Gleiss Lutz lawyer quits to join Lovells Germany

Gleiss Lutz Hootz Hirsch Rechtsanwälte is losing a tax lawyer to Lovells' Frankfurt office because the firm has failed to find a merger partner.

Jörg Siegels has quit Gleiss Lutz's 10-lawyer tax department after five years, stating his need to work in an international practice.

Gleiss Lutz entered merger negotiations with Stibbe Simont Monahan Duhot in 1998, but talks fell through when the firm's partners failed to garner enough votes.

A year later Gleiss Lutz began discussions with Freshfields. But the City giant turned to Bruckhaus Westrick Heller Löber instead.

Siegels says: "Gleiss couldn't manage to go through with a merger. I think it is a bit disappointing as I am looking for an international surrounding."

Martin Diller, managing partner at Gleiss Lutz, says the firm has already replaced Siegels with the appointment of two associates.

Diller adds that the firm has never made a decision against merging, but says: "Up to now we have not found the right candidate."