Fabian Schäfer

Fabian Schäfer advises and represents clients in complex employment and aviation law matters, combining litigation experience with a pragmatic and commercially focused approach. His practice encompasses both contentious and non-contentious matters, with particular emphasis on employment disputes, aviation litigation, passenger rights claims, and the strategic resolution of legal conflicts.

He acts for both employers and employees across a broad spectrum of employment law issues and advises airlines and aviation industry stakeholders in regulatory and litigation matters. His experience spans all stages of dispute resolution, from pre-litigation risk assessments and settlement negotiations to court proceedings and the enforcement or defence of claims before the German courts.

Fabian's work is characterised by a thorough understanding of legal risks, a structured approach to dispute resolution, and a commitment to delivering practical solutions that align with his clients’ commercial objectives.

Employment Law

Employment relationships frequently involve significant legal, financial, and personal considerations. Fabian advises employers and employees on all aspects of individual employment law, assisting clients in navigating both contentious disputes and day-to-day employment matters.

His employment law practice includes the representation of clients in disputes arising from ongoing or terminated employment relationships. He regularly advises on matters involving dismissals, severance arrangements, remuneration claims, bonus entitlements, references, warnings, holiday pay, working time issues, contractual obligations, and other employment-related rights and responsibilities.

Fabian represents clients throughout all phases of employment disputes, including strategic case assessment, correspondence with opposing counsel, settlement negotiations, and litigation before the German labour courts. He has experience developing litigation strategies tailored to the individual circumstances of each case and places particular emphasis on achieving efficient and commercially sensible outcomes wherever possible.

In addition to his contentious practice, Fabian advises on the drafting, review, and optimisation of employment contracts and workplace arrangements. He regularly assesses the enforceability and legal effectiveness of contractual provisions and provides guidance in light of evolving case law and legislative developments.

His experience includes the review and drafting of provisions relating to:

  • Exclusion periods and limitation clauses
  • Bonus and incentive schemes
  • Company car arrangements
  • Post-contractual obligations
  • Restrictive covenants and non-compete clauses
  • Repayment agreements
  • Confidentiality obligations
  • General terms and conditions within employment relationships

Through careful contractual analysis and preventive legal advice, Fabian assists clients in identifying legal risks at an early stage and implementing solutions designed to minimise future disputes and ensure legal certainty.

Aviation Law & Airline Litigation

Alongside his employment law practice, Fabian advises airlines and aviation industry participants on a range of aviation-related legal matters, with a particular focus on passenger rights litigation, compensation claims, and dispute resolution.

He has substantial experience handling claims arising under Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 (EU261), one of the most litigated areas of European aviation law. His work involves advising airlines on the defence and management of passenger compensation claims relating to delays, cancellations, denied boarding, missed connections, and extraordinary circumstances.

Fabian regularly assists airlines in assessing liability exposure, evaluating legal risks, and developing defence strategies in both individual and high-volume passenger claims. His experience encompasses all stages of the litigation process, from the initial review of claims and evidence to court representation and settlement negotiations.

His aviation law practice further includes advising on:

  • Passenger compensation claims under EU Regulation 261/2004
  • Claims for damages under the Montreal Convention
  • Delay, cancellation, and denied boarding disputes
  • Extraordinary circumstances assessments
  • Airline liability and passenger rights
  • Litigation management and procedural strategy
  • Court proceedings involving aviation-related claims
  • Out-of-court dispute resolution and settlement negotiations

Given the highly regulated nature of the aviation sector, Fabian places particular emphasis on combining legal analysis with an understanding of the operational realities faced by airlines. This enables him to provide advice that is not only legally sound but also commercially and operationally practical.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

A significant part of Fabian’s practice is dedicated to dispute resolution and litigation. He represents clients before German courts and assists them throughout every stage of legal proceedings.

His litigation work includes the preparation of legal submissions, the development of procedural strategies, the evaluation of legal and evidential risks, participation in court hearings, and the negotiation of settlements. Whether acting in employment disputes or aviation-related proceedings, he focuses on protecting his clients’ interests while pursuing commercially efficient resolutions.

Fabian understands that successful litigation requires more than legal expertise alone. Effective dispute resolution demands strategic thinking, careful preparation, and a clear understanding of the broader commercial and operational implications of legal conflicts.

Approach

Fabian is known for his analytical mindset, meticulous preparation, and solution-oriented approach. He believes that effective legal advice must be both legally robust and commercially realistic.

Clients value his ability to distil complex legal issues into clear and actionable guidance, his commitment to responsive communication, and his determination to achieve favourable outcomes through negotiation, litigation, or alternative dispute resolution where appropriate.

His dual focus on employment law and aviation law enables him to advise clients operating in highly regulated environments and to provide practical solutions tailored to the specific challenges of their industries.

Professional Focus & Expertise

Employment Law

Advising employers and employees on employment disputes, dismissals, remuneration claims, contractual matters, workplace rights, and labour court proceedings.

Employment Litigation

Representation before German labour courts, including dismissal protection proceedings, remuneration disputes, bonus claims, references, warnings, and settlement negotiations.

Aviation Law

Advising airlines on passenger rights, airline liability, regulatory obligations, and aviation-related disputes.

EU Regulation 261/2004

Representation and advisory work relating to passenger compensation claims, extraordinary circumstances assessments, delays, cancellations, denied boarding cases, and litigation strategy.

Aviation Litigation

Defence and management of compensation and damages claims, court proceedings, settlement negotiations, and dispute resolution on behalf of airlines.

Contract Review & Risk Management

Reviewing and drafting contractual arrangements, assessing legal risks, and developing practical solutions to minimise disputes and enhance legal certainty.

  • Fluent in English
FABIAN
Associate

Areas of Expertise

Education & Memberships