DLA Piper > Hamburg, Germany > Firm Profile

DLA Piper > The Legal 500 Rankings

Information technology > Data protection Tier 1

DLA Piper's data protection practice acts integrated into the Intellectual Property and Technology team, led by Stefan Engels (IP law), and assists with technology projects, transactions and digitisation issues, including cross-practice and cross-border support, as well as in proceedings before data protection authorities. The team acts with a focus on the automotive, financial services, healthcare and technology sectors. Verena Grentzenberg routinely advises on new business models in the digital segment and also represents clients in fine proceedings; her other key strengths include the support in big data projects and compliance issues.

Intellectual property > Unfair competition Tier 1

DLA Piper covers a broad spectrum, ranging from strategic advice and licensing law to trade secret protection and packaging law to contentious proceedings at a German and international level. The often globally active clients benefit not only from the firm's global positioning, but also from the practice's close cooperation between its trade mark, design and competition teams. The unit is particularly sought after for digital matters, for example in the context of innovative forms of advertising, marketing strategies and data protection. Practice head Stefan Engels reflects the team's broad positioning and assists with online, copyright and press law, among others. The fashion, consumer goods, technology and life sciences sectors are a clear focus for Burkhard Führmeyer, who, alongside contentious proceedings, advises on contractual and transaction-related IP matters.

Media > Entertainment

In 2024, DLA Piper expanded its advisory offering with expertise in gambling law, where the team regularly represents international clients in administrative, landmark as well as reimbursement proceedings and offers support in the development of new gambling products. The team is well versed in copyright matters pertaining to the gaming sector and also advises across the broadcasting and streaming industries on regulatory law. Practice head Stefan Engels is renowned for his expertise in broadcasting and online law and Michael Stulz-Herrnstadt is experienced in regulatory issues as well as media, gambling and entertainment topics. Kai Tumbrägel (IP law and e-sports) joined GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB in October 2024.

Public sector > Planning and environment

DLA Piper impresses with expertise in product-related environmental law and is particularly active in product and product safety issues that entail environmental aspects. The group also advises on liability risks that arise in connection with the transport of dangerous goods, as well as on waste law and recycling and circular economy issues. Under the leadership of litigator Thomas Gädtke, the team further handles transaction-related due diligence and environmental and groundwater contamination issues.

Trade and distribution > Foreign trade law

DLA Piper's foreign trade law team advises an international client roster on FDI filings, export and customs law issues, including compliance-related matters, as well as US and EU sanctions; these competencies correspond with the focus of counsel Thilo Streit. The practice is also also well versed in foreign trade litigation, where Ludger Giesberts (dispute resolution) regularly takes the lead.

White-collar crime > Advice to companies Tier 1

The client portfolio of DLA Piper's white-collar crime practice includes companies from various sectors such as industry, financial services, technology, IT, medicine, pharmaceuticals, energy and logistics; advice is sought on various white-collar and criminal tax scenarios with particular expertise in defending clients against allegations of corruption, fraud, breach of trust and money laundering as well as in the context of accounting, insolvency, customs and foreign trade offenses. Christian Schoop further assists national and international companies with the full spectrum of white-collar crime matters, in particular environmental offenses, cyber attacks and the introduction of compliance systems, while Emanuel Ballo specialises in defending companies in criminal proceedings, internal investigations and criminal compliance. Counsel Jürgen Taschke (employment, tax and civil law, cross-border investigations) left in April 2024 and is now self-employed.

Compliance Tier 2

DLA Piper is well versed in whistleblower protection, money laundering, HR compliance, sanctions, antitrust compliance, due diligence, compliance management systems and supply chain due diligence as well as data protection violations, cyber attacks, MeToo-related matters as well as product and tax compliance. The team offers a cross-practice as well as cross-locational approach, which is complemented by capacities at the criminal law interface as well as expertise in internal investigations. Co-head Christian Schoop is experienced in compliance due diligence and co-leads with Jens Kirchner, who is experienced in HR compliance.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 2

In addition to representing clients from the automotive and financial services sectors in complex, often cross-border mass proceedings, DLA Piper is also active in liability, contractual and corporate disputes in the TMT and life sciences industries. Practice head Thomas Gädtke has extensive expertise in cross-border commercial disputes and is also well versed in product and director liability conflicts. Wolfgang Jäger is dedicated to both commercial contract disputes and civil damages proceedings, while Marc Jacob focuses on investment protection proceedings, commercial and infrastructure disputes. Frank Roth represents clients in complex corporate litigation, liability cases and insolvencies. Andreas Intelmann, who made partner in May 2024, specialises in complex project disputes, in particular disrupted IT projects and plant construction disputes.

Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 2

Led by Thomas Gädtke, DLA Piper advises on regulatory matters as well as compensation issues in life insurance and compliance. Another focus is on cyber incidents, while Gunne Bähr also advises national and international insurers, reinsurers and insurance brokers on liability and coverage procedures, in particular D&O and other financial lines. Counsel Volker Lemmer is also part of the core team and advises (re)insurance companies on governance and compliance issues as well as on risk management and outsourcing structures.

Insurance > Insurance litigation Tier 2

In addition to insurance and corporate law, including product development and validation testing pertaining to cross-border claims, DLA Piper also supports insurers, reinsurers and brokers in the handling and managing of cyber attacks. Other key strengths include the support for listed companies in directors' liability disputes and international D&O matters. Practice head Thomas Gädtke is well versed in dispute resolution, including arbitration proceedings, and is supported by Christian Schneider; the latter focuses on major loss claims pertaining to liability law, in particular D&O insurance and financial loss liability insurance.

Intellectual property > Patent litigation: solicitors Tier 2

DLA Piper is highly experienced in representing clients in patent litigation, while covering both infringement and invalidity proceedings as well as oppositions. The team can draw on the firm's extensive international network to assist with complex litigation before various courts such as the Federal Patent Court and UPC, and has expertise across a wide range of specialist areas such as technology, automotive, consumer goods and life sciences. Practice head Markus Gampp left the firm in April 2024; Stefan Engels, head of the IP and Technology practices, now also leads the patent group. Philipp Cepl (life sciences, automotive and electronics), Constanze Krenz (IT and manufacturing) and Kokularajah Paheenthararajah (life sciences and healthcare) have extensive experience in infringement and invalidity proceedings.

Intellectual property > Trade marks Tier 2

DLA Piper has broad sector expertise, which includes the automotive, media, consumer goods and technology sectors. The practice is particularly active in trade mark proceedings, such as in relation to counterfeiting and parallel imports, and assists a global client base with strategic issues, often in combination with competition matters. Contract drafting, product launches and digital trade mark issues form part of practice head Stefan Engels' expertise, while Burkhard Führmeyer excels in contentious cases and licensing matters.

Media > Press and publishing Tier 2

DLA Piper supports large media companies and commercial clients in all aspects of copyright law, including in proceedings and damages procedures in connection with ​​publishing and free speech law, where the team represents both the affected as well as reporting parties. Practice head Stefan Engels primarily advises media and communications companies (including broadcasters, agencies and advertising groups) on free speech, press and broadcasting law issues as well as on copyright, competition and IP law.

Transport > Advice to the transport sector Tier 2

DLA Piper comprehensively advises clients from the automotive sector on regulatory matters, including e-mobility projects, compliance in accordance with EU law, cross-border PPP project support as well as interfacing financial, procurement and state aid law issues. Led by Thomas Gädtke, the team also covers transport-related disputes, such as trade, procurement and product liability disputes, while Ludger Giesberts regularly represents car manufacturers, clients from the aviation sector and public authorities in proceedings before civil and administrative courts. Guido Kleve is well versed in regulatory support, port and aviation law issues as well as public law litigation.

Compliance > Internal investigations Tier 3

DLA Piper‘s internal investigations team acts integrated into the Compliance & Investigations practice and regularly assists with forensic matters pertaining to whistleblower protection, money laundering, sanctions, tax matters, employment and antitrust law offenses as well as data protection violations. The team primarily advises DAX companies, which are also supported in compliance due diligence and cyber attacks. The practice is jointly led by Jens Kirchner (HR compliance, whistleblower guidelines) and criminal lawyer Christian Schoop, and also includes Emanuel Ballo, who is well versed in German and international criminal law. Sebastian Mai, who is well versed in the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors, joined as counsel in October 2024; he previously held an in-house position.

