Compliance · ESG
Compliance and ESG advice in Hannover, Germany
Follow the rules, avoid liability, build trust: we set up lean compliance structures with you and make your sustainability communication legally sound.
Compliance that works for mid-sized companies
Obligations keep growing: whistleblower protection, data protection, cybersecurity, AI regulation, supply chain due diligence and new rules on environmental claims. We help you assess risks realistically and build compliance that fits your company’s size and sector.
On ESG, we focus on legally sound communication: claims such as „climate neutral“ or „sustainable“ are under strict scrutiny under German unfair competition law and new EU rules. Here we combine compliance with our experience in competition law.
Our compliance and ESG services
Typical cases from our practice
What mandates in this area often look like – from the first call to the solution.
„Climate neutral“ on the packaging
Situation: A food producer advertises with „climate neutral“ based on offsetting certificates; a competition association announces a warning letter.
Our approach: We assess the claim under current case law and EU rules, propose compliant alternatives and respond to the warning letter.
Reporting channel for 80 employees
Situation: A machine builder must set up an internal reporting channel.
Our approach: We design the process, advise on tools and data protection and act as external ombudsperson if desired.
Suspected bribery in sales
Situation: There are indications that a sales employee grants benefits to a customer’s buyers.
Our approach: We plan an internal investigation, secure evidence lawfully, conduct interviews and advise on consequences.
Note: These examples are anonymised, typical scenarios. They do not describe specific mandates and do not promise any outcome – every case is assessed individually.
Four steps to a solution
Your contacts
Depending on the matter, we combine attorneys and – where technology is involved – patent attorneys in one team. All our lawyers advise in English.
Dipl.-Ing. Michael Horak, LL.M.Attorney · Certified Specialist in IP Law · Certified Specialist in Copyright & Media Law
Karoline BehrendAttorney · Certified Specialist in Public Procurement Law
Andreas FriedleinAttorney
Julia ZiegelerAttorney · Certified Specialist in IP Law · Certified Specialist in Copyright & Media Law
Detailed profiles are available in German.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need an internal whistleblowing channel?
Under the German Whistleblower Protection Act, employers with generally at least 50 employees must set up an internal reporting channel.
May I advertise with „climate neutral“?
Only to a very limited extent. Environmental claims must be clear, substantiated and not misleading; claims based on offsetting are particularly risky.
Does a mid-sized company need a compliance system?
There is usually no express statutory duty, but management must prevent violations through adequate organisation; a proportionate system reduces liability and fines.
Your lawyer for Compliance & ESG in Germany
Tell us about your matter. We usually reply within one business day – faster where deadlines apply.
Georgstrasse 48 · 30159 Hannover · Germany
Phone +49 511 35 73 56-0
Email hannover@fachanwalt-hannover.com
Mon–Thu 8:00–17:30 · Fri 8:00–17:00 (CET) · Video meetings available