Hogan Lovells International LLP > Munich, Germany > Firm Profile

Hogan Lovells International LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Capital markets > Structured finance and securitisation

Banks and other financial services providers, as well as start-ups and companies, rely on Hogan Lovells International LLP's expertise in securitisation of various asset classes such as consumer loans, credit card receivables, leasing requirements and automotive financing as well as in related transactions. In this context, clients frequently seek assistance with sustainable financing and digital finance-related issues. With Jochen Seitz, among others, the team also covers the entire spectrum of regulatory issues arising from the sale of structured products; for instance, it routinely assists with updating and expanding issuing platforms as well as base prospectuses. The group is headed by Sven Brandt, whose expertise includes derivative instruments.

Compliance Tier 1

Hogan Lovells International LLP fields a diverse team and follows a cross-locational approach in advising on preventive compliance measures. The practice focuses on ESG, supply chain due diligence, sanctions and product liability as well as the implementation of compliance management systems and the support in compliance audits. This is complemented by expertise in interfacing antitrust and corporate sustainability matters, which is regularly called upon by companies in the pharmaceutical, automotive, life sciences, medical device as well as financial sectors. Practice head Sebastian Lach is experienced in supporting US-related mandates and also acts as co-CEO of the in-house legaltech brand ELTEMATE, thus placing an industry focus on technology and IT matters. Simone Ridder, who is experienced in criminal law, moved to Eversheds Sutherland in November 2024.

Compliance > Internal investigations Tier 1

Hogan Lovells International LLP's core competencies include advising on product liability and supply chain issues as well as assisting with allegations of corruption, money laundering and fraud. The most recent instructions pertain to alleged violations of Russia and Iran sanctions; clients also benefit from the international network regarding cross-border matters. These competencies are complemented by an industry focus on life sciences, automotive, pharmaceuticals and finance. Practice head Sebastian Lach also acts as co-CEO of the firm's own legaltech brand ELTEMATE; Lach is particularly experienced in supporting investigations pertaining to the FCPA and SED/DOJ, and his team includes criminal lawyer Désirée Maier, who is well versed in the life sciences sector. Lukas Ritzenhoff, who is experienced in supporting dawn raids and implementing compliance management systems, joined the partner roster in January 2024, while Simone Ridder, who is experienced in supporting administrative investigations, moved to Eversheds Sutherland in November 2024.

Corporate and M&A > Corporate

Financial institutions, investors and companies from various sectors find extensive corporate and cross-practice expertise at Hogan Lovells International LLP, which the group applies in the context of strategic partnerships and cooperations as well as delistings, share sales and insolvencies. Its advisory work is complemented by expertise in corporate disputes in and out of court, including joint venture and post-M&A conflicts as well as D&O liability claims. The group is led by Volker Geyrhalter (cross-border transactions) and Nikolas Zirngibl (venture capital, transactions, reorganisations). The addition of Tim Heitling and Thomas Dörmer from Dentons in January 2024 particularly strengthened the team's energy and infrastructure sector expertise.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 1

In addition to advising clients from the automotive, financial services, life sciences and plant engineering sectors in complex corporate, commercial and antitrust disputes, Hogan Lovells International LLP is also visible in the energy sector. The team is led by practice head Tanja Eisenblätter (competition disputes, litigation in the automotive sector and mass proceedings) frequently assists with climate litigation and greenwashing-related claims, while other mainstays include insolvency disputes, data protection proceedings and international supply chain disputes in the automotive sector. In these areas, Detlef Haß is the key contact, while Kim Lars Mehrbrey has particular expertise in corporate and M&A-related disputes, which are also part of Inken Knief's focus. Matthias Schweiger is dedicated to contentious product-related issues, including product safety and cyber matters, product liability cases and supply chain disputes. Counsel Christoph Pelz is particularly well versed in product liability, commercial and contract law and post-M&A conflicts.

