Best ESG Advisory & Compliance Lawyers in Germany

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Or refine your search by selecting a city:


Founded in 2008
English
Rechtsanwälte Stühlein, Barthelmes & Kollegen, established in 2008, is a dynamic and client-focused law firm located in the heart of Bamberg, Germany. The firm offers comprehensive legal services in civil and criminal law, catering to both individuals and businesses. Their team comprises...
Sidley Austin (CE) LLP
Munich, Germany

English
Sidley Austin (CE) LLP, located in Munich, Germany, is a prominent extension of Sidley Austin LLP's global network, which encompasses over 2,300 lawyers across 21 offices worldwide. The Munich office specializes in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, finance, and tax, offering...
Rechtsanwälte Jungmann & Hippe
Bielefeld, Germany

English
Rechtsanwälte Jungmann & Hippe, based in Bielefeld, Germany, is a law firm dedicated to providing pragmatic, solution-oriented, and comprehensible legal counsel. The firm emphasizes swift and appropriate resolutions tailored to each client's needs, focusing on the essentials, considering economic...

Founded in 2017
English
LAT Legal | leaves and trees | Rechtsanwaltskanzlei, based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, specializes in employment and migration law, residency law, and business formation within Germany. The firm offers comprehensive legal services, including advising on work visas, work permits, and business...
Büdding Legal
Berlin, Germany

Founded in 2003
50 people in their team
German
English
These values ​​are very important to us:responsivenessAs a small, independent law firm, we are flexible and always able to stay in touch with our clients using modern and mobile means of communication. Emails are usually answered on the same day. We know that for many of our clients it is...
schirach.law
Munich, Germany

English
Schirach.law, based in Munich, Germany, specializes in white-collar and tax criminal law, offering comprehensive defense and advisory services to corporate executives and high-profile individuals. The firm is recognized for its innovative approach, combining strategic legal expertise with a deep...
SAMP SCHILLING & PARTNER
Berlin, Germany

English
SAMP SCHILLING & PARTNER is a Berlin-based law firm specializing in real estate, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and energy law. The firm's attorneys have extensive experience from leading international law firms, providing clients with comprehensive legal expertise and a deep understanding of...
ASMEI LAW | 德国昂士律师事务所
Frankfurt am Main, Germany

English
ASMEI LAW | 德国昂士律师事务所 is a distinguished law firm based in Germany, renowned for its comprehensive legal services and deep understanding of both German and international law. The firm's team of seasoned attorneys brings extensive experience across various legal disciplines,...
KBM LEGAL
Cologne, Germany

Founded in 2012
50 people in their team
German
English
Lawyers and specialist lawyers in Cologne, Düsseldorf and WiehlInnovative strength, vision, responsibility - as a medium-sized company you know what is important. With us at your side, you will navigate safely through stormy times.At eye level and with a healthy degree of pragmatism, we advise and...
Rechtsanwalt Eike Fietz
Munich, Germany

Founded in 2021
English
Rechtsanwalt Eike Fietz is a distinguished German-qualified corporate and commercial lawyer with over two decades of transactional experience. His practice encompasses a broad spectrum of corporate and commercial matters, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, tax-driven...
AS SEEN ON

Browse esg advisory & compliance law firms by city in Germany

Refine your search by selecting a city.

About ESG Advisory & Compliance Law in Germany

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, representing a set of standards used to evaluate a company’s operations and their impact on society and the environment. In Germany, ESG Advisory & Compliance involves ensuring that businesses and organizations adhere to requirements related to environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance. The increasing demand for sustainable business practices, both from regulators and stakeholders, means German companies must navigate a complex legal landscape. This field encompasses not only environmental regulations and labor standards but also transparency and ethical management, requiring ongoing compliance and regular reporting.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

German businesses and investors may need ESG legal expertise for a range of reasons. Common situations include:

  • Ensuring compliance with newly introduced ESG regulations and reporting obligations
  • Responding to regulatory investigations or enforcement actions related to ESG matters
  • Developing or updating codes of conduct, sustainability policies, and supplier contracts
  • Managing ESG due diligence during mergers or acquisitions
  • Implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
  • Advising on green investments and sustainable finance standards
  • Preparing sustainability reports consistent with statutory standards
  • Handling disputes arising from alleged ESG noncompliance or stakeholder claims

Legal professionals specializing in ESG help organizations understand complex requirements, minimize risks, and structure compliance programs that meet German and European standards.

