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Volker Steimle

Lawyer │ Partner

Cologne

+49 221 9937 24820

volker.steimle@luther-lawfirm.com

Areas of practice

Commercial & Distribution Law, Product Liability/Product Compliance

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Complex Disputes

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Digital Value Chains

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Mobility & Logistics

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Automotive

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Rail

Volker Steimle specialises in all matters concerning national and international distribution and sourcing of goods, product liability and product safety. He has special focus on all matters concerning supply or distribution contracts, including all sorts of purchasing contracts and ancillary agreements, such as quality assurance agreements, logistics contracts etc. His clients range from medium-sized to large companies from different industries, including automotive products, industrial or consumer products. A large part of his work is cross-border transactions or disputes. Together with his team his work comprises both contract drafting and negotiation as well as dispute resolution in state courts as well as national or international arbitration proceedings. Volker Steimle is a member of the German Institution of Arbitration (DIS).

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Vita

Volker Steimle studied law at the University of Tübingen (Germany). After completing his traineeship in Ulm, Speyer and Hamburg, he was admitted to the Bar at the District Court of Cologne in 1995 and was later admitted to the Court of Appeals of Cologne in 2002. Volker Steimle was seconded to Arthur Andersen & Assoc., Johannesburg, RSA, in 1998. He joined Luther (or its respective predecessor) in 1995.

Honors and distinctions

JUVE Guide 2024/2025: Listed under "Frequently Recommended" in "Trade, Distribution and Logistics" (first listed in 2018/2019, "Pleasant on the opposite side, I would also mandate", client)
The Legal 500 Germany 2023: Recommended in "Dispute Resolution - Product Liability" (first recommendation in 2016, "coordinates the coordination processes with the other Luther teams very quickly due to his detailed expertise. Possible risks in the course of the proceedings are identified in good time and counter-positions are built up for the defence.") and "Commercial and Distribution Law - Distribution/Trading/Logistics" (first listed in 2017, "Volker Steimle's team is extremely competent and distinguishes itself through advice that is always extremely well-founded, practice-oriented and effective."; "Volker Steimle is extremely competent and very reliable. This leads to an extremely pleasant cooperation.")
The Legal 500 Germany 2018: Listed in "Dispute Resolution - Arbitration (incl. International Arbitration)"
Best Lawyers 2026: Recommended in "Litigation" (first recommended in 2021) and "Product Liability Litigation" (first recommended in 2025)

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Clients

Worldwide manufacturer of tractors and agricultural machinery: legal advice in all legal issues in (cross-border) supply and distribution relations, product liability and product safety
Major German supplier (Tier 1) of vehicle electronics: assistance in establishing a worldwide contract system for the purchasing of parts in over 40 countries
Internationally active supplier (Tier 1) of freight vehicle brake systems: handling of cross-border product recall and damage proceedings
Conglomerate, active worldwide in metal processing: advice on major event of damage in the utility industry, product recalls, defence against damages, insurance claims and damage proceedings.
Market leader in electronics/electricity transfer: conduct of successful international arbitration proceedings simultaneously in Germany and China against an Asian distribution partner.
Internationally active manufacturer of synthetic products for the construction industry: establishment of a worldwide distribution and licensing system

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Publications

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Blog posts

Stricter product liability – Commission Proposal for a new EU Product Liability Directive

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Lectures

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Memberships

Member of the Deutsche Institution für Schiedsgerichtbarkeit (DIS) e.V.

Newsroom

all News

Three medical professionals in white lab coats walk together down a well-lit hospital corridor. Their backs are to the viewer as they proceed along a smooth floor, flanked by large windows that allow natural light into the space.

Protective shield proceedings: Luther advises hospital group "Pfeiffersche Stiftungen" on merger with Magdeburg University Hospital

02.07.2025 | PR

A child with long hair is blowing bubbles into the air during sunset. The bubbles are large and colorful, floating upwards against a golden and blurred background, creating a joyful and whimsical atmosphere.

Soap bubble container is not packaging within the meaning of the Packaging Act – Luther achieves landmark judgement for toy manufacturers

30.06.2025 | PR

A bronze statue of Lady Justice, blindfolded, holding a pair of scales. She symbolizes impartiality and fairness in the justice system, representing the idea that justice should be administered without bias. The background is blurred, focusing on her figure and scales.

Lawsuits against Chinese opponents? Public service of documents facilitates legal proceedings before German courts.

24.06.2025 | Blog

Preservation of loss carry-forwards despite acquisition of more than 50% of the shares

18.06.2025 | Blog

News Arbitration Landscape – Singapore: Shaping the Future of Arbitration: Updates to SIAC Rules 2025

18.06.2025 | Blog

Exemption from the cartel prohibition: Beemster cheese

ECJ clarifies conditions for restrictions on active sales in exclusive distribution contracts under the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation

27.05.2025 | Blog

An abstract graphic depicting a global trade theme, featuring shipping containers and cranes in a port. Superimposed are outlines of continents with light lines connecting them, symbolizing international shipping and connectivity. The overall tone is blue, suggesting a technological and modern approach to logistics.

Managing trade barriers - What the new US tariffs mean for international supply contracts

06.05.2025 | Blog

A silver statue of Lady Justice stands on a table, holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The background includes blurred books and papers, symbolizing law and justice. The statue represents fairness and the legal system.

General Court bolsters up the European Commission: Dismissal of action brought by German fragrance company for annulment of inspection decision authorising a dawn raid to be conducted on the undertaking.

05.05.2025 | Blog