Die Fremdbeteiligung an anwaltlichen Berufsausübungsgesellschaften

Can law firms accept third-party investment? Why is this prohibited for lawyers, while legal tech providers and debt collection agencies have long worked with investor capital? Against the backdrop of the major reform of the Federal Lawyers' Act and the European Court of Justice's ruling in the Halmer case, this thesis examines the ban on third-party investment in law firms. It analyzes the issue comparatively, evaluating both foreign models and the rules governing business-related and healthcare professions. Particular emphasis lies on how such an opening can be reconciled with lawyers' fundamental professional duties. The thesis concludes with a concrete proposal for a moderate, controlled model of opening up.