Legal advice in English
If you have received a letter you do not fully understand, and the people who could explain it work for the other side, you need someone who is on yours. I advise and correspond in English, and I practise in Bad Salzuflen — between Bielefeld, Herford and Detmold.
If you have received a termination letter (Kündigung), you have three weeks. That deadline is short, it starts when the letter reaches your letterbox, and it does not pause for holidays or illness.
What I can help you with
Employment
Criminal and traffic
- The police have summoned you (Vorladung)
- Your driving licence was taken
- You received a fine notice (Bußgeldbescheid)
- You are under investigation (Ermittlungsverfahren)
How the language works in practice
We speak and write in English. Everything between us — the first call, your documents, my assessment, the advice — happens in a language you are comfortable in.
What cannot happen in English is the court itself. Under German law the language of the court is German (§ 184 GVG). Written submissions are filed in German, and if a hearing takes place, the court arranges an interpreter. I tell you this at the start rather than in the courtroom, because it affects how you should prepare.
In practice this matters less than it sounds. Most employment cases settle before or at the first hearing, and most criminal investigations end without a trial.
About me
I grew up in Bad Salzuflen and opened my practice here. Before that I worked as a research assistant at the public prosecutor’s office and as a lawyer at a commercial firm in Düsseldorf. I have seen proceedings from both sides.
My two areas are employment law and criminal law. I do not practise immigration law — if your question is about a residence permit or a visa, I will tell you so and point you elsewhere rather than take the case.
Costs
The first consultation is not free. We agree the terms before you instruct me, so there is no invoice you did not expect.
If you have legal expenses insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung) — many employment contracts and unions include it, and many private policies cover employment matters — I will contact the insurer for you and find out what is covered before we start.
One point specific to German employment law: before the labour court of first instance, each side pays its own lawyer regardless of who wins (§ 12a ArbGG). This surprises almost everyone who comes from a different legal system, so I mention it early.
Where I work
My office is in Bad Salzuflen. I act for clients throughout the Lippe and Herford districts and the wider Ostwestfalen-Lippe region, including Bielefeld, Detmold, Lemgo, Herford, Bünde, Löhne and Vlotho. Meetings can take place in the office or by video call.
Tell me what happened
Write to me in English. I will tell you where you stand and what your options are before you decide anything.
General information only, not advice on an individual case. Last updated: August 2026.