WACH UND MECKES

𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: "𝗗𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗵𝗶 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗮! 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁-𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀" Organized by the Munich Center for Dispute Resolution (MuCDR) under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Beate Gsell and Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Hau, last week’s Dispute Resolution Day 2025 at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München focused on the challenges of fact-finding in civil and arbitral proceedings. A compelling session moderated by our partner and MuCDR-committee-member Dr. Karl J.T. Wach brought together Dr. Gesa Lutz (Higher Regional Court Munich) and Dr. Thomas Mehring (Regional Court Stuttgart), who explored how mass litigation navigates the taking of evidence. They took an in-depth look at the transfer of evidentiary findings and the bundled collection of evidence in civil proceedings (de lege lata), and introduced the concept of a model evidence procedure under future legislation (de lege ferenda). Further discussions, led by Dr. Thomas Winter (Attorney at the Federal Court of Justice), included contributions from Prof. Alexander Morell (Goethe-Universität Frankfurt) and Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Paul Oberhammer (Universität Wien), focusing on expert-based damage assessment in civil and arbitral proceedings — especially the balance between procedural efficiency and the right to be heard. The day concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion on whether an unreasonable burden defines the limits of taking evidence. The panel, moderated by Prof. Caroline Meller-Hannich (Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg), comprised Prof. Wiebke Voß (Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg), Karl Pörnbacher (Hogan Lovells Germany), and Tatjana Halm (Consumer Association of Bavaria). The intense and insightful debates captured the core challenges of fact-finding in both civil and arbitral proceedings—aptly summed up by the phrase: “A shark is not a shark if you can’t prove it.” We were pleased to contribute to this enriching exchange between legal practice and academia through the participation of our partner Dr. Karl J.T. Wach, and we thank all organizers and participants. Looking forward to the next Dispute Resolution Day! #arbitration #litigation #disputeresolution #lmu #disputeresolutionday #WuM

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫. This early quote from our founding partner Dr. Karl J.T. Wach perfectly summarizes the mindset that has made Ottavia Preis a backbone of this firm – someone we all rely on. From day one, her natural ability to have a big-picture business perspective, combined with her genuine care for our people and their unique needs, has made her indispensable to this firm. There is no challenge too big, no detail too small — Ottavia is always there, reachable, and has an open ear for you. Her expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment are invaluable, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you so much, Ottavia, for 15 incredible years. We look forward to many more with you! #Anniversary #WuM #LawFirmFamily

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭. Our annual kickoff was a chance to sharpen our approach, align on our vision, and set ambitious goals for 2025. Peace makes the best business — the mindset driving our firm. For us, dispute resolution is about protecting our clients' commercial success with smart, conclusive and business driven solutions to ensure their peace of mind. We wrapped up the day with great food and amazing colleagues at Burger & Lobster Bank—because success is built together. Dr. Karl J.T. Wach, Frank Meckes, Dr. Arno Riethmüller, Maximilian Menz, Robert Straubmeier, Tom Petsch, Susanne Ascher, Leli Krachtis, Marios Kourtis, Dr. Philipp Waltke, Pauline Rinke, Momme Matthias Harrsen, Jan-Niklas Geck, Dr. Daniel Nitschmann, Patrizia Schultheiss, Tanja Schindler, Ottavia Preis, Theodora Tanidou, Marina Hoffmeister, Brigitte Grüner, Patti Knetsch, Simon Steinberger, Martin Köthe, Jennifer Hagenberger, Quirin Thomas, Marinus Maximilian Maier, Paul Kropp, Christina Pletowski, Louise Rädler, Linus Tietze #WuM #Arbitration #Disputeresolution #litigation #team #peacemaker #PeaceMakesTheBestBusiness

𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽: 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗮. With the Vis Moot competitions in Hong Kong and Vienna just around the corner, we wrapped up this year’s pleadings at WACH UND MECKES in style! On Monday, we had the pleasure of hosting the talented teams from Universität Hamburg (University of Hamburg Willem C. Vis Moot Team) and Universität Passau (Vis Moot Team Passau) for two intense rounds of pleadings. Our esteemed arbitrators - Dr. Karl J.T. Wach, Dr. Philipp Waltke, Momme Matthias Harrsen - put the teams to the test, challenging their legal expertise and advocacy skills. The dedication and hard work of the participants were truly commendable! After months of preparation, the teams deserved a well-earned celebration, enjoying tapas and drinks and it was a pleasure for us to celebrate with them. A special shoutout to the coaches Luca Carlotta Wölk, Charlotte Sophie Gleie, Klara Grube, Elizabeth-Lilo de Lope Fernández, Fritz Gabrysch, Jan Schiprowski, Alexander von Keudell and Lukas Weichert whose guidance and support were instrumental in the teams' impressive performances. As the countdown to Vienna and Hong Kong begins, we wish both teams the best of luck on their Vis Moot journey. We can’t wait to see you shine on the international stage.  

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲? Litigators are the architects of legal battles—strategizing, negotiating, and advocating in high-stakes disputes. If you're curious about what it means to be a dispute resolution lawyer, why not take a closer look? Check out this Legal Tribune Online (LTO) article, in which Dr. Arno Riethmüller and Patrizia Schultheiss, along with other litigators, share insights into their daily work (https://lnkd.in/dMQ-6JKP). Interested in gaining first-hand experience in arbitration and litigation while pursuing your studies? We are always looking for motivated students and legal clerks to join our team, gain hands-on insights into the world of dispute resolution, and become true Peacemakers in legal conflicts. Get in touch with us—we look forward to hearing from you: https://lnkd.in/dPWK7iH We look forward to welcoming you to our team and supporting your career growth! #peacemaker #newtalents #youngtalents #wum #arbitration #litigation #team #disputeresolution #lto

𝗠𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 & 𝗧𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴. Strong arguments, sharp reasoning—and great food. That’s how we do Vis Moot prep at WACH UND MECKES. Yesterday, we welcomed the teams from Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (vis moot freiburg) and Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen as they prepare for the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. With challenging pleadings before our arbitrators Frank Meckes, Pauline Rinke and Momme Matthias Harrsen the teams put their skills to the test. Their reward? A well-earned tapas feast—because great arguments deserve great food! Congratulations to the coaches Felipe Hajek Gross, Niklas Maximilian Saemann, Adrian König, Severin Burkart, Helen Goppelt, Christine Hohendorf whose dedication and expertise were evident in the teams' confident performances. With Vienna (and Hong Kong) fast approaching, we wish both teams continued success on their Vis Moot journey—see you on the international stage soon! #VisMoot #MootCourt #WuM #DisputeResolution #Litigation #Arbitration #youngtalent #tapas

𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆. Once again, WACH UND MECKES proudly sponsored this year’s All Munich Rounds 2025. The Premoot and AMR Night were an absolute blast! The evening provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with talented students and young legal professionals. Café Reitschule perfectly captured the spirit of the event. Throughout the AMRs, the Mooties impressed our arbitrators - Dr. Karl J.T. Wach, Maximilian Menz, Momme Matthias Harrsen, Dr. Philipp Waltke, Marios Kourtis, Pauline Rinke - with their dedication, passion, and fierce legal arguments, even after a night of celebration! A special shoutout to Bucerius Law School (Bucerius Vis Moot) (1st place), Universität Wien (University of Vienna - Willem C. Vis Moot Team)  (2nd place) and Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz (3rd place) for making it to the top, as well as to Sofia Truniger from Universität St.Gallen (HSG) (HSG Vis Moot Team) (1st place), Ross McCormick from Mainz (2nd place) and Alexander Stadelmann from St.Gallen (3rd place) for being awarded Best Individual Oralists at the AMRs! Huge Kudos to the incredible organizing team, Amelie Grupp and Olivia Müller, who did an amazing job making the AMRs unforgettable! And last but not least, congratulations to the Team from Munich (Munich Moot Association (MMA) e.V.) for winning this year’s AMR Party Award in a tough competition! Good luck to all teams in the finals in Hong Kong and Vienna. See you at future events - maybe as next year’s coaches or future colleagues! Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Bucerius Vis Moot, vis moot freiburg, Munich Moot Association (MMA) e.V., The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Leibniz Universität Hannover, HSG Vis Moot Team, KNU Vis Moot Team, Universität zu Köln, Vis Moot Team Mainz, Humboldt University of Berlin Willem C. Vis (East) Moot Team, Willem C. Vis Moot Team Münster, Vis Moot Team Passau, Università degli Studi di Trieste, University of Ljubljana Vis Moot Team, University of Belgrade, University of Vienna - Willem C. Vis Moot Team, Syddansk Universitet - University of Southern Denmark, University of Prishtina, Istanbul University Vis Moot Team #VisMoot #MootCourt #WuM #DisputeResolution #Litigation #Arbitration #InternationalLaw

𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁. We are thrilled to share that WACH UND MECKES has been ranked 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 in the 2025 Leaders League rankings for Commercial Litigation and International Arbitration – once again among Germany’s absolute top law firms, now with an even higher ranking! This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team, who continuously push boundaries to deliver outstanding results as peacemakers in complex disputes. A special congratulations to our partners, Dr. Karl J.T. Wach and Frank Meckes, for maintaining their prestigious rankings as arbitrators. 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 to our clients and peers for your trust and support and to the entire WACH UND MECKES team! Discover the full rankings here: 🔹 Commercial Litigation: https://lnkd.in/dHVvG3zb 🔹 International Arbitration: https://lnkd.in/dpv_X_wC 🔹 Arbitrators: https://lnkd.in/dzGQwusk Dr. Arno Riethmüller, Maximilian Menz, Robert Straubmeier, Tom Petsch, Leli Krachtis, Susanne Ascher, Marios Kourtis, Dr. Philipp Waltke, Pauline Rinke, Momme Matthias Harrsen, Jan-Niklas Geck, Dr. Daniel Nitschmann, Patrizia Schultheiss #LeadersLeague #CommercialLitigation #InternationalArbitration #DisputeResolution #Litigation #PeaceMakesTheBestBusiness #LegalExcellence #Team #Ranking #WuM

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀. Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Willem C. Vis Moot teams from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (Humboldt University of Berlin Willem C. Vis (East) Moot Team) and Bucerius Law School (Bucerius Vis Moot) to WACH UND MECKES for another exciting practice pleading. Both teams showcased outstanding advocacy skills, presenting well-structured arguments and responding to challenging questions with confidence and precision. Our arbitrators Dr. Arno Riethmüller, Marios Kourtis, and Momme Matthias Harrsen were highly impressed by the teams' legal reasoning and strategic thinking. Getting to know these young talents better in the more relaxed setting of food and drinks afterwards was a true pleasure. We are already looking forward to seeing both teams again this weekend at the All Munich Rounds. A special thank you to the dedicated coaches Ajna Soeprapto, Robin B., Leon Theimer, Silas Mohr, Carl-Anton Sack, Stefan C. Endeward and Anne Sophie Meyer whose guidance and preparation were clearly reflected in the teams' performances. With Vienna (and Hong Kong) fast approaching, we wish both teams continued success on their Vis Moot journey and look forward to seeing you on the international stage soon! #VisMoot #MootCourt #WuM #DisputeResolution #Litigation #Arbitration #InternationalLaw

𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Daniel Nitschmann back to WACH UND MECKES, this time as an Associate. Having already worked with Daniel during his legal clerkship, we experienced firsthand his sharp legal mind, dedication, and passion for Dispute Resolution. The fact that he has now chosen to continue his journey with us makes us proud. Daniel studied at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München where he also completed his dissertation on service between Germany and the UK, and ranked among the top of his class in both state examinations. He gained practical experience at leading international law firms before joining us as a legal clerk—and now, as Associate. Welcome (again), Daniel! We are excited to continue working with you. Want to become a peacemaker? Visit us at https://lnkd.in/ggxVDnu #welcome #team #wum #litigation #arbitration #disputeresolution #youngtalents #peacemaker