English overview · DE – Datenschutzrecht
We advise on lawful processing, service providers and incidents. The following guide addresses matters under German law and relevant European rules. Cross-border cases require separate consideration of governing law, jurisdiction and local requirements.
Scope and legal approach
Effective privacy governance starts with actual processing operations: purposes, data categories, recipients and retention. Legal grounds, notices and contracts can then be assessed. Incidents need recorded findings, risk assessment and measures. International transfers require separate analysis; a service agreement alone does not resolve them.
Four practical examples
These examples illustrate typical issues. They do not describe specific client matters.
Example 1
A file reaches wrong recipients. Risk, reporting and containment require assessment.
Example 2
A provider receives customer data. Roles and contract requirements are reviewed.
Example 3
An access request arrives. Data holdings and third-party rights must be considered.
Example 4
A tool transfers data abroad. Transfer grounds and safeguards require assessment.
Assessment and next steps
We first clarify the intended result, the parties involved and the relevant chronology. The documents are assessed alongside the actual course of events. Established facts, disputed assertions and matters requiring further evidence or technical expertise are distinguished. Deadlines and any need for urgent protection are considered at the outset.
Available options are compared by cost, timing, commercial value and evidential risk. Depending on the matter, the appropriate route may involve drafting or revising an agreement, negotiations, administrative proceedings or litigation. Interim measures require their own assessment. Any settlement should specify performance, deadlines, security and implementation, rather than leave the next disagreement unresolved.
Preparing an initial consultation
Please provide a short chronology, complete relevant contracts or decisions, amendments and correspondence. Record known deadlines and when important notices were received. Explain the outcome you need, such as completing a project, reducing exposure, enforcing a claim or defending a demand. We can then agree the scope of work and discuss costs.