CMS has an increased focus on high-growth asset classes such as logistics and data centres, often advising asset managers on investment structures, as well as its core strengths of real estate transactions and project developments in asset classes such as retail and residential. Sebastian Orthmann, a skilled practitioner within real estate financing, lease agreements and joint ventures, displays a strong grasp of real estate law for international clients looking to invest in German real estate. Orthmann jointly leads the team alongside Philipp Schönnenbeck, who is key for portfolio transactions, and adeptly assists with M&A within retail and logistics. Heinz-Joachim Kummer has retired.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The real estate team combines deep legal expertise with a strong commercial understanding and seamless cross-border coordination. It offers end-to-end advisory services for complex real estate transactions, project developments, construction practice and investment structures. The team provides clear, actionable advice under pressure and consistently delivers practical solutions.'
- 'We particularly value the team's responsiveness, structured communication, and the sense of always being well-informed and involved throughout the process. CMS stands out for its innovative use of digital tools to support deal execution and ESG compliance, as well as for fostering diversity and cross-practice collaboration to enable dynamic, interdisciplinary problem-solving, which is a clear difference to other practices.’
- ‘Sebastian Orthmann stands out as one of the leading figures in the German real estate legal market. He combines deep legal expertise with commercial insight and a clear understanding of client priorities. He is highly responsive, pragmatic, and assertive in pursuing client interests—always communicating at eye level, even in complex technical matters.'
- 'Sebastian Orthmann's ability to lead negotiations with clarity, precision, and confidence is particularly impressive. Sebastian and his team are always available, solution oriented, and full of creative ideas. His associate team mirrors this approach: motivated, well prepared, and consistently focused on delivering client value.’
Key clients
- ECE Group
- GRR
- Penta Infra
- Rechtsanwalt Justus von Buchwaldt als Insolvenzverwalter der AS German Property Group
- Scannell Properties
- SEGRO
- Swiss Life Logistics
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Sebastian Orthmann; Philipp Schönnenbeck
Other key lawyers
Volker Zerr