The Idea: A Law Firm with a Clear Profile
The development of SOLEOS Law Firm is closely linked to the dynamism of Munich as a business hub. In a city that, like few others, stands for economic strength, innovative power and international networking, a law firm was founded fifteen years ago that deliberately sought to forge its own path. Today, SOLEOS stands for a clear approach to commercial law: solution-oriented, highly professional and, at the same time, personally committed.
The starting point for this development was in 2010. At a time when the legal market was becoming increasingly fragmented and dominated by larger commercial law firms, the idea arose to establish a deliberately smaller, specialised and professionally organised law firm. The focus of our advice was to be on quality and economic efficiency, rather than size. Clients do not expect complex explanations, but well-founded and targeted solutions to specific challenges, including in contentious matters. The philosophy was therefore to combine legal excellence with entrepreneurial thinking. The aim was to provide legal support to entrepreneurs throughout all stages of a company’s life cycle, from its foundation to succession.
From the outset, a further key aspect was the ongoing development of specialised expertise in judicial and extrajudicial dispute resolution procedures, so as to always be able to offer clients sound support, even in contentious matters.
The Location: Rooted in the Heart of Munich
The choice of location was closely linked to the firm’s core focus. The firm was not to be established just anywhere, but deliberately in the centre of Munich as an expression of its identity. The search for suitable office space proved correspondingly challenging. We were looking for a property that was both functional and prestigious. Eventually, premises were found in the immediate vicinity of the Viktualienmarkt. This location combines tradition and urbanity and, like few other places, embodies the identity of Munich.
The decision to choose this location was also a symbolic step, as it demonstrates the firm’s roots in the city, its economic significance and, at the same time, its international appeal.
The Brand: More than just a Name
In parallel with the search for a location, another essential foundation of the firm was established – its brand. Whilst it was still unusual in 2010 for law firms to operate under a pseudonym, the founders of SOLEOS made a conscious decision to take this step.
The name SOLEOS is composed of two terms. The first part, “SOL”, is derived from the English word “solution” and emphasises the firm’s solution-oriented approach. The second part is derived from the Latin term “OLEUS” or “OLEA”, which stands for the olive tree. The olive tree symbolises longevity, resilience, deep roots and growth.
The combination of these elements was no coincidence. The aim was to create a brand name that is short, memorable and internationally recognisable – whilst remaining independent of the names of individual partners. This laid the foundations early on for sustainable brand building, which has proven effective to this day.
Securing the right .com domain – which, at the time, could be purchased in the US for a relatively small sum – also fitted seamlessly into these considerations. It underlined the firm’s international ambitions and, at the same time, demonstrated the strategic foresight of its founders.
The Start: Foundation and First Steps
The firm was officially founded on 5 January 2011. Dr Bernhard Gimple and Stefan Neuenhahn joined as partners, bringing not only legal expertise but also a clear shared vision.
The early days were characterised by intensive groundwork. In addition to securing clients, the main focus was on creating professional and efficient structures, defining processes and establishing the firm’s position in the market. It soon became clear that this had been a success. The firm’s clear specialisation and personalised service met with a demand that validated the concept.
The Conclusion of the Start-up Phase: The 2012 Summer Party
After around one and a half years of successful groundwork, a significant milestone was reached in 2012. A summer party at the Viktualienmarkt not only celebrated the successful launch of the firm but also brought it to the public’s attention.
The event was more than just a social occasion. It was an expression of the firm’s successful establishment in the market and, at the same time, a signal to clients, partners and supporters. The festival was given a special touch by the keynote speech from Helmut Maier-Mannhart, the long-standing head of the ‘Economy’ section at the Süddeutsche Zeitung. His analysis of economic developments lent the event additional depth and thus fitted perfectly with the firm’s focus.
The Following Years: Continuity and Development
In the years that followed, SOLEOS continued to develop. The firm remained true to its original approach whilst further expanding its expertise. The increasing complexity of economic issues and the growing demand for efficient conflict resolution led to a continued rise in demand for specialised advice.
SOLEOS knew how to actively shape this development. The firm increasingly established itself as a strategic partner for companies and entrepreneurs who expect not only legal precision but also economic understanding.
The First New Partner: Dr Christian Dohm joins the Firm
An important step in the firm’s further development took place in 2018. With Dr Christian Dohm, the firm was able to secure another experienced partner who had previously worked for the firm Schmid, von Buttlar & Partner.
His entry into the partnership strengthened the firm both professionally and strategically. At the same time, it demonstrated that the SOLEOS concept was also attractive to established lawyers who wish to work purposefully and with enthusiasm in a focused yet entrepreneurial environment.
The Move: Another Step towards the Digital Future
After just under twelve years in Rosental, another milestone was reached in 2022. The firm moved to new offices in the valley, in the immediate vicinity of the Isartor.
This move was not merely a change of premises, but an expression of a further stage in the firm’s development. The new premises offered the opportunity to further modernise the firm’s working methods, adapt them to future requirements and complete the transformation into a digital law firm. SOLEOS bid a final farewell to paper-based work and has since relied consistently on digital processes.
The transition not only brought efficiency gains but also changed the nature of collaboration. Internal processes became more flexible, communication channels shorter, and collaboration with clients even more direct. At the same time, this step underlines the firm’s commitment to working at the cutting edge, not only legally but also organisationally.
The Anniversary: A Look Back and a Look Ahead
Today, fifteen years after the original idea, SOLEOS stands for a successful combination of continuity and constant development. The firm has established itself in the market without losing sight of its original values. The consistent focus on quality, specialisation and a solution-oriented approach continues to form the foundation of its work.
At the same time, the firm remains focused on the future. The economic and legal landscape is constantly changing, and clients’ expectations are also evolving. In this environment, it will be crucial to maintain flexibility whilst upholding the firm’s distinct identity.
The past fifteen years have shown that SOLEOS has mastered this balance. Rooted in Munich yet open to national and international developments, the firm today stands as an example of how a clear vision can give rise to a lasting success story.
