JUVE Handbook 2011/2012 with multiple recommendations for Graf von Westphalen

Graf von Westphalen has once again received strong endorsements in the JUVE Handbook. In the latest edition 2011/2012, the leading guide to commercial law firms in Germany recommends Graf von Westphalen as one of the top law firms in the areas of trade, commercial/M&A, real-estate law, environmental and planning law as well as state-aid and public-procurement law. Graf von Westphalen is one of the leading top-tier firms among Germany's top 50 law firms in the trade law area. The firm's office in Munich, which has just been strategically reinforced (more), and its Berlin office were among the "respected" legal practices. The Frankfurt office set up in 2006 was explicitly "recommended." And the Hamburg office was listed as "frequently recommended" and thus among the top 10 firms in northern Germany.

"The very good ranking we have achieved once again in the JUVE Handbook is a true demonstration of our successful work with clients, our concentration on service and the clear strategic focus of our offices and practice groups," says Dr. Robert Theissen, Managing Partner of Graf von Westphalen. "The independent JUVE staff praised the successful reform of our law firm's structure, which facilitates working relationships among our offices, and the systematic expansion of our legal staff in various locations."

JUVE also noted the "good international contacts" of Graf von Westphalen through the networks State Capital and Cicero. Furthermore, it pointed out that the firm had significantly strengthened its China Desk by hiring Patrick Heid as the head of the firm's office there.

Specifically, JUVE said:

• The highly valued, broadly positioned trade-law practice of Graf von Westphalen led by the recommended Hamburg partners Dr. Lothar Harings and Marian Niestedt, a practice that has added a number of attorneys over the last year, is known for its successful work with clients and enjoys the highest level of professional respect. In particular, JUVE recommended Dr. Lothar Harings as a leading attorney in EU market and customs law as well as export-control law.

• In a commercial-law practice that focuses on advising small and mid-sized enterprises involved in international business activities, Dr. Klaus Landry and Christian Mayer-Gießen are identified as "frequently recommended" attorneys.

• In the M&A practice, international transactions have become an important focal point. Christian Mayer-Gießen has made a particular name for himself ("very skilled and fast").

• The real-estate and construction practice that is recommended in private construction law is "focusing more clearly on major projects without abandoning its litigation business." The biggest market position in this area continues to be maintained by the Hamburg team led by Dr. Robert Theissen, one of the office's two Managing Partners and a leading attorney in construction law whose "creativity and solution-focused approach" are emphasized, in particular. Dr. Lorenz Czajka is "frequently recommended" in real-estate and construction law.

• JUVE describes the respected state-aid practice of Graf von Westphalen as having a broad position and an accordingly extensive range. The interfaces of public procurement, environmental and planning law are major focal points.

• In the Public Sector chapter, GvW is mentioned particularly in terms of its work in environmental and planning law. Dr. Carsten Bittner ("solid professional knowledge and persuasive", client) and Dr. Ronald Steiling were frequently recommended. In the area of constitutional and administrative law, Dr. Ronald Steiling and Professor Dr Christian Winterhoff were listed as "frequently recommended" attorneys. In addition to the focal points of EU and food law, the expertise in special questions involving elections, gambling and animal husbandry were highlighted. Heinrich Heggemann and Dr. Sigrid Wienhues were described as "frequently recommended" attorneys in public-private partnerships and project financing.

• The description of "frequently recommended" was given to the public procurement-sector practice led by Dr Ingrid Reichling ("experienced and poised", "proven specialist in public-procurement law") and Dr Cornelia Erdl ("fervent" and "tenacious"). This practice has been strengthened by the hiring of Dr. Dietrich Drömann, an experienced attorney in international infrastructure projects who has excellent connections on the federal-government level.