Michael heads the Dispute Resolution practice in Continental Europe, co-heads the global mass claim and class actions group and is a strategic leader in dispute resolution, helping clients protect their interests in complex contentious matters. Known for his dedication, tenacity and hands-on approach, Michael empowers clients to manage risks decisively, steering them towards successful outcomes that build long-term resilience.
As a specialist in international and domestic civil litigation and arbitration, Michael crafts powerful strategies that resolve his clients’ most complex challenges without compromising their business goals. Michael’s practice focuses on post-M&A disputes, commercial litigation and mass claims / collective actions, and he also specializes in finance disputes, helping clients tackle conflicts with clarity and control.
As a seasoned arbitrator, Michael excels at resolving disputes effectively with a cooperative, forward-looking approach that prevents unnecessary escalation and preserves valuable strategic partnerships.
A German and English speaker, Michael facilitates seamless communication across borders, offering a unique blend of global perspective and local expertise.
- Representing a US tech company on navigating liability and litigation risks in connection with the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (Regulation (EU) 2022/1925) across multiple EU jurisdictions.
- Defending the British life insurer Scottish Widows (formerly Clerical Medical Investment Group) in one of the largest mass claims in Germany against policyholders.
- Defending Zurich Insurance on the civil, regulatory and insolvency law issues arising from Zurich's position as insolvency protection insurer of the insolvent German Thomas Cook companies. In particular, we defend Zurich against legal actions brought by the Federal Republic of Germany and by some travellers with regard to Zurich’s (partial) compensation payments to travellers.
- Representing BayernLB regarding its multi-billion Euro claims for repayment of loans by Hypo Alpe Adria (HETA) in state courts in Germany and Austria, involving complex issues of international bail-in rules and equity compensation laws.
- Representing a global automotive supplier in achieving the payment of damages for intentional misinformation in an amount of >€150m in the automotive supply sector.
- Representing a chemical company in an ICC arbitration against a long-term supplier in a dispute over more than €250m related to price fluctuations in 2021 and 2022.
- Advising Norddeutsche Landesbank in connection with the cancellation of silent participations refinanced on the capital market with a value of approximately €500m .