Dispute resolution > Product liability Tier 1

Hogan Lovells International LLP's dispute resolution practice is regularly instructed by clients from the automotive, chemical, electronics, energy and consumer goods industries to assist with complex product liability cases, including product safety and product compliance; here, Sebastian Polly is the key contact. Ina Brock focuses on the life sciences sector and predominantly advises pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers on product liability and product compliance issues. Matthias Schweiger, who jointly heads the practice with Polly and Brock, has distinctive skills in advising manufacturers from the life sciences and consumer goods industry on product liability, product safety and compliance.

Industry focus > Energy

Hogan Lovells International LLP focuses on transaction and project support and offers longstanding expertise in ​​project financing, which is routinely called upon by banking consortia and energy companies in connection with cross-border instructions. The firm’s regulatory practice, Alexander Koch and counsel Tobias Flasbarth are key contacts here, is also well versed in transaction support and covers regulatory matters pertaining to hydrogen projects and issues regarding the Gas Storage Act. Practice head Matthias Hirschmann comprehensively advises on all energy-related aspects of M&A transactions, takeovers and joint ventures, which was further strengthened in January 2024 with the arrival of M&A experts Thomas Dörmer and Tim Heitling from Dentons. Head of the financing practice Carla Luh impresses with expertise in international project financing, which is regularly called upon by banks, sponsors, borrowers and investors. Stefan Schröder (regulatory law) joined Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in February 2024.

Industry focus > Healthcare and life sciences

Hogan Lovells International LLP focuses on future technologies in the life sciences sector, such as cell and gene therapies, covering copyright, product liability and public law matters. Other mainstays include the advice on cooperations between pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers of digital healthcare apps, licensing and transaction support as well as new products and reimbursement issues. Supply chain disputes are a key strength of Tanja Eisenblätter and Arne Thiermann, while regulatory expert Jörg Schickert and Andreas von Falck (patent law) are key contacts for litigation. Ina Brock is well versed in product liability and compliance.

Intellectual property > Patent litigation: solicitors Tier 1

Hogan Lovells International LLP offers comprehensive advice across all contentious patent matters, including opposition and invalidity proceedings as well as representation before the UPC. The team, consisting of lawyers and patent attorneys, is regularly involved in complex litigation, particularly with regard to standard essential patents, which often also entail cross-border components. The group was recently particularly active in the telecommunications, technology, consumer goods and life sciences sectors; the latter is also a focus for ​​Miriam Gundt, who heads the firm's global IP, Media and Technology group. Andreas von Falck is another key contact and primarily instructed by clients from the high-tech, pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. Infringement proceedings before national and international courts make up the majority of Steffen Steininger's advisory activity.

Intellectual property > Trade marks

Hogan Lovells International LLP's trade mark expertise is housed within its Intellectual Property, Media & Technology practice, therefore rendering it excellently equipped for interface advice, but also equally convincing as an independent advisor on trade mark and design matters. Here, clients are advised on the registration and enforcement of trade marks and the management of global trade mark portfolios, while the practice also covers future-oriented issues such as trade mark protection for virtual products. Litigation lawyer Andreas Bothe leads the team and appears in cross-border disputes before courts and authorities, which are also facilitated by the practice group's international network, particularly with its office in Alicante. Yvonne Draheim combines her experience in trade marks with skills in competition, domain and copyright law, while counsel Patrick Fromlowitz handles related dispute resolution as well as strategic cases and licensing agreements.

Public sector > Planning and environment

With a sector focus on automotive, chemicals, energy, water and infrastructure, Hogan Lovells International LLP advises on real estate and plant construction projects, environmental due diligence and energy regulatory issues, while other focus areas include compliance, liability, emission control and chemicals law as well as waste management, including soil protection and contaminated site law. The team is led by Thomas Dünchheim, who regularly advises municipal companies and public banks on environmental and construction law. In summer 2024, Stefan Schröder (energy and emissions trading issues) joined Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

Real estate and construction > Construction (including construction litigation)

Hogan Lovells International LLP stands out for its advisory skills in the infrastructure and energy sector, which it particularly applies in the offshore wind sector and often in an international context, which is not least due to its close cross-location cooperation. Thus, the group routinely assists domestic and foreign energy suppliers, investors and project developers with the construction of wind farms and the establishment of related joint ventures. Practice head Carla Luh covers related financing issues. Other recent instructions included advice on hydrogen, photovoltaic and floating storage plants as well as charging infrastructure projects. This is complemented by skills in national and international dispute resolution.

