Employment

A core component of our practice is advising on the employment law aspects of all types of company or group restructurings and reorganisations. We provide advice and support in the transformation of enterprises. We also develop practical, tailored solutions for business transfers, outsourcings, and corporate acquisitions. Where required, we implement staff reduction programmes and the closure or relocation of production sites, and set up job-creation companies together with our clients.

We regularly represent clients at all levels of the German court system and before the European Court of Justice. Cases typically include unfair dismissal proceedings initiated by individual employees, conflicts with works councils regarding the scope of co-determination rights, and disputes on the permissibility of industrial action by trade unions. Representing clients in the courtroom is an essential component of our work.

In their negotiations with trade unions or works councils, clients can count on our extensive experience and expertise in this area. We can offer support with the negotiation of, for example, reconciliations of interest, social compensation plans, and (company) collective wage agreements. In critical negotiations, we can help present a convincing case through our profound legal knowledge, as well as through our practical expertise, knowledge of the industry, and an intuitive sense of where the negotiations are heading.

Whether clients need to introduce innovative remuneration systems or more flexible working arrangements, or require assistance with complex provisions on other working conditions, we offer solutions tailored for their specific requirements. We also draft all the relevant employment law agreements. Where subject areas are complex, we prepare legal opinions as a basis for making important decisions. Here we view depth of knowledge as just as important as intelligibility and practical applicability.

An important focus of our work is the structuring, closing, amending, and restricting of pension funds. We conduct test trials on the existence and amount of pension claims. In M&A transactions we perform due diligence as required by pension law and advise on the drafting of contracts. We set up, amend, and transfer Contractual Trust Arrangements (CTA) and other forms of intra-corporate insolvency protection, such as time-value accounts and semi-retirement credit. When necessary, we can draw on our proven networks and our strong, long-term cooperation with pension reviewers, expert pension advisors, and major German life insurance providers.

We advise both enterprises and managers on the conclusion and termination of employment contracts for top managers. Both sides can benefit from our experience and negotiating skills when looking to establish a top-managerial employment relationship on a sound contractual basis or to end it by means of a severance agreement.

We have advised clients on international projects for over 60 years. Our international network of premier law firms enables us to cover all jurisdictions around the world. We put together, in close consultation with the client, the best international team tailored to the respective needs of each individual case. As an independent law firm, we have the flexibility to select the local counsel best suited to client and mandate. As a result, we can ensure seamless high quality and efficiency across borders. 
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