Choose the right route for a commercial claim, regulatory order, urgent application, fine or criminal allegation involving animals.
Civil and commercial proceedings
Contract and damages disputes generally belong before the civil courts. We assess jurisdiction, applicable law, evidence, limitation and recoverability before issuing proceedings. Independent evidence proceedings may help preserve a condition that could change before the main action. Appeals depend on the statutory requirements and the decision concerned.
Administrative proceedings and urgent relief
Public-law orders and licensing refusals usually follow the administrative route. An objection procedure applies only where required. Proceedings may involve the Administrative Court, a Higher Administrative Court and, where admissible, the Federal Administrative Court. Interim protection under sections 80 or 123 VwGO is distinct from the main action.
Fines and criminal investigations
Administrative fines under the OWiG and criminal proceedings follow their own procedures. We review the allegation, obtain the file where available and assess the evidence before a substantive response. A fine notice normally carries a two-week objection period; the actual notice and service date must be checked immediately.
Settlement, mediation and European issues
Negotiation and mediation can resolve care, payment and ongoing business issues that a judgment alone may not solve. Arbitration requires a valid basis. EU law may be applied by German courts; a preliminary reference to the Court of Justice is not a direct appeal available to a party against a German judgment.
Preparing for advice
Please provide the relevant contracts or official correspondence, a dated account of events and any technical or veterinary reports. Identify the parties, the country or German state involved, and every known deadline. We will agree the appropriate next step after reviewing the documents.
Detailed guides
Related services
Legal framework & further reading
Reviewed 8 November 2026. Examples are illustrative and do not describe reported client matters.
Discuss your matter
Send a short description, the parties involved and any deadline. We check conflicts and agree the scope and fees before starting work. For urgent matters, telephone our office as well.