Frankfurt-based law firm Sullivan & Cromwell (S&C) has received top honors at the Legal 500 Germany Awards 2026, securing the title of “Capital Markets: Team of the Year.” Simultaneously, Dr. Carsten Berrar, a managing partner at the firm’s Frankfurt office and co-head of its global Capital Markets Group, was recognized as “Corporate and M&A: Lawyer of the Year.” The awards, announced on Monday, February 23, 2026, highlight S&C’s prominence in the German legal landscape and its expertise in complex financial and corporate transactions.
The Legal 500 Germany Awards recognize outstanding legal professionals and firms across various practice areas. S&C’s success in the Capital Markets and Corporate/M&A categories underscores its strong performance in advising clients on critical deals and navigating the evolving regulatory environment in Germany and throughout Europe. The firm also received several shortlistings, including “International Law Firm of the Year,” “Deal of the Year,” and “Corporate and M&A: Team of the Year,” with Clemens Rechberger shortlisted for “Capital Markets: Lawyer of the Year” and Carsten Berrar also shortlisted for “Senior Partner of the Year” and “Capital Markets: Lawyer of the Year.”
Dr. Berrar is described as a leading figure in both M&A and capital markets within Germany, noted for his pragmatic approach and solution-oriented mindset, as highlighted by Germany’s Manager Magazin. According to Sullivan & Cromwell’s website, he is a member of the firm’s Management Committee and plays a key role in shaping its global strategy.
S&C’s Frankfurt Office: A Hub for European Legal Counsel
S&C’s Frankfurt office serves as a central hub for providing sophisticated legal counsel across the broader European market. The team comprises lawyers qualified in Germany, the United States, and with dual qualifications, bringing a diverse skillset to bear on complex legal challenges. Their expertise spans capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, financing, and restructuring matters. The firm’s recent work includes advising on significant transactions, though specific details of those transactions were not immediately available.
The recognition comes at a time of increased scrutiny of cross-border mergers and acquisitions, particularly within the European Union. Germany, as Europe’s largest economy, remains a key destination for foreign investment and a significant driver of M&A activity. The Legal 500 awards often reflect trends in these areas, signaling which firms are best positioned to handle the most complex and high-profile deals.
Other Legal 500 Germany Award Winners
Alongside S&C’s achievements, several other firms and lawyers were honored at the 2026 Legal 500 Germany Awards. The Legal 500’s website lists winners in categories including Antitrust (Thorsten Mäger, Hengeler Mueller), Banking and Finance (Barbara Mayer-Trautmann, Milbank), Dispute Resolution (Richard Happ, Luther), and Intellectual Property (Christof Augenstein, Kather Augenstein). These awards provide a comprehensive overview of the top legal talent in Germany.
The awards also highlight the growing importance of specialized legal expertise, such as compliance and energy law, with Gleiss Lutz recognized in both categories. The increasing complexity of regulations and the growing focus on sustainability are driving demand for lawyers with specialized knowledge in these areas.
Looking ahead, the German legal market is expected to remain dynamic, driven by ongoing economic developments and regulatory changes. S&C’s recent accolades position the firm well to continue advising clients on complex transactions and navigating the evolving legal landscape. The firm’s Frankfurt office, led by Dr. Berrar, is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of legal practice in Germany and beyond.
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