Niels Hoffmann
Lawyer | Partner
Since 1997, I have been advising and representing companies and individual clients in all areas and instances of commercial and tax criminal law - whether as a victim or injured party in the context of investigations and criminal proceedings or in internal investigations or preventive compliance with criminal and regulatory provisions.
In addition to the classic property crimes, cases of trade secret betrayal, trademark piracy, criminal patent and copyright infringements are a particular focus of both my defense work and my commitment to injured rights holders. Another focus of my work is the defense of executives and companies against allegations of breaches of supervisory duties and the threat of corporate fines due to suspected criminal acts or administrative offenses within the company.
I also acquired special knowledge in the area of money laundering prevention (AML/ATF) through a targeted secondment at a major international bank. As part of my previous work at a major international law firm, I advised on rights and obligations under the Money Laundering Act, assisted in BaFin investigations and audits and on AML compliance.
In connection with my work, I frequently and gladly collaborate with an international network of excellent specialists from related legal disciplines as well as tax advisors, auditors and forensic experts (e.g. for e-discovery). If the specific case makes it advisable, an optimal team can therefore be put together to achieve the best possible goal - even across borders.
Based on a meticulous analysis of the factual and legal situation, it is important to me to develop an individual and pragmatic strategy together with the client, which is then implemented prudently but with commitment.
For many years, I have been a lecturer on white-collar criminal law and criminal offenses related to the workplace for the German Lawyers' Academy and the State Office for Training and Further Education of the North Rhine-Westphalia Police and have contributed as an expert to the drafting of the Green Book on Interrogation Techniques of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
In the JUVE Handbook, I have repeatedly been one of the frequently recommended lawyers for white-collar criminal law. In the 2025 edition of Legal500, I am named as a recommended lawyer for white-collar criminal law.