Corporate and M&A > Corporate Tier 3

With a sector focus on the industrial and technology sectors, DLA Piper routinely assists German and global corporations, including listed companies, with corporate reorganisations, spin-offs, joint ventures and other cooperation projects as well as with ESG, compliance and corporate governance issues. Both practice heads Benjamin Parameswaran (also co-chair of the global corporate group) and Andreas Füchsel primarily act within a transactional context and often handle cross-border issues. In May 2024, the team welcomed Murad Daghles from White & Case LLP; in addition to his substantive expertise in M&A and joint ventures, he also has significant sector expertise in the real estate and infrastructure industries. In January 2025, the firm further strengthened its team with Sebastian Goslar (corporate law, corporate governance, restructuring, M&A) from Linklaters.

Corporate and M&A > M&A Tier 3

DLA Piper advises global corporations, German (listed) companies and strategic financial investors on mid-cap M&A transactions with a focus on infrastructure, energy and energy transition. The team's case load includes strategic partnerships, acquisitions and sales as well as spin-offs. Thanks to the experienced collaboration with the firm's international offices, the group frequently handles cross-border matters. Sebastian Decker, among others, is dedicated to cross-border transaction work; he complements this with particular sector experience in transport and manufacturing. The unit is jointly headed by Benjamin Parameswaran (cross-border M&A and corporate law in the industrial and technology sectors) and Andreas Füchsel (PE, VC, M&A and capital markets). In May 2024, the unit welcomed Murad Daghles (M&A and joint ventures in the real estate and infrastructure sector) from White & Case LLP  and Philipp Clemens, who is experienced in M&A, made partner. In January 2025, the firm further strengthened its team with the arrival of Sebastian Goslar (corporate and M&A, corporate governance, restructuring) from Linklaters.

Dispute resolution > Arbitration (including international arbitration) Tier 3

In addition to advising clients from the automotive, banking and financial services sectors on complex national and international arbitration proceedings, DLA Piper's Litigation & Regulatory practice also acts for companies from the industrial, chemical and IT sectors. The team is led by Thomas Gädtke, who is experienced in commercial disputes and mass litigation, and includes, among others, international arbitration expert Daniel Sharma, who focuses on financial services, energy, infrastructure and technology issues. Marc Jacob also acts as an arbitrator and has extensive experience in investment protection proceedings, commercial arbitration proceedings and cross-border litigation.

Industry focus > Energy Tier 3

DLA Piper is well versed in transaction support, including cross-border matters thanks to the international network. The team acts with an industry focus on renewable energies and gas. Other core strengths are the assistance with the energy supply of large data centers, where practice head Michael Cieslarczyk is a key contact, advising on both energy law and contract law matters. Financing expert Wolfram Distler's client roster includes international companies, private equity investors and financial institutions, while Christopher Ollech covers regulatory issues and has particular expertise in e-mobility.

Industry focus > Healthcare and life sciences Tier 3

DLA Piper supports national and international pharmaceutical and medical device companies in market launches, IP law, medical device law, compliance and distribution law as well as contract-related matters. The team boasts expertise in the private equity sector and regularly advises on investments and is well positioned for cross-border transactions. The practice regularly cooperates with the in 2023 newly-formed EU life sciences regulatory team from the Brussels location and has since been led by Kokularajah Paheenthararajah, who covers regulatory and patent law matters pertaining to cell and gene therapies, precision pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.

Information technology > Information technology and digitalisation Tier 3

DLA Piper follows a full-service approach, which includes cross-border capacities and longstanding expertise across the finance, regulatory, tax and M&A areas. Led by Stefan Engels (IP law), the firm offers comprehensive support and is well versed in transactions in connection with transitional services agreements and feasibility studies as well as digital business models and clients' representation in disputes. Jan Geert Meents is experienced in cloud computing issues, while Jan Pohle focuses on cyber security and data protection.

