FGvW appoints five new equity partners from within its own ranks

On January 1, 2026, the firm will welcome Dr. Michael Körner, an expert in environmental law, public procurement law, and public commercial law, experienced labor lawyers Annette Rölz and Dr. Andreas Schubert, renowned food law and competition law expert Hildegard Schöllmann, as well as commercial and corporate law specialist Dr. Sven Ufe Tjarks to the partnership. FGvW is thus continuing to consistently expand its advisory services in key areas of law.

Dr. Michael Körner LL.M. (Cape Town) has been working as a lawyer in the Cologne office since 2018 and has been a local partner since 2023. He advises and represents companies and public bodies in all areas of environmental and planning law as well as on waste disposal issues. In addition to his work as a lawyer, he is legal advisor to the Association of Publicly Appointed Surveyors (BDVI) and regularly lectures on public law.

Specialist lawyer for labor law Annette Rölz has been working in FGvW's Frankfurt office since 2020 and has been a local partner since 2022. She advises clients on all matters relating to individual and collective labor law. Her work includes drafting contracts, advising and representing managing directors, board members, and executives in court, and providing ongoing labor law support to companies. She also represents companies in all labor law disputes.

Hildegard Schöllmann has been a local partner in our Cologne office since 2021 and specializes in food, cosmetics, product liability, competition, and trademark law. Another focus of her work is assisting with product recalls and advising on product development, labeling, advertising, and product safety assessments. She also represents her clients in civil and sanction proceedings.

Dr. Andreas Schubert, a specialist lawyer for labor law, has been working in the Freiburg office since 2019. He advises on all matters of individual and collective labor law, including restructuring and mass dismissal procedures, including the associated negotiations with the responsible employee committees. In addition, he represents companies, public employers, and executives in court throughout Germany.

Dr. Sven Ufe Tjarks has also been working as a lawyer in the Freiburg office since 2011 and has been a local partner since 2019. The specialist lawyer for commercial and corporate law advises companies primarily on commercial and corporate law, M&A transactions, and international business law. In addition, he has particular expertise in the field of life sciences with a focus on pharmaceutical law and in advising start-ups.

"In recent months, we have been able to recruit numerous excellent lateral new joiners. By admitting five colleagues from our own ranks to the partnership, we are underlining how strongly we are also committed to organic growth. This demonstrates the excellent development and career opportunities that talented lawyers have in our firm. We congratulate them all and wish them every success in their new roles," explains Carsten Laschet, spokesperson for the management of Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner.