Employment lawyer in Munich
Facing dismissal or asked to sign a severance agreement?
I advise employees, senior professionals and executives on German employment law, with a focus on dismissal, severance agreements and negotiating the terms of departure.
I’m Marie Therese Bruns, an employment lawyer based in Munich. I provide personal advice in English and represent employees in negotiations and before German labour courts.
Remote consultations across Germany · In-person appointments in Munich · Your enquiry is non-binding. We agree the scope and fees before any paid work begins.
How I can help
Dismissal
I assess whether your dismissal can be challenged and explain your options. Where appropriate, I represent you in dismissal protection proceedings before a German labour court and negotiate with your employer.
Severance agreements
Before you sign an Aufhebungsvertrag, I review the proposed terms and explain their consequences. Depending on your needs, I advise you on the agreement or negotiate changes with your employer.
Exit negotiations
I help you negotiate the overall terms of your departure, including severance pay, notice periods, outstanding salary, bonuses, release from work and your employment reference.
Why early advice matters
If you have received written notice of dismissal, a claim challenging the dismissal generally needs to reach the German labour court within three weeks of receipt. Include the date you received the notice when you contact me.
If your employer has offered you a severance agreement, seek advice before signing. Its terms can affect your financial position, unemployment benefits and the timing of your departure. If your employer has set a deadline, please mention it in your enquiry.
How the consultation works
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Send a brief enquiry
Tell me briefly what has happened and include your name, telephone number and any relevant deadlines. -
We speak personally
In a short initial call, we discuss what support you need. I then explain which documents to send and request the information needed to check for potential conflicts of interest. -
You receive clear information about fees
I explain the proposed scope of work and fees before you decide whether to instruct me. We then arrange your consultation. -
We agree on the next steps
Once instructed, I review your situation in detail and advise you on your options. Depending on the agreed scope, I also negotiate with your employer or represent you in court.
Your lawyer: Marie Therese Bruns
I am a German-qualified lawyer with an LL.M. degree in employment law. Before establishing my own practice in Munich, I worked in a mid-sized German law firm and an international law firm.
My experience advising both employees and employers helps me assess the interests on each side, identify legal risks and develop a negotiation strategy suited to your situation.
When you instruct me, you work directly with me throughout your matter. I explain your options clearly and keep your professional and financial priorities in focus.
Fees and legal expenses insurance
Your initial enquiry is non-binding. Before you instruct me, I explain the proposed scope of work and the fees. In first-instance dismissal proceedings before a German labour court, each party generally bears its own lawyer’s fees, even if it wins.
You can contact me directly, even if you have legal expenses insurance
If you have legal expenses insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung), you generally have the right to choose your own lawyer. You can instruct me even if your insurer has recommended another law firm. You do not need to check your policy yourself or obtain confirmation of cover before making an initial enquiry. I handle the request for cover and the correspondence with your insurer.
Whether and to what extent your insurer pays depends on your policy. A deductible or costs outside the agreed cover may remain payable by you.
Frequently asked questions
Do you advise clients outside Munich?
Yes. I advise employees across Germany on German employment law. You can receive advice remotely and send your documents digitally. In-person appointments are available in Munich.
Can I instruct you just to review a severance agreement?
Yes. You can book a consultation to understand the proposed terms, their consequences and possible changes. The scope can be limited to reviewing the agreement and explaining your options.
Can I contact you before receiving a termination notice?
Yes. If your employer has raised the possibility of dismissal or offered you a severance agreement, I can advise you before you decide how to respond or sign anything.
What should I include in my first enquiry?
Please include your name, telephone number and a brief description of your situation. Mention any deadlines and, if you have received a termination notice, the date you received it. I will explain which documents are needed for the consultation.
