General Information About the Firm
What makes Reef Rechtsanwälte different from other law firms?
Reef Rechtsanwälte combines deep professional expertise with a New Work approach: we rely on flexible, interdisciplinary teams of legal and business experts who come together on a project-by-project basis. With us, high-quality legal advice meets creativity, entrepreneurship, and pragmatism — in a relaxed atmosphere, but with the highest standards of quality. Our goal: sustainable, tailored solutions rather than standard answers.
Where is Reef Rechtsanwälte based?
Our firm is located in Düsseldorf at Werft 16 — a modern commercial building directly on the Rhine. The location reflects our philosophy: creative, open, and inspiring. Work-life balance starts at the workplace for us.
Who does Reef Rechtsanwälte work for?
We advise nationally and internationally active companies — from mid-sized businesses and start-ups to family offices and private equity firms. We also assist private individuals, executives, and employees with legal matters. A large proportion of our clients come from abroad, in particular from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the Middle East.
Areas of Law & Advisory Services
What areas of law does Reef Rechtsanwälte advise on?
Our core areas include:
- Corporate Law & M&A – business acquisitions and disposals, restructurings, shareholdings
- Commercial Law & Contract Law – contract drafting, distribution agreements, commercial relationships
- Employment Law – individual and collective labour law, restructurings, unfair dismissal protection (for employers and employees)
- Inbound & Outbound Investment – cross-border transactions, international advisory
- Restructuring & Insolvency Law – restructuring concepts, insolvency avoidance, corporate officer liability
- Tax Law & Tax Criminal Law – in cooperation with REEF Steuern
Do you also advise in English?
Yes, of course. All staff at Reef Rechtsanwälte speak fluent English. Our partner Urs Breitsprecher is a qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with extensive international experience. We regularly advise English-speaking clients and specialise in cross-border mandates.
In what other languages can I receive advice?
In addition to German and English, we have the following language capabilities:
- Dutch – We handle a large number of Dutch mandates and can read and process Dutch documents without difficulty
- Spanish – One team member speaks fluent Spanish
- Italian – Two team members speak Italian
These language skills enable us to handle even complex international mandates without any loss of information.
Does Reef Rechtsanwälte also offer tax advisory services?
Yes — through close cooperation, we cover all tax and business management topics. Our clients thus receive 360° advice from a single source.
Can private individuals also instruct Reef Rechtsanwälte?
Yes. We advise not only companies but also private individuals — in particular on matters of employment law, contractual issues, inheritance law, or personal investments.
Fees & Costs
How does Reef Rechtsanwälte calculate its fees?
We generally work on an hourly rate basis and bill transparently according to actual time spent. For longer-term projects or extensive mandates, we are happy to offer fixed fees or milestone-based fee models. In certain cases (e.g. court representation), billing is based on the German Lawyers’ Remuneration Act (RVG).
What is the hourly rate at Reef Rechtsanwälte?
Our hourly rate is generally from EUR 300 plus VAT, where applicable. The exact amount may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the advisors involved. We will inform you transparently about the expected costs before the mandate begins.
Are fixed fees or flat rates also available?
Yes. For clearly defined projects — such as M&A transactions, contract drafting, or compliance projects — we are happy to offer fixed fees or milestone-based fee models. This provides you as a client with planning certainty.
When does the RVG (German Lawyers' Remuneration Act) apply?
The RVG regularly applies in court proceedings (e.g. employment tribunal cases, commercial disputes) or where statutory fees are prescribed. We will advise you in advance as to which fee structure applies in your case.
Is there a free initial consultation?
We offer a brief telephone pre-discussion to understand your matter and discuss the next steps. A detailed initial legal consultation is provided for a fee — either on a time-spent or flat-rate basis. Please feel free to get in touch.
Working Together & Process
How does working with Reef Rechtsanwälte work?
After you get in touch, we hold an initial discussion to understand your matter. We then put together the right advisory team for you — interdisciplinary and tailored to your needs. We place great value on transparent communication, short response times, and a personal, trusting relationship.
Who will be my point of contact?
You will have a dedicated point of contact who coordinates your mandate. Depending on the subject matter, we work in flexible teams, so that you always receive the best possible expertise — without any loss of information and with clear lines of responsibility.
Does Reef Rechtsanwälte also work with international partners?
Yes. Reef Rechtsanwälte is an active member of two renowned international legal networks:
- IR Global – one of the world’s leading networks of independent legal and tax advisors with over 1,000 members in more than 155 jurisdictions
- AIEL (Association of International English Lawyers) – an exclusive network of English-speaking lawyers worldwide
Through these memberships, we can optimally support you in cross-border projects — whether in cross-border M&A, inbound investment, or legal matters across multiple jurisdictions. We work hand in hand with trusted colleagues worldwide.
