Employment: Germany

THE FIRM This long-established domestic powerhouse maintains its top-tier position after another successful year. Commentators are impressed by its manpower as well as its expansive nationwide coverage and high level of customer service. The team is strong in large cross-border restructurings, recently acting for Burger King and Porsche on such matters. The group also boasts a sector-specific approach to certain industries, such as technology and transport. The firm has won a number of high-profile clients in recent months, including Manpower and Telefónica. 

Sources say: "A proactive and creative team that combines legal theory with business acumen."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market observers single out Björn Gaul for his expertise and market presence, describing him as "a genius" for employment law. 

Gerlind Wisskirchen is "very well known in the international area," with notable strength in dealing with clients from the USA. 

Dieter Straub focuses on the financial services sector and wins praise for his proactive approach.

Oliver Simon remains active on strategic restructurings, amendments in collective bargaining agreements and the development of flexible remuneration systems.

Clients praise Bernd Roock's expertise in employment law matters and highlight his excellent client service.

Since publication, Dieter Straub has passed away.

THE FIRM This employment, pensions and benefits team handles the full spectrum of labour law and is exceptionally strong on the transactional side. A recent key mandate saw the firm advise Puma on the labour aspects of its conversion into a Societas Europaea. The group has also been busy on data protection issues in recent months, as seen in its work for Allianz Group on the cross-border transfer of employee data between the group companies of Euler Hermes and Allianz Group. The team benefits from the firm's extensive international network, and attracts important multinational clients like Unilever, MAHLE and Bacardi.

Sources say: "The lawyers are very proactive and come up with innovative ideas. They don't just give us feedback on the documents, but also make conditions more attractive for us and our clients." "Always excellent advice both from a legal and business perspective."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hamburg-based Klaus-Stefan Hohenstatt is widely regarded as "one of the leading employment lawyers in the country." He has long-standing experience in individual and collective employment law, including corporate restructuring, senior executive compensation and service contracts.

Senior partner Heinz Josef Willemsen is a well-established employment practitioner, with particular expertise in the reorganisation, merger and transfer of business units.

Peers say Thomas Müller-Bonanni is "very efficient and results-driven - he has a bright future ahead of him." He focuses on employee share schemes.  

THE FIRM This German giant consolidates its top-tier position in the employment market thanks to impressive work highlights and numerous client wins. It recently opened a new office in Hamburg, giving it even greater domestic coverage. The team has an incredible depth of expertise, covering pension issues, restructurings, and governance and compliance matters. It is also adept in contentious issues, as demonstrated in its work for BayernLB on the closure of pension funds for civil servants, which included 300 court cases and an appeal to the Federal Labour Court. Other notable clients include Nokia Siemens, Procter & Gamble, Opel and Siemens Hausgeräte.

Sources say: "The market leader by quite some margin - it combines strength in depth and expertise. Consistent quality."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Widely acknowledged as a "leading name" in employment law, Jobst-Hubertus Bauer handles individual and collective employment law issues, with particular strength in negotiations with works councils and unions.

Martin Diller remains a highly visible employment lawyer. He wins praise for his expertise in company pensions.

Ulrich Baeck's wide-ranging practice covers labour issues relating to corporate transactions, negotiations with works councils and trade unions, and collective bargaining.

Stuttgart-based Gerhard Röder typically advises on employment issues related to corporate work and restructurings.

Clients enthuse about Burkard Göpfert, saying: "He's always there when you need him and has so much experience in restructuring issues; his advice is measured and thought out." Key areas of focus include anti-discrimination, data protection and cross-border litigation work.

THE FIRM Sources commend this dedicated employment boutique for its tremendous knowledge of the domestic market as well as its international links, thanks to its membership of the Ius Laboris network. Recent highlights include advising La Prairie on individual and collective labour law issues, as well as carrying out negotiations with the works council. Other key clients include Xerox, Siemens and Kimberly-Clark.

Sources say: "A very successful employment firm, it is one of the strongest in Germany and offers a high level of service but without the big-firm fees." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Michael Kliemt draws praise for his strong work ethic and highly specialised approach: "He is an outstanding lawyer, one of the first to open a niche firm in this practice. He's a great negotiator and also pleasant to work with."