Real estate and construction > Project development Tier 1

Trade and distribution > Foreign trade law Tier 1

Hogan Lovells International LLP boasts expertise in investment control proceedings and also increasingly advises on sanctions. Falk Schöning offers similar competencies and is also well versed in export control matters in connection with compliance and internal investigations. International companies regularly instruct Patrick Ayad on distribution, trade and foreign trade law, particularly in the context of market entry.

Trade and distribution > Trade, distribution and logistics

Hogan Lovells International LLP's Strategic Operations, Agreements and Regulation practice is led by Patrick Ayad (distribution antitrust and contract law, focus on the automotive and transport sectors) at international level, while the German practice is headed by Florian Unseld, who is well versed in advising across the industrial, consumer goods and logistics sectors. The diverse and cross-border expertise in the life sciences, technology, food, cosmetics and feed industries is regularly requested by major clients in the context of distribution systems, supply and leasing agreements, trade disputes and supply chain issues, including compliance. The latter area is a key strength of Jörg Schickert, while Susanne Schuster, who was appointed to counsel in January 2024, focuses on innovative distribution systems and contract drafting; the two counsels Golo Edel (logistics, automotive, food and consumer goods) and Sebastian Schnell (automotive, chemicals, consumer goods and technology) are further key contacts.

Industry focus > Artificial Intelligence Tier 2

Hogan Lovells International LLP impresses with expertise at the interface between AI and data and IP law and fields an interdisciplinary team, which includes IT, cybersecurity, regulatory, employment law, antitrust law as well as finance experts. The practice acts with an industry focus on life sciences, automotive and financial services, including transaction support, the advice on data protection aspects pertaining to the use of AI-driven chatbots and the applicability of the AI ​​Act to AI-supported medical device software. The team is jointly led by Leopold Von Gerlach (IP law, litigation) and Martin Pflüger (IT, IP and data law).

Germany > Antitrust Tier 2

Hogan Lovells International LLP focuses on the automotive, pharmaceuticals and life sciences sectors as well as on transaction-related antitrust law. The team regularly acts in close cross-border cooperation with other locations and covers  interfacing investment control, EU state aid and procurement law matters. Practice head Marc Schweda also focuses on matters at these interfaces and Martin Sura, who is experienced in merger control, is another key contact. Further mainstays include the support in cartel proceedings and internal investigations, as well as the advice on market dominance, digital antitrust law, compliance, cartel damages and cooperations with competitors, including the drafting of contracts in accordance with antitrust law. Elena Wiese, who is experienced in antitrust fine proceedings, was appointed to partner in January 2024.

Banking and finance > Financial services: regulatory Tier 2

Thanks to the cross-practice cooperation, Hogan Lovells International LLP's regulatory expertise is regularly called upon in the context of restructurings, reorganisations and transactions in the banking sector, as well as in the compliance area and in connection with internal investigations; the forensic expertise was most recently demonstrated in connection with special audits by BaFin. The team is also experienced at the capital markets interface, where banks are supported in proceedings against the European Union’s Single Resolution Board pertaining to bank levies as well as the distribution of structured products. This is complemented by capacities in the payment and fintech area, which were recently strengthened with the appointment of Sarah Wrage to partner in January 2024. The practice is led by Richard Reimer (institutional and product-specific regulatory law), who is supported by counsel Andreas Doser (German and European regulatory law).

Banking and finance > Project finance Tier 2

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s team is led by Carla Luh and advises borrowers, German and international banks and investors as well as energy and infrastructure companies as sponsors and operators of energy and infrastructure facilities on project financing in the telecoms and renewable energy sectors. Most recently, this included fiber optic expansion, onshore and offshore wind farms as well as solar and photovoltaic systems. Here, clients also benefit from the cooperation across other locations. Luh is supported by counsel Stipe Bojanic (project and infrastructure financing), who joined the team from A&O Shearman in early 2024.

