Marcus Peter, Andreas Heinzmann and Philipp Mössner (GSK Stockmann): A decade of organic growth

Can you present GSK Stockmann in a few words?

GSK Stockmann is a European corporate law firm with around 250 professionals based in offices across Germany, Luxembourg and the UK. GSK Stockmann specialises in real estate and financial services, but in Luxembourg serves all the areas of law required by its clients: corporate law, M&A transactions, private equity, venture capital, capital markets, tax advice, real estate and labour law. Founded in Germany and with a total of seven offices, GSK Stockmann has developed into a cross-border operation serving clients across Europe. The founding of a London office a few years ago provides a particular focus on the axis of London, Luxembourg, and Germany, though the firm has also developed relationships with law firms in major jurisdictions outside Luxembourg. Befriended firms are handpicked to ensure that clients get the right fit for their needs.

For us, people are never an asset. They are human beings.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the firm. Looking back over this decade, how has it gone?

GSK Stockmann and its staff have been busy throughout those ten years. Through good growth, the firm’s Luxembourg office has expanded from three partners to nine, and quickly become an established law firm in Luxembourg. It was named Capital Markets Firm of the Year in 2021 and Benelux Law Firm of the Year in 2024 by leading international legal directories. The initial startup culture has evolved into something more professional, setting up clear policies and building the structure required for a firm of this size. But comfort hasn’t led to complacency, and the company’s motto has always been “improve further”. Growth has remained moderate and organic, adapted to the business. Instead of setting a target of a certain number of lawyers within five years, the focus has been on clients and the market, delivering the quality and speed they demand. The resulting success has allowed the firm to indulge in some special activities such as becoming the first sponsor of the then newly founded Luxembourg Philharmonic Academy, as well as the partnership with Luxair, which is visualized by a newly branded plane on the occasion of GSK Stockmann’s 10th anniversary.

What differentiates you from other law firms?

Facing the Luxembourg law firm market shaped by established Benelux and magic circle law firms, GSK Stockmann took a strategic approach from the start. We understood the need to attract talent, and develop the best possible culture in a law firm. There is no hire and fire, and a very low turnover: many people who joined ten years ago are still building a career there. Reliability is crucial: if GSK Stockmann says something, then it sticks to it, including announcements from management. But it has retained the atmosphere of a family-owned business. We are proud of our central office in Luxembourg-Kirchberg, close to clients and to staff’s homes. In accordance with our approach, each lawyer keeps an office rather than working in an open plan space, since legal work demands quiet. The firm encourages an entrepreneurial spirit and has identified sectors that it wants to develop, starting with labour law as a complementary addition to banking, finance, capital markets, investment funds, corporate, tax and real estate.