V-Card

Your lawyer

Dr. Rolf Leinekugel

+49 (0)711 60187-280
leinekugel@oppenlaender.de

„You prefer to have this brilliant mind on your own side rather than on the other, at that experienced, very committed and assertive”

Legal 500 Germany 2021

Rolf Leinekugel comes from the Rhineland and was born 1972 in Bergisch Gladbach. Some of his school years were spent in the USA. He studied in Bonn. He worked there at the Institute for Trade and Commercial Law (with Prof. Dr. Dr. hc. mult. Karsten Schmidt) and above all at the Center for European Commercial Law (with Prof. Dr. Dr. hc. mult. Marcus Lutter). Together with Prof. Lutter, Rolf Leinekugel already in 1998 wrote his first articles in the periodical Zeitschrift für Wirtschaftsrecht (ZIP). He received his doctorate shortly thereafter with a corporate law thesis.

Rolf Leinekugel is among the leading German corporate lawyers and is an experienced M&A lawyer who also acts as arbitrator. The Juve Handbook Commercial Law Firms, Legal 500 and the newspaper Handelsblatt recommend him in each case for many years. The specialist lawyer for trade and commercial law advises for finding the optimal solutions. His clients value his great professional expertise combined with clear recommendations, a great deal of sensitivity and outstanding commitment. His negotiating skill and determination are also repeatedly emphasised. He is known for both a strategic and pragmatic approach.

Rolf Leinekugel is inter alia a member of the Corporate Law Association (VGR) and the German Institution for Arbitration e.V. (DIS). He comments on the law on defective resolution in the Beck’schen Online Commentary on GmbHG (Limited Liability Company Act) and is author of many corporate law articles in periodicals and books.

Languages: English

Expertise

Rolf Leinekugel works in all areas of corporate law, including the nexus to transaction law, insolvency law and litigation/arbitration. He enjoys an excellent nationwide reputation for shareholder disputes (in particular in GmbHs and GmbH / Co. KGs) which have formed an important part of his work for over 20 years. He also has special expertise in company acquisitions and sales, including post-M&A disputes.

Rolf Leinekugel is an arbitrator in corporate law and M&A, nominated both by parties and also as chairman and even individual arbitrator. He has comprehensive experience in representing creditors’ committees.

In the areas of media, engineering and services, Rolf Leinekugel has special industry knowledge. He has in particular advised the 10 largest German regional daily newspaper publishers on the foundation of the common marketing company Score Media Group (JUVE Deal of the Month).

Expertise areas

Others about Dr. Rolf Leinekugel

“Quick comprehension, very good memory, innovative in approach, meticulous in processing, very broad legal/technical horizon, simple language.”

Legal 500 Germany 2025

Client about Dr Rolf Leinekugel: “Strategically good proposals for solutions that are communicated quickly and comprehensibly and brought to a conclusion – very high level of expertise, very good negotiator and strategist.”

Legal 500 Germany 2025

Competitor about Dr Rolf Leinekugel in the field of M&A: “extremely well structured, very broad knowledge of all measures.”

JUVE Handbuch 2024/2025

Competitor about Dr Rolf Leinekugel in the area of corporate law: “good guy, extremely well structured and very nice.”

JUVE Handbuch 2024/2025

Client about Dr Rolf Leinekugel in corporate law: “Rolf Leinekugel has been advising our company on all corporate law matters for many years. He is characterised by his high availability and quick response.”

Legal 500 Germany 2024

Client about Dr Rolf Leinekugel: “Very prudent and goal-orientated.”

Legal 500 Germany 2024

Competitors on Dr Rolf Leinekugel in M&A: “Consistent in asserting the client’s interests, very pleasant to work with”

JUVE Handbuch 2023/2024

Competitors on Dr Rolf Leinekugel in corporate law: “very experienced and assertive”

JUVE Handbuch 2023/2024

Client about Dr Rolf Leinekugel in corporate law: “professionally excellent, solution-oriented and always well prepared”

JUVE Handbuch 2023/2024

“Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: Legally absolutely sure-footed and with a very fine sense for situations”.

legal 500 Deutschland 2023

“Dr. Leinekugel is not one for sensationalism and flash in the pan. Focused on long-term success, gets to the heart of the problem very convincingly and quickly and convinces with very good solutions”.

