Employment Lawyer Berlin

Labor Law Lawyer Berlin - Rechtsanwalt Andreas Martin | Berlin

English-Speaking Legal Advice in German Labour Law – 20+ Years of Experience

Are you an English-speaking professional or executive in Berlin looking for legal advice in employment law? Whether you were terminated, offered a severance agreement, or facing wage disputes, I—Fachanwalt Andreas Martin—have represented clients since 2003, specializing in labor law, especially unfair dismissal, severance, and employment contract issues.

Employment Lawyer Berlin – Initial Consultation and Legal Fees

Please note: I do not offer free legal advice. Any consultation – for example regarding dismissals, termination agreements, severance pay or other employment law issues – is always subject to legal fees.

Initial consultations are usually charged as a flat fee (for example 190 € plus VAT for a first consultation on a termination agreement).

About the author

Attorney Andreas Martin
Specialist lawyer for employment law in Berlin

Key Points

English-language advice: I advise international employees, executives and employers in English and German.
Dismissal deadline: An unfair dismissal claim generally has to be filed within three weeks.
Termination agreements: Review and verbal advice are different from drafting clauses or negotiating with the employer.
Berlin employment law: My office is in Prenzlauer Berg / Pankow, and I represent clients before the Berlin Labor Court.
Transparent fees: The scope and cost of further work are discussed before the mandate is extended.

English-Speaking Employment Lawyer for Expats & Professionals in Berlin

Do you work for a German or international company in Berlin? Are you an IT professional, media or marketing specialist, or business employee facing workplace challenges?

Located in Prenzlauer Berg / Pankow (Pankow), near Landsberger Allee, my office offers both in-person and video consultations. I represent employees and employers before the Berlin Labor Court, focusing on practical, transparent, and competent legal strategies.

You may need to consult a German specialist lawyer if:

You are worried about getting fired
Your contract has been terminated and you believe the dismissal is unfair
You have been put on a performance improvement plan (PIP) and suspect it may be used to justify dismissal
Your employer has presented a termination agreement and is pressuring you to sign
Your fixed-term contract is ending and you want to know if an extension is possible
You have questions about clauses in your employment contract

These are all strong reasons to seek legal advice from an experienced employment lawyer. I provide clear, practical guidance on all aspects of German labor law, representing your interests with competence and discretion.

Key practice areas include:

For termination agreements, the first step is usually a paid initial consultation: I review the draft agreement you received from your employer and explain the main legal risks and consequences in a personal or video meeting (flat fee, typically 190 € plus VAT).

This initial consultation is verbal only and does not include drafting or rewriting clauses, preparing a new draft agreement, or negotiating with your employer.

If you later instruct me to draft or revise the termination agreement or to support you in negotiations, this is a separate mandate. These services are billed separately under the German Lawyers’ Fees Act (RVG) based on a higher value in dispute (Gegenstandswert).

My services are available in both English and German, serving expats across Berlin.

Termination Agreement Fees at a Glance

Scope	Typical fee treatment
Review of the employer's draft and verbal explanation of the main risks	Initial consultation, usually 190 € plus VAT
Drafting or revising clauses, preparing a counter-draft, or negotiating with the employer	Separate mandate under the RVG, based on the matter value and therefore usually substantially more expensive

The initial consultation does not include written drafting or negotiations. I discuss the additional scope and likely costs with you before carrying out further work. A detailed explanation and illustrative fee examples are available on the Termination Agreement in Germany page.

Legal Expenses Insurance Usually Covers RVG Fees

If your German legal expenses insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung) includes employment law and confirms cover for the matter, it will generally pay the statutory lawyer's fees under the RVG. Once cover is confirmed, I normally handle the fee correspondence with the insurer. Apart from any agreed deductible or items excluded by the policy, you therefore usually do not need to deal with the RVG calculation yourself.

An hourly fee agreement is different. Legal expenses insurers normally reimburse no more than the statutory RVG fees unless they expressly agree to cover the additional amount. I generally bill insured employment-law matters under the RVG rather than on an hourly basis. Whether a particular termination agreement is covered depends on the policy and the insured event, so confirmation of cover remains necessary.

Act Fast: Unfair Dismissal? You Have 3 Weeks to Respond

If you've been terminated and believe it's unjust, German law provides strong protection through an unfair dismissal claim. However, you must act within 3 weeks of receiving your termination notice to preserve your rights.

