RECHTSGEBIETE

External Legal Department / Lawyer on Demand

Not least for cost reasons, many companies, especially in the mid-sized sector, choose not to maintain an in-house legal department. Moreover, in our experience it is increasingly common for companies to need temporary legal support due to the limited absence of their in-house counsel (for instance parental leave, sabbaticals, or vacation). In these situations it is essential to engage experienced outside counsel who genuinely know how a legal department works.

Through many years of experience as members and heads of the legal departments of large, in some cases listed, companies, as well as through our work in private practice, we know what matters: companies want competent, pragmatic problem solvers who work quickly and efficiently and understand the processes in the various departments of a business.

Have we caught your interest? Take a look at our detailed “Lawyer on Demand” fact sheet or contact us directly by phone at +49 8031 – 37097.

Defense, Security & Drones

The defense, security and high-technology sector is one of the most dynamic industries of our time. Rising defense budgets, new procurement programs and rapid technological change (from unmanned systems and sensor technology to security-related electronics) confront companies with demanding legal challenges. Success in this environment requires advisers who not only master corporate and commercial law but also understand the industry’s regulatory particularities: export control, sanctions law, weapons law and compliance.

This is precisely where we come in. We combine our proven external legal department model (“Lawyer on Demand”) with in-depth industry knowledge, supporting companies in the defense and security industry in a hands-on, discreet manner and fully conversant with both the technical and the commercial requirements.

We know the industry from both sides

We do not advise the defense industry from a purely legal distance. Both partners bring first-hand experience, whether from service in the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), as a reservist, or as counsel to defense tech companies with government customers. This allows us to understand not only manufacturers and suppliers but also the perspective of their most important clients: the armed forces, federal and state police, and procurement agencies. Dr. Chris Mader is also a reserve officer and holds a security clearance. This closeness to the field enables us to serve our clients with genuine expertise and on equal footing.

External legal department for defense and high-tech companies

Fast-growing companies in this sector in particular face the challenge of scaling their legal function quickly and flexibly. As embedded counsel, we take over the functions of your legal department on a temporary or permanent basis, work directly within your processes and relieve your specialists and executives in day-to-day business. Our clients include a manufacturer of unmanned aerial systems (drones) as well as manufacturers of electronics for security- and defense-related applications.

Corporate law, M&A and contract drafting

We draft and negotiate complex contracts in German and English: from development, supply and cooperation agreements and quality assurance agreements to international framework agreements along demanding supply chains. In the field of mergers & acquisitions, we support transactions from structuring and due diligence through to closing. Among other matters, we have handled M&A projects for a service provider to the defense industry.

Weapons law, arms export law and war weapons control law

With attorney Tobias Fritz, our firm offers proven expertise in weapons and hunting law. We advise manufacturers, dealers and users on all matters relating to the German Weapons Act (WaffG) and the War Weapons Control Act (KrWaffKontrG), before the authorities as well as in related proceedings.

Are you planning a project in the defense or security sector, or do you need legal reinforcement at short notice? Get in touch by email or by phone at +49 8031 – 37097.

Corporate Law / Contract Drafting

Our corporate law advice is always tailored to the company and the situation at hand. Particularly in the field of contract drafting, our experience enables us to draft and review even extensive, complex contracts in German and English quickly and reliably.

Thanks to our many years as in-house counsel and experienced litigators, we know where the need for advice typically arises:

  • Formation of companies of all types
  • Company acquisitions
  • Supply and cooperation agreements
  • Shareholder agreements
  • Representation at shareholders’ meetings and general meetings
  • Intra-group cooperation and supply agreements
  • Advice and litigation in corporate disputes

Compliance / ESG / External Whistleblowing Office

Compliance is on everyone’s lips and has become indispensable for companies. Every responsible business leader must give serious thought to the compliance structure of their company and, where it does not yet exist, implement it, keep it under constant review and develop it further.

