Hengeler Mueller is frequently lauded for its strong representation of companies in sensitive regulatory, criminal, and compliance matters. The practice advises on internal investigations, voluntary disclosures, and engagement with both domestic and international authorities. Its team of specialists – including Fabian Quast, Wolfgang Spoerr, and Vera Jungkind - handles internal investigations into issues such as workplace misconduct, fraud, corruption, sanctions breaches, and tax evasion. The team also represents clients in proceedings before external bodies such as the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. The practice was further strengthened in 2025 with the appointment of Mathias Priewe as counsel, following Carolin Raspé's departure from the firm in 2024.

Baker McKenzie is widely respected for its discreet handling of sensitive internal matters, including workplace misconduct, ESG shortcomings, fraud, embezzlement, corruption, and regulatory breaches. The practice conducts thorough internal investigations addressing regulatory, financial, and ethical issues, while also coordinating with insurers and external counsel to support litigation and enforcement proceedings. The department is co-chaired by Nicolai Behr, who leads high-profile internal investigations, and Anika Schürmann, who combines investigatory expertise with experience representing clients in regulatory and judicial proceedings, particularly in self-disclosure and defence contexts.

Clifford Chance’s internal investigations practice has a strong track record in advising companies on engagement with public officials and conducting due diligence on AML, bribery, and sanctions risks in M&A and joint ventures. The practice is led by Peter Dieners and Heiner Hugger, who specialise in investigations, criminal, and regulatory proceedings. Julia Baedorff also plays a key role in overseeing internal investigations and advising clients on criminal proceedings, tax law, and ESG-related matters.

DLA Piper has extensive experience in leading cross-border internal investigations across areas such as HR compliance, white-collar crime, and sanctions violations. The group is under the joint leadership of Christian Schoop, who devotes his practice to criminal investigations, often involving employee misconduct, and Jens Kirchner, who oversees investigations related to HR compliance, whistleblowing, and employment law. Another key team member is Emanuel Ballo, who assists companies in mitigating compliance risks uncovered through internal inquiries and represents them in defending against criminal charges. In October 2024, Sebastian Mai joined the team, bringing significant white-collar crime experience, including in government and internal investigations.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP orchestrates in-depth investigations into corporate misconduct, regulatory breaches, sanctions violations, fraud, and anti-corruption matters. The group also represents clients in regulatory enforcement actions, cross-border litigation, arbitration, and high-stakes reputational crisis scenarios. Practice head Benno Schwarz draws on over twenty years of experience leading internal and external investigations and guiding major corporations in global regulatory proceedings.

The internal investigations practice at White & Case LLP is marked by its ability to manage multi-jurisdictional inquiries into corporate compliance culture and personal misconduct by senior executives. The team also handles explorations into whistleblowing, bullying, conflicts of interest, and ineffective internal reporting systems. Practice head Julia Sophia Habbe is skilled in internal investigations and crisis management, while her litigious work spans corporate, regulatory, and civil disputes. Daniel Zapf also manages cross-border investigations, which often have criminal implications.

Jones Day advises companies, supervisory boards, and senior executives in internal investigations, especially in matters involving potential criminal liability. The team provides comprehensive support in crisis management, cooperation with law enforcement authorities, and guidance on directors’ duties, liability, insurance, and governance obligations. The practice is led by Thomas Preute, who focuses on internal investigations and the development of compliance programs. Thomas Mahlich, known for his expertise in corporate compliance, recently retired from the firm.

Linklaters supports clients in responding to regulatory inquiries and conducting investigations into potential misconduct or governance failures. The practice is led by Kerstin Wilhelm, who regularly handles internal investigations both domestically and internationally, and Staffan Illert, who advises on the liabilities of company directors and officers. Jacqueline Engineer provides guidance on the criminal law aspects of internal investigations and assists with filings to national authorities. Johannes Dittrich, recently appointed as head of European risk advisory, focuses on crisis management, internal investigations, and regulatory compliance.

Pohlmann & Company’s internal investigations practice is highly regarded for its expertise in handling sensitive and high-stakes matters. The investigations team is led by Martin Schorn, who specialises in white-collar criminal law with a focus on corruption, fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, and criminal product safety. Sascha Kuhn co-heads the practice, representing clients in both criminal and civil proceedings, and regularly leads internal investigations involving white-collar crime, sexual harassment, and data protection violations. Isabelle Plath departed the firm in March 2025.

With extensive experience in corporate investigations and compliance matters, Feigen · Graf Rechtsanwälte facilitates internal investigations into potential corporate misconduct, such as fraud, corruption, money laundering, and export control violations. Walther Graf, Bernd Groß, Andreas Minkoff, Matthias Sartorius, Moritz Lange, and Laura Borgel – who was promoted to partner in January 2025 – form part of the core team advising on internal investigations and white-collar crime matters. Founder Hanns W. Feigen provides critical counsel support, while newcomer Enrico Farinato, who represents clients in criminal and administrative proceedings, joined from Gleiss Lutz in February 2025.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP conducts internal investigations for multinational clients in response to serious allegations, including corruption, fraud, trade secret theft, and breaches of trust. These cross-border investigations are frequently supported by forensic experts and often result in legal proceedings and asset recovery. The practice operates under the guidance of Dirk Seiler, a seasoned practitioner with experience in leading high-stakes internal investigations and defending companies against criminal allegations.

Redeker Sellner Dahs advises clients across the healthcare, education, manufacturing, and public sectors on internal investigations relating to compliance breaches, discrimination allegations, environmental incidents, and antitrust matters. The practice is led by Michael Winkelmüller and Daniel Neuhöfer, who specialise in investigations relating to product safety, ESG compliance, and environmental law. The team has evolved with the recent departure of Anja Hämmerl and the additions of Imke Hinrichsen, Alexander Hobusch, and Lena Vitt in 2024 and Leonard Backhaus in February 2025.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP assists boards and senior management with conducting and responding to internal investigations involving allegations of misconduct, regulatory breaches, governance failures, and potential criminal violations. Following Bernd Mayer’s 2024 retirement, leadership of the white-collar crime and internal investigations practice has transitioned to Michael Albrecht vom Kolke. He is supported by Philipp Mueller, who advises on internal investigations, corporate governance and regulatory matters. The team was bolstered in 2024 by the addition of counsel Patrick Wolff, who advises on the implications of investigative findings.