You are here: Taylor Root Home Overseas Legal Market Western Europe Germany

Germany

As the largest financial centre of Germany and a leading financial centre of Europe, Frankfurt is among the top cities of the world financially and economically. The headquarters of the European Central Bank is located here, as are over 325 banks, making Frankfurt an impressive and imposing city of skyscrapers as well as a pivotal and exciting City for lawyers to work in. Situated on the River Main, Frankfurt has a lot to offer in terms of numerous yearly festivals, museums, cathedrals, world class designer shops and close proximity to the delightful Rheingau wine region, boasting some of the best Rieslings in the world.

Berlin is the capital city and one of the sixteen states of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is the heart of the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region, located in north-eastern Germany. With a population of 3.4 million, Berlin is the country's largest city, and the second most populous city in the European Union. After several years of absence, International law firms have started to move back to Berlin, particularly into the Real Estate and Media markets.

Law Firms

Unsurprisingly, it is the leading UK-based international and Magic Circle firms who are firmly established in Frankfurt (the biggest of these being merged German firms), together with a number of leading US firms and a fair proportion of lesser known German firms. Some of the leading firms are also based in Berlin, and niche international firms are starting to open Media related practices there. The work and culture differs considerably between these firms, with the German firms' focus being predominantly on German law-led deals rather than a mix of German and UK/US law.

Principal Areas of Demand

Whilst there is obviously most demand for German qualified lawyers, a handful of the leading UK-based Magic Circle firms and US firms have a definite and growing need for Common Law qualified lawyers in the following areas (although it is usually a pre-requisite that you have fluent, or at least very advanced, German language skills):

• Banking and Finance (Capital Markets)
• Real Estate
• Corporate
• Media

Remuneration & Benefits

With such a strong and booming economy, the salaries in Frankfurt and Berlin are accordingly very good and very similar to, if not slightly better than, what you would expect from the respective US or UK-based firms in London. German firms also pay well, but on average less than their foreign counterparts. Just as for London, bonuses are widespread according to firm and personal performance, but are considerably more at the US firms. As the cost of living and accommodation is very much lower than in London, you should find that your hard-earned money will support a very comfortable lifestyle.

Outside the Office

Although Frankfurt is not renowned for its beauty or sightseeing attractions, it offers a lot more than meets the eye. While the general atmosphere is far more relaxed and less hectic than anything you would experience in London, the gastronomical delights – from informal bars and cafés through to Michelin-starred restaurants – are easily comparable. Nightlife is also well catered for, without the hassle of mile-long queues and pricey entrance fees.

If you want to escape from city life, Frankfurt is extremely well situated for day and week trips. Besides visiting the famous Rheingau wine region and the surrounding beautiful and quaint towns and villages, you can also easily venture further afield to Amsterdam, Bruges, Zurich, Northern Italy and many more popular European destinations.

Berlin has one of the most diverse and vibrant nightlife scenes in Europe, being home to many nightclubs, bars and restaurants. The city has several annual carnivals and parades, and is also well known for its jazz festivals. Culturally, Berlin has theatres, museums and galleries to rival anywhere in the world. Sports fans will be spoilt with options ranging from football through to ice hockey and basketball.

 

For further information on the legalmarket and job opportunities in Germany please contact your nearest Taylor Root office:

London:
Mark Walters E: markwalters@taylorroot.com T: +44 (0)20 7415 2828

Dubai:
Shane Morton E: shanemorton@taylorroot.com T: +9714 448 7770

Hong Kong: 
Mark Coates E: markcoates@taylorroot.com.hk T: +852 2973 6333

Sydney: 
Karlie Connellan E: karlieconnellan@taylorroot.com.au T: +61 (0)2 9236 9000

Melbourne:
Tim Fogarty E: timfogarty@taylorroot.com.au T: +61 (0)3 8610 8400