Copco


Unicredit S.p.A.


ArcelorMittal


Volkswagen


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Mercedes-Benz Group in a diesel-related model declaratory action.

  • Representing Mercedes-Benz AG in a civil dispute, one of the first climate change proceedings in Germany.

  • Advising Atlas Copco and its subsidiary ISRA Vision in an arbitration proceeding relating to the squeeze-out.

WACH UND MECKES und Partner Rechtsanwälte PartGmbB

WACH UND MECKES und Partner Rechtsanwälte PartGmbB has expertise in insolvency disputes, particularly Karl Wach and Frank Meckes, and is also well versed in conflicts in the environmental, energy and technology sectors. In the latter, Maximilian Menz is particularly adept in disputes, while Robert Straubmeier specialises in contentious insolvency and corporate matters. Arno Riethmüller is a key contact for transaction-related litigation.

Praxisleiter:

Karl Wach; Frank Meckes; Maximilian Menz; Robert Straubmeier; Arno Riethmüller


Referenzen

‘Very good legal know-how in the specialist area, which is clearly communicated to the client so that management decisions are possible.’

‘The collaboration and professional expertise is outstanding. My colleagues are also extremely pragmatic.’

‘Frank Meckes: In my opinion one of the best litigators in Germany; Arno Riethmüller: One of the best young litigators I have worked with so far. Both are very quick and pragmatic, but always looking for creative solutions.’

Kernmandanten

Etihad Airways PJSC


Highlight-Mandate


  • Defending Etihad Airways PJSC, a globally operating international airline, against multi-billion dollar damages claim brought by the insolvency administrator of a German airline.

  • Advising an English portfolio manager on a three-digit million investment in a mass litigation portfolio.

  • Defended a global Middle Eastern company against a range of shareholder and bondholder claims.

Dentons

Dentons' cross-border dispute resolution practice operates across a broad spectrum, ranging from corporate, commercial and liability disputes to post-M&A conflicts. The practice is also assisting with a growing number of contractual and (plant) construction disputes, particularly in the industrial, automotive, energy and construction sectors; Matthias Hadding and Thomas Nebel are particularly active here. The latter jointly heads the practice with Heiko Heppner, who focuses on contractual and corporate disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Heiko Heppner; Thomas Nebel


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Matthias Hadding; Christoph Ziegers


Referenzen

‘The Frankfurt team for cross-border civil litigation led by Heiko Heppner is particularly impressive. The team’s diversity and diverse qualifications make it an excellent choice for cross-border disputes.’

‘Heiko Heppner and his team primarily assist with disputes before foreign courts, which is made easier by his team’s diverse language and legal knowledge. The qualifications in the US and China are particularly helpful, as they are very helpful in disputes before courts abroad.’

‘Heiko Heppner: Particularly outstanding and, with his degrees in the US and Germany and his razor-sharp mind, is the best advisor you can imagine for cross-border disputes. He has also built up an extremely international and diverse team around him, which is unparalleled anywhere in the world, particularly for disputes involving the US and China.’

Kernmandanten

Mercedes-Benz Group


Fresenius Medical Care


PayPal


Share Now GmbH


Pyrum Innovations AG


Schaeffler USA


Bundesrepublik Deutschland


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing a premium car manufacturer in diesel mass litigation before German courts.

  • Advising and representing a leading real estate and asset management group in a variety of real estate proceedings, particularly construction disputes and disputes relating to commercial leases.

  • Representation of a global healthcare company from the US as buyer in complex post-M&A arbitration proceedings relating to claims arising from violation of non-competition and non-solicitation clauses. In addition, representation in several accompanying interim court proceedings and criminal proceedings in Germany and Liechtenstein.

Heuking

Under the joint leadership of Thomas Wambach and Christian Strasser, Heuking's dispute resolution team acts in contractual, corporate liability, liability and commercial disputes, while post-M&A disputes as well as mass proceedings, in particular diesel claims, contribute significantly to its case load; the group has further expertise in contentious plant construction matters. In September 2023, the Munich practice was strengthened by the arrival of Christina Nitsche, who primarily represents technology companies, start-ups and advertisers and joined from Peters Schönberger und Partner.

Praxisleiter:

Thomas Wambach; Christian Strasser


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Daniel Froesch; Christina Nitsche


Jones Day

Jones Day impresses with its experience in M&A disputes as well as construction and engineering conflicts, for which Thomas Weimann is one of the key contacts. He jointly leads the team with Johannes Willheim, who, in addition to his arbitration expertise, also has extensive competencies in energy disputes, primarily in cross-border proceedings concerning gas price adjustments. Dieter Strubenhoff also has expertise in disputes in the construction, plant engineering and infrastructure sectors as well as in the aviation and life sciences industries.