Legal 500 Deutschland 2023

JUVE Handbook 2022/2023 ranks Dr. Rolf Leinekugel among the frequently recommended lawyers in corporate law and M&A and quotes clients: “incredibly fast response time,” “very efficient and highly competent lawyer,” “professional and foresighted advice on start-up formation”, “super”.

JUVE Handbook 2022/2023

Dr. Rolf Leinekugel was named one of “Germany’s Best Lawyers 2022” by Handelsblatt for his work in M&A.

Handelsblatt

“Dr. Rolf Leinekugel convinces with legal expertise, reliability and determination. He has excellent skills in the moderation role, high resilience, conscientiousness and integrity. Takes active responsibility and works in a solution-oriented manner.”

Legal 500 Germany 2021

“I have dealt with Messrs. Leinekugel and Baumann. Both are absolutely outstanding professionals in your field. I felt very well advised.”

Legal 500 Germany 2021

Dr. Rolf Leinekugel has an eye for the big picture and all the important details in all mandates, corporate law and M&A. He has the gift of ‘thinking his way into’ the structures and processes of his clients. In negotiations, he shines by anticipating his clients’ problems even before the clients do.”

Legal 500 Germany 2021

Legal 500 Germany recommends Dr. Rolf Leinekugel as a core lawyer in transactional and corporate law and quotes clients: “Dr. Rolf Leinekugel has the big picture view and all the important details in all mandates, corporate law and M&A. He has a gift for ‘thinking his way into’ his clients’ structures and processes. In negotiations, he shines by anticipating his clients’ problems even before the clients do.” And “I have dealt with Messrs. Leinekugel and Baumann. Both are absolutely outstanding professionals in your field. I felt very well advised.” And “Rolf Leinekugel: a brilliant mind that you would rather have on your own side than on the other side, experienced at that, very committed and assertive. He also always has the economic component of the mandate in mind.” And “Dr. Rolf Leinekugel convinces with legal expertise, reliability and determination. He has excellent skills in the moderation role, high resilience, conscientiousness and integrity. Takes active responsibility and works in a solution-oriented manner.”

Handelsblatt 2021

JUVE Handbook 2020/2021 lists Dr. Rolf Leinekugel among the frequently recommended lawyers in corporate law and M&A and quotes competitors: “competent and level-headed”, “provides far-reaching and effective strategic advice” and “tough but fair”.

JUVE-Handbook 2020/2021

Legal 500 says: “The client base likes the fact that the teams are rather small so as not to let costs get out of hand, but can be increased if actually needed. Experienced, dedicated and assertive, Rolf Leinekugel is a brilliant mind you’d rather have on your side than the other side. He is recommended for shareholder disputes.”

Legal 500 2019

JUVE Handbook 2019/2020 on Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: “excellent and thoughtful negotiator and designer” (client).

JUVE-Handbook 2019/2020

JUVE Handbook 2018/2019 on Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: “goal-oriented, very pleasant to work with” and “ideal for shareholder disputes” (competitor).

JUVE-Handbook 2018/2019

Legal 500 Germany about Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: “experienced consultant with a strong entrepreneurial mindset”, “extremely efficient, strategic and solution-oriented”.

Legal 500 Germany 2018

Legal 500 about Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: “extremely fast and efficient”.

Legal 500 2017

JUVE-Handbook 2017/2018 again ranks Dr. Rolf Leinekugel among the frequently recommended lawyers in corporate law and M&A. Regarding the evaluation of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel by competitors, it writes: “consistent in asserting the interests of the clients; at the same time very pleasant in the cooperation”.

JUVE-Handbook 2017/2018

JUVE Handbook 2016/2017 on the assessment of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel by clients: “fast, solution-oriented, competent”, “can convincingly solve complex corporate law problems and moderate the process in such a way that everyone always feels involved”.

JUVE-Handbook 2016/2017

JUVE Handbook 2015/2016 on the evaluation of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel by competitors: “biting negotiator”.

JUVE-Handook 2015/2016

JUVE Handbook 2014/2015 on competitors’ assessment of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: “fast, tough and uncompromising – ideal lawyer for shareholder disputes”.

