Goodwin to close Frankfurt office and wind down German Real Estate practice

Goodwin will maintain its presence in Munich, where it opened an office in 2022 to strengthen its private equity capabilities. The Frankfurt office, launched in 2016 by partners Stephan Kock, Peter Junghänel, Marc Bohne, and Lars Jessen (all formerly at Ashurst), had expanded just a year later. Jessen departed in 2021, joining Paul Hastings before moving to DLA Piper.

According to the firm’s website, 25 legal professionals, including nine partners, are currently based in Frankfurt. Founding partners Bohne, Kock, and Junghänel remain at the firm, with Bohne currently serving as office chair.

A Goodwin spokesperson confirmed the move, stating: “Our firm has made the difficult decision to wind down our German real estate practice, and as a result we are closing our Frankfurt office this autumn. We remain committed to serving the German market through our growing private equity, venture capital, and funds practices in Munich, and our global real estate platform.”

The Frankfurt closure follows Cleary Gottlieb’s announcement to consolidate its German operations in Cologne, citing improved collaboration and efficiency as key reasons. It ends Cleary's 34-year run in Germany’s financial hub.

The departure of Goodwin and Cleary from Frankfurt reflects a cautious recalibration by some firms, contrasting with the expansionary trend of other US law firms in Germany. For example:

• Kirkland & Ellis recently opened in Frankfurt.

• DLA Piper launched its fifth German office in Düsseldorf.

• Willkie Farr & Gallagher and Greenberg Traurig expanded into Munich, drawn by M&A and private equity opportunities.

Notable lateral activity includes Morgan Lewis hiring two IP partners from Reed Smith and a private equity partner from Milbank, and Willkie acquiring an 11-lawyer restructuring team from Latham & Watkins in Frankfurt.

These developments indicate a diverging strategy among international firms operating in Germany—while some consolidate, others double down on growth through strategic lateral hires and targeted office openings.

Sophie Vanheeghe Stevenard