Accurate Legal Advice
in Critical Situations
We do not see ourselves as traditional external consultants, but rather as an integral part of your business operations: as a strategic sparring partner in day-to-day business as well as a reliable ally in critical situations—such as sudden crises, regulatory investigations, and liability cases. As a law firm based in South Westphalia, we also have first-hand knowledge of the structures and unique characteristics of regional small and medium-sized enterprises.
Our mission: to quickly grasp complex issues and deliver robust solutions in the shortest possible time—legally sound, economically sound, and with a clear focus on your business goals. We offer specialized expertise in international negotiations, with a focus on the interfaces between South Westphalia, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates.
Industry Focus
International
Contract Law
Key Areas
- Drafting and negotiating international supply, distribution, and framework agreements, as well as general terms and conditions
- Development of robust liability, warranty, and risk-sharing mechanisms, including strategic claims management
- Consulting on the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), Incoterms, and international trade standards
More Key AreasCollapse
- Support for cross-border business activities, including business start-ups and incorporation under corporate law
- Resolution of Conflicts Between Trading Partners
- Consulting on international payments, anti-money laundering laws, and safeguarding cash flows
- Consulting on Sanctions and Foreign Trade Law (Embargoes, Export Controls, Compliance Requirements)
- Cross-border enforcement of claims, collection, and assistance in cases of late payment and insolvency proceedings
Corporate Law
and M&A
We assist companies with structural changes—from start-ups and reorganizations to mergers and acquisitions.We assist companies with structural changes—from start-ups and reorganizations to mergers and acquisitions.
Key Areas
- Structuring and Execution of M&A Transactions (Share/Asset Deals)
- Due Diligence and Risk Assessment
- Drafting of Business Acquisition Agreements (SPA/APA)
- Restructuring and Reorganization Measures
- Disputes in Business Acquisitions
- Liability of Executive Board Members and Supervisory Board Members; Managing Directors and Advisory Board Members
A business law firm in South Westphalia since 2004
Compliance &
White-Collar Crime Law
Key Areas
- Establishment and Review of Compliance Management Systems (CMS)
- Conducting Internal Investigations
- Consulting Services for Allegations of Corruption, Fraud, and Embezzlement
- Legal Representation in Criminal Investigations Involving Economic Crimes
- Crisis Management and Communication with Government Agencies
- Whistleblowing
Competition and Antitrust Law;
Antitrust Damages
We safeguard your business freedom of action in a competitive environment and represent your interests in situations involving antitrust law.We safeguard your business freedom of action in a competitive environment and represent your interests in situations involving antitrust law.
Key Areas
- Advice on antitrust risks (e.g., price-fixing, market-sharing, bid-rigging, purchasing consortia)
- Assistance with Merger Control Proceedings
- Antitrust Compliance
- Enforcement and Defense Against Antitrust Damages Claims
- Representation before government agencies (e.g., Federal Cartel Office, European Commission)
First-rate legal advice and dedicated litigation
Complex international negotiations
Litigation and arbitration
We represent your interests in complex negotiations and disputes—both domestically and internationally.We represent your interests in complex negotiations and disputes—both domestically and internationally.
Key Areas
- Strategic Negotiation in Major Projects and Conflicts
- Litigation in State Courts
- Representation in National and International Arbitration Proceedings
- Enforcement and Defense Against Claims for Damages
- Conflict Resolution Through Mediation and Settlement Negotiations
Cybersecurity, IT Law
and Data Protection
We provide consulting services at the intersection of law, technology, and security—with a focus on legally compliant digitization and the protection of sensitive data.We provide consulting services at the intersection of law, technology, and security—with a focus on legally compliant digitization and the protection of sensitive data.
Key Areas
- Drafting of IT Contracts (Software, SaaS, Cloud)
- Data Protection Consulting (GDPR) and Implementation
- Response to Cyberattacks and Data Breaches (Incident Response)
- IT Compliance and Security Requirements
- Consulting on Digital Business Models and Platform Solutions
International and Intermodal
Transport and Freight Forwarding Law
Key Areas
- Drafting and Review of Transportation and Logistics Contracts
- Liability Issues Under the German Commercial Code (HGB), the CMR, and International Regulations
- Advice on Shipping Damage and Delivery Delays
- Freight Forwarding and Warehousing Law (e.g., ADSp)
- Representation in Disputes with Logistics Service Providers
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Internationally oriented companies with high standards.
