ADVANT Beiten regularly advises family offices on succession planning and demonstrates particular expertise in the establishment and management of foundations, while succession and tax law issues are also covered. The practice is led by foundation and succession expert Gerrit Ponath and Lucas van Randenborgh, who focuses on tax law matters in connection with succession planning; he also covers the interface with corporate law. Ponath also advises foundations on non-profit law. Katharina Fink primarily acts at interface between foundation and inheritance law, including contentious proceedings, while Georg Tolksdorf made partner in January 2023 and focuses on execution of wills matters and succession planning.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The service at ADVANT Beiten is excellent, extremely fast and one can contact the contact person at any time. The foundation law experts understand exactly the needs of foundations and you are made aware of upcoming legal changes in the industry at an early stage.'
  • 'First and foremost, our main contact here is Dr. Gerrit Ponath, who is not only an excellent expert on the foundation scene, but is also available at any time and always develops excellent, tailor-made solutions.'
  • 'In addition to the undisputed excellent knowledge, the way in which we conduct discussions and get involved in our committees is also crucial to success.'
  • 'Dr. Guido Krüger is THE outstanding head of the firm. In addition to the fact that he is excellent in all relevant foundation, association and related legal areas, he has an invaluable feel for the psychology and “DNA” of his client.'
  • 'Dr. Gerrit Ponath: Precision in analysis, tenacity in advocacy and implementation, pragmatism in finding solutions.'
  • 'High professionalism and very good knowledge, good accessibility.'
  • 'The contact person can be contacted really fast, immediately or with a call back. Therefore good cooperation between the secretariat, clients and contact persons.'

Key clients

  • Deutsche Bank Stiftungsverwaltung
  • Else Kröner-Fresenius Stiftung
  • Familie Schambach-Stiftung
  • Glasmeister Heinz Familienstiftung/Gemeinnützige Carl August Heinz Stiftung
  • Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt a. M.
  • Helga Ravenstein-Stiftung

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Gerrit Ponath, Lucas van Randenborgh

Other key lawyers

Guido Krüger, Georg Tolksdorf, Katharina Fink, Stefan Raddatz