Dispute resolution > Arbitration (including international arbitration) Tier 2

Hogan Lovells International LLP has expertise in corporate, advertising and commercial disputes, with a further focus on antitrust and insolvency disputes. The team, which is often appointed as chairman, sole or co-arbitrator in arbitration proceedings, is led by Karl Pörnbacher, whose expertise ranges from disputes in the energy industry, plant construction and infrastructure projects to post-M&A disputes and conflicts in the automotive, aviation and life sciences industries. Inken Knief, who regularly acts as an arbitrator, is also particularly well versed in these areas. Additionally, the practice was strengthened by the arrival of Thomas Nebel (antitrust, corporate and commercial disputes), who joined from Dentons in December 2024.

Information technology > Data protection Tier 2

Hogan Lovells International LLP is experienced in advising clients from the automotive and financial sectors, including the regulatory advise on the use and sharing of data as well as matters at the interface with cyber security, employment law and digital healthcare. Martin Pflüger and Stefan Schuppert increasingly advise on AI-related issues and jointly lead the team with Marcus Schreibauer, who regularly acts on behalf of medical device manufacturers, and Christian Tinnefeld; the latter regularly advises on international data transfers.

Information technology > Information technology and digitalisation Tier 2

Hogan Lovells International LLP covers various topics, including the advice on the implementation of the NIS-2 Directive and other aspects of cyber security as well as the drafting of licensing agreements, the latter frequently pertain to software use as well as products from the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain segments. Among the client roster are companies from the automotive and healthcare sectors, which also benefit from IT-related transaction support. Christian Tinnefeld covers matters pertaining to machine learning, software development and cloud computing, while Marcus Schreibauer is a key contact for clients from the insurance and finance segments. Both jointly lead the group with Martin Pflüger and Stefan Schuppert, who also head the firm’s AI practice. Counsel Sarah-Lena Kreutzmann is well versed in negotiating technology-related contracts.

Information technology > IT transactions and outsourcing Tier 2

Hogan Lovells International LLP advises across all sectors on both IT and data protection law in connection with outsourcing projects and transactions, with the team recently increasingly supporting transactions in the context of software and data as assets. Other mainstays include negotiations of transitional services agreements for IT services as well as expertise at the interfaces with IP law, such as trade secret protection matters. The diverse advisory offering is mirrored in the team's management: Christian Tinnefeld is a key contact for contentious proceedings with expertise in data protection and IT law, Stefan Schuppert is well versed in IP and contract law, Marcus Schreibauer focuses on cyber security and outsourcing, and Martin Pflüger routinely acts across the technology, life sciences and automotive sectors.

Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 2

Hogan Lovells International LLP is instructed by insurers, reinsurers and other companies on regulatory, tax and corporate law issues. The team routinely supports national and cross-border restructurings of insurance groups, including the structuring of company pension schemes. Other mainstays include compliance, insurance supervisory, trade and accounting law investigations as well as the advice on relevant tax matters. Christoph Küppers heads the practice and is a key contact for insurance and reinsurance groups, private equity firms and financial services providers.

Intellectual property > Patent litigation: patent lawyers Tier 2

With a team of patent lawyers and solicitors, Hogan Lovells International LLP is ideally equipped to handle complex disputes from a single source, with particular success in the pharmaceutical, automotive, technology and telecommunications sectors. The group's international positioning further enables them to seamlessly assist with cross-border matters and disputes before the UPC as well. Key contacts include Alexander Klicznik, who is dual-qualified as a solicitor and patent lawyer, Martin Fähndrich (mechanical engineering, process and medical technology, among others) and Andreas Schmid (electrical engineering and physics).

Intellectual property > Unfair competition Tier 2

Hogan Lovells International LLP advises on competition law within its IP, Media & Technology practice, covering trending topics such as greenwashing and influencer marketing. The group's advisory portfolio also includes the protection of trade secrets, know-how and product imitations as well as licensing agreements and litigation before national and European courts. Andreas Bothe, who focuses on disputes, heads the firm's German IPMT practice.