Craft Businesses
Reliable support in day-to-day operations.
Large companies
Strategic sparring partner for management and governing bodies.
Just like your own legal department
We see ourselves as our clients’ external legal department—serving companies in South Westphalia as well as clients with international business operations. Our goal is to provide you with ongoing guidance on legal issues related to your business activities and to develop solutions that support your long-term business success. In doing so, we place great emphasis on gaining a thorough understanding of your company, your industry, and the challenges of doing business in South Westphalia.
We work closely with experienced in-house counsel from internationally active companies. The perspective of legal professionals who have themselves worked in the corporate world for many years ensures that our advice is not only legally sound but also economically and operationally realistic—a commitment we fulfill from our base in South Westphalia for clients throughout the region and beyond.
Attorney & In-House Counsel
Dr. Michèl Vollmerhaus, LL.M.
Founding of the law firm in South Westphalia
Dr. Michèl Vollmerhaus founded his business law firm in Kierspe in 2004 and has since been advising medium-sized companies in the industrial, automotive, chemical, aviation, and IT sectors. Areas of practice: commercial and corporate law, antitrust law, M&A, compliance, distribution law, IT law, and transportation law.
Vita
Attorney and In-House Counsel
Dr. Michèl Vollmerhaus worked for many years as in-house legal counsel in the legal departments of major companies (Lufthansa, Bayer, Covestro) and therefore has extensive experience and knowledge in providing business law advice to companies, compliance, and the role of a legal department.
German-American Lawyers' Association
Dr. Michèl Vollmerhaus is a member of the German-American Lawyers' Association and the Corporate Law Association.
Kontaktieren Sie uns
Phone
+49 (0) 23 59 - 29 63 18
info@ra-vollmerhaus.de
Location
Kierspe - Südwestfalen
What does a business law firm do, and when do I need one?
A business law firm advises companies on all legal matters related to their business operations—from contract drafting and corporate law to M&A transactions and compliance. You need us whenever decisions have economic implications and must be legally secured before they are implemented.
What sets your firm apart from a traditional law firm?
We do not see ourselves as an external service provider, but rather as an integral part of your company—much like an outsourced legal department. By collaborating with experienced in-house counsel, we contribute to your business and operational decisions, not just legal ones.
Do you also serve clients outside of South Westphalia?
What areas of law does your law firm handle?
Our practice areas include international trade and contract law, corporate law & M&A, compliance and white-collar crime, antitrust law, litigation and arbitration, as well as IT law and data protection.
What happens if there is a government investigation into my company?
In situations like these, speed is of the essence. We quickly get to the heart of complex issues and develop legally sound, economically sound solutions—serving as a reliable partner in critical situations, not just when it’s already too late.
Do you also handle corporate acquisitions and divestitures (M&A)?
Yes, M&A transactions are among our core areas of expertise—from legal due diligence and contract drafting to closing, including implementation under corporate law.
What does compliance consulting mean for small and medium-sized businesses, specifically?
For small and medium-sized businesses, compliance means, above all, identifying liability risks for management and shareholders at an early stage and establishing structures that will hold up in an emergency—without hindering day-to-day business operations.
How does an international negotiation with your law firm work, for example, with partners from the UAE?
We bring both the legal expertise and the cultural and economic understanding needed for negotiations at the intersection of Germany, Switzerland, and the UAE—an area where law firms with a purely local focus typically reach their limits.
Which companies in South Westphalia do you advise on IT law and data protection?
Is transportation law also relevant for smaller freight forwarders and logistics companies in the region?
Are you also available in person in the districts of Olpe, Siegen-Wittgenstein, and Hochsauerland?
Our law firm is centrally located in South Westphalia—clients from the districts of Olpe, Siegen-Wittgenstein, Hochsauerland, and Märkischer Kreis can reach us quickly, in person, and without having to travel long distances to larger commercial law firms in Cologne or Düsseldorf.
Do you also serve companies with international operations that are headquartered in South Westphalia?
Yes, that is one of our areas of focus: many companies in South Westphalia are active internationally despite their regional roots—for example, in trade with Switzerland or the United Arab Emirates. We combine local ties with international negotiation experience.