BACH LANGHEID DALLMAYR's client roster includes German and international insurance companies, financial service providers, clients from the industry, trade and commerce segments as well as managing directors, freelancers and private individuals, which regularly call upon the team's expertise in insurance disputes. Joachim Grote is the key contact for personal insurance matters across the health insurance sector, while Björn Seitz and Bastian Finkel both specialise in D&O; Seitz complements this with expertise in professional liability insurance as well as cyber and event cancellation insurance. The trio co-leads with Martin Alexander, who is well versed in industrial liability insurance. Further key contacts include Carsten Hösker (industrial liability insurance and international property insurance) and Marcel Hohagen (liability insurance, in particular international product liability and environmental damages).
Insurance litigation in Germany
BACH LANGHEID DALLMAYR
Referenzen
‘In my opinion, this is by far the best law firm in this field of practice in Germany, with everything that a lawyer should have, starting with the competent and rapid processing, the tactical approach to mandates and the consistent pursuit of the client’s goals. For me, they are clearly number 1, not least in the way they deal with each other.’
‘High quality and depth with comprehensive coverage throughout Germany. Experts in all areas of insurance disputes.’
‘Bastian Finkel and Björn Seitz: Market leaders for financial lines claims, especially D&O coverage.’
Clyde & Co LLP
Clyde & Co LLP comprehensively advises insurers, reinsurers and brokers on all aspects of insurance and reinsurance law. The team acts as monitoring, coverage and defence counsel and is also experienced in recourse proceedings as well as the support in product liability and recall matters. This is complemented by expertise in corporate, supervisory and distribution law, which is regularly called upon by insurtechs, (re)insurers and brokers. The practice is led by Henning Schaloske, who is experienced in insurance disputes pertaining to cyber and data risks as well as property and technical insurance.
Kernmandanten
AIG
Allianz Gruppe
AXA
Chubb
CNA Insurance Company
Domestic & General
Dual Deutschland
Euclid Transactional
Finlex
Howden Group
Markel International Insurance
Parametrix Insurance
Swiss Re
Tokio Marine Kiln Group
Versicherungskammer Bayern
Westfälische Provinzial Versicherung AG
Wüstenrot & Württembergische AG
Highlight-Mandate
- Representing Liberty Global Transaction Solutions in one of the largest W&I cases in Europe, relating to the investment of the Austrian B&C Group in the packaging manufacturer Schur Flexibles for approximately €900 million.
- Representation of Allianz in relation to damages amounting to millions of euros caused by an alleged lightning strike on a sailing catamaran.
- Representation of an insurer in connection with the opening of insolvency proceedings against various companies of the Signa Group and related claims under insurance contracts maintained under Austrian and German law.
DLA Piper
In addition to insurance and corporate law, including product development and validation testing pertaining to cross-border claims, DLA Piper also supports insurers, reinsurers and brokers in the handling and managing of cyber attacks. Other key strengths include the support for listed companies in directors' liability disputes and international D&O matters. Practice head Thomas Gädtke is well versed in dispute resolution, including arbitration proceedings, and is supported by Christian Schneider; the latter focuses on major loss claims pertaining to liability law, in particular D&O insurance and financial loss liability insurance.
Referenzen
‘Christian Schneider: Excellent legal advice, very experienced, out-of-the-box thinking; professional, trustworthy dealings with clients, but also reliable towards third parties (insured parties, claimants).’
‘Christian Schneider is extremely competent in insurance law. He is well connected and is one of the best in the field of financial lines/insurance law.’
‘The insurance team at DLA Piper is very well-coordinated and is one of the best in the market. All the lawyers I have dealt with are characterized by excellent technical expertise, quick accessibility (which is particularly important in this area) and a pragmatic way of working.’
‘Christian Schneider is a very experienced negotiator.’
‘In the field of dispute resolution, we always receive excellent advice from DLA Piper. In the area of conflicting issues surrounding the interpretation of insurance terms and conditions, we rely on good recommendations – together with DLA, we have had a number of contentious cases, all of which were resolved positively. Not least thanks to the excellent input from the team at DLA.’
