Clear Focus
Transactions and Dispute Resolution.
HMV-Legal concentrates on two core practice areas:
Advice is provided on the structuring and execution of M&A transactions and comparable projects, including succession planning and restructurings. In contentious matters, clients are represented both out of court and before German courts and domestic and international arbitral tribunals. Strategic advice and hands-on execution are closely integrated, consistently aligned with clients’ commercial objectives.
Our Services at a Glance
Advice and support in internal investigations
Coordination of complex transactions as well as court and arbitration proceedings abroad, including post-merger disputes and matters relating to directors’ and officers’ liability (D&O)
Pre-litigation analyses and legal opinions
Representation in national and international court and arbitration proceedings
Transaction support and enforcement of claims
Strategic and operational legal advice in connection with:
- M&A transactions
- Restructurings
- Anticipated or ongoing disputes
Experience and Expertise of the Founder
HMV-Legal was founded in January 2026 by Hermann Melnikov, who spent more than 30 years as a partner at Clifford Chance and White & Case.
Hermann Melnikov is admitted as a Rechtsanwalt in Germany and as a Solicitor in England & Wales. He has extensive experience in advising on complex M&A transactions and restructurings, as well as in conducting litigation and arbitration proceedings – both nationally and internationally.
For several years, he headed the Moscow offices of Clifford Chance and subsequently White & Case, which during that time grew to nearly 200 lawyers from Germany and abroad. The firm thus builds on decades of experience gained at leading international law firms
Hermann Melnikov is admitted as a Rechtsanwalt in Germany and as a Solicitor in England & Wales. He has extensive experience in advising on complex M&A transactions and restructurings, as well as in conducting litigation and arbitration proceedings – both nationally and internationally.
For several years, he headed the Moscow offices of Clifford Chance and subsequently White & Case, which during that time grew to nearly 200 lawyers from Germany and abroad. The firm thus builds on decades of experience gained at leading international law firms
Working Approach
Beyond the Ordinary
Uncompromising quality and a high level of commitment define the work. Analytical depth, precision, and close attention to detail form the basis for solutions that are legally robust and commercially sound. Success is measured by outcomes for clients, supported by experience, diligence, and a level of commitment that goes beyond the ordinary
Entrepreneurial
Mindset
Mindset
The advice is shaped by a thorough understanding of the commercial dynamics underlying legal issues. It is solution-driven, entrepreneurial in approach, and focused on implementation.
This perspective extends beyond traditional legal advice and is conceived as strategic support for clients.
This perspective extends beyond traditional legal advice and is conceived as strategic support for clients.
In critical situations, clarity and resilience matter.
HMV-Legal stands for resolute representation of interests – with determination, perseverance and strategic focus.
HMV-Legal stands for resolute representation of interests – with determination, perseverance and strategic focus.
Determination and Enforcement Strength
Local Network,
Global Reach
Global Reach
Beyond its core areas of specialisation, access is available to a well-established international network of experts, including in the fields of:
- Employment law
- Public law
- Intellectual property and data protection
- Finance and tax
- white-collar crime and regulatory matters.
Less Is More
HMV-Legal is an owner-managed firm with project-based teams composed of experienced lawyers. This structure ensures:
- maximum flexibility
- personal attention
- no unnecessary decision-making layers
- an almost complete absence of conflicts of interest and so-called “position conflicts”
- an efficient and competitive cost structure
My focus is on achieving solutions. Legal issues are consistently assessed in their commercial context, and legal advice is provided as an integral part of the overall transaction or dispute strategy. The aim is to support informed decision-making, ensure process integrity, and manage risk effectively.
Pragmatic Approach
HMV-Legal relies on experience gained from working at leading international law firms, including Clifford Chance and White & Case, as well as on supporting cross-border projects and disputes in Germany, England and Wales, and other jurisdictions.
International Experience
ADVISORY FOCUS
Private investors and family offices
Consultants and law firms
Managing directors, board members and supervisory board members
Medium-sized companies and private individuals
Core Competencies
Insolvency-Related Disputes
Defence against claw-back claims
Representation of directors, service providers, creditors and investors
Representation of directors, service providers, creditors and investors
Corporate Law
German private limited companies (GmbH), partnerships and stock corporations
M&A and restructuring agreements
Due diligence
Directors’ and officers’ liability
Post-M&A disputes
Shareholder and shareholder group conflicts
Actions challenging shareholders’ or board resolutions
M&A and restructuring agreements
Due diligence
Directors’ and officers’ liability
Post-M&A disputes
Shareholder and shareholder group conflicts
Actions challenging shareholders’ or board resolutions
Commercial and Business Disputes
Enforcement and defence of contractual claims
Damages litigation
Damages litigation
D&O Insurance Law
Defence of managing directors, board members and supervisory board members
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Formation and financing of a Europe - wide trade finance group
Asset swaps in the international energy sector
Advising a sustainability-focused start -up through several financing rounds
Acquisition of a specialised German automotive supplier by a Japanese investor
Asset sale out of insolvency to a Dutch purchaser
Advising German investors on exit transactions
Representation of a supervisory board chair in a post-merger dispute
D&O dispute of a former board member with an energy company
Asset swaps in the international energy sector
Advising a sustainability-focused start -up through several financing rounds
Acquisition of a specialised German automotive supplier by a Japanese investor
Asset sale out of insolvency to a Dutch purchaser
Advising German investors on exit transactions
Representation of a supervisory board chair in a post-merger dispute
D&O dispute of a former board member with an energy company
When important business decisions are pending, a transaction is being prepared, or a complex dispute arises, a personal conversation can be valuable.
The advice provided is focused, discreet, and guided by a lear understanding of what matters commercially. The emphasis lies on the consistent protection of interests and the development of sound, legally robust solutions, strategically conceived and pragmatically implemented.
An initial, confidential discussion
can be arranged at any time.
The advice provided is focused, discreet, and guided by a lear understanding of what matters commercially. The emphasis lies on the consistent protection of interests and the development of sound, legally robust solutions, strategically conceived and pragmatically implemented.
An initial, confidential discussion
can be arranged at any time.
CONTACT
Linienstr. 142
10115 Berlin
+49 171 227 8404
10115 Berlin
+49 171 227 8404