Information technology > IT transactions and outsourcing Tier 3

Real estate and construction > Real estate Tier 3

Recently, DLA Piper primarily dealt with the development of digital infrastructure and advised developers and investors on the construction of data centers and related transactions and joint ventures. Also dedicated to this spectrum, Lars Reubekeul often assists private equity investors and asset managers with technology-oriented real estate transactions. Fabian Mühlen is another key contact for transactions, including share deals, asset deals and portfolio transactions, and further advises asset managers on leasing contracts and project managers on ongoing project development matters. In November 2024, Gerold Jaeger (real estate transactions, NPL and portfolio transactions) was brought on board from Clifford Chance.

Trade and distribution > Trade, distribution and logistics Tier 3

DLA Piper‘s commercial practice is jointly headed by Thilo von Bodungen, who is well versed in national and international trade and distribution law, and head of the international automotive sector group Sylvia Ebersberger. The team is experienced in advising major automotive companies on commercial agreements, supply chain disputes, cooperations and e-commerce matters. This is complemented by expertise in ESG and cross-practice capacities in distribution antitrust law, which is also requested by companies from the chemical, retail and life sciences industries.

Capital markets > Equity capital markets Tier 4

DLA Piper advises companies, including various German medium-sized companies, on planned IPOs, private placements, capital increases, share buyback programs and, most recently, increasingly on public takeovers. For international transactions with a US connection, such as SPAC projects, the group cooperates with its US colleagues in London. With practice head Roland Maaß, the practice also houses expertise in various ECM-adjacent areas, such as M&A, stock corporation law, corporate reorganisations and capital market compliance.

Germany > Employment Tier 4

DLA Piper's employment team is dedicated to collective law advice and regularly handles transactions, restructurings and reorganisations as well as outsourcing and compliance matters, including related internal investigations. Henriette Norda (restructuring and reorganisations) heads the team, which includes senior counsel Hans-Peter Löw, who is experienced in advising companies in the financial services sector. The group boosted its company pension scheme expertise with the arrival of Christian Freiherr von Buddenbrock and counsel Jörn Manhart from ADVANT Beiten in spring 2024.

Private equity > Transactions Tier 4

Restructuring and insolvency > Restructuring Tier 4

DLA Piper is experienced in advising debtors, creditors, credit institutions, investors and insolvency administrators. The team covers operational and financial restructuring, including cross-border matters, distressed M&A as well as StaRUG-related and insolvency plan proceedings. Co-Chair of the global restructuring practice Dietmar Schulz also heads the German team and routinely advises on cross-border issues. In addition to operational and financial restructuring advice, he also focuses on NPLs and distressed M&A.

Germany > Antitrust Tier 5

DLA Piper's antitrust team is jointly led by Justus Herrlinger (merger control and cartel damages) and Semin O, who is experienced in transaction-related support and the design of distribution systems in accordance with antitrust law. The practice acts integrated into the Litigation & Regulatory group headed by Thomas Gädtke and routinely advises on antitrust, investment control and merger control proceedings. Competencies in distribution antitrust law and compliance complement this offering.

Public sector > Public procurement Tier 5

DLA Piper's procurement practice is an integral part of its Litigation & Regulatory group, thus contentious issues, including litigation, represent one of the team's particular strengths; this is also reflected by practice head Thomas Gädtke, who is experienced in dispute resolution. With a sectoral focus on IT, transport and infrastructure, the team assists not only bidding companies but also increasingly public contracting authorities and further deals with award and review procedures for cloud-based IT procurement as well as PPP projects for the expansion and new construction of motorways and bridges.

Germany > Tax Tier 5

DLA Piper's tax expertise is often called upon by family offices, funds, investors and players in the financial services industry and includes transactional tax matters, particularly in the real estate sector, as well as tax compliance, corporate tax, transfer pricing, customs duties and tax disputes. Typical contentious matters range from tax audits to litigation. The practice is headed by Marie-Theres Rämer, who often handles tax issues that arise in connection with structured financing, leasing transactions and real estate investments.

Private equity > Venture capital