📞 Call now for an initial, non-binding contact: 030 74923060

Available for clients from all Berlin districts

I regularly advise English-speaking employees and executives from:

Prenzlauer Berg, Pankow, Mitte, Friedrichshain
Kreuzberg, Charlottenburg, Lichtenberg, and Weißensee

The law office is easily reachable via Landsberger Allee / Ringbahn from all of these locations.

➡️ Also see: Employment Law – Prenzlauer Berg | Employment Law – Pankow | Employment Law – Friedrichshain | Employment Law – Weißensee | Employment Law – Mitte

Legal Advice for IT, Media & Business Professionals in Berlin

Are you working in Berlin’s thriving tech, media, or business sector? I regularly advise international employees and expats from these industries on all aspects of German labor law.

Whether you are a software developer, media producer, marketing specialist, or commercial employee, I provide tailored advice on:

Employment contracts and contract reviews
Non-compete and confidentiality clauses
Severance agreements and negotiations
Unfair dismissal and termination disputes

As an English-speaking employment lawyer, I also guide you through the visa and residence permit implications of employment termination—helping you protect both your career and your right to stay in Germany.

⬇️ Facing dismissal? Acting within 3 weeks matters!

If you’ve received a termination or warning, it's crucial to act quickly. Under German law, you have 3 weeks to file an unfair dismissal claim. Missing the deadline risks losing your rights. Act promptly—and call me today to secure your options.

Learn more about:

Employment Termination – Dismissals in Germany Understand your rights, deadlines, and strategies after receiving a dismissal notice.
Termination Agreements – Avoid Pitfalls What you need to know before signing a termination agreement – including severance, unemployment, and legal consequences.
Severance Calculator Calculate your potential severance pay using our online tool.

Quick Overview – English‑Language Employment Services in Berlin

Receive clear, strategy-driven advice from a German employment law specialist—no call center or passive hand-off. Choose between focused consultation or strong representation in court. Fees are transparent and communicated upfront.

Comprehensive support in:

Dismissal law & severance
Termination agreements
Wage claims
Contract reviews
Fixed‐term agreements
Warning defenses
Overtime & vacation claims

I advise international professionals—from tech, media, finance, and healthcare—on employee rights under German labor law, including contracts and dismissal protections.

“I felt guided and supported throughout the process.” – Z.R., Tech Executive (2025) Positive feedback also on [Anwalt.de] and Google Business.

Initial contact by phone or email to describe your situation and check if I can assist you is free of charge.

Any legal consultation or representation is subject to legal fees, which will be clearly communicated before you book an appointment.

If your employment-law matter is covered and the insurer confirms cover, the statutory RVG fees are generally paid by the insurer, subject to any deductible. I normally handle the fee correspondence. An hourly fee agreement may exceed the insured amount.

Office (English language available) Storkower Str. 139 b, 10407 Berlin 📞 [030 74923060](tel:030 74923060) 📧 info@rechtsanwalt-arbeitsrecht-in-berlin.de

What to Expect from Your Consultation

Document review: Evaluate your contract, termination notice, warnings.
Rights assessment: Identify your chances and risks under German law.
Strategy development: Decide between settlement, litigation, or negotiation.
Court representation: Personal advocacy at the Berlin Labor Court.

Employee & Employer Representation

Employees: Protection against unfair dismissal, contract termination, severance negotiation.
Employers: Guidance on valid dismissal, warning letters, termination agreements, and compliance with German labor regulations.

I bring dual perspective—having advised both sides effectively for 20+ years.

About Me – Specialist Lawyer & Berlin Local

A. Martin – English‑speaking Employment Lawyer

I’ve been a lawyer since 2003 with a law degree from the Free University of Berlin and training in Barcelona. As one of few English-speaking Fachanwälte für Arbeitsrecht, I consult international clients and lecture at AOK Nordost seminars. I bring both legal and practical experience to your case.

Core Practice Areas

Unfair dismissal & severance pay
Termination agreements
Wage & overtime claims
Fixed-term contract disputes
Warnings & performance issues
Vacation & employment documentation claims

As a trusted specialist, I also offer a severance calculator on my site (/abfindungsrechner/) for self-assessment.

