Cattwyk

• Managing Partners: Dr. Katja Göcke, Dr. Lothar Harings, Dr. Hartmut Henninger, Franziska Kaiser, Marian Niestedt
• Number of partners: 5
• Number of lawyers: 20 (including partners)
• Offices: Hamburg, Brussels

Cattwyk is a leading law firm in trade compliance, economic security, and sustainability. We advise on all aspects of foreign trade law and supply chain sustainability, drawing on decades of experience. Our team combines legal precision with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach – creating real value for both our national and international clients.

Founded in January 2025, Cattwyk quickly established itself as a leading practice in the German and European markets. We offer deep legal excellence and a modern, tech-driven approach to navigate the increasingly complex regulatory landscape of global supply chains and cross-border trade.

Cattwyk provides comprehensive legal advice structured around three core pillars that define theregulatory landscape for international business:

Trade Compliance

We offer extensive expertise across all aspects of foreign trade law to support clients in maintaining compliant cross-border operations. The team’s work covers strategic compliance programs, internal audits and complex litigation.

• Customs law and excise tax: The firm provides market-leading advice on customs law, anti-dumping regulations, and excise taxes, with a particular focus on optimizing trade compliance structures.
• Sanctions and export controls: Clients rely on Cattwyk for navigating the increasingly volatile international sanctions landscape and managing export control requirements.
• WTO Law: Cattwyk advises on the complex framework of WTO agreements, including GATT, GATS, and TRIPS, to regulate international trade relations. The team supports clients in navigating these multilateral treaties and provides guidance on the judicial-like dispute settlement procedures used to resolve trade conflicts between members.
• Litigation and dispute resolution: The firm represents companies and individuals in administrative, financial, and civil proceedings before national authorities as well as the European Court of Justice.

Economic Security

Cattwyk advises on key aspects of economic security of the European Union and its member states.

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The team is highly regarded for its work on FDI screening, assisting both investors and sellers in navigating the regulatory requirements of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
• Dual-Use goods: The practice provides specialized advice on the export and transfer of dual-use goods, software, and technology. This includes strategic advice on licensing requirements and the prevention of sensitive technology outflows to safeguard economic security.
• Critical infrastructure: Cattwyk provides specialized counsel on the protection of critical infrastructure (KRITIS) and the prevention of sensitive technology outflows.

Sustainability

Cattwyk’s Sustainability team provides comprehensive legal advice regarding sustainability in global supply chains, helping businesses transition toward a sustainable economy.

• Supply Chain Due Diligence: The firm offers in-depth guidance on the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
• Environmental Trade Regulations: It also covers regulatory frameworks such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR) as well as product-related regulations such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Battery Regulation.
• Reporting and Transparency: Cattwyk supports clients in meeting complex reporting obligations, including those mandated by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Based in Hamburg and Brussels, Cattwyk operates as a globally integrated boutique, leveraging an international network of experienced trade lawyers. We handle high-stakes cross-border matters that require seamless coordination across multiple jurisdictions and represent clients’ interests in disputes before European institutions and international authorities.

Cattwyk Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG

• Germany: Hohe Bleichen 8, D-20354 Hamburg
• Belgium: Rue d'Arlon 25, B-1050 Brussels