Legal Services

The Legal Department of the GACC New York advises companies in various aspects of bilateral business development in the United States and Germany.

Services

General Legal Inquiries

The Legal Department of the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York answers requests concerning general legal inquiries from German and U.S. companies about legal matters of German American trade. 

 

Fields of Law
When doing bilateral business, it is essential to have knowledge of the laws and regulations of the other country. Within the scope of our general legal inquiries services we answer your questions related to

  • Import/Export
  • Corporate Law
  • Taxes
  • Product Liability
  • Customs
  • Visa
  • Labor law

Please note 
The German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York is a not-for-profit corporation incorporated under New York State Law. In relation to our general legal inquiries service we provide customers with information about German American trade issues. We do not provide concrete legal advice, but only general advice without any liability. In some cases it is necessary to contact a U.S. attorney at law. We assist in providing contact information about our member law firms.

Support with "W8BEN-E"

The Legal Department of the German American Chamber of Commerce in New York (GACC – New York) supports German companies with filling out Form “W8BEN-E” of the U.S. tax authority IRS.

Our support with"W8BEN-E"

It is increasingly expected of German companies to fill out the U.S. tax authority’s (IRS) Form “W8BEN-E.” If German companies fail to do so, they  take the risk of their business partner retaining a 30% withholding task or the termination of the business partnership.

We are supporting numerous  German companies with filling out W8BEN-E correctly on a daily basis.

Understandingly, filling out W8BEN-E correctly can prove very challenging for many companies as the form is complex and rather convoluted.

We make sure that you receive a correctly filled out W8BEN-E in a fast and efficient manner. Naturally, we also support individuals who need to fill out an W8BEN-E and who need to request and ITIN with the U.S. tax authority.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Legal Department of the GACC New York  in case you need any support with filling out theW8BEN-E.

Incorporation Services

The Legal Department of the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York assists German companies with incorporating branches and subsidiaries in the United States by providing professional incorporation services.

Our Incorporation Services at a Glance

As incorporating a company in the U.S. encompasses a multitude of legal and business questions, it poses a challenge even to experienced entrepreneurs. Yet, expanding into new markets abroad creates exciting opportunities. Experience shows that companies selling goods and services through branches and subsidiaries in the U.S. are more successful in establishing a market presence in the highly competitive U.S. market than those simply exporting goods and services via independent importers or agents/representatives. American consumers and business partners associate a U.S.-based company with quality and reliability of both the goods and services as well as business experience. By registering a branch or subsidiary in the U.S., German companies can build trust in their goods and services and enhance their brand image. Thorough preparation and careful consideration are mandatory for a successful incorporation. Failures are usually not grounded in the business idea itself, but in insufficient information and preparation. To avoid those pitfalls the German American Chamber of Commerce in New York provides a professional and comprehensive incorporation service. We can assist you in choosing the appropriate company type and with the registration process with the U.S. authorities. In addition, we can advise you on all visa-related, employment or other legal issues connected with the incorporation.

more information

Collection Service

The Legal Department of the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. supports both American and German companies in collecting outstanding payments by providing a collection service for U.S. related matters.


We successfully help German companies collect outstanding payments in the U.S., as well as assist U.S. companies with claims in Germany.

Please note that the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (GACC) in New York is a not-for-profit corporation incorporated under New York State Law. It provides customers with information about German American trade issues. We do not provide concrete legal advice, but only general advice without any liability.

The efforts in relation to our collection service are aimed solely towards a non-legal settlement of the case.

For a charge which amount depends on the amount of the claim the Legal Department sends out reminders, negotiates with the debtor or his attorney and assists the creditor, if necessary, through a bankruptcy petition. Should a legal assertion of the claim be necessary, the Legal Department supports the client with finding a German-speaking U.S. attorney who is specialized in the relevant area of law and licensed at the relevant court. In most cases with regard to our collection service, however, the presence and title of the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. New York is sufficient to have the debtor settle the claim.

Collection Services

  • Correspondence with the creditor
  • Correspondence with the debtor
  • Negotiations with the debtor: agreements on installment plans and settlements
  • Assistance to the creditor in the event of chapter 7 or chapter 11 bankruptcy procedures (filing of proof of claims, requests at the bankruptcy court for updates on the current development of the case)  

Business Mediation

The Legal Department of the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York supports German and American companies in out-of-court settlements.

Mediation – An Alternative to Litigation
Business often involves conflict, but also allows different possibilities of conflict resolution. Besides legal proceedings held in a state court, business mediation is a good way to efficiently settle disputes between business partners, clients or among employees. It is also cost-effective and can uphold the positive company image. Mediation proceedings can be conducted at any stage of a conflict, even if court proceedings are already pending. During mediation, with the support of a neutral third party (the mediator), conflicting parties voluntarily attempt to find an amicable resolution to a conflict. Mediation allows both parties to resolve a conflict quickly and to get back to business. 