JUVE-Handbook 2014/2015

JUVE Handbook 2013/2014 on the assessment of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel by clients: “excellent, solution-oriented, fast, outstanding industry knowledge”.

JUVE-Handbook 2013/2014

JUVE Handbook 2012/2013 on the assessment of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel by clients: “professionally excellent, swift working method”.

JUVE-Handbook 2012/2013

JUVE Handbook 2011/2012 on the assessment of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel by clients: “very competent, thinks with vision, good negotiating skills”.

JUVE-Handbook 2011/2012

JUVE Handbook 2010/2011 on Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: “frequently recommended, combative”.

JUVE-Handook 2010/2011

News

11. April 2025

WirtschaftsWoche award for OPPENLÄNDER in corporate law

WirtschaftsWoche honors OPPENLÄNDER Rechtsanwälte as TOP Law Firm 2025 in Corporate Law. Dr. Thomas Trölitzsch and Dr. Felix Born are delighted to receive the personal award as TOP Law Firm 2025 in Corporate Law.

17. February 2025

OPPENLÄNDER strengthens corporate law with new lawyer

Dr Sebastian Reif joined our corporate law team as a lawyer on 1 February 2025.

14. February 2025

OPPENLÄNDER was again honoured by Legal 500

In the recently published ranking of Legal 500 Germany 2025, we are again TOP LAW FIRM in City Focus Stuttgart and ranked as TOP TIER LAW FIRM in two practice areas.

28. October 2024

OPPENLÄNDER again honoured as JUVE TOP 50 commercial law firm

JUVE Verlag has recognised OPPENLÄNDER as a Top 50 Commercial Law Firm 2024.

14. June 2024

OPPENLÄNDER honoured by Best Lawyers

Handelsblatt has published the latest ranking of Best Lawyers and OPPENLÄNDER has been honoured several times.

23. April 2024

OPPENLÄNDER advises devolo GmbH on the sale of its business operations to the SOL Group

OPPENLÄNDER advised devolo GmbH comprehensively on the international investor process and the associated labour law restructuring.

14. February 2024

Legal 500 Germany 2024: OPPENLÄNDER is listed as TOP TIER LAW FIRM

We are delighted that OPPENLÄNDER has once again been recognised by The Legal 500 Germany 2024 and ranked as a TOP TIER LAW FIRM in two practice areas.

26. June 2023

OPPENLÄNDER lawyers are awarded

The specialist publisher Best Lawyers has identified Germany's best lawyers for the year 2023 for the Handelsblatt. OPPENLÄNDER was awarded 20 times!

11. May 2023

OPPENLÄNDER strengthens corporate law with new lawyer

Dr. Franziska Schaible has joined OPPENLÄNDER as a new lawyer and provides support in the area of corporate law. She thus strengthens the team led by Dr. Christian Gunßer. She also advises in the area of conflict resolution in the team of Prof. Dr. Markus Köhler.

02. January 2023

OPPENLÄNDER strengthens corporate law with new partner

As of today, Dr. Thomas Kreuz is a new partner at OPPENLÄNDER. We are pleased about the reinforcement by an experienced lawyer.

27. May 2022

GAISER Group advised on strategic acquisition

OPPENLÄNDER Rechtsanwälte has advised Julius Gaiser GmbH & Co. KG on the acquisition of the Clement group of companies in the context of the GAISER ZUKUNFTSOFFENSIVE 2030.

08. December 2021

Handelsblatt Award 2021

25. June 2021

OPPENLÄNDER lawyers awarded

Handelsblatt has published the Best Lawyers Ranking 2021. Also this year, many of our partners were recognized as "best lawyers".

Specialist lawyer since

2009
Admitted as lawyer since

2001
Legal traineeship at the Higher Regional Court Koblenz

1999-2001
Doctorate

1999
Research assistant at the Center for European Commercial Law (Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Marcus Lutter)

1997-2000
Studies in Bonn

Dr. Rolf Leinekugel

Expertise

Expertise areas

Others about Dr. Rolf Leinekugel

“Quick comprehension, very good memory, innovative in approach, meticulous in processing, very broad legal/technical horizon, simple language.”