Local Laws Overview

ESG regulations in Germany are shaped by both national and European Union law. Key legal aspects include:

  • Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz): Requires companies to monitor and address human rights and environmental risks along the entire supply chain.
  • Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): An EU regulation that expands reporting obligations for non-financial and sustainability information, impacting many German firms.
  • EU Taxonomy Regulation: Sets criteria for environmentally sustainable economic activities, affecting investments and disclosures.
  • Whistleblower Protection Act: Mandates internal reporting channels and protection for those reporting ESG violations.
  • Environmental and Labor Laws: Strict environmental protection and labor law standards are enforced, with significant penalties for violations.
  • Corporate Governance Codes: Expectation of transparent management, anti-corruption compliance, and board-level responsibility for sustainability.

Failure to comply with these laws can result in legal action, fines, reputational damage, and operational challenges, making legal advice crucial for organizations operating in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ESG compliance?

ESG compliance means meeting legal and voluntary standards related to environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance, as required nationally and at the European level.

Which companies are affected by the ESG regulations in Germany?

Large companies and those with significant operations in Germany are primarily affected, but new laws increasingly apply to medium-sized enterprises, especially within certain supply chains.

What is the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act?

This law obliges companies to identify, prevent, and address human rights and environmental risks throughout their supply chain, including foreign suppliers, with regular reporting and documentation duties.

What are typical ESG risks for businesses in Germany?

Risks include supply chain disruptions due to noncompliance, fines, reputational harm, stakeholder claims, and exclusion from public contracts or sustainable finance markets.

How often must companies report on ESG compliance?

Reporting frequency depends on specific laws, but annual sustainability or non-financial reports are common, alongside ad hoc disclosures in response to significant new risks or events.

Are there specific penalties for noncompliance with ESG laws?

Yes, violations can result in administrative fines, legal sanctions, regulatory investigations, and damages claims from affected parties or stakeholders.

Can small businesses ignore ESG requirements?

No. Although some regulations target larger firms, smaller businesses can also face ESG obligations, especially as suppliers or as laws continue to expand coverage.

How can legal counsel help with ESG due diligence?

Lawyers can assist with risk assessments, designing compliance systems, reviewing contracts, managing audits, and crafting due diligence reports that meet regulatory and stakeholder expectations.

Is ESG reporting only about the environment?

No. While environmental impact is important, ESG also covers labor rights, workplace diversity, human rights, governance structures, anti-corruption, and ethical business conduct.

Does an ESG breach affect a company’s access to finance?

It can. Noncompliance may result in exclusion from investment funds, loss of access to green loans, or adverse credit ratings. Many investors now require strong ESG performance as a condition for financial support.

Additional Resources

There are several institutions and organizations in Germany that provide guidance or support in the ESG Advisory & Compliance sector:

  • Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) - Monitors supply chain law and corporate social responsibility
  • Federal Environment Agency (UBA) - Provides environmental law and sustainability resources
  • Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHK) - Offers business compliance seminars and toolkits
  • German Association for Sustainable Economy (BNW)
  • German Society for Sustainable Development (DNG)
  • European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) - For updates on EU sustainability regulations
  • Specialized ESG advisory law firms and compliance consultants

Next Steps

If you believe your business may be affected by ESG regulations, or you are facing challenges related to compliance, consider taking the following steps:

  • Assess your organization’s current ESG policies, reporting, and risk areas
  • Stay informed about national and EU law updates affecting ESG
  • Consult with a lawyer specializing in ESG Advisory & Compliance to review your obligations and develop an effective compliance strategy
  • Engage with industry associations and local chambers for additional guidance
  • Implement training and awareness programs for management and staff
  • Establish internal reporting channels for compliance issues

Seeking professional advice early can help prevent costly noncompliance, strengthen your company’s reputation, and add value through responsible and sustainable business practices.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Germany through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including ESG Advisory & Compliance, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Germany - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.