Private equity > Venture capital Tier 2

Public sector > Commercial administrative law Tier 2

As part of its Global Regulatory practice, Hogan Lovells International LLP is regularly instructed by regional municipal utilities, state ministries and private companies to advise on regulatory and commercial administrative law matters; municipal commercial law, procurement and state aid issues as well as especially gaming law, in particular arcades law, online gaming and gambling, represent the practice's central pillars. This also reflects the expertise of the practice head Thomas Dünchheim, who is also well versed in regulatory aspects of transactions and in environmental and construction law. Administrative procedures also count among the team's competencies.

Real estate and construction > Real estate Tier 2

Through close cooperation with offices in the US, Hogan Lovells International LLP's German real estate practice is predestined for cross-border matters and advises real estate investors, including pension funds, and companies on real estate transactions and related financing structures. Dirk Debald heads the practice and covers the entire range of real estate issues, ranging from transactions and related financing to project developments and tenancy law issues. As well as Roland Bomhard, Debald also covers various special properties, such as logistics and retail, and frequently assists investors and family offices. Marc Werner is the key contact for hotel-related matters, including individual and portfolio transactions and lease agreements, while Sabine Reimann advises on the development of sustainable real estate as well as transactions.

Transport > Advice to the transport sector Tier 2

Hogan Lovells International LLP focuses on the automotive industry and regularly supports manufacturers and technology providers in new product launches, including electric cars, as well as the development and expansion of charging infrastructure. The group is jointly led by trade and distribution lawyer Patrick Ayad, who advises car manufacturers and suppliers on contract drafting and compliance matters, and Florian Unseld, who is well versed in consumer protection law and regulatory aspects of transactions. Christoph Wünschmann represents clients from the transport sector before the Federal Cartel Office and offers longstanding expertise in fine proceedings, while counsel Golo Edel assists automotive and logistics clients in procurement and logistics projects.

Capital markets > Debt capital markets Tier 3

Hogan Lovells International LLP's DCM team is part of the finance practice and particularly impresses with expertise in advising national and international banks, although it also acts for companies; the practice assists with bond issues and their restructuring, the updating of debt issuance programs and on issuances within the framework of these programs. These are often related to green bonds and are led by Jochen Seitz, while Sina Hekmat, who divides her time between Frankfurt and New York, is an expert for US-related matters. For instructions in a restructuring context, clients routinely draw on Julian Fischer's expertise; most recently, he also handled regulatory issues arising from financing platform set ups. The team is led by Sven Brandt (DCM, structured finance and securitisation, derivatives).

Capital markets > Equity capital markets Tier 3

Hogan Lovells International LLP deals with the whole array of equity capital market matters and also related corporate issues. This is complemented by cross-border expertise that is particularly sought after by companies. Most recently, the practice advised on private placements and stock exchange admissions, the distribution of stock dividends, delistings and capital increases. The group is also experienced in SPAC listings on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in managing mergers with SPAC companies. Michael Schlitt (capital markets law and corporate finance) heads the team.

Corporate and M&A > M&A

German and international companies, including DAX-listed companies, financial institutions and investors instruct Hogan Lovells International LLP  to advise on large and mid-cap M&A, many of which relate to the energy and infrastructure sectors. The practice group is headed by Volker Geyrhalter, who is experienced in cross-border transactions and in particular in matters pertaining to the US, and Nikolas Zirngibl, who complements his expertise in M&A and joint ventures with VC consulting skills. In January 2024, Tim Heitling and Thomas Dörmer joined from Dentons, further strengthening the group's energy and infrastructure expertise. In December 2023, Joachim Habetha (M&A, PE) joined Schalast Law | Tax.

Private equity > Transactions

Public sector > Public procurement Tier 3

Hogan Lovells International LLP demonstrates particular expertise in assisting bidding companies with review and bidding procedures relating to procurement in the energy, health and infrastructure sectors. The case load includes, among other matters, the expansion of charging infrastructure as part of the energy transition and other renewable energy-related projects as well as vaccine procurement and plant construction projects. In addition to expertise in procurement regulations, clients also benefit from adjacent skills in corporate and competition law. Marc Schweda, who is experienced in litigation, heads the unit; his sector focus lies on healthcare, energy and defense.

