Nico Köppel, LL.M. is active in the full range of commercial disputes.
His main expertise includes both counsel as well as arbitrator work in national and international arbitration proceedings, as well as party representation in commercial disputes before state courts including defect and supply chain issues.
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.
"Lawyer of the Year for Arbitration in Munich/Bavaria”
— Handelsblatt / Best Lawyers 2025
- 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
- Several legal opinions on German law in proceedings before the London High Court on behalf of an international corporation in the consumer goods sector in connection with complex, international embezzlement allegations
- Counsel for Claimant in a recourse litigation between an automotive tier two and a tier three supplier involving a large number of claims
- Defence of a foreign subsidiary of an automotive supplier against a preliminary injunction issued without hearing following failed price negotiations with a buyer
- 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)
- 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
2014 – 2023
2011 – 2013
2010 – 2011
2005 – 2010
- 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)
- 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)
2025: HANDELSBLATT / BEST LAWYERS
Nico Köppel was awarded „Lawyer of the Year” for Arbitration and Mediation in Bavaria, in addition to being recognised in The Best Lawyers in Germany for work in Arbitration and Mediation, International Arbitration, Litigation.
2024: WHO‘S WHO LEGAL
Arbitration Future Leaders – Partners 2024; peers and clients say: "I can recommend Nico without any reservations", “Nico is very structured in his approach”, "He is efficient and clear in his communication".
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".
