Dr. Werner Schnappauf joins Graf von Westphalen
Graf von Westphalen is proud to welcome yet another high-caliber member to our team: As of 01 January 2012, Dr. Werner Schnappauf will be working for our partnership of lawyers. Between 1998 and 2007, the CSU politician was the Bavarian Minister of State, initially in charge of urban and regional development and environmental issues and then responsible for environmental, public health and consumer protection issues. Between 2007 and 2011, Dr. Schnappauf was the Managing Director and member of the Executive Committee of Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie (BDI - The Voice of German Industry).
Dr. Werner Schnappauf, who was born in Franconia, is a fully qualified lawyer and holds a doctor's degree in planning, building, and nuclear law. His experience is focused on energy and the environment, climate, infrastructure and sustained development. From personal experience, he knows all levels of administration and politics and is part of an extensive national and international economy and industry network.
The former minister and representative of Germany's top industry association will be strengthening one of the largest independent law firms in Germany: more than 120 attorneys work for Graf von Westphalen at our offices in Berlin, Frankfurt/Main, Hamburg, Munich, Alicante, Brussels, Istanbul and Shanghai.
Dr. Robert Theissen, Managing Partner of Graf von Westphalen comments on this further step to expand the law firm: "I am very happy that we were able to add such an outstanding professional to our team. Dr. Schnappauf will be an asset not only because of his excellent reputation and knowledge of the German economic landscape, but also because of his good contacts in economy and politics. He will thus be able to considerably assist our law firm in our growth."
Aside from his consulting work for Graf von Westphalen, Dr. Schnappauf will also take on own clients and advise them on behalf of Graf von Westphalen in matters pertaining especially to energy law.
"The energy turnaround, which has been decided on a political level, poses a great economic and legal problem not only to large corporations, but also - and especially - to the communities. Dr. Schnappauf's comprehensive knowledge and long-standing experience with these issues make him a valuable partner. Dr. Schnappauf will be a great asset to Graf von Westphalen and hence also to our clients", said co-managing partner Christof Kleinmann.
Dr. Schnappauf will also be working part-time as a consultant for the Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
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