Düsseldorf
Christian helps clients consider the privacy and artificial intelligence implications of new technology, supports their compliance programs, and helps them stay ahead of enforcement trends. One particular focus of his work deals with internal data transfer agreements, external data transfers with external providers, and product launches that comply with international data protection standards, as well as privacy requirements for connected cars.
Furthermore, Christian provides guidance on privacy and data protection considerations for developing, acquiring, using, licensing and selling technology, data and intellectual property, including M&A transactions and IP focused joint ventures. He supports companies on the set-up of webshops, outsourcings, license agreements, in cases of trademark or unfair and deceptive trade practice issues, as well as on hard and software license and information technology (IT) project agreements.
Christian maintains strong working relationships with German data protection authorities and EU regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over AI, privacy and data security matters. He effectively defends companies in cybersecurity and privacy-related investigations initiated by European and German regulatory authorities. He also engages with authorities on behalf of clients and helps clients avoid proceedings and possible litigation. When litigation can't be avoided, Christian vigorously defends his clients.
For companies facing global cybersecurity incidents, Christian helps with crisis mitigation, including counselling on notification requirements, coordinating media strategies, and representing clients before data protection authorities in related regulatory investigations.
Christian regularly contributes practical thought leadership to global privacy industry publications and German privacy books and journals. Christian authors the Chapter V (international data transfers) of Germany’s leading GDPR commentary Kühling/Buchner (4th ed.) and is co-author to the Corporate Privacy Handbook (Betrieblicher Datenschutz). As an active member of the Sedona Conference, Christian drives the development and understanding of cross border privacy. He also participates in, hosts and moderates speaking programs with fellow private practitioners, EU data protection authorities, and academics focused on privacy and data security. Since 2024 he has regularly been ranked as a leading German Data Privacy Practitioner by Chambers Germany. He is also recognized as a recommended lawyer in the field of AI by Legal 500 . Legal 500 Germany names Christian one of the top 15 practitioners since 2023 and notes that he is "a pioneer in the legal field, a data protection guru." They also recognized Christian and Orrick as "truly global" and how that it is "vital as they require the various leaders of each region to participate and bring issues to the table as a forum".
Prior to working in private practice, Christian interned with the German Federal Data Protection Commissioner and www.epic.org and wrote his PhD thesis on the liability for violations of privacy policies and binding corporate rules under both U.S. and German law.