How quickly will I receive a response?
We place great importance on fast communication. As a rule, you will receive an initial response within 24 hours. In urgent cases, we are also reachable at short notice.
International & Languages
Does Reef Rechtsanwälte also advise foreign clients?
Yes, we regularly advise international companies and investors. A large proportion of our clients come from abroad, in particular from:
- United Kingdom (UK)
- Netherlands
- France
- Spain
- Turkey
- Middle East
We specialise in inbound investment into Germany as well as cross-border transactions. Our international expertise and strong network enable us to handle even complex mandates successfully. We assist foreign clients with all steps in Germany, whether contract drafting, negotiations, court proceedings, establishing and managing branches (working closely with the corporate service team at AQUAN Service UG), business acquisitions, tax matters, and more.
Do you also advise Dutch clients?
Yes, we handle a large number of Dutch mandates and can read and process Dutch documents without difficulty. Our geographical proximity to the Netherlands and our language capabilities make us an ideal partner for German-Dutch business relationships.
In what languages can I receive advice?
We offer advice in the following languages:
- German (native language)
- English (all staff fluent)
- Dutch (reading proficiency, handling of Dutch mandates)
- Spanish (one team member)
- Italian (two team members)
This multilingual capability enables us to support you even in complex international mandates without any loss of communication.
Can Reef Rechtsanwälte assist with cross-border transactions?
Yes, this is one of our core competencies. Thanks to our membership in IR Global and AIEL, as well as our own international experience, we can professionally handle cross-border M&A, outbound investments, and international contract negotiations. We coordinate with reliable partners worldwide.
Contact & Appointments
How can I contact Reef Rechtsanwälte?
You can best reach us by email or phone:
- ? Email: info@reef-legal.com
- ? Phone: +49 211 545532 80
Alternatively, you can also get in touch via our website: www.reef-legal.com
How do I make an appointment?
Simply send us a brief email or give us a call. We will find a suitable time together — either in person in Düsseldorf, by video conference, or by telephone.
Can I visit Reef Rechtsanwälte in person in Düsseldorf?
Yes, of course! Our firm at Werft 16, directly on the Rhine, would be delighted to welcome you. Please arrange an appointment in advance so that we can dedicate sufficient time to you.
Philosophy & Team
What does "New Work" mean at Reef Rechtsanwälte?
New Work means for us: flexible, interdisciplinary collaboration, flat hierarchies, and creative approaches to problem-solving. We believe the best results emerge when experts from different fields think together outside the box. Throughout this, personal contact with our clients always remains at the centre.
Who is part of the Reef Rechtsanwälte team?
Our team consists of experienced lawyers specialising in corporate law, M&A, employment law, commercial law, tax law, and insolvency law. These include:
- Urs Breitsprecher – Specialist lawyer for commercial, corporate, and tax law; Solicitor (England and Wales)
- Sebastian Linnenbrink – Specialist lawyer for employment law
- Henrik Behnke – Of Counsel, certified Specialist for employment and insurance law
- Thomas Neumann – Of Counsel, certified Specialist for intellectual property law
- Reinhold Poppek – Of Counsel, over 40 years of experience in M&A and international commercial law
- Simone Heinrichs – Office Manager and organisational genius
Our team is further complemented by tax advisors, business experts, and a strong, multilingual back office.
Why is the firm called "REEF"?
A coral reef is a diverse, sustainable ecosystem — just like our firm. We provide a space for the most varied types of advisors, who work in flexible constellations and thereby offer maximum advisory expertise for every mandate. We are an office community, which means we can focus on client work and not get lost in the depths of internal politics. This metaphor reflects our philosophy: diversity, connectedness, and sustainability.
Special Topics
Do you also advise start-ups?
Yes! We have a strong start-up mindset and are happy to advise founders and young companies — from incorporation advice through investor agreements to financing rounds and M&A exits.
Does Reef Rechtsanwälte also assist with due diligence processes?
Yes. We have extensive experience in the legal, tax, and financial review of companies in the context of M&A transactions. We rely on structured workflows, checklists, and the latest technology for maximum efficiency and transparency.
Can Reef Rechtsanwälte also assist in crisis situations and restructurings?
Yes. We support companies in crisis situations, with restructuring concepts, insolvency proceedings, and restructurings. Our goal: to develop economically viable solutions and safeguard your interests to the greatest possible extent.
Do you also advise Turkish or Arabic-speaking clients?
Yes, we regularly advise clients from Turkey and the Middle East and North Africa. We have specific knowledge of the culture and business practices in these regions. Islamic Finance and Halal are not merely buzzwords for us. Through our international orientation, our membership in global networks, and our experience in intercultural business dealings, we are ideally positioned to professionally support clients from these regions.