Praxisleiter:

Dieter Strubenhoff; Johannes Willheim


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Thomas Weimann


Referenzen

‘Dieter Strubenhoff: Acted out of court for our company in an insurance case and in court for a warranty case. In both cases he conducted negotiations calmly and matter-of-factly and, when things went off course, he brought them back to the essentials. From a procedural point of view, he was very good, especially given the foreign context of the case.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Representation of a stock corporation in an employment, data protection, corporate and media law dispute with a member of the Executive Board, who was simultaneously a personally liable partner and a member of the Board of Directors of other group companies, in Austria, Switzerland, England and the US.

  • Representing a global mechanical engineering company in proceedings before the Marburg Regional Court regarding liability for component deliveries in connection with a power plant explosion in a US state, as a result of which damages amounting to more than €40 million have been claimed to date.

  • Represented a Japanese engineering company against an antitrust damages claim amounting to more than €25 million in connection with the spark plug cartel.

Norton Rose Fulbright

In addition to advising international clients on corporate, post-M&A and commercial disputes, Norton Rose Fulbright's cross-border litigation practice is also experienced in product and product liability law; in the latter area, counsel Nikolas Smirra is considered a key contact. The practice is led by Jamie Nowak, who is well versed in commercial disputes, and further focuses on the representation of real estate funds, insurance companies and property management companies as well as on banking and commercial disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Jamie Nowak


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Nikolas Smirra; Constanze Bandilla-Dany; Christian Wolf


Referenzen

‘Very sound approach, high level of professional expertise.’

‘Jamie Nowak: Great trial experience.’

‘ Nikolas Smirra: Very sound approach.’

Kernmandanten

Barclays


Citibank


Credit Suisse International


Depo Auto Parts Ind. Co., Ltd


ECE Market Places GmbH & Co. KG


INEOS Styrolution


Wavetouch Denmark A/S


Taylor Wessing

Various national and international medium-sized companies and large corporations regularly draw upon Taylor Wessing's experience in commercial, insurance and corporate disputes as well as in product liability litigation. In the latter segment, practice head Philipp Behrendt and product liability specialist Henning Moelle are particularly experienced. Moelle also represents high-profile clients from the pharmaceutical industry who, in addition to energy, shareholder and post-M&A conflicts, contribute to the practice's case load.

Praxisleiter:

Philipp Behrendt


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Henning Moelle; Olaf Kranz; Donata von Enzberg


Referenzen

‘A great team, tactically very successful. They always have sound judgment and know how to argue a case in court.’

‘Great staff who work closely with their clients and keep them informed. Responsive and proactive.’

Kernmandanten

AstraZeneca


Bayer


Grünenthal


Friedrich Carl Janssen


SWEDO


Vestas


Highlight-Mandate


  • Defending AstraZeneca against consumer lawsuits in multiple product liability cases regarding its Covid-19 vaccine.

  • Representing Grünenthal: international lead counsel / international coordination of product liability lawsuits in connection with Contergan (thalidomide).

  • Advising the former phG of the Sal. Oppenheim Bank (today Deutsche Bank Group) Friedrich Carl Janssen against the bank and D&O insurer (Allianz) in connection with a claim brought by the bank, including legal representation against the bank.

WilmerHale

WilmerHale particularly focuses on complex civil and regulatory disputes, especially with an antitrust background, while the team also has expertise in corporate litigation as well as product liability and warranty proceedings. The practice is jointly led by Vanessa Wettner, who was recently involved in numerous civil proceedings against consumer protection associations, Stefan Ohlhoff, who is active in large cartel damages proceedings in the automotive, automotive supplier, finance and healthcare industries, and Hans-Georg Kamann, who handles antitrust, state aid and EU law litigation.

Praxisleiter:

Vanessa Wettner; Stefan Ohlhoff; Hans-Georg Kamann


Kernmandanten

Becton Dickinson B.V.


Deutsche Bahn AG


Deutsche Telekom AG


Hugo Boss


Jugendherberge Berlin Ostkreuz gGmbH


Katjes Fassin GmbH & Co KG


Meta Platforms, Inc.


OPAL Gastransport GmbH & Co. KG


Syngenta Agro GmbH


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representation of Meta in numerous proceedings, in particular regarding the GDPR and the NetzDG. Most recently, representing Meta in the so-called AppCenter proceedings before the ECJ (C-319/20), which dealt with the question of whether consumer protection associations still have the right to sue under the UWG and UKlaG to prosecute data protection violations in court even after the GDPR comes into force.

  • Advice and procedural support for Airbnb in various proceedings in various EU member states; including litigation advice on European law issues in the area of ​​e-commerce in a referral procedure initiated by an Italian court to the ECJ (C-237/21) on the question of the European law compatibility of national tax transfer and information obligations with the country of origin principle and the freedom to provide services.