Client about Dr Rolf Leinekugel: “Strategically good proposals for solutions that are communicated quickly and comprehensibly and brought to a conclusion – very high level of expertise, very good negotiator and strategist.”

Competitor about Dr Rolf Leinekugel in the field of M&A: “extremely well structured, very broad knowledge of all measures.”

Competitor about Dr Rolf Leinekugel in the area of corporate law: “good guy, extremely well structured and very nice.”

Client about Dr Rolf Leinekugel in corporate law: “Rolf Leinekugel has been advising our company on all corporate law matters for many years. He is characterised by his high availability and quick response.”

Client about Dr Rolf Leinekugel: “Very prudent and goal-orientated.”

Competitors on Dr Rolf Leinekugel in M&A: “Consistent in asserting the client’s interests, very pleasant to work with”

Competitors on Dr Rolf Leinekugel in corporate law: “very experienced and assertive”

Client about Dr Rolf Leinekugel in corporate law: “professionally excellent, solution-oriented and always well prepared”

“Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: Legally absolutely sure-footed and with a very fine sense for situations”.

“Dr. Leinekugel is not one for sensationalism and flash in the pan. Focused on long-term success, gets to the heart of the problem very convincingly and quickly and convinces with very good solutions”.

Dr. Rolf Leinekugel was named one of “Germany’s Best Lawyers 2022” by Handelsblatt for his work in M&A.

“Dr. Rolf Leinekugel convinces with legal expertise, reliability and determination. He has excellent skills in the moderation role, high resilience, conscientiousness and integrity. Takes active responsibility and works in a solution-oriented manner.”

“I have dealt with Messrs. Leinekugel and Baumann. Both are absolutely outstanding professionals in your field. I felt very well advised.”

JUVE Handbook 2020/2021 lists Dr. Rolf Leinekugel among the frequently recommended lawyers in corporate law and M&A and quotes competitors: “competent and level-headed”, “provides far-reaching and effective strategic advice” and “tough but fair”.

JUVE Handbook 2019/2020 on Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: “excellent and thoughtful negotiator and designer” (client).

JUVE Handbook 2018/2019 on Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: “goal-oriented, very pleasant to work with” and “ideal for shareholder disputes” (competitor).

Legal 500 Germany about Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: “experienced consultant with a strong entrepreneurial mindset”, “extremely efficient, strategic and solution-oriented”.

Legal 500 about Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: “extremely fast and efficient”.

JUVE Handbook 2016/2017 on the assessment of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel by clients: “fast, solution-oriented, competent”, “can convincingly solve complex corporate law problems and moderate the process in such a way that everyone always feels involved”.

JUVE Handbook 2015/2016 on the evaluation of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel by competitors: “biting negotiator”.

JUVE Handbook 2014/2015 on competitors’ assessment of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: “fast, tough and uncompromising – ideal lawyer for shareholder disputes”.

JUVE Handbook 2013/2014 on the assessment of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel by clients: “excellent, solution-oriented, fast, outstanding industry knowledge”.

JUVE Handbook 2012/2013 on the assessment of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel by clients: “professionally excellent, swift working method”.

JUVE Handbook 2011/2012 on the assessment of Dr. Rolf Leinekugel by clients: “very competent, thinks with vision, good negotiating skills”.

JUVE Handbook 2010/2011 on Dr. Rolf Leinekugel: “frequently recommended, combative”.

News

WirtschaftsWoche award for OPPENLÄNDER in corporate law

OPPENLÄNDER strengthens corporate law with new lawyer

OPPENLÄNDER was again honoured by Legal 500

OPPENLÄNDER again honoured as JUVE TOP 50 commercial law firm

OPPENLÄNDER honoured by Best Lawyers

OPPENLÄNDER advises devolo GmbH on the sale of its business operations to the SOL Group

Legal 500 Germany 2024: OPPENLÄNDER is listed as TOP TIER LAW FIRM

OPPENLÄNDER lawyers are awarded

OPPENLÄNDER strengthens corporate law with new lawyer

OPPENLÄNDER strengthens corporate law with new partner

GAISER Group advised on strategic acquisition

Handelsblatt Award 2021

OPPENLÄNDER lawyers awarded

Vita