How Willkie Farr Is Transforming Its German Operations Into a National Legal Force
In a bold pivot, U.S. law giant Willkie Farr & Gallagher is reshaping its German footprint from a specialized outpost to a comprehensive powerhouse. With strategic hires and new offices, the firm eyes dominance in Europe’s largest economy amid fierce competition.
Rapid Expansion: New Offices Fuel Growth
Willkie kicked off its aggressive rebuild with a Munich office in 2024, complementing its longstanding Frankfurt base established in 2003. The momentum peaked in July 2025 with the Hamburg launch—its third German location and 16th globally. This trio positions Willkie across key economic hubs, targeting sectors like shipping, manufacturing, and finance in Hamburg.
The Hamburg office starts with about 25 lawyers, focusing on restructuring, litigation, and private equity. Firm-wide, Germany headcount has tripled over five years to 90 attorneys, signaling a shift from niche private equity to full-service capabilities including capital markets, real estate, and compliance.
Star Hires Drive the Rebuild
Key talent acquisitions underpin the strategy. In Hamburg, partners Jörn Kowalewski and Ulrich Klockenbrink joined from Latham & Watkins in 2024, co-chairing the German restructuring group with an 11-lawyer team renowned for insolvency expertise. Earlier in 2025, cartel litigation specialists Rüdiger Lahme and Andreas Ruster defected from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, bolstering antitrust prowess.
In Frankfurt, Willkie snagged antitrust partner Georg Weidenbach and counsel Jan Vollkammer from Gibson Dunn in April 2025, enhancing merger control and regulatory advice. These moves poach from top rivals, injecting high-profile dealmakers into Willkie’s roster.
Challenges: Integration and Market Dominance
Rebuilding isn’t without hurdles. Willkie must integrate diverse teams while shedding its “pure-play private equity shop” image. Competition from entrenched U.S. firms like Latham, Hogan Lovells, and DLA Piper in Hamburg intensifies the fight for clients. Financially, the expansion demands heavy investment, though specifics remain undisclosed.
Experts note integration risks. Recruiters highlight cultural fits as key, with one anonymous analyst telling Law.com that “turning momentum into lasting strength” requires seamless collaboration across practices.
Expert Opinions and Industry Buzz
Firm chairman Thomas Cerabino praised the push: “Opening in Hamburg… further expands our practice offerings and enables us to better serve clients worldwide.” German managing partner Simone Peschkes, if quoted in related coverage, would emphasize client-centric growth, though direct comments are sparse.
Public reactions on platforms like LinkedIn applaud the ambition, with legal pros calling it a “smart counter to Big Law consolidation.” Critics warn of overextension in a cooling M&A market.
Relevance to U.S. Readers: Transatlantic Ties Strengthen
For Americans, Willkie’s German surge bolsters U.S.-EU dealmaking, aiding firms navigating cross-border mergers amid trade tensions. It enhances services for U.S. clients in Germany’s $4 trillion economy, impacting sectors like tech and energy. Politically, it aligns with U.S. pushes for stronger European alliances against global rivals. Economically, successful expansion could lift Willkie’s revenues, indirectly benefiting U.S. jobs and investments.
Future Outlook: Powerhouse or Plateau?
Willkie’s rebuild positions it as a national contender, but success hinges on client wins and talent retention. With practices diversifying beyond PE into litigation and restructuring, the firm aims for top-tier status by 2030. As Germany’s legal market evolves post-pandemic, Willkie’s trajectory could redefine U.S. firms’ European playbook.