Experience
Niels is a certified specialist in transport and freight forwarding law (Fachanwalt für Transport- und Speditionsrecht), and has been active in the logistics sector throughout his career, working as a partner in specialised transport, trade and logistics law firms for many years, most recently as partner at SKW Schwarz Rechtsanwälte in Hamburg before joining DWF in January 2026.
His practice covers the full spectrum of transport law by air, land and sea, including road transport (CMR), rail freight (CIM), maritime and inland waterway law, and air transport law. Equally important is his extensive work in commercial and distribution law with logistics aspects. He regularly advises clients on complex, high-value logistics and supply chain agreements, commercial contracts, delivery and framework agreements, distribution agreements, franchise and cooperation models, and the structuring of logistics networks. His advice extends beyond individual transactions to comprehensive supply chain management and the commercial structuring of long-term logistics relationships.
Niels represents a broad range of national and international clients from diverse sectors including insurance, trade, mechanical engineering, fashion and food industries. His client base spans logistics service providers, carriers, insurers, manufacturers and trading companies across Europe and beyond.
He has particular expertise in handling complex scenarios including transport damage, delays and supply chain disruptions, as well as recourse chains. He regularly represents clients before state courts and in maritime and commercial arbitration proceedings. He is also appointed as arbitrator in transport and commercial disputes.
In independent rankings such as Handelsblatt/Best Lawyers and The Legal 500 (Germany and EMEA), Dr. Witt has been consistently recognized as a recommended lawyer in transport law and commercial and distribution law. The Legal 500 particularly highlights his high competence, negotiation skills and fast, reliable advice tailored to clients' needs.
In addition to his legal practice, Niels teaches transport and logistics law at the Technical University of Hamburg (TUHH) and is an active member of several professional associations including the DGTR, DAV, DVIS and GMAA.
At SKW Schwarz, Niels led the Transport Law practice group, building together with his team a strong and substantial transport law unit. He brings substantial management experience, having served as local SKW Managing Partner in Hamburg, member of the SKW firm-wide personnel committee, and member of the SKW partner council for several years, most recently serving as chairman of the partner council. He places great emphasis on team development, quality training and mentoring, believing that success is achieved through strong teamwork rather than individual achievement alone.
Recent cases
- Complex transport damage and delay cases.
- Multi-jurisdictional supply chain disputes.
- Maritime and commercial arbitration proceedings.
- Drafting international logistics and distribution agreements.
- Recourse and subrogation claims in transport insurance
Memberships
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Transportrecht (DGTR)
- Arbeitsgemeinschaft Transport - und Speditionsrecht im DAV
- Deutscher Verein für Internationales Seerecht (DVIS) German
- Maritime Arbitration Association (GMAA) Lecturer at Technical University of Hamburg (TUHH) - Transport and Logistics Law
Testimonials
"Dr. Witt demonstrates high competence, excellent negotiation skills and provides fast, reliable and client-focused advice." - The Legal 500
Articles
Contributing author: Thume/Hartenstein, CMR-Kommentar (C.H. Beck) - Article 29 CMR https://www.beck-shop.de/thume-hartenstein-cmr-kommentar/product/33403143