‘Especially in the area of dispute resolution, it is important to take a clear and objective approach while simultaneously assessing the interests of the client; we have always received excellent advice from the people involved in this area, and what’s more, the working relationship is pleasant, appreciative and entirely positive.’
‘Thomas Gädtke and his team are the reference in the German market when it comes to questions of directors’ liability law and the handling of complex litigation. I also know Christian Schneider and his team well, who are also excellent insurance lawyers.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Advice and representation of a leading international insurance group as PI insurer of a manufacturer of PP-R pipes in a cross-border claim due to defects in the product. The opposing party is demanding compensation in the eight-figure range.
- Advice and representation of an international insurance group as the VSV insurer of a clothing manufacturer and retail chain operator in a cross-border claim. The policyholder is said to have suffered immense damage as a result of various tortious acts (in particular by concluding excessive contracts).
- Representation of the supervisory board of an automotive supplier in a high-volume D&O liability case (approx. € 45 million) due to a fake CEO case in Germany and Romania.
Noerr
Noerr represents insurers and policyholders in domestic and cross-border reinsurance disputes as well as D&O liability disputes, with another focus on product liability, recall cost insurance and cyber risks. The practice is jointly lead by insurance, reinsurance and liability law expert Helmut Katschthaler and Oliver Sieg; the latter focuses on cyber insurance law, incident response and W&I insurance.
Referenzen
‘Oliver Sieg & Dan Schilbach: High level of technical expertise, high level of competence in dispute resolution and mediation.’
‘Oliver Sieg is a very strong technical litigator.’
‘Despite the exceptionally high level of content, exceptional and distinctive features are: excellent efficiency of cooperation, direct and personal contact with lawyers and a sense of responsibility that manifests itself in full control over the entrusted matters at every stage of their implementation.’
‘What is valued is full commitment to the matter, goal-oriented thinking and creativity in achieving the desired goals.’
‘We have been working with Noerr for years and I am always impressed by the consistently high level of the partners and associates and the fast and uncomplicated nature of the team. The partners are extremely well networked with each other.’
‘Dan Schilbach impressed us in the cyber lawsuit with his ability to quickly understand complex issues. His constant questioning of facts helped us enormously to identify and close open flanks in advance.’
Kernmandanten
TÜV SÜD AG
Fidelis Insurance
ZDF
Highlight-Mandate
- Insurance law advice to Fidelis Insurance Ireland DAC in connection with claims under a W&I insurance policy due to alleged insolvency of a subsidiary of the target company at the time of the conclusion of the SPA and the closing.
- Advising a US subsidiary of an international infrastructure group on the holding company’s German insurance coverage regarding a cyber attack or data protection leak in the US.
- Representing the reinsurer in an ad hoc arbitration procedure regarding claims arising from Covid-19 related losses of a large international group of primary insurers headquartered in Germany.
Wilhelm Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB
Wilhelm Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB supports a diverse client roster, which includes corporations, medium-sized companies and fintechs, and focuses on the representation of policyholders. The practice is well versed in the enforcement of damages and coverage claims in major loss scenarios, D&O, cyber and fidelity insurance as well as product liability and property insurance. Mark Wilhelm focuses on matters pertaining to major losses in the property and liability insurance segments and jointly heads the practice with financial lines expert Fabian Herdter.
Referenzen
‘There are not many law firms that have adapted to the interests of the policyholders. The Wilhelm law firm and its team have continued to do this excellently. It has been shown time and again that the team spirit is very strong and that the individual strengths of each person can be brought together in projects in the best possible way. That was and is impressive.’
‘Fabian Herdter and Mark Wilhelm are brilliant experts and all have an incredibly quick grasp of things. They have the ability to quickly grasp complex issues and design optimal solutions.’
‘Optimal advice and negotiations with the opposing party (D&O insurance), complete trust in Wilhelm’s lawyers. We will immediately hire them for future proceedings. Real professionals.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising several decision-makers from the Wirecard Group as well as lawyers on issues pertaining to D&O coverage.
