Michaela specialises in German and EU antitrust law. Competition issues can constitute severe obstacles to businesses’ commercial objectives; however, antitrust law can sometimes be relied on to achieve business goals or even get ahead of competitors. With that in mind, Michaela acts as both problem solver and strategic advisor.
Michaela advises a range of companies, including some of the world’s largest digital platforms and manufacturers of branded products, on distribution-related antitrust matters, and on cartel and market-dominance cases often in the context of digital markets. She is also an enthusiastic antitrust litigator having showcased her capabilities by representing clients in a wide range of private litigation matters before the courts and in investigations and proceedings by competition regulators.
“The value of understanding clients’ businesses, their markets as well as the competitive dynamics in these markets cannot be overestimated when you are advising on antitrust law,” says Michaela, who is pleased to see that clients refer to her work as “finding solutions where others give up”, “practical and practice-orientated” as well as “clear, unambiguous and trustworthy”.
She further comments: “Clients can expect lawyers to be top of their class, always up to date and able to deal with highly complex matters. But these attributes only bring you into the ring – they do not suffice to stand out. What I believe does make a difference for clients is to work with lawyers who make a team with them and are willing and able to build and maintain authentic relationships. This will not only ensure the top quality work results we are committed to but also make the work life a lot more enjoyable. I am proud that this is the culture of Reed Smith and it is reflected in the core values of our firm.”
Michaela regularly speaks on the latest antitrust developments at conferences organised by Studienvereinigung Kartellrecht e.V., the German Brands Association (Markenverband e.V.), the German Gardening Industry Association (Industrieverband Garten e.V.) and the German Nonfood Congress, among others.
She has regularly published in print and social media on antitrust and competition law.
She is ranked by JUVE 2019 and 2020 as an “often recommended” antitrust lawyer in Germany and by Handelsblatt as one of the Best Lawyers in Germany 2020.
Michaela is a member of Studienvereinigung Kartellrecht e.V. and Münchner Kartellrechtsforum e.V.
