People
Jan K. Schaefer heads our dispute resolution practice in Germany. As a partner in our Trial and Global Disputes practice, Jan represents foreign and German clients in domestic and international arbitration matters, both commercial and investor-state. He appears before German courts in first- and second-instance matters, including the taking of evidence for foreign proceedings, interim relief and enforcement matters, and has an active international arbitrator practice.
With substantial trial and arbitration experience, Jan represents clients in post–merger and acquisition, joint venture, distribution, sales and license matters, as well as in foreign investment, construction and energy-related disputes, both within Germany and across international borders.
Jan appears as counsel and advocate before German courts at the first- and second-instance levels, as well as before domestic and international tribunals in complex, high-value arbitration proceedings conducted under the auspices of International Chamber of Commerce, DIS (German Institution of Arbitration), Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes rules in multiple venues. He also has experience in ad hoc proceedings under both German and Swiss arbitration law, including United Nations Commission on International Trade Law rules.
Jan often advises clients on compliance and corruption issues. In a number of high-profile, post-M&A matters, he has closely cooperated with criminal defense counsel to align defense strategies.
In addition, Jan has served as chairman, party-appointed, sole or emergency arbitrator in some 60 arbitrations under a variety of rules, including ad hoc proceedings. He regularly advocates before the German courts on behalf of clients in commercial litigation and arbitration-related matters, including interim relief and enforcement proceedings. He also advises clients on effective, efficient resolution of disputes at early stages, including the use of alternative dispute resolution techniques.
Jan has been re-appointed by the President of the German Federal Bar (BRAK) as member of the Europe Committee and the Committee for Dispute Resolution for the term 2020-2023.
A frequent speaker and writer, particularly on international arbitration, Jan has been recognized in his field by Chambers Global, Chambers Europe, Legal 500 EMEA, the JUVE Handbook and other leading legal guides. Jan was named Lawyer of the Year for International Arbitration by Handelsblatt and Best Lawyers 2020/21. JUVE frequently names Jan a "Leading Name" for Arbitration.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt Court of Appeals
Frankfurt, Germany (#135101)
English
German
February 19, 2021
Chambers Global Again Recognizes King & Spalding as a Leading International Law Firm
January 15, 2021
Legal 500 Deutschland 2021 Ranks King & Spalding Among Germany’s Leading Law Firms
October 30, 2020
JUVE Handbook 2020/21 Again Recognizes Multiple King & Spalding Practices, Individuals
Representing a Korean industrial company in an ICC arbitration against Egyptian and Kuwaiti respondents, Paris seat, Egyptian law, English language, multimillion contract termination claim.
Representing an Eastern European renewable energy company in DIS arbitration proceedings, German seat, German law, English language, delivery claims.
Representing a U.S. renewable energy company in DIS arbitration proceedings, German seat, German law, English language, multimillion price-review dispute.
See more
June 15, 2020
Editorial - Eine Krise kann auch Gutes mit sich bringen
November 1, 2019
Ensuring a Predictable Arbitration Framework - The German Courts' Take on Three Key Provisions of German Arbitration Law
March 26, 2019
King & Spalding to Host DIS40 Event to Discuss “Prague Rules”
February 19, 2021
Chambers Global Again Recognizes King & Spalding as a Leading International Law Firm
January 15, 2021
Legal 500 Deutschland 2021 Ranks King & Spalding Among Germany’s Leading Law Firms
October 30, 2020
JUVE Handbook 2020/21 Again Recognizes Multiple King & Spalding Practices, Individuals
Representing a Korean industrial company in an ICC arbitration against Egyptian and Kuwaiti respondents, Paris seat, Egyptian law, English language, multimillion contract termination claim.
Representing an Eastern European renewable energy company in DIS arbitration proceedings, German seat, German law, English language, delivery claims.
Representing a U.S. renewable energy company in DIS arbitration proceedings, German seat, German law, English language, multimillion price-review dispute.
See more
June 15, 2020
Editorial - Eine Krise kann auch Gutes mit sich bringen
November 1, 2019
Ensuring a Predictable Arbitration Framework - The German Courts' Take on Three Key Provisions of German Arbitration Law
March 26, 2019
King & Spalding to Host DIS40 Event to Discuss “Prague Rules”
February 19, 2021
Chambers Global Again Recognizes King & Spalding as a Leading International Law Firm
January 15, 2021
Legal 500 Deutschland 2021 Ranks King & Spalding Among Germany’s Leading Law Firms
October 30, 2020
JUVE Handbook 2020/21 Again Recognizes Multiple King & Spalding Practices, Individuals
Frankfurt
Frankfurt Court of Appeals
Frankfurt, Germany (#135101)
English
German