Public sector > State aid Tier 3

In close cooperation with the antitrust, procurement and public law teams, Hogan Lovells International LLP's state aid practice covers a broad spectrum with particular expertise in state aid law issues concerning stabilisation, financing and funding measures. The team around state aid, antitrust and procurement law expert Marc Schweda is equally experienced in state aid matters relating to future projects in the context of the EU climate protection goals and the Green Deal. Thomas Dünchheim, whose broad expertise covers public commercial law, municipal law, environmental law and construction law, is another key contact.

Restructuring and insolvency > Restructuring Tier 3

Hogan Lovells International LLP is regularly instructed by companies and investors on cross-border financial and operational restructuring, distressed M&A and also represents creditors in the enforcement of claims and securities in pre-insolvency situations as well as insolvency proceedings. Practice head Heiko Tschauner focuses on financial restructuring and also covers interfacing  insolvency matters; he is a key contact for distressed investments and regularly acts on behalf of investors. Tschauner offers additional restructuring expertise in the automotive sector, while Christian Herweg is well versed in restructuring and insolvency law and regularly advises national and international financial institutions.

Banking and finance > Fintech Tier 4

Hogan Lovells International LLP advises associations, fintechs and banks as well as technology companies, which distribute products across the financial sector. The team advises on various topics in the fintech and banking segment, including product design and development, DLT, crypto issues as well as financing rounds. Banking supervisory lawyer and practice head Richard Reimer has longstanding expertise in licensing procedures pertaining to banking, financial and payment services. Financial market regulatory lawyer Sarah Wrage was appointed to partner in January 2024.

Banking and finance > Lending and borrowing Tier 4

The financing team at Hogan Lovells International LLP impresses with expertise in leveraged infrastructure financing and also supports various investment funds and banks in acquisition and corporate financing, particularly across the energy and real estate sectors. The team fields Carla Luh, who specialises in cross-border financing in the aforementioned sectors and jointly heads the practice with Katlen Blöcker; the latter comprehensively advises on financing. Other core areas include sustainable financing in the context of green corporate transformations and sustainable infrastructure projects. The team expanded its private equity client roster thanks to the arrival of Thomas Freund (formerly Eversheds Sutherland) in April 2024.

Banking and finance > Real estate finance Tier 4

In close cooperation with the real estate team, Hogan Lovells International LLP recently assisted with financing and refinancing across the retail, logistics and commercial sectors. The team is experienced in supporting national and cross-border restructuring procedures as well as project developments. Dirk Debald specialises in real estate law and heads the team, which advises institutional investors, family offices, debt funds as well as banks.

Germany > Consumer goods and food law Tier 4

Hogan Lovells International LLP's consumer goods practice acts with a cross-location and cross-practice approach and regularly advises clients from the food and beverage sectors. In Munich and Düsseldorf, Florian Unseld boasts expertise in contract drafting, distribution law and regulatory issues, while Hamburg-based Christiane Alpers covers food, competition and packaging law issues and advises on regulatory matters regarding consumer protection and e-commerce. This is complemented by experience in supporting clients in enforcement measures by the relevant authorities and product recalls.

Germany > Tax Tier 4

With a sectoral focus on automotive, finance, real estate and life sciences, Hogan Lovells International LLP advises a correspondingly broad client base on compliance, transfer pricing and transactional tax matters; in the latter area, particular attention is paid to private equity transactions. Ingmar Dörr, who is particularly experienced in tax compliance and associated investigations, heads the practice, which lost Nico Keukam to Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in April 2024; he is experienced in the finance and technology sectors.

Germany > Employment Tier 5

As part of its international network, Hogan Lovells International LLP is predestined to assist with restructurings and transactions, while also being well versed in company pension schemes, litigation and contract drafting. The practice's sectoral focus spans insurance, automotive, financial services and life sciences. Tim Gero Joppich, who handles restructurings and transactions as well as issues relating to co-determination and termination law, heads the practice; Moritz Langemann (restructuring and staff reductions) made partner in January 2024.