PURPOSE OF THE ROLE 

We are an international, full-service law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers across 22 offices in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, advising national and international clients on complex commercial matters wherever they do business.

Recognised as one of Europe's most innovative commercial law firms, Addleshaw Goddard is also one of the fastest-growing firms in Germany.

We are looking for a Counsel to join our growing Corporate / M&A team in Munich. This is an exciting opportunity to take a leadership role within the practice, advising on high-value domestic and cross-border transactions, strengthening key client relationships and contributing to the continued growth of the team.

We foster a collaborative, high-performing environment where ambitious lawyers are empowered to develop their careers, take on meaningful responsibility and deliver outstanding results for our clients.

THE TEAM 

The German Corporate practice advises domestic and international clients on a broad range of complex corporate transactions and matters. The team combines deep technical expertise with a commercial, solutions-focused approach, supporting clients throughout the corporate lifecycle.

Working closely with colleagues across the firm's international network and other practice areas, including Finance, Tax, Employment, Competition and Restructuring, the team advises on public and private M&A, private equity and venture capital investments, joint ventures, carve-outs, reorganisations and general corporate law. The team is recognised for building strong client relationships, delivering pragmatic legal advice and working collaboratively on complex, cross-border matters.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS ROLE 

You will play a senior role within the Corporate team, advising corporates, private equity and venture capital investors, founders and management teams on acquisitions, disposals, investments, joint ventures, carve-outs and reorganisations. Working closely with partners and colleagues across our international network, you will lead complex matters, develop client relationships and help drive the strategic growth of the practice.

• Lead complex domestic and cross-border transactions, providing authoritative, commercially focused advice and taking responsibility for the quality and strategic direction of the team's work.
• Take ownership of financial performance across your matters and client relationships, including pricing, scoping, resourcing, budgets and profitability.
• Make confident commercial decisions, manage legal and delivery risks and ensure that work is delivered efficiently, profitably and to consistently high standards.
• Strengthen key client relationships, acting as a trusted adviser who understands clients' businesses, sectors and strategic priorities and identifies opportunities to provide wider support.
• Lead pitches, client initiatives and other business development activity, generating new opportunities and helping shape the team's client and market strategy.
• Build the firm's external profile through thought leadership, market engagement, professional networks, publications and speaking opportunities.
• Connect opportunities across the firm's international network and other practice areas, promoting collaboration and bringing together the right expertise for clients.
• Lead, supervise and develop lawyers at all levels, providing clear direction, high-quality feedback and meaningful opportunities for growth.
• Play a significant role in succession planning, talent development and building a strong, inclusive and high-performing team.
• Demonstrate visible leadership across the wider firm, championing positive change, innovation and continuous improvement.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

• Post-qualification experience gained within a leading international or comparable national law firm, with demonstrable experience operating at Counsel or equivalent senior level and qualification to practise in Germany.
• Extensive experience leading complex domestic and cross-border corporate transactions, including M&A, private equity or venture capital investments, joint ventures, carve-outs and reorganisations.
• An established record of providing authoritative advice and building trusted relationships with corporates, investors, founders, management teams and senior stakeholders.
• Deep technical knowledge of German corporate law, together with excellent commercial judgement, drafting, negotiation and transaction leadership skills.
• A proven ability to manage the financial performance of matters and client relationships, including pricing, scoping, resourcing and profitability.
• A strong track record in business development, client relationship management and contributing to market strategy and the development of new opportunities.
• Excellent written and spoken German and English, with the presence and communication skills to influence clients, colleagues and senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrable leadership and people-development skills, including experience supervising teams, developing talent and supporting succession planning.
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial approach, with the ability to connect opportunities across practices and jurisdictions and to lead positive change.

OUR FIRM

Our story of international growth is built on a performance mindset, innovation and true collaboration. We believe results follow relationships, so we work closely with each other, and develop deep client connections to deliver. 

Our award-winning culture balances high standards and hard work with genuine care – looking out for each other, supporting professional development, in a down to earth and inclusive environment. We do the right things in the right ways, combining commercial excellence and innovative thinking with teamwork. Together, we deliver excellence, achieve stand out solutions, and enable career-defining opportunities.