Greenberg Traurig, Taylor Wessing & Orrick make strategic moves in Germany and Europe

Posted on Aug 7, 2025

Why do all these moves matter in Europe? Greenberg Traurig’s Munich expansion signals its commitment to Germany’s robust life sciences and private equity market. Taylor Wessing’s patent hires reflect the increasing importance of Unified Patent Court litigation across the EU. Orrick’s cross-firm recruitment underscores the ongoing battle among large firms for the regulatory and infrastructure space, especially amid escalating energy and ESG mandates.

Greenberg Traurig launches Munich office with major life sciences hire

On February 1, 2025, Greenberg Traurig officially opened its second German office in Munich, its 49th global location. The launch was anchored by high-profile hires from McDermott Will & Emery, including Stephan Rau, who now serves as managing shareholder and Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s European Health Care Practice.

Joining Rau was a team including Björn Biehl, Sylvia Petereit‑Kemter, Robert Feind, and Fabian Appadoo. Additionally, Dr. Christian Rybak - formerly of life sciences boutique Ehlers & Partner - joined as Chair of Health Care & Life Sciences Germany, supported by his public law team. These additions expanded Greenberg Traurig’s Germany life sciences practice to 15 lawyers, significantly bolstering its capabilities in healthcare, compliance, and private equity.

Greenberg Traurig also promotes four partners in Germany

In parallel, Greenberg Traurig elevated four local attorneys to partner in Germany, covering media and entertainment (Laura M. Zentner), real estate (Silke Köhler), public law and ESG compliance (Johann‑Frederik Schuldt), and antitrust/foreign trade law (Lucas Wüsthof). Their promotions reflect the firm's strategy to promote rising stars and deepen practice-focused leadership from within.

Taylor Wessing fortifies patent litigation practice in the Netherlands

Meanwhile, Taylor Wessing is expanding its European litigation footprint with the addition of two senior patent litigators - Bas Berghuis van Woortman and Sebastien Versaevel - from Simmons & Simmons in the Netherlands. Their arrival is part of a broader strategy to support clients’ disputes in pharmaceutical, life sciences, and digital technologies under the UPC regime.

Berghuis van Woortman, a veteran since 2009, and Versaevel, with a background in engineering and biotechnology, bring deep expertise in high‑stakes cross-border patent litigation. Their recruitment aligns with Taylor Wessing’s push to become a leading UPC litigation firm in continental Europe.

Orrick adds Eversheds talent in Germany

Not to be outdone, Orrick recently strengthened its German operations by attracting senior partners from Eversheds Sutherland, including an energy & infrastructure M&A partner in Düsseldorf. This move consolidates Orrick’s presence in critical sectors, reinforcing its strategy to scale in Germany in line with major international competitors.