Supporting Your Career in Munich’s Tech Hub.
Legal counsel focused on employment matters for executives & expats.
Navigating German labor law requires more than just legal knowledge -
it requires strategic finesse and a partner who speaks your language.
Focused support for severance negotiations and dismissals.
Being relocated to Germany is a career milestone. But when disputes arise, the complexity of German Labor Law (Arbeitsrecht) can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a surprise termination or a complex severance offer, it may be helpful not to navigate this alone.
Worried about the impact on your visa status?
Unsure if your severance package appropriately reflects your executive role?
Facing a "Termination Agreement" (Aufhebungsvertrag) with a tight deadline?
Received a termination notice?
Please note: You generally have only 3 weeks to take legal action
in Germany.
Etienne Zanier-Link
Your Strategic Partner for German Employment Law.
Executive Expertise
Many years of working with
C-level and senior management in the tech industry.
Bilingual Excellence
Full legal representation in English, with careful attention to nuances communication.
Strategic Negotiation
We do not only litigate; we also negotiate to work toward a strong financial and professional outcome.
Important
How We Protect Your Interests
From high-stakes severance negotiations to complex contract reviews, we provide the strategic legal advocacy required to protect your professional interests and financial future within Germany’s legal framework.
02
Unfair Dismissal
(Kündigungsschutzklage) – supporting you in challenging your termination.
03
Executive Contracts
Reviewing and drafting complex agreements for Leitende Angestellte and top management.
04
Mutual Termination Agreements
Providing guidance to help you avoid pitfalls regarding taxes or social security.
FAQ (for executives & expats)
Please note that the following answers are general information for executives and expats and do not constitute individual legal advice. The appropriate strategy and potential outcomes always depend on the specific facts of your case, including your contract, position and personal circumstances. No guarantees or promises of success are made or implied.
Before signing, you should understand the financial package (severance, bonus, RSUs), your last working day, release from duties, reference letter, and any post-contractual restrictions (non-compete, confidentiality, IP). In many cases, there may also be implications for unemployment benefits and, for expats, for your residence permit. It is often advisable to have the agreement reviewed so that you know which rights you are giving up and whether the terms are in line with market practice for your level.
How much severance can an executive expect in Germany?
There is no fixed statutory formula for severance in Germany. Typical negotiation outcomes depend on many factors, such as length of service, age, position, company size, performance situation, and the legal risks of the termination. Rules of thumb you may find online (for example fractions of a monthly salary per year of service) are only starting points for discussions, not guaranteed entitlements. A tailored assessment of your case is necessary to understand what could be realistic in your situation.
What happens to my RSUs and bonuses if my employment ends?
The treatment of RSUs, stock options and variable bonuses is usually governed by separate plan rules and bonus policies, often under foreign law. Many plans provide for forfeiture on termination, but in practice it is sometimes possible to negotiate vesting, cash compensation, or partial protection as part of a severance package. It is important to review the plan documents, your contract and the type of termination carefully so that potential claims are not overlooked in negotiations.
Do I need to file a claim with the labour court (Kündigungsschutzklage)?
If you receive a termination notice and want to challenge it, you generally have only three weeks from receipt of the notice to file a claim with the labour court (Kündigungsschutzklage). Missing this deadline can severely limit your options. Whether a court claim is necessary or whether negotiations on a mutual termination agreement are preferable depends on your goals, your position and the strength of your legal case. Obtaining individual advice quickly can help you choose the right strategy.
We have a great deal of experience working with employees from Tier-1 Tech Firms (FAANG).
Here's how we do it
01
Initial Contact
Fill out the form or call us directly.
02
Strategy Call
We assess your case and the strength of your position.
03
Resolution
We handle all communication with your employer and work to safeguard your future.
Secure Your Career Path –
Schedule Your Confidential Strategy Session.
Every executive case is unique; in our initial session, we will conduct a deep-dive analysis of your specific situation to develop a tailored legal roadmap that protects both your professional standing and your financial interests.