Sources recognise Oliver Vollstädt as a leading figure in this market and respect his enterprising spirit. As one peer enthuses, "he's done an admirable job of building up the practice."

THE FIRM This firm is going from strength to strength and wins a starring role in many of the market's most significant cases. The practice offers a standalone service but is also equipped to advise on labour law issues of corporate or restructuring cases, as illustrated in its restructuring work for the Air Berlin Group, which included advising on industrial action by the pilots' trade union. The team is currently assisting Liechtenstein-based group Hilti with a cross-border merger, showcasing its strength on pan-European mandates. 

Sources say: "A growing figure in the market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hans-Christoph Schimmelpfennig often advises clients from the aviation sector and was recently involved in the Air Berlin restructuring.

THE FIRM This firm storms into the rankings thanks to its impressive performance in recent months, which saw strategic lateral hires and high-profile instructions. The 17-lawyer group attracts clients from various industries such as financial services, healthcare and aviation. Recent work has centred on reorganisations and restructurings, incentives and compensation, and cross-border labour law advice. Key highlights include advising DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung on industrial action by air traffic control union GdF. 

Sources say: "The lawyers offer very practical advice and can adapt their service to different cultures." "The firm is making a big effort to grow its employment practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Thomas Ubber receives glowing client praise: "He is incredibly responsive, smart, pragmatic and knows which issues to follow." Ubber specialises in collective bargaining.

Clients hail recent arrival Hans-Peter Löw for his experience in human resources, which they say brings additional benefits to his advice: "He knows the best wording and action to take in order to push things forward."

THE FIRM The employment team at this global firm is adept in major international restructurings, negotiations of social plans and mass dismissals, and dealings with works councils. The group also covers labour law issues of corporate transactions, as seen in its work for Abbott Laboratories on the EUR4.5 billion acquisition of the Belgian Solvay Group's pharma business. Other key clients include GM/Opel, Abercrombie & Fitch and Oracle.

Sources say: "Extremely reliable and friendly - the team answers questions quickly and gives pragmatic advice." "A truly connected network: all of the bigger firms have an international platform; however, not all of them talk to each other - Baker & McKenzie shares information seamlessly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gregor Dornbusch is a well-known figure in works council and trade union negotiations. He recently assisted Abercrombie & Fitch with its market entry into Germany.

Sources highlight Christian Reichel's comprehensive knowledge of pensions law, and no-nonsense approach, saying: "He's very straightforward, open and honest." 

Clients hail Alexander Wolff as "very responsive - even when he's travelling - and his advice is always determined and clear."

The venerable Günther Heckelmann continues to be involved in restructuring cases, and clients appreciate his authority in negotiations: "He doesn't shy away from difficult situations."

THE FIRM This sizeable employment team enjoys a solid reputation in the domestic market and is also equipped to handle cross-border mandates thanks to its widespread presence in Eastern Europe and China. Recent highlights include advising Daimler's Berlin and Leipzig subsidiaries on comprehensive general labour law, and representing Flughafen München in complex collective bargaining matters. Sources pick out the Munich office as being particularly strong.

Sources say: "The team is extremely helpful, very to the point and aims to find a solution that suits everyone." "We appreciate how the lawyers often call us to see how we're doing."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers hold Alexius Leuchten in high esteem, saying: "If I had a conflict I would recommend him."

The "very hands-on" Wolfgang Lipinski focuses on individual and collective employment law.

THE FIRM Despite suffering key staff departures, this firm remains a solid choice for cross-border employment work. Recent mandates include advising Hypo Real Estate on the implementation of a new remuneration scheme and the global co-ordination of this system. Other areas of expertise include collective bargaining and remuneration agreements, and trade union negotiations. The team advises a raft of high-profile clients such as Gucci and Twentieth Century Fox.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hamburg-based Eckard Schwarz wins praise for his broad-ranging practice. He recently advised Danfoss Group on the sale of business units.

THE FIRM This Cologne-based boutique advises an impressive range of domestic and global clients, especially those in the automotive industry like Ford and Nissan. Recent key highlights include advising Commerzbank on pension matters, and representing BASF in proceedings before the Federal Labour Court. The team is recommended for its work for both employees and employers.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Tim Wißmann led many of the team's most significant mandates in recent times. Sources admire his experience in termination cases.

