Julia-Bianka Schenkel

Born in 1969 Studied law at Ruhr University in Bochum First Exam ("1. Staatsexamen") in 1996 Research associate at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 1996 - 1999 Doctor of Laws (Dr. jur.) in 1999 Legal clerkship ("Refrendariat") at the Duisburg District Court, 1999 - 2001 Second (Bar) Exam ("2. Staatsexamen") and admission to the bar in 2001 Attorney with cross-regional business law firm in Münster from 2002 to 2008 Certified Specialized Attorney in Labor and Employment Law since...

Henrik Holzapfel is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Intellectual Property Law and Litigation. Henrik practices law in Düsseldorf, Germany Best Lawyers has recognized Henrik Holzapfel since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Henrik Holzapfel is held by other lawyers.

Kai Tumbrägel is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Intellectual Property Law and Media Law. Kai practices law in Cologne, Germany Best Lawyers has recognized Kai Tumbrägel since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Kai Tumbrägel is held by other lawyers.

Anja Commandeur is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Restructuring and Insolvency Law. Anja practices law in Cologne, Germany Best Lawyers has recognized Anja Commandeur since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Anja Commandeur is held by other lawyers.

Staffan Illert is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Staffan practices law in Düsseldorf, Germany Best Lawyers has recognized Staffan Illert since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Staffan Illert is held by other lawyers.

Dr Pierre-André Brandt has been working as a lawyer and partner in our Düsseldorf office since 2025. He primarily advises clients on real estate transactions and real estate project developments, as well as commercial tenancy law. Other areas of focus in his work include real estate asset management and leasehold structuring. He speaks German, English and Norwegian.

Olaf Konzak is a partner in the Cologne office of Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner and heads the public law practice. In September 2018, Olaf Konzak and a team of four lawyers from LLR Legerlotz Laschet und Partner moved to the FGvW office in Cologne. Since September 1, 2018, he has been a partner in the practice in public law. His practice focuses on environmental and waste law, chemicals and substances law and public building law. Olaf Konzak has been working as a lawyer since 19...

Mike Weitzel is a lawyer and partner at FGvW in Cologne. He is a specialist lawyer for insurance law and specialises, among other things, in product liability and product advice (especially for liability lines), insurance contract law as well as litigation and arbitration. He is a lecturer in insurance law at Hagen Law School, a member of the insurance law working group of the DAV and the author of numerous publications and specialist lectures. He speaks German and English.

Dr. Manuel Knebelsberger is Counsel at Hausfeld in Düsseldorf, specializing in competition law and competition litigation. Before joining Hausfeld, Manuel worked in the competition department of one of the biggest international law firms where he acquired a broad experience in all aspects of competition law, ranging from classic antitrust and merger control to procurement and state aid matters. In addition to advising clients on general competition law, Manuel regularly represents client...

Carsten Laschet is a lawyer and managing Partner of Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner. His practice focuses on liability and insurance law. He specialises in contract law, product liability law, directors' and officers' liability as well as Insurance Law. Carsten Laschet is a lecturer in teaching specialist insurance lawyers and a member of the Cologne Legal Association (Kölner Juristische Gesellschaft), the German Bar Association’s Working Group on Insurance Law (ARGE Ve...