English-speaking lawyers in Berlin

English-speaking lawyers in Berlin have a busy client base. The German capital draws software developers, founders, artists and academics from all over the world, and English is the working language in many of its startups.

Residence is often the first hurdle. Blue Card and freelance visa applications go to the immigration office, now called the Landesamt für Einwanderung, where appointments can take weeks. Tenants regularly fight excessive rent, unlawful deposits or eviction notices, and Berlin tenancy law has plenty of local case law. Founders need shareholder agreements and GmbH formation, while employees ask about notice periods, severance and works councils.

Every Rechtsanwalt in Berlin is admitted by the Rechtsanwaltskammer Berlin, which keeps a searchable register. German is the language of the courts, so contracts and certificates may need a sworn translation (beeidigte Übersetzung). Statutory fees under the RVG apply unless you agree an hourly rate in writing, which many firms prefer. Compare the firms below and contact them directly.