THE FIRM This team advises on restructuring, employment issues of transactions and works constitution matters. It has handled a number of high-profile cases in recent months such as advising the SPIEGEL Group on negotiations for social plans, and assisting Airbus with cross-border labour law matters. The group also offers ongoing assistance to HSH Nordbank.

Sources say: "The team always gives a concrete answer."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources recommend Stefan Lunk for his strong negotiation skills, dedication and pragmatic approach. He is widely regarded as one of the best in the market, with one source saying: "His reputation is countrywide. A brilliant lawyer." 

Claudia Heins continues to be a key figure in the Munich market. She handles a wide range of employment matters and is notably active in the life sciences industry.

Senior associate Christian Müller wins praise for his "very precise advice" and is recognised for his strong work with HSH Nordbank. 

THE FIRM This niche employment boutique remains a visible player in the domestic market. Pension plan matters are an important focus of the team's work and it is also active on individual and collective labour law issues. The group mainly works for mid-sized companies but is often instructed by DAX organisations for specialist issues, such as negotiations regarding labour management contracts. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Susanne Clemenz is a well-established name in the employment market.

Senior partner Ulrich Tschöpe receives glowing praise for his vast experience. "He often does significant work for the High Labour Court," say sources.

Peers recommend Johannes Schipp for his in-depth knowledge of pension matters.

THE FIRM This employment team benefits from the firm's superb transactional practice, which allows it to act on large-scale M&A transactions and restructurings. The group attracts an impressive variety of domestic and international clients such as banks, pharmaceutical companies, energy and utilities companies and public sector authorities. Recent highlights include advising Elster Group on its IPO on the NYSE, and assisting Volkswagen with its takeover of the Metal Group of Wilhelm Karmann.

Sources say: "We often have issues outside Germany so it really helps that the firm has offices all over the world." "Always responsive even on urgent and unpredictable issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Nicole Engesser Means impresses clients with her prowess in court proceedings and command of English: "She works excellently in English, which is useful on an international platform."

Bernt Gach's broad-ranging practice includes individual and collective employment law, pensions, corporate finance and M&A. He recently advised WestLB on the sale of business divisions of its subsidiary readybank.

The "young but successful" Thomas Hey remains a visible presence within the employment market. A key mandate saw him advise Media-Saturn-Holding on the labour issues of its acquisition of Redcoon.

THE FIRM This 14-strong team covers all areas of contentious and non-contentious labour law. Recent mandates have centred on litigation and redundancy work, as well as employment issues of M&A transactions. Highlights include advising Cisco Systems on worldwide reduction of costs as well as the company's German head count, and providing ongoing counsel to Benteler Automobiltechnik on its acquisition of the Automotive Structures business of Norsk Hydro. Clients value the firm's international network and global reach.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Magotsch continues to advise Benteler Automobiltechnik on the labour law issues of its acquisition of Automotive Structures, one of the largest cross-border transactions in Germany. Clients appreciate his "very down-to-earth approach."

THE FIRM Sources commend this team's integrated approach, which covers general employment law as well as data protection and HR issues. The group has been strengthened by the arrival of new staff and now boasts 30 lawyers dedicated to this field. Notable mandates include providing ongoing assistance to SC Johnson regarding its acquisition of two businesses from Sara Lee. Further key clients include StandardLife Versicherung and Deutschlandradio.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cologne-based Wilhelm Moll is admired by peers, who say: "He is extremely visible in the market and very, very capable. Definitely one of the top employment lawyers."

Bernd Weller enters the rankings on the back of strong client feedback and notable work highlights. He has been involved in several of the group's leading mandates of late such as advising Deutsche Bahn on employment law and industrial relations relating to numerous group units.

THE FIRM This firm continues to attract leading clients from its Munich office and now boasts a team in Hamburg, which strengthens its domestic coverage and market visibility. The group assists clients with general employment law as well as labour-related issues of M&A transactions, employee hires and terminations, and reorganisations. It has currently been advising on the integration of Allianz Dresdner Bauspar into the W&W Group. Key clients include Brightpoint Europe and Advocard Rechtsschutzversicherung.  

