Nico Köppel, LL.M. | Partner

Nico Köppel, LL.M. is active in the full range of commercial disputes.

His main expertise includes both counsel and arbitrator work in national and international arbitration proceedings, as well as party representation in commercial disputes before state courts.

Mr Köppel is particularly experienced in resolving adjustment disputes, post M&A, shareholder, and joint venture disputes, as well as other contractual and non-contractual controversies.

„Arbitration Future Leader“

— Who’sWhoLegal – Partners 2023
  • Party representation in several DIS arbitrations regarding price adjustments of high-volume long-term contracts in the energy sector, especially energy supply and gas storage contracts
  • Counsel for Defendant in an ICC arbitration between two leading industrial groups concerning commission claims and potential corruption matters
  • Counsel for Claimant in a recourse litigation between an automotive tier two and a tier three supplier involving a large number of claims
  • Counsel for Defendant in a litigation between an investment bank and an international project developer regarding the payment of an arrangement fee following the financing of a wind farm
  • Advising and representing a group of shareholders in a comprehensive dispute with the majority shareholder of a de-listed stock company including a special audit (Sonderprüfungsverfahren), squeeze out, and two shareholder actions (Spruchverfahren)
  • Legal opinion on German law in proceedings before the London High Court on behalf of an international group in the consumer goods sector in connection with complex, international embezzlement allegations
  • Counsel for Defendant in an action for alleged anti-competitive conduct / damages brought by the competitor of a biotechnology company
  • Chairman in several DIS arbitrations, esp. post-M&A disputes
  • Secretary of the Tribunal in a DIS arbitration on the early termination of a complex infrastructure project
  • Secretary of the Tribunal in an ad hoc arbitration on the right to terminate the lease of the playing venue of a leading sports club
  • Secretary of the Tribunal in a DIS arbitration on payment claims under a W&I Insurance after a problematic M&A transaction
  • Recognition of foreign arbitral awards before German courts
Since 2023
Kröck Dispute Resolution, Partner
2014 – 2023
Kantenwein, Dispute Resolution, most recently Salary Partner
2011 – 2013
Higher Regional Court of Berlin, legal clerkship with placement at leading Brazilian law firm
2010 – 2011
King's College London, LL.M. studies
2005 – 2010
Humboldt University of Berlin, legal studies
  • German
  • English
  • Portuguese
  • „Die Schiedsbindung von Insolvenzverwaltern – (K)ein Buch mit sieben Siegeln“ (with A. Kuhli), in SchiedsVZ 2020, p. 2
  • Regular co-publications in cooperation with mit JUVE on “Dispute Resolution” topics
  • DIS40 Spring Conference, panelist and head of working group on Efficiency in Arbitration”, June 2022
  • DIS40 Workshop on Drafting Skills in Arbitration“, April 2019
  • German Institution of Arbitration (DIS / DIS40)
  • Regional Coordinator DIS40 Munich
  • Vienna International Arbitration Centre (VIAC)
  • German-Brazilian Lawyers Association (DBJV)
  • Regional Coordinator DIS40 Munich (2021-2023)
  • Lecturer in Negotiation, Humboldt University of Berlin (2012-2017)
2024: BEST LAWYERS

Nico Köppel was recognized in The Best Lawyers in Germany for work in: Arbitration and Mediation, International Arbitration, Litigation.

2023: HANDELSBLATT

According to Handelsblatt, Nico Köppel is one of the "Best Lawyers 2023" in the areas of "Litigation”, “Arbitration / Dispute Resolution / Mediation” and “International Arbitration”.

2023: LEGAL 500 - GERMANY

Nico Köppel is one of the “core lawyers” in Kantenwein’s Dispute Resolution practice and “focuses on commercial arbitration”.

2023: WHO'S WHO LEGAL

Arbitration Future Leaders – Partners 2023; peers and clients say: “Nico is a highly recommended practitioner”; “If there is any young German arbitration practitioner more dedicated than Nico, I have yet to meet them”; “He provides exceptionally thorough and practice-oriented advice”.

2023: BEST LAWYERS

Nico Köppel was recognized in The Best Lawyers in Germany for work in: Arbitration and Mediation, Litigation.

2022: HANDELSBLATT

According to Handelsblatt, Nico Köppel is one of the “Best Lawyers 2022” in the areas of "Litigation" and "Arbitration / Dispute Resolution / Mediation".

2022: LEGAL 500 - GERMANY

Nico Köppel has "experience in the energy sector and international commercial law". He is said to have particular expertise in the areas of commercial litigation and arbitration.

2022: BEST LAWYERS

Nico Köppel was recognized in The Best Lawyers in Germany for work in: Arbitration and Mediation, Litigation.

2021: HANDELSBLATT

Handelsblatt awards Nico Köppel as one of the "Best Lawyers 2021" for the areas of "Arbitration / Dispute Resolution / Mediation" and "Conflict Resolution".

2021: BEST LAWYERS

Nico Köppel was recognized in The Best Lawyers in Germany for work in Litigation.

2020: LEGAL 500 - GERMANY

"Nico Köppel has impressive detailed knowledge without losing the overview; he is good at argumentation and communication" and "recognised for his knowledge of energy law".

2020: HANDELSBLATT

According to Handelsblatt, Nico Köppel is one of the "Best Lawyers 2020" in the area of "Litigation".