Top 10 Trailblazing German Lawyers Influencing Competition and European Law

Competition and European law are two interconnected legal fields that are essential for the smooth functioning of the European Unionʼs internal market. As countries within the EU have differing national legislations, lawyers specialized in these fields ensure fair competition and compliance with EU law. Germany, as one of the biggest economies in the EU, houses several esteemed lawyers who are experts in these disciplines. This article introduces some of the most influential Competition/European Law lawyers in Germany.

These lawyersʼ expertise spans across various sectors, advising various corporations on compliance aspects, representing clients in follow-on damages cases, handling merger control notifications, and much more. With an increasing global recognition for their work, these lawyersʼ contributions are instrumental in shaping the field of Competition and European Law, not only in Germany but also in the larger European landscape.

The following lawyers individually demonstrate a breadth of expertise in competition law, coupled with a deep understanding of the European legal environment. Their impressive background and significant achievements underscore their mark in this industry:

Kathrin Westermann

Kathrin Westermann of Noerr is well known in the market for her role in follow-on damages litigation. Moreover, she assists clients with cartel investigations. Usually operating in the industry of Competition/European Law in Germany, her skills and knowledge are widely acknowledged

Markus Wirtz

Markus Wirtz of Glade Michel Wirtz is held in high esteem for his experience in the German competition world. He assists clients with merger notifications and objections, besides advising them on competition compliance aspects of joint-venture setups and cooperation agreements. His expertise also extends to representation in follow-on damages cases.

Silke Heinz

Silke Heinz, a member of Heinz & Zagrosek Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB, is known for handling clientsʼ cartel damages cases in the digital and technology sectors, and has gained a growing support from market observers.

Ines Bodenstein

Ines Bodenstein from Gleiss Lutz is a Stuttgart-based counsel gaining recognition for her involvement in major cases. Mostly, she assists technology and automotive sector clients with merger control matters, including appeals against decisions, and follow-on damages claims.

Nicolas Kredel

Nicolas Kredel of Baker McKenzie is recognized for handling merger control notifications and the competition law aspects of strategic partnerships. Besides, he assists with cartel investigations and represents both claimants and defendants in subsequent damages litigation.

Sarah Milde

Sarah Milde from Hengeler Mueller is a Munich-based practitioner, offering expertise in complex cartel follow-on damages claims. She also represents prominent media clients in appeals against merger prohibition decisions.

Thomas Funke

Thomas Funke of Osborne Clarke represents well-known German and international clients in cartel damages claims. In addition, he is often sought-after by international bodies for his advice on vertical block exemptions.

Johannes Zöttl

Johannes Zöttl, part of Jones Day, is known for his expertise in merger control mandates and his knowledge of competition compliance aspects of strategic collaboration agreements.

Martin Klusmann

Martin Klusmann at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, one of Germany’s top competition law practitioners, regularly advises on complex merger control mandates and is also renowned for his abilities in antitrust investigations and cartel damages claims.

Dirk Schroeder

Finally, Dirk Schroeder, associated with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, demonstrates a wide range of expertise in competition law, with a special forte in complex follow-on damages claims.

In conclusion, these law practitioners significantly shape the landscape of Competition/European Law in Germany with their profound understanding of the field and their invaluable contributions. As market dynamics continue to evolve, their roles become even more indispensable in preserving fairness and upholding legal principles in business practices.