Dispute Resolution | Europe

The market-leading law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer continues to impress with its excellent work on the full spectrum of dispute resolution. It is renowned for its ability to handle complex mass claims, often representing defendants in liability matters or insurance disputes. The team offers in-depth expertise in cartel damages claims and in financial and insolvency-related disputes. Furthermore, the firm is held in high esteem for its capabilities in arbitration proceedings, advising on complex energy, post-M&A and contractual arbitration proceedings, as well as state-investor disputes under various national and international rules. Its market position is further illustrated by its client roster, which consists of globally renowned corporates and financial institutions. The team also has experience in cutting-edge climate change litigation.

Considered an exceptional dispute resolution practice, Hengeler Mueller is routinely mandated on complex, multi-jurisdictional cases. The team offers proven excellence in cartel damages litigation, defending prestigious multinationals and DAX-40 companies as well as handling mass claims. Furthermore, the firm is held in high esteem for its breadth of expertise covering intellectual property disputes and professional liability claims, as well as financial sector disputes. The law firm offers deep-rooted expertise in a multitude of industry sectors, including automotive, banking, insurance and TMT. Also, clients benefit from the firm's prowess in handling constitutional complaints, as well as post-M&A disputes, in close collaboration with its outstanding corporate expertise.

Baker McKenzie is highly regarded for its strength in international arbitration, benefiting from its excellent global network. Its team is often involved in prominent cases in the energy sector, advising on construction and infrastructure disputes. The law firm also frequently acts on post-M&A and IT-related mandates with additional expertise in enforcement proceedings. With its further expertise in insurance, intellectual property and supply chain disputes, the firm completes its holistic offering to clients from the manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors.

Clifford Chance is held in high esteem for its adeptness at defending parties in highly complex disputes. The firm is a particularly popular choice for large damages claims in a range of sectors, as well as the enforcement of arbitral awards. Furthermore, Clifford Chance demonstrates strong capabilities in large arbitration proceedings including investor-state, mining and energy disputes, as well as post-M&A and joint venture cases. The team has experience in DIS and SCC arbitrations, as well as mediation. With its various offices across Germany and excellent international structures, the team is well placed to handle multi-jurisdictional disputes. Its clientele consists of well-known German and international players from the banking, automotive and technology sectors.

A notable law firm in the dispute resolution world, CMS offers comprehensive services with a particular focus on representing clients from various industries in arbitration. The firm is respected for its prowess in handling commercial and investment arbitration cases, with members of the team regularly being appointed as presiding arbitrators. Furthermore, CMS offers expertise in mass litigation and liability claims and is regularly involved in politically sensitive projects, acting as counsel on multi-jurisdictional disputes. The team is a popular choice with clients from the automotive and energy sectors.

Housing a highly esteemed disputes practice, the law firm Gleiss Lutz is particularly visible and well reputed for its strength in antitrust litigation and is regularly sought after for its prowess in handling major cartel damages claims. The team also represents clients in liability and distribution disputes. Furthermore, the firm is well versed in investment arbitration, insolvency proceedings and class actions in the capital markets segment. Additionally, Gleiss Lutz offers noteworthy expertise in corporate litigation and general commercial arbitration proceedings, including those pertaining to the construction sector. Its clientele includes well-known players from the technology, telecommunications, energy and automotive sectors.

With its large team and international office network, Hogan Lovells is ideally placed to advise a variety of clients from the automotive, technology and pharmaceutical sectors on the full spectrum of dispute resolution. The law firm is particularly well known for its abilities in cartel claims, supply chain disputes and product liability cases, often working in close connection with its other departments. The Munich-based team shows additional strength in arbitration matters, representing clients in ICC and SIAC arbitrations.

Due to its extensive international office network, Latham & Watkins is well placed to advise clients on a broad range of cross-border disputes. The law firm demonstrates excellent prowess in handling mass litigation, competition disputes and data protection cases, often in cooperation with its US practice group. Furthermore, the team offers considerable expertise in arbitrations, especially those pertaining to investor-state, energy and post-M&A disputes, with experience in DIS and ICC arbitrations. Its clientele consists of leading car manufacturers, technology companies and states, which further underlines the practice group's market position.

Housing a highly regarded dispute resolution department, Linklaters offers considerable expertise in both litigation and international arbitration. The firm is especially visible in the energy and financial sectors. With its various offices across Europe and Germany, the team frequently advises on corporate, post-M&A and D&O liability cases. Furthermore, the arbitration group at Linklaters is noted for its prowess in handling disputes under various national and international rules. Its clientele consists of players from a variety of sectors, including financial services, automotive, energy and technology.