Sources say: "The team endeavours to give you the right advice at the right time. It really tries to deliver and works extremely fast."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cornelia Marquardt heads the employment group across Europe, the Middle East and Asia and wins glowing client feedback. As one interviewee enthuses, "she can put herself in our shoes and gives very good advice on what's good for the company. She also has an entrepreneurial outlook and it's this clarity and business approach that clients need."

THE FIRM This team has growing expertise in a number of industries such as technology, life sciences and healthcare and financial services. A recent highlight saw the team advise ERGO Versicherungsgruppe on the reorganising of working hours and a remuneration scheme for 18,000 employees. Other key clients include Google, easyJet, Lufthansa Systems and HAYS. 

Sources say: "It has a thorough understanding of the law as well as the practical implications and so understands the level of risk that we face." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alexander Lentz continues to advise ERGO on various matters, most recently the restructuring of remuneration schemes and working hours for employees. Sources say he is "intelligent and very hands-on."

THE FIRM This team advises local and international clients on all aspects of employment law, particularly labour contracts and organisational restructurings. It has also seen increased activity in labour issues related to M&A transactions and other corporate matters. A recent highlight includes assisting Johnson & Johnson's German pharmaceutical company, Janssen-Cilag, with transfer of business matters connected to the sale of its international animal health business. 

Sources say: "The quality is always absolutely brilliant and everything is done in a very timely manner."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients appreciate practice head Karl-Dietmar Cohnen for his excellent client service: "I know that I can always reach him or one of his team at any time. He has a very good business understanding and works fast."

THE FIRM This Munich-based team is predominantly active in the mid-market and acts for a vast number of local and international clients. The group covers the whole spectrum of employment issues and is equally adept at contentious and non-contentious matters. A key mandate saw the team advise Wesser on issues related to social security law. Other clients include UV Technik (Hönle), Nemetschek and Philip Morris.

Sources say: "The lawyers can make even the most complex case ready in a very short period of time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rolf Kowanz recently joined the firm from DLA Piper. Clients commend his pragmatic advice and availability and he focuses on works constitutions, collective negotiation and restructuring.

THE FIRM The employment team at this full-service heavyweight benefits from the firm's exceptional skill in transactional work. Restructurings and corporate-related matters make up the bulk of its workload and it is active in large cross-border mandates thanks to its international 'best friends' alliance. Notable recent highlights include advising GIZ on a highly complex merger between development aid organisations GTZ, DED and Inwent Internationale Weiterbildung und Entwicklung into a governing body of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development.

Sources say: "Obviously everything is very well founded from a legal perspective but the team also gives you practical advice and opinions on whether you should take risks or not. "

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "brilliant" Hans-Joachim Liebers is singled out for his extensive experience and standout negotiation skills. As one client describes, "he looks for compromises and stays calm and measured."

Sources praise Christian Hoefs for his quick turnaround and high-quality advice: "The speed and quality of his feedback is great. He always finds a good mixture between analysing the legal issues and the commercial aspects."

THE FIRM This firm's noteworthy employment practice handles a variety of matters including company relocation and restructuring, pensions, reconciliation of interest and social plans. The group attracts a raft of high-profile clients such as Amazon.com, ArcelorMittal, Ericsson and Porsche. A key mandate saw the firm assist new client Haufe-Verlagsgruppe with collective bargaining law and reconciliation of interests and social plans. 

Sources say: "The lawyers are very engaged and dedicated. They support us not only locally but are also able to handle international projects."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Axel Braun leads many of the team's most significant mandates and comes recommended for his expertise in insolvency matters.

THE FIRM This firm offers a comprehensive employment practice covering such matters as the closure of company sites, performance management cases, litigation and the regional as well as cross-border transfer of employees. One key ongoing mandate for this employment law team is advising Caterpillar on the sale of its global logistics division, including the organisation of reconciled global benefits schemes for the company.

Sources say: "A very solid and trustworthy team." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Dr Guido Zeppenfeld is the key contact here.  

THE FIRM This team is adept at the full spectrum of labour law matters and has been particularly busy on employment contracts and company mergers of late. Amongst its many highlights the team advised Johnson Controls on its acquisition of the C. Rob. Hammerstein Group, and the automotive business of the Keiper Recaro Group. This cross-border transaction illustrates the group's skill at both a local and international level. Another key mandate saw the firm assist Coty with employment issues relating to its acquisition of all shares in Dr. Scheller Cosmetics.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gilbert Wurth remains a recognised practitioner in this field and has led on several of the group's pivotal mandates in recent months. He focuses on collective labour law.