- Advising a civil engineering consortium on claims settlement in a construction project (damage in the three-digit million range).
- Representation of an industrial insurer in a dispute with reinsurers regarding the settlement of a major loss.
bock legal Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten
The focus of the insurance law dispute resolution practice at bock legal Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten is on D&O and E&O liability as well as liability matters pertaining to board members, managing directors, supervisory board members, auditors, insolvency administrators, accountants and experts. Stefan Bank (liability and recourse law) regularly represents major professional liability insurers; he jointly heads the practice with Dirk Schmitz, who is equally well versed in liability and recourse law. Key contact Daniel Al-Hami complements the liability law expertise with competencies at the corporate and tax law interfaces.
Referenzen
‘In the firm, clients always encounter a high level of professional competence. If a lawyer does not feel completely at home in the respective area, another colleague with special expertise is called in.’
‘Daniel Al-Hami is very competent in all matters regarding tax advice and lawyer liability, is happy to go the extra mile, meets the client where necessary and accompanies them in all phases of the process.’
‘Stefan Bank is always available, fast, fair and competent.’
Kernmandanten
Allianz Versicherungs-AG
VOV GmbH
Dual Deutschland GmbH
Gothaer Versicherung
VSW Versicherergemeinschaft für Steuerberater und Wirtschaftsprüfer
HDI
Ergo
Hiscox
ACE European Group
Newline
Chubb
Liberty Mutual
Highlight-Mandate
- Representation of the former CFO of Wirecard AG and Wirecard Bank AG against numerous actions for declaratory relief brought by investors, the insolvency administrator and the legal guardian of Wirecard AG.
- Representation of a lawyer and alleged initiator of the cum-ex models in proceedings concerning allegedly incorrect expert opinions against Caceis Bank.
- Representation of Allianz Versicherungs-AG and other clients in the liability claims against numerous municipalities following the insolvency of the bank.
Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner
Led by Tobias Lenz and Carsten Laschet, Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner advises various major D&O insurers on all insurance and related corporate law issues. This includes D&O claims and the liability of managing directors and board members as well as manager liability pertaining to corporate law. Key contact Claudia Maaßen is experienced in manager liability/D&O and product liability.
Referenzen
‘Clear recommendations for action are made.’
‘We felt that we were in really excellent hands and represented in the handling of our legal disputes.’
‘With the help of the law firm, we were able to steer the previous case law on a specific topic in a different direction with legal and factual persuasion.’
‘Mike Weitzel: Strong presence in the mandate, gives clear recommendations.’
‘The understanding of technical connections is very great.’
Heuking
Heuking's client roster includes insurers, insolvency administrators, banks, hospital groups and accountancy firms, which call upon the team's expertise in the defense against and enforcement of damages claims as well as business interruption claims. The two practice heads Rüdiger Schnug and Michael Lauterbach are key contacts for professional liability matters, while Andreas Schmitt is well versed in financial loss liability insurance. Martin Karwatzki (D&O, E&O, fidelity insurance, professional liability, product liability) joined the partner roster in January 2024.
CMS
CMS focuses on general insurance law matters and also represents insurers in litigation, including major losses and D&O insurance issues in connection with claims settlement. The team is also well versed in coverage law matters. Winfried Schnepp heads the practice and is a key contact for insurance companies and insurance brokers.
Highlight-Mandate
GvW Graf von Westphalen
GvW Graf von Westphalen advises companies and insurers on the in and out-of-court settlement of major losses. This includes coverage disputes across all liability lines, in particular D&O, product and professional liability insurance as well as project insurance in the construction sector. This is complemented by expertise in property and business interruption damage as well as the liability law support for accountants, tax consultants and insolvency administrators. Johan van der Veer is a key contact for major losses and member of the team jointly led by Wolfram Desch (directors' liability, D&O, professional liability and E&O as well as expertise at the interfaces with corporate and insolvency law) and Raimond Emde (distribution law, trade and insurance brokerage law, dealerships). Quirin Vergho (D&O, cyber insurance) joined the team from Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein in January 2024.
