Latham & Watkins secures four senior Freshfields partners in strategic German expansion

This acquisition significantly strengthens the U.S. firm’s private equity and M&A capabilities in the region. The move brings together a group widely regarded as among the most experienced private equity advisers in Europe. Collectively, they offer decades of dealmaking expertise across leveraged buyouts, complex cross-border M&A, and transactions for private equity sponsors, financial institutions, and multinational corporates.

High-profile departures from Freshfields

A market heavyweight in German private equity, Paul is widely regarded as one of the jurisdiction’s most influential advisers. He counts several top-tier PE houses among his longstanding clients, including Permira, and has led on landmark deals such as the €14 billion acquisition of Adevinta.

Heukamp, who has spent more than 15 years at Freshfields and most recently co-led its global M&A practice, is known for steering major cross-border transactions. His work includes advising Cinven on its US$1.5 billion purchase of Grant Thornton.

Haak has advised a roster of major PE clients such as Warburg Pincus, TPG and Permira. Nosch, who joined Freshfields nearly seven years ago after starting her career at Hengeler Mueller, focuses on M&A and private equity transactions.

Latham signals strong investment in German market

Latham’s global chair and managing partner Rich Trobman called the arrivals “an important milestone” for the firm’s European growth, citing the partners’ strong reputations, deep client relationships, and proven track records in sophisticated transactions.

German private equity partner Oliver Felsenstein added that the team’s arrival “raises the bar even higher” for Latham’s practice in Germany, which approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026. He highlighted their extensive industry networks and alignment with the firm’s strategy of handling clients’ most consequential matters.

The move comes as Latham continues to rebuild and expand its German bench after several notable departures, including to Kirkland & Ellis, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, and White & Case.

Freshfields’ strategic shift raises market questions

The expansion comes at a time of intense competition for top-tier private equity talent in Europe. Latham has been actively rebuilding and reinforcing its German bench following partner departures to Kirkland & Ellis, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, and White & Case over the past two years.

Freshfields, meanwhile, has faced persistent scrutiny over the balance of its global strategy, with its accelerated U.S. growth—punctuated by a series of headline hires from Wall Street firms - raising questions about the long-term prioritisation of its historic hubs in continental Europe. The firm’s recent decision to drop the “Bruckhaus Deringer” name only intensified industry speculation.

Freshfields has not issued a public statement regarding the latest departures.

Sophie Stevenard