Procedural law expert Grunwald recently worked as project leader and head of the office of Allianz Deutschland AG. The Big Four outfit’s legal arm cited Grunwald’s extensive legal experience in commercial litigation, arbitration and mass proceedings – particularly in the area of ​​financial services – as the reason for the addition. 

Mass litigation is currently a growing field in Germany, with firms expanding their practices or forming specialized units in response to the trend. In December, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer established a special unit to deal with mass ‘dieselgate’-style claims, entailing four new office openings. Earlier in the year, Deloitte Legal and Frommer Legal founded a new firm that specializes in defending against class action lawsuits. 

Dr. Martin Beckmann, who together with Dr. Roman Dörfler and Stefan Gentzsch, is responsible for dispute resolution at PwC Legal, said the hire of Grunwald will help strengthen the practice’s position in the market.