Dr. Ann-Christin Richter
Ann-Christin Richter is Managing Partner at Hausfeld in Germany. She advises on all aspects of European and German competition law and represents clients in antitrust and intellectual property litigation.
Her practice focuses on competition law disputes, particularly claims for antitrust damages. She regularly represents well-known companies in their litigation and also acts for claimants as part of group or collective proceedings. Ann-Christin has also taken a leading role in precedent-setting preliminary injunctions in competition law, including matters involving NetDoktor, Immowelt, and account blocking disputes against Google and Meta. Additionally, she represents clients in abuse of dominance cases and violations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Ann-Christin studied in Hanover, Hamburg, and Durham, earning her doctorate in law from the Free University of Berlin with a thesis on antitrust law. She also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Competition Law. She regularly publishes in legal journals and lectures on antitrust law.
Ann-Christin Richter is recommended as a leading competition lawyer by Juve, Legal 500, Lexology Index, Chambers and Best Lawyers.
Fachanwältin für Gewerblichen Rechtsschutz (Specialist Lawyer for IP)
Dr. iur., Freie Universität Berlin
Bar Exam / 2. State Exam, Hamburg – Distinction
LL.M., Durham University – Distinction
1. State Exam, Hanover - Distinction
Attorney, Germany
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Challenges in Private Enforcement of the DMA through Preliminary Injunctions, Wirtschaft und Wettbewerb 2024, pp. 27-28
Strengthening Disclosure under Section 33g GWB – Commentary on the Federal Court of Justice Decision of April 4, 2023, KZR 20/21, Sales Cooperation in Regional Passenger Rail Transport, Wirtschaft und Wettbewerb 2023, p. 547
The Rediscovery of Exploitation Abuse in European Law – An Analysis of Abusive Pricing Practices Using the Example of the Pharmaceutical Sector and Digital Platforms, Neue Zeitschrift für Kartellrecht 2023, pp. 521-531 (Co-author)
Private Enforcement of the DMA – A Perspective Using Amazon as an Example, Neue Zeitschrift für Kartellrecht 2023, pp. 208-213 (Co-author)
ECJ Strengthens Rights of Cartel Victims: Limitation Period Triggered Only upon Publication of the Fine Decision, Neue Zeitschrift für Kartellrecht 2023, pp. 521-531 (Co-author)
The ECJ's Skanska Judgment – Introduction of Group Liability in Cartel Damages Law, BetriebsBerater 2019, pp. 1154-1157
A Turning Point in Cartel Damages Law? – Prima Facie Evidence Following the Federal Court of Justice's Judgment in the Rail Cartel Case, Neue Zeitschrift für Kartellrecht 2019, pp. 90-92
Quantity- and Revenue-Based Rebates by Dominant Companies within the Limits of Article 102 TFEU, 2013
JUVE
JUVE has ranked Hausfeld in Germany again for both Competition Law and Dispute Resolution in its prestigious 2023 market analysis. Following nominations in 2017 and 2021, JUVE recognized Hausfeld as "Antitrust Law Law Firm of the Year" in 2022. In 2019, Hausfeld was also named "Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year ".
Juve states "Ann-Christin Richter took a leading role and used the new tipping paragraph to undermine the discount conditions of a competitor for Immowelt." (Antitrust, 2021). Clients note Dr. Ann-Christin Richter "has established herself well" (Antitrust, 2022). Competitors describe her as “sound in both antitrust and litigation law issues; very good advice on strategic plans" (Antitrust, 2022) and “highly capable plaintiff's representative in actions for damages." (Antitrust, 2023).
In the Juve print edition 03/2024, Dr. Ann-Christin Richter is not only recognized as one of the leading antitrust lawyers, but also as one of the leading minds in antitrust damages. Clients praise her "strategically strong advice and realistic risk assessments". Competitors credit her with "making life damn difficult for you as an opponent in litigation".
Legal 500 Germany
In 2022: "Very dedicated and available, even at short notice for complex issues", Very good antitrust lawyer and very experienced in litigation/damages."
In 2020: Legal 500 acknowledges Ann-Christin Richter's "outstanding expertise, especially in antitrust damages". She "... always succeeds in perfectly tailoring the advisory services to the needs of the client and the specific mandate".
Chambers
Spotlight : Competition/European Law: Litigation - Chambers Global 2024
"Realistic risk assessments, excellent advice on strategic approaches"
"Approachable manner, dynamic and ambitious"
"Highly capable plaintiff's representative in actions for damages"
"Very good antitrust lawyer and very experienced in litigation/damages"
"Very dedicated and available, even at short notice for complex issues."
“Has established herself well” and “sound in both antitrust and litigation law issues; very good advice on strategic plans"
"Ann-Christin Richter took a leading role and used the new tipping paragraph to undermine the discount conditions of a competitor for Immowelt."
"Ann-Christin has outstanding expertise, especially in antitrust damages."
"She always succeeds in perfectly tailoring the advisory services to the needs of the client and the specific mandate."