THE FIRM This international firm handles a wide range of employment law matters such as restructuring, works council issues, compliance, reviews of compensation and benefits plans, and the analysis of remuneration policies and guidelines. The team attracts major clients from the financial services industry, such as Genworth Financial and UniCredit. Key highlights include assisting UniCredit with the global reorganisation of UniCredit/HypoVereinsbank in 31 jurisdictions, notably its banking division.

Sources say: "The lawyers consider the commercial aspects of a case and give outstanding advice. Even though they are very busy they make us feel like we're their only client."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Hans-Hermann Aldenhoff receives glowing client praise for his straightforward manner and proactive approach: "He is very quick at getting back to us and gets straight to the point. He doesn't weigh us down with unnecessary details."

THE FIRM This newly established firm wins excellent market feedback and is widely regarded as a growing force in the employment sphere. The team is split between Munich and Berlin and is adept in out-of-court advice and representing clients in litigation matters. The firm has been strengthened by the recent arrival of Anja Mengel from WilmerHale.

Sources say: "A strong boutique - high-quality and very active on restructuring work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Berlin-based Anja Mengel "is becoming more and more visible," say sources. She has notable expertise in the banking sector and clients include major public and private figures.

THE FIRM This firm is enjoying a period of growth, recently expanding the employment team and opening a new office in Hamburg in 2011. Clients commend the team's work on long-term incentive contracts for management boards, lawsuits regarding termination of contracts, and compensation agreements. The team also covers pension issues. It attracts clients from a variety of industries, notably IT and software.

Sources say: "The lawyers take the time to go through all the details with us."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients acknowledge practice head Martin Nebeling as being "a quick worker and extremely capable."

THE FIRM Impressive work highlights and excellent client feedback propel this full-service firm into the rankings this year. The team handles a variety of employment law matters such as restructuring, unfair dismissal hearings and collective bargaining agreements. Clients include local and international names such as INVISTA Group, the Goodyear Dunlop Group and Nintendo.

Sources say: "Very diligent and business-oriented."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Lembke advises on restructuring projects and transactions, employment and termination agreements, and issues connected to works constitutions.

Clients enthuse about Jens Wilhelm-Oberwinter's "customer-oriented" approach to his work, saying: "He provides practical solutions and is very creative."

THE FIRM Sources commend this firm's work on the preparation of employment contracts and litigation cases. Recent mandates have focused on negotiations with works councils as well as EU data protection matters and M&A transactional support. The group continues to advise Xchange Technology Group on its acquisition of assets from Livingston Electronic Services. 

Sources say: "It is a pleasure to work with this firm. The lawyers are incredibly responsive and helpful."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources are impressed by Friederike Göbbels, saying: "She's great to work with, especially in negotiations. She can keep her cool and is effective in getting results."

THE FIRM This firm has a particular focus on employment issues within the financial services industry. An extremely important case for the team has been advising Deutsche Börse on the USD24 billion planned merger with NYSE Euronext, and the necessary regulatory requirements under the capital rights directive in the EU implementation act for German companies. Other active clients for the practice include Dell, ThyssenKrupp and Deutsche Postbank.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Tepass heads the team and is involved in many of the firm's most high-profile mandates.

Georg Annuß recently joined from Noerr. He is widely regarded as "one of the best employment lawyers in Germany" and has particular strength in restructuring-related work. He wins praise for his practical solutions.

THE FIRM This employment boutique impresses market observers with its expanding team and enviable client roster. Key mandates include a significant litigation case for Imperial Tobacco Group's German company Reemtsma regarding the closure of its Berlin factory. Other clients include E.ON, Bombardier Transportation and Hiscox. 

Sources say: "The team is very proactive and good at communicating."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Firm founder Tobias Pusch is commended for his enterprising nature. As one source exclaims, "he has built up a significant practice with a good client base. He is there for us 24/7 - really phenomenal."  

Kara Preedy draws praise for her ability to relate legal matters in a clear and precise manner: "She's always available and gets to the point quickly." Clients value her international experience, and she is both German and French-qualified.