The international law firm has excellent cross-border capabilities, offering services on a broad range of dispute resolution cases. The firm excels in litigation in the financial space, especially tax and banking disputes. The team also shows considerable experience in post-M&A and contractual disputes. The firm operates in the arbitration space, with experience in ICC and UNCITRAL cases and particular experience in the energy and construction matters. Its client roster, which consists of well-known national and international players from various industries, serves as a testament to the firm's standing. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Noerr offers expertise across the full spectrum of dispute resolution, often representing parties in high-profile disputes. Besides its prowess in liability and insurance cases, the law firm also handles competition and insolvency disputes with further expertise in class actions. Furthermore, the team regularly acts on complex arbitrations pertaining to insurance and the Energy Charter Treaty. Its excellent client roster, consisting of prominent automotive manufacturers, insurers and government entities, further reflects Noerr's market presence.

SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz houses a well-respected dispute resolution practice, with a particular focus on high-stakes litigation. The team is especially visible in damages claims and joint venture and post-M&A disputes. The law firm is also active in class actions, as well as liability issues and insolvency proceedings. The team further assists with arbitration under various rules including DIS and ICC. Its client roster includes well-known, nationally and internationally active automotive, energy, financial and manufacturing companies.

White & Case is appreciated for its excellent capabilities in cross-border dispute resolution. The team is noted for its strength in litigation and arbitration in the energy and chemicals sectors, often involving various proceeding types including DIS, ICC and ICSID as well as VIAC. Furthermore, the firm advises on complex insolvency and post-M&A disputes, as well as enforcing arbitral awards. Its clientele ranges from financial institutions, car manufacturers, sovereigns and technology companies to insolvency administrators and foreign ministries, which serves as a further illustration of the team's market presence.

HEUKING is a German law firm acknowledged for its capabilities in dispute resolution. The team is well known for its strength in arbitration, with experience in DIS, ICC and CEAC proceedings, advising on contract, shareholder and post-M&A disputes across various industry sectors. Furthermore, the firm offers capabilities in litigation, with a focus on damages claims, insolvency, post M&A disputes and D&O liability. Its clientele consists of players from the retail, manufacturing and transportation sectors.

The dispute resolution practice at the German law firm Luther advises on a range of mandates, with a particularly strong focus on investor-state arbitration. The team is especially visible in the energy sector, advising on prominent cases relating to the operation of power plants and wind farms. Furthermore, the firm has prowess in handling litigation pertaining to mass consumer claims, product liability and enforcements claims, as well as considerable experience in insolvencies and other banking disputes. Its client roster includes well-known energy and automotive companies, as well as financial institutions and public bodies.

As a well-known boutique based in Munich, WACH UND MECKES assists with the full spectrum of litigation and arbitration. The law firm is particularly appreciated for its strength in post-M&A disputes, claims enforcement, and securities-related litigation. Additionally, the team offers advice on arbitration proceedings, often assisting with post-M&A disputes and contractual disputes under DIS and ICC rules. A diverse clientele ranging from well-known international aviation companies and financial investors to board members further speaks to the firm's market position.

The international law firm DLA Piper is recognised for its litigation practice, with experience in contractual, shareholder and construction disputes, as well as mass proceedings and product liability. The team also assists clients with arbitrations, with particular experience in damages claims. Based across offices in Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich, the team also regularly advises on insolvency-related disputes, acting both for and against insolvency administrators.

Herbert Smith Freehills is respected for its dispute resolution practice, with expertise in both international arbitration and litigation. The team regularly advises on international investment arbitration, while also assisting in corporate and contractual disputes, including post-M&A, contract and supply chain disputes. The team is particularly acclaimed for its strong international capabilities, offering assistance with various multi-jurisdictional arbitration and litigation proceedings. Herbert Smith Freehills is regularly mandated by sovereign states.

rothorn legal enters the rankings based on an increasingly strong market reputation. The team is particularly well known for its excellent arbitration expertise, frequently representing clients in insolvency, investment and supply chain arbitration. The firm's lawyers are also praised for activity on arbitrator appointments. rothorn legal further acts on litigation mandates, including climate change proceedings and mandates in the energy field.

Taylor Wessing offers advice on the full range of dispute resolution matters from its offices across Germany. The team has particular expertise in handling litigation pertaining to product liability and damages claims, while also being involved in antitrust, real estate, post-M&A and insurance disputes. The team also assists clients with arbitration matters. The department also leverages its international standing, regularly employing its strong network of international offices to cater to its clients' needs.