Referenzen
‘Excellently positioned and coordinated team.’
‘Excellent in terms of expertise, yet sensible, pleasant and friendly in contact.’
‘Very competent team with a pronounced affinity for service. The collaboration always runs smoothly and with a clear and structured approach.’
‘Johan van der Veer has outstanding specialist knowledge and knows how to use it across the board. The focus is always on the service – this also applies to communication within the framework of legal support. The results he has achieved so far have always been excellent.’
Highlight-Mandate
Loschelder
Loschelder boasts dispute resolution expertise, which is called upon by both insurers and policyholders, including the defense against and enforcement of coverage and liability claims. The focus here is on disputes pertaining to D&O as well as corporate and event liability insurance. Sandra Orlikowski-Wolf heads the practice and is experienced in major loss-related matters. She is supported by of counsel Wilfried Rüffer (liability insurance, D&O, property insurance).
Highlight-Mandate
Taylor Wessing
In addition to advising (re)insurance groups on insurance supervision and reinsurance contract law, Taylor Wessing regularly represents insurers in the context of major losses, including coverage and recourse proceedings. The practice focuses on property, fire and construction losses and is also experienced in handling claims pertaining to cyber risks and D&O. Practice head Gunbritt Kammerer-Galahn comprehensively covers insurance supervision, insurance distribution and reinsurance contract law and is supported by Claus Peter Knufinke (industrial insurance matters, in particular major losses in connection with property damage and in technical insurance lines).
Kernmandanten
CHUBB European Group SE
Provinzial Versicherung AG
ERGO Group AG
MSIG
AXA Versicherung AG
Kommunaler Schadenausgleich (KSA)
Proxalto Lebensversicherung AG
Highlight-Mandate
- Representation of CHUBB European Group SE in all property, liability and accident law disputes.
- Representation and advice to Provinzial Versicherung AG in liability proceedings involving property damage, personal injury and financial loss.
- Representation of ERGO Group AG in all legal disputes with former insurance agents.
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP follows a cross-practice and cross-locational approach and focuses on high-end matters, where the team is regularly instructed by multinational companies, insurers and reinsurers in the D&O and W&I context. Most recently the practice also took the lead in the defense against and enforcement of credit insurance claims and various damage cases, including cyber attacks. Conflict resolution expert Christian Wirth heads the practice, which also includes Sara Vanetta (D&O).
Referenzen
‘Strong team led by Christian Wirth. Always appears in the “big mandates”. Broad range of expertise: insurance contract law, reinsurance, directors’ liability, compliance.’
‘Christian Wirth is a top insurance partner.’
PATZINA LOTZ Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft mbB
PATZINA LOTZ Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft mbB's expertise in liability proceedings and the defense against damages claims is regularly called upon by tax advisors, notaries, lawyers and insolvency administrators, while the representation of managing directors and board members across the D&O segment as well as delays in insolvency and recourse claims remain core focus areas. Here, the key contacts are Thorsten Lotz and René Matz.
Referenzen
‘We received excellent advice from René Matz in a legal dispute and were successfully defended with his excellent specialist knowledge.’
‘I got to know René Matz as a colleague in liability proceedings as an opponent, and he was excellent both professionally and personally.’
‘The staff was absolutely friendly and competent. The tone was always pleasant and I felt very well looked after.’
Kernmandanten
HDI Versicherung
ERGO Group
VSW – Die Versicherergemeinschaft für Steuerberater und Wirtschaftsprüfer aus Wiesbaden
Zurich Insurance Group
Nürnberger Allgemeine Versicherung AG
Highlight-Mandate
- Representation of a medium-sized law firm with four locations in Germany in attorney recourse proceedings.
- Representation of a cable manufacturer in a liability case.
- Representation of a tax advisor and auditor in four proceedings due to incorrect tax advice and representation of both parties in a company acquisition.