We’re delighted to welcome our new Hamburg partners to DWF’s global marine team and look forward to the expertise, collaboration and fresh perspectives they bring to our international practice. As they settle into the team, their insight and experience will further strengthen our global offering — and we’re excited for what we will achieve together.
With the move into the newly built premises at Mühlenkamp 65— DWF has successfully launched its third German office in Hamburg. Led by Marco Remiorz, Niels Witt and Philipp Hartmann, the team has now settled into the new space and the infrastructure that supports it.
Significantly, this move has unified elements of ASD’s Maritime, Transport, and Traffic practice as well as Insurance with the full Transport and Logistics team from SKW Schwarz, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The DWF Hamburg team, together with colleagues from Munich and Düsseldorf, convened to commemorate the merger and exchange initial insights. The three partners now reflect on the defining characteristics of this period and discuss the strategic importance of Hamburg within DWF Germany's national and international objectives.
“A location defines how we work together”
Interview with Marco Remiorz – Identity, Integration, Location, Vision
Question: Mission, positioning and target clients play a central role in shaping a clear law firm‑firm profile. What strategic direction does Hamburg pursue in this context – and how does this lead to a distinctive role within DWF Germany?
Remiorz:
“Our mission is to position Hamburg as a competence center for transport, logistics and international insurance matters. We want to offer a clear profile: specialized, internationally connected and at the same time locally rooted.”
Question: Combining two law firm‑firm cultures creates both opportunities and structural tension. How do you ensure that different working styles, networks and strengths reinforce one another and translate into a genuine competitive advantage?
Remiorz:
“The deliberate mix of the teams – from the kickoff phase to everyday project structures – helps us tremendously. We quickly realized how compatible our working philosophies are. Our advantage: We think differently, but we act similarly pragmatic.”
Question: The new location at Mühlenkamp 65 symbolizes a fresh start. How are you connecting spatial design, culture and working methods in a way that creates the necessary local anchoring while strengthening a shared identity?
Marco Remiorz:
“The new space is a visible signal. Across two floors, we created a combination of modern, transparent architecture and work zones that enable real teamwork. For us, it was clear: We didn’t just want to ‘move in’ – we wanted to start a new, together.”
“Hamburg fills a strategic gap – nationally and internationally”
Interview with Philipp Hartmann – Market Strategy, Internationality, Differentiation
Question: International law firms often fail in Germany because they underestimate cultural differences or regulatory nuances. How do you address such challenges strategically – and what role does Hamburg play as a bridge between global ambitions and German market logic?
Philipp Hartmann:
“By taking both seriously: the local expectations of German clients as well as the global standards DWF sets worldwide. With its international economic relevance, Hamburg is ideally positioned to connect these two worlds.”
Question: A clear strategy requires precise understanding of target clients’ needs. Which problems do you particularly want to solve for your clients in Hamburg – and how do you ensure that both international and national clients come to you for exactly that?
Hartmann:
“In transport, logistics and insurance law, reliability is crucial: clean structuring, quick response times, realistic risk assessments. That’s exactly where we position ourselves. Clients should know: For complex, international matters, Hamburg is the right address.”
Question: Balancing a global platform with local differentiation is key. How do you sharpen Hamburg’s profile so that it clearly stands out from competitors while remaining seamlessly embedded within the global DWF network?
Hartmann:
“We use the global platform selectively, not automatically. Hamburg shouldn’t just be part of the network – we want to become a visible hub that actively provides impulses. That’s what creates differentiation.”
“Clients benefit because we combine our strengths”
Interview with Niels Witt – Client Value, Litigation, Future Vision
Question: German clients expect structured processes, precision and a deep understanding of their operational realities. How does this expectation shape your work in transport and liability matters – especially in complex evidence collection, forensic analysis and damage claims?
Niels Witt:
“We work in a very detail oriented yet solution focused way. Clients don’t expect academic reports, but reliable, actionable recommendations. Especially in technical or logistical damage cases, this combination is essential.”
Question: Clients choose a law firm because they want a specific problem solved. Which core problems of your maritime and logistics clients do you address most – and how does this shape your approach at the intersection of technology, law and risk analysis?
Witt:
“Our clients typically face high time pressure and significant financial stakes. We need to quickly understand what happened technically and operationally – and how to assess it legally. This combination is at the heart of what we do.”
Question: A modern office needs a clear strategic development path. What key steps do you see to position Hamburg as one of the most visible litigation and claims teams in the German market – and which capabilities need to be strengthened for that?
Witt:
“We need to make our interdisciplinary strength even more visible. That includes technical expertise, international connectivity and process-oriented work. If we continue to expand that, we’ll‑oriented work. If we continue to expand that, we’ll be extremely well positioned.”