A compliance program is not an obstacle but an opportunity: a transparent, rule-compliant corporate structure creates a competitive advantage and minimizes liability risks. (You can find our article on supply chain due diligence here)

We advise on establishing and developing compliance structures as well as on internal investigations to uncover legal violations. We also act as an independent, neutral whistleblowing office bound by professional secrecy and assist with the implementation of the German Whistleblower Protection Act. Precisely because of our criminal defense practice, we know where the problems typically lie and help to avoid them. Our range of services is completed by representing executives, in and out of court, who are accused of compliance or discrimination violations or conduct of criminal relevance.

Liability Prevention

For managing directors and executive boards, even day-to-day business holds numerous pitfalls that can lead to civil liability and, in the worst case, criminal prosecution. We help you analyze whether and where action is needed in your company.

In a crisis, we stand by your side immediately and support you in all legal matters, where useful together with our cooperation partners, for example in crisis communications. Experience shows that early, targeted advice and the immediate implementation of appropriate measures can often prevent costly litigation and criminal proceedings that place a heavy burden on the company and the individuals concerned. Where necessary, we can also introduce you to experienced tax advisers and auditors with whom we have worked successfully for many years.

Market Entry and Support in Germany and Austria

With bar admissions and offices in Germany and Austria, we are competent contacts both for German-Austrian legal matters and for foreign investors wishing to do business in either country.

For court proceedings in Austria we work with experienced Austrian litigators. We also handle litigation for Austrian companies in Germany, cooperating closely with their local Austrian advisers.

Beyond that, we support foreign companies in their expansion into Austria and Germany and advise on cross-border trade in goods as well as on questions concerning the freedom to provide services, the posting of employees and the most suitable corporate structure.

We see our advisory role in comprehensive terms. Where needed, we can also recommend competent advisers in tax and audit, management consulting, real estate and insurance brokerage, and other specialists.

Real Estate Law

The legal issues facing private and institutional property owners are manifold. We have extensive advisory expertise and litigation experience in areas including:

  • Drafting and review of real estate purchase agreements
  • Legal issues relating to encumbrances on land (land charges, easements, etc.)
  • Gift and transfer agreements
  • Hereditary building rights and enforcement of reversion claims
  • Legal problems in connection with regulatory requirements

Agricultural, Hunting and Weapons Law

We continuously advise farmers and agricultural businesses on all legal issues arising in this existentially important sector. Our practice ranges from tenancy law and questions relating to agricultural contractors, property and construction law to business succession. Our particular focus is on fast, amicable and legally sound solutions, especially in dealings with the authorities.

We have particular expertise in subsidy law, from representation vis-à-vis the competent agricultural authorities through to defense in subsidy fraud proceedings. Driven by private interest and family ties, we also advise on all matters relating to silviculture as well as timber production, processing and trade.

In hunting and weapons law, we advise and represent clients in all relevant matters, both before the hunting and weapons authorities and in criminal proceedings. Attorney Fritz is a passionate hunter and privately involved in various hunting and nature conservation associations.

Specialized Administrative Law

We have particular expertise in contract negotiations and in representing clients in municipal land-use planning matters, for example the representation of affected parties in the adoption of zoning plans, development freezes and similar instruments.

We also have experience in subsidy matters, for example in connection with rural physician funding programs or afforestation measures.

In all our work, we place particular emphasis on amicable, constructive and time-saving solutions through the early involvement of the relevant authorities. In this way, time-consuming and costly court proceedings can often be avoided.

Criminal Defense

Attorney Fritz, who has successfully completed the specialist training course in criminal law, acts as defense counsel in selected criminal matters, in particular white-collar crime. Owing to his academic work, he has particular expertise in the field of criminal breach of trust by managing directors, board members and supervisory boards. He also defends in corruption cases, especially at the interface with political decision-making.

Given his private passion, attorney Fritz is also a competent partner for all criminal allegations connected with hunting and weapons law.

Please understand that, for capacity reasons, defense mandates can only be accepted in selected cases. We therefore ask you to make a preliminary, non-binding inquiry by phone (+49 176-612 50 510) so that the question of accepting the mandate can be clarified without delay.