Contact & Office Location

Fachanwalt Andreas Martin Storkower Str. 139 b 10407 Berlin (Prenzlauer Berg) 📞 [030 74923060](tel:030 74923060) ✉️ info@rechtsanwalt-arbeitsrecht-in-berlin.de

Accessibility

Directions by S-Bahn, tram, bus, and car. Easy parking next to Kaufland. Full accessibility access and elevator.

How to find my office at Storkower Straße 139 B

The law office is located at Storkower Straße 139 B, 10407 Berlin, in the district of Prenzlauer Berg – in a clearly visible multi-storey building with the house number “139B” displayed prominently on the side facade.

Parking

The most convenient parking option is the parking lot of the Kaufland supermarket, which is located directly next to the office building. Important: The main entrance to the building is not on the Kaufland side but on the opposite side facing Storkower Straße.

Access to the building

Please walk back from the Kaufland parking lot to the street side. The only entrance is located at the front of the building. Right inside the entrance, you will find an information board with the names of the law offices on the left-hand side.

Finding the office

Walk past the board on the left and follow the hallway for about 15 meters. On the left-hand side, you will find the building’s only elevator. Take the elevator to the 5th floor.

On the 5th floor

When you exit the elevator: Turn right into the hallway. The first office on the left-hand side is my law office. The door is labeled with my name: “Rechtsanwalt Andreas Martin

Note

Appointments must be scheduled in advance by phone or email.

Map

FAQ - law firm

How much does an employment lawyer in Berlin cost under RVG?

Consulting an employment lawyer in Berlin usually costs the same as any other lawyer. **Key points:** - Fees are based on the **RVG (Lawyer Remuneration Act)** and the **value in dispute**. - In dismissal protection cases, the value is usually **three times the employee’s gross monthly salary**. - You can estimate costs with an **RVG calculator**. - Lawyers normally inform you of the approximate costs before you hire them.

Who pays the lawyer in Berlin Labor Court?

In first-instance labor court cases and out-of-court proceedings, each party pays their own lawyer—regardless of who wins. - This is a **special rule** in labor law (Section 12a of the Labor Court Act). - In civil law, the losing side usually covers both parties’ legal costs, but this only applies in labor courts from the **second instance** onward.

Which labor court handles cases in Berlin?

Berlin has **only one labor court**. - It covers all districts—from Prenzlauer Berg/Pankow to Marzahn-Hellersdorf. - Jurisdiction applies if the **employer is based in Berlin** or the employee primarily worked in Berlin.

Do I need an Labor Law Lawyer for Berlin Labor Court?

No, there is no mandatory lawyer requirement in Berlin Labor Court or any German labor court (first instan). - Employees and employers can represent themselves. - However, in dismissal protection cases, a **specialist lawyer** often achieves better results. - Whoever hires the lawyer must pay their fees—win or lose.

What questions should I ask an employment lawyer during a consultation?

Useful questions include: - How much experience do you have with **German labor law**? - What are the possible outcomes of my case? - What are the estimated costs? - How will we communicate? - Which documents should I bring? - How might a lawsuit proceed?

Does your law firm specialize in labor law?

Yes. The main focus is on **labor law**, especially: - Termination of employment contracts - Dismissal protection and unfair dismissal - Termination agreements and severance negotiations

Is Berlin Labor Court free of charge?

Not entirely. - Each party pays their own legal fees. - The losing party must pay the **court costs** at the end of proceedings. - Court costs are waived if the claim is withdrawn or a settlement is reached.

Is there legal aid for labor court cases in Berlin?

Yes. Employees with low income and assets can apply for **legal aid**. - This waives court costs and can include free lawyer representation. - Not granted in simple cases (e.g., claiming already invoiced unpaid wages). - Legal aid is a **loan**—if income increases significantly within four years, it must be repaid.

Does filing an unfair dismissal claim guarantee severance pay?

No. - Employers are generally **not obliged** to pay severance. - A legal right to severance exists only in rare cases. - Filing an unfair dismissal claim creates pressure—often leading to negotiated settlements that include severance.

Can I get free advice at the Legal Application Office in Berlin?

No. - The Legal Application Office at the Berlin Labor Court only assists with **filing lawsuits**. - It does not offer free legal advice or representation.

What is the difference between a conciliation hearing and a chamber hearing?

- **Conciliation hearing:** The first, quickly scheduled hearing—often in dismissal cases—focused on reaching a settlement. - **Chamber hearing:** If no settlement is reached, a later hearing with a panel of three judges (one professional judge and two lay judges) decides the case.