Global law firm Dentons has bolstered its Munich office with the recruitment of partner Dr. Christiane Zedelius, an experienced lawyer for distribution and trade law, and former startup founder. She joins with immediate effect.

“Dentons offers me the ideal platform to link my know-how in distribution law with my experience in the startup world. I look forward to becoming part of a dynamic team which operates in a close ecosystem with our clients”, commented Christiane Zedelius.

Christiane Zedelius was a partner at Noerr in Munich and Head of the Intellectual Property and Media practice until she left the firm in 2017.  Motivated by her many years of advising the venture technology scene, she decided to found a start-up in the digital health sector.

At Dentons, she will advise companies, in particular in the consumer goods, food and health care industries, on setting up cross-border online and offline distribution systems and on structuring multi-channel distribution systems. In addition, she will support clients in the development of selective distribution systems for luxury brands as well as the drafting of franchise, licensing and sourcing agreements. Drawing from her extensive experience as an entrepreneur, she will advise young technology and growth companies on all questions related to the set up and financing of their own business.

“Munich is among the most important hubs for young growth companies and venture capital in Europe. Christiane Zedelius is a founder and deeply rooted in the local venture scene – she speaks the language of our clients. She is therefore perfectly positioned to advise startups and young digital companies. We are very pleased about her joining and the new exciting impulses she will give to our office"", said Dr. Alexander von Bergwelt, Dentons’ Munich Managing Partner.

Andreas Ziegenhagen, Dentons’ Germany Managing Partner, added: ""The recruitment of Christiane Zedelius highlights once again that we are attractive for experienced lateral joiners – due to both our global platform and our commitment to local markets. Our clients will benefit from Christiane Zedelius’ vast experience in the field of digital business and distribution models.”

Dentons team in Munich has tripled in size since its opening in July 2016 and now comprises 12 partners and 45 lawyers in total. Across all four German offices, Dentons counts more than 230 lawyers. Since the beginning of this year, the Firm has announced two partner and five counsel promotions in Germany and has recruited seven lawyers at senior-level (partners and counsel).