Linklaters primarily acts for national and international banks: Christian Schmitt, who particularly focuses on defending banks against damages claims and cum-ex-related advice, is among the key contacts. Various clients from the automotive, energy and healthcare sectors further rely on the team’s experience in complex sanctions and fine proceedings, in enforcing damages claims and in contractual disputes. Since publication, former practice head Alexandros Chatzinerantzis has left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very good understanding of proceedings and courts; good understanding of legal issues, detailed work on the facts; very targeted work on the case; pleasant to work with.'
- 'The Linklaters team has a profound understanding of various business areas of an investment bank and the market and can therefore easily classify disputes and advise on individual aspects. Advice is comprehensive and balanced and takes into account relevant risk categories (such as business and reputational risk).'
- 'Christian Schmitt: He has extensive specialist knowledge, solid market expertise and the necessary regulatory skills and advises us very well. His strengths lie in clear, well-structured advice, while not only focusing on the actual question but also fully examining related areas and problems. This is particularly important as we require a correct classification for our risk assessment.'
Work highlights
- Advising and representing Steinhoff International Holdings NV in shareholder lawsuits in connection with allegations of alleged accounting irregularities; also represented the company in an investor model case before the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court.
- Successful defense of Erste Abwaltungsanstalt AöR (EAA) against Portigon AG's attempt to shift its cum-ex tax liabilities of over €1 billion to the EAA.
- Defending VISA against antitrust removal, injunction and damages claims brought by almost 300 banks in relation to the allowance of direct customer fees in a four-party payment card procedure.
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