International Law

  Flags of Europe

I worked as business executive in Germany and served as foreign affairs consultant and liaison for businesses here in Birmingham. I opened my law practice to assist American law firms and companies to communicate effectively with their German counterparts. Also, I am a faculty member of the Birmingham School of Law teaching International Law.

Business Relations

International business relations involves much more than translating a document. One has to understand the culture of both sides to make sense of any information and to be able to make decisions in the best interest of a common goal. It is difficult enough to communicate clearly within one's own culture, speaking the same language, as evidenced by the large number of lawsuits that are filed because one party feels wronged by the other. It is even more important when it comes to relations with foreign companies. This is where my expertise and knowledge can help businesses or law firms dealing with their partners in German-speaking countries.

International Law in many cases lacks enforcement which is available in municipal laws. Therefore, a compromise is often the better solution where both parties come out a winner.

The most important element in any international business dealings is the clear, unambiguous writing of contracts, carefully covering all possibilities so one has not to rely on international treaties for sorting out differences. Jurisdiction should be covered in every contract to avoid lengthy legal procedures over the issue, even before the case can be presented on the merits.

Treaties and Courts

International law consists of treaties between two or more nations. Some treaties are designed to assist businesses in resolving disputes, such as the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, UNCITRAL, and the Vienna Sales Convention which has generated rules as to the revocation and acceptance of offers and the passing of risk, ratified by 60 states as of January 1, 2001, including most states of Western European and the United States.

There are other treaties that have an impact on international trade, such as the FCN (friendship, commerce, and navigation) treaty; the GATT (General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs) which has become part of the WTO (World Trade Organization); and a host of bilateral agreements.

The question whether an international dispute should be handled by the courts or through arbitration must be evaluated very carefully. If a dispute is handled through the court system, the question arises whether there are any bilateral or multilateral treaties, conventions, executive orders, precedent law suits, international legal writings, jus cogens, or any other international documents supporting the claim?

Am I in compliance with the Hague Convention? What are the rules to establish valid service in the country where the other party is situated?

There is an array of international courts, the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the European Court of Justice, and the European Court of Human Rights. The best-known international commercial arbitral institute is situated in Paris and operated by the International Chamber of Commerce.

 

Services Offered

  View of Munich

I have been involved with international business all my life. As media director for an American advertising agency in Munich, Germany, I had an opportunity to work with pharmaceutical companies, car manufacturers, steel companies, banks, breweries, textile industries, and many more. Since moving to Birmingham in 1984, my experience is mostly with the local steel industry and law firms.

International Clients

Finding the right law firm is one of the most important decisions you have to make. An attorney who knows your language and can relate to your expectations and customs may give you that small edge that makes the difference between a rough road ahead or smooth sailing.

We can represent you in contract disputes, we can act as your advisor in legal matters between you and your chosen law firm.

Law Firms

We can help with depositions, investigate at any German, Austrian, or Swiss (German-speaking) location and take depositions in German or English.

We can contract with you in any way you wish, either on an hourly basis for specific tasks or as a contract-attorney for the whole case.