  • Successful prosecution of EU-wide trademark infringement claims for Hugo Boss against one of Europe’s largest clothing discounters due to various BOSS slogans.

Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland regularly demonstrates its litigation expertise in supply chain disputes as well as in distribution and product liability conflicts, while the team also possesses expertise in post-M&A litigation as well as contentious insurance and antitrust matters. The practice is particularly visible in the aerospace and automotive sectors, in the latter area especially on behalf of suppliers. Practice head Joos Hellert is dedicated to commercial, distribution and corporate disputes and is supported by Alexandra Watzlawek (commercial and contractual disputes with a focus on supply chain conflicts and the automotive sector), Fabian Volz (defense against product liability claims) and Stephan von Marschall (commercial conflicts, post-M&A, arbitration).

Praxisleiter:

Joos Hellert


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alexandra Watzlawek; Fabian Volz; Stephan von Marschall


Kernmandanten

Burger King Europe


CyrusOne


GE Grid


MAHAG Gruppe


Montanhydraulik GmbH


Pryde Group GmbH


Securitas


Senvion GmbH


Staat Libyen


Tönnies Central Services GmbH & Co. KG


Vantage Data Centers


Highlight-Mandate


  • Asserting Senvion’s insurance claim against the insurer Great Lakes.

Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB

Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB's dispute resolution practice is visible in the technology and telecommunications, financial services and automotive sectors and offers expertise in post-M&A and corporate liability disputes as well as in contractual and corporate conflicts. Complex commercial disputes in the technology and financial services sectors are primarily handled by practice heads Sibylle Schumacher and Johanna Weißbach.

Praxisleiter:

Sibylle Schumacher


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Johanna Weißbach; Christian Schmidt; Alexander Shchavelev


Referenzen

‘A homogeneous team in which Sibylle Schumacher particularly stands out. Very hands-on and committed to working together. High level of expertise paired with good accessibility.’

‘The Pinsent Masons litigation team has the resources to handle even very complex and extensive disputes with the highest quality. The team always keeps the economic background and client interests in mind. LegalTech solutions are firmly integrated into the team’s everyday life and we as clients also have access to them. The firm also has significant internal resources in this area, so that tailored tech solutions can be developed and deployed for individual matters.’

‘Christian Schmidt: A technically brilliant young partner and very solution-oriented in his advice. You definitely want him on your side in disputes. He is very strong in ​​LegalTech and is vigorously driving forward relevant developments in the firm. ‘

Kernmandanten

Volkswagen AG


AGC Glass Europe S.A.


Lloyds Banking Group


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising and representing more than 4,800 investors in Wirecard securities in connection with the circumstances that led to the insolvency of Wirecard AG. Litigation financing is available to investors. Claims against Ernst & Young are currently being pursued in particular, although not exclusively.

SKW Schwarz

SKW Schwarz' experienced litigators focus on supply, commercial and distribution disputes. Damages and compensation claims represent a focus for Oliver Korte, while practice head Arndt Tetzlaff represents medium-sized companies, banks and insurance companies in post-M&A and corporate liability disputes, and Ulrich Reber assists national and international clients with civil law and insolvency-related conflicts. Franziska Ladiges (IT litigation and data protection) and Jens-Hendrik Kern (inheritance and tax conflicts) both made partner at the beginning of 2023.

Praxisleiter:

Arndt Tetzlaff


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Oliver Korte; Thomas Hausbeck; Ulrich Reber: Franziska Ladiges: Jens-Hendrik Kern


Referenzen

The contacts are very easy to reach. Substitution arrangements are just as reliable in collaboration. The time required to correct drafts of briefs or similar in advance and to make suggestions for changes if necessary is always sufficient. They never convey the feeling of being under time pressure.’

‘Arndt Tetzlaff: Can communicate industry-specific issues and problems transparently and efficiently to other business partners but also to the opponent.’

Fast, solution-oriented, pragmatic, competent, helpful, pleasant and good advisor, determined, assertive.’

Kernmandanten

Home Away Inc.


Telekom Deutschland GmbH


Signal Iduna Gruppe


Schufa Holding


Expedia Inc.


IKEA


Hanwha Q Cells GmBH


Netflix


gesund.de GmbH & Co. KG


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising and representing food suppliers in an information and damages procedure (stage action) in connection with the submission of an allegedly incorrect forecast of packaging quantities via one of the largest European trading groups to the operator of a dual system.

  • Advice and representation of Gesund.de GmbH & Co. KG in a test case on the admissibility of the fee-based brokering of contracts for non-prescription medicines between established pharmacies and customers as well as the transmission of prescriptions to established pharmacies following telemedical services via the platform gesund.de.