Germany: Trade & Customs
The sanctions and export controls against Iran and Libya have required a great number of due diligence reviews and investigations on behalf of companies engaged in international business. Furthermore, our research identified that there has been an increase in anti-dumping proceedings and a steady level of customs work. We recognise seven pre-eminent lawyers in this dynamic field.
Graf von Westphalen earns three lawyer listings, the only firm to receive multiple representations in this chapter. Marian Niestedt is “internationally renowned” for his trade and customs practice, which focuses on export control and sanctions, import duties, rules of origin and customs tariffs and value. His recent work includes advising banks on export control and sanctions. Lothar Harings is “vastly knowledgable” in the sector and is a member of the board of governors of the European Forum for External Trade, Excise and Customs. Klaus Landry specialises in customs and foreign trade law and is “highly respected” among peers and clients.
Stefan Ohlhoff at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP specialises in anti-dumping, export control and compliance, and World Trade Organization (WTO) disputes.
At Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, Hans-Joachim Prieß is a “leading light” in WTO dispute settlement proceedings and a “brilliant litigator”.
Nicole Looks at Baker & McKenzie, heads the indirect tax practice and co-heads the general tax practice of the German offices. Looks is a “leading tax lawyer” who uses her expertise to advise national and international companies on customs law and tax matters.
Matthias Merz is managing director for Europe of the Trusted Trade Alliance and he focuses on customs and tax law in addition to trade compliance concerns.