Our Approach
Criminal Defence
We begin every criminal defence with the evidence. Before strategy, before negotiation, before any court appearance—we conduct a thorough, independent review of the prosecution's case against our client.
This means reading the investigative files closely, examining the chain of custody, scrutinising witness statements for inconsistency, and understanding the specific procedural rules that govern the Frankfurt courts where the matter will be tried. German criminal procedure offers distinct protections and requirements; we ensure every one of them is respected and deployed on behalf of our client.
Our strategy flows from this foundation. We identify the weaknesses in the prosecution's case, the procedural missteps, the legal arguments that favour our client's position—and we build a defence tailored to the specific charge, the specific forum, and the specific facts. We do not apply a template; we read the file.
Throughout, we maintain close communication with our client, explain the realistic options available, and advise on the consequences of each path forward. Discretion and clarity go together.
Human Rights Advocacy
Human rights work requires a different discipline: establishing what actually happened, identifying the legal standards that apply, and pursuing remedies through the available courts and mechanisms.
We begin by investigating the facts directly. This may involve interviews with witnesses, collection of documents, expert analysis—work that establishes a clear record of what occurred and who is responsible. We do not rely on second-hand accounts or assume the narrative is complete.
Once the facts are established, we identify the relevant law: the protections under the German Constitution, the guarantees in the European Convention on Human Rights, the international covenants to which Germany is bound. We assess which domestic and international standards apply to the situation.
We then pursue remedies. This typically means first exhausting domestic avenues—bringing claims before German courts, where we can seek damages, declaratory relief, or orders compelling specific conduct. Only when domestic remedies are exhausted do we pursue international mechanisms, such as complaints to the European Court of Human Rights or UN treaty bodies.
Human rights matters move slowly and demand patience, but they also advance something beyond a single case: they establish legal precedent and hold institutions accountable.
Confidentiality as Discipline
Our clients face serious exposure—legal, personal, sometimes physical. Confidentiality is not a courtesy we extend; it is a discipline that shapes everything we do.
We are rigorous about what we document, how we store information, and whom we communicate with. Case files are kept secure. Communications with clients are conducted through channels we control. We do not discuss cases in public spaces or with persons who have no need to know. We are cautious about electronic communication and mindful of the difference between what is legally privileged and what is merely sensitive.
This discipline extends to how we interact with the courts, the prosecution, and other counsel. We negotiate in confidence. We do not grandstand. We do not use the media to try cases. We respect the formal channels that German law provides.
For clients in human rights matters, confidentiality can be even more critical—particularly when the violation involves state actors or where publicity could invite retaliation. We discuss with each client how much visibility they wish, and we respect that boundary.
Working Across Borders
Human rights matters frequently cross borders. A violation may involve actors in multiple countries. Remedies may require coordination across jurisdictions. International standards may apply.
We are based in Frankfurt am Main and governed by German law, but we work alongside international human rights organisations, counsel in other jurisdictions, and experts who understand the specific context of each matter. We maintain relationships with lawyers in neighbouring countries and with organisations that specialise in international human rights work.
This network allows us to pursue remedies effectively—whether that means coordinating with counsel in another country to gather evidence, filing simultaneous complaints in multiple forums, or ensuring that a case brought before a German court also builds the record needed for an eventual complaint to an international court.
But we remain rooted here. The cases we take are grounded in German law, tried in Frankfurt, and pursued first through German courts. We do not pretend to be a roaming international firm. We are German lawyers who work with international standards and international colleagues—and we bring that combination to each matter we accept.