Our Mediation Services
The Head of the Legal Department of the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York, admitted as attorney at law in Germany and New York State, can support you as a mediator in your efforts to reach an out-of-court settlement. 

Your Advantages at a Glance

  • Time- & cost-saving — Compared to lengthy and costly court proceedings in the U.S., mediation service is a time- and cost-saving alternative. Aside from a basic fee that is determined by the amount in dispute, mediator’s remuneration is only incurred in the event of a successful outcome of the mediation proceedings.
  • Future-oriented & image-saving — Business relations are kept alive while damage to the companies’ reputations is avoided. 
  • Self-determined & confidential — You determine the beginning and the conclusion of the mediation proceedings, as well as content and outcome. Confidentiality is guaranteed at all times.
  • Knowledge & experience — You benefit from our knowledge and the many years of experience in the U.S. and German business and negotiations culture, eliminating uncertainties and misunderstandings which are often the cause of conflicts.

U.S. FDA Agent Service

The German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York acts as U.S. Agent for German companies towards the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

General Information about the FDA and the FDA Agent Service USA
The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (Bioterrorism Act/BTA) requires all domestic and foreign food facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States to register with the FDA. This requirement also applies to companies that export medical devices, cosmetics and drugs to the U.S.

For purposes of the registration, a foreign facility must designate a U.S. Agent who has a permanent physical presence in the United States. Therefore the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York provides a U.S. FDA Agent Service for German companies. Please visit the German version of this website for further information concerning the FDA Agent Service USA.

Attendance at Business Meetings

The Legal Department of the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York accompanies you to business meetings. 

Our Services
Meeting your German business partners and clients in person is the perfect starting point for a trusting and successful cooperation. To guarantee a smooth understanding between meeting partners, duly reflecting the interests of both sides, our bilingual employees of the Legal Department will accompany you to your appointments with e.g.:

  • business partners
  • clients
  • public authorities
  • banks
  • attorneys at law
  • tax accountants
  • brokers

Webinar

AHK New York Webinarreihe – das virtuelle Seminar – Start der Webinarreihe mit dem Vortrag Doing Business – Dos and Don’ts

Ohne rechtliche Kenntnisse und solche über die kulturellen Unterschiede zwischen Deutschland und den USA ist der erfolgreiche Einstieg von Unternehmen in den US-Markt nahezu undenkbar. Ziel unserer Webinar-Reihe „Geschäftspraxis USA“ ist es, am US-Markt interessierten deutschen Unternehmen erste Informationen zu geben, wie diese erfolgreich in den US-Markt eintreten können und wie die Deutsch-Amerikanische Handelskammer dabei Unterstützung leisten kann.

In unserem ersten dreißigminütigen Webinar zum Thema „Doing Business – Dos and Don’ts“ mit Rechtsanwältin und Attorney at Law Susanne Gellert, LL.M., Leiterin des Legal Department & Business Development Consulting und Christopher Gallagher, Senior Manager Career Services der AHK New York erfahren Sie, worauf Unternehmen bei geschäftlichen Schritten in den USA im Wesentlichen achten sollten.

Es folgen weitere Webinare zu den Themen:

  • Strategy Lesson: Legal – Rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen USA
  • Firmengründung USA
  • Produkthaftung USA
  • HR: Visa-, Arbeitsrecht & Recruitment USA

Dabei können Sie sich bequem und zeitlich unabhängig an Ihrem Laptop oder Computer über Ihren Webbrowser sowie mittels Telefon zuschalten. Sie hören und sehen unsere Präsentation. Rückfragen können Sie per Mikrofon oder über das Chatsystem stellen und bei Bedarf ein persönliches Beratungsgespräch vereinbaren.

Dauer: ca. 30 Minuten mit anschließender Q&A Session

Termine: Falls Sie einen Termin verpassen, ist das kein Problem. Alle Termine werden als Aufzeichnung zur Verfügung gestellt.

Kosten: 80 Euro

Bei Interesse und für die Zusendung konkreter Termine und zusätzlicher Informationen über unsere Webinarreihe klicken Sie bitte hier.

Company Certificates

Credit Checks

Credit Reports
Credit checks GACC New York offers credit checks which allow you to check the solvency and creditworthiness of your potential business partners and to adapt the conditions of the contract accordingly.

Determination of address and location in the USA

GACC New York supports you with determining the address and location of individuals living in the USA.

General
There is no civil register or reporting obligation in the U.S. through which the temporary or permanent location of individuals can be determined. Finding addresses and places of residence of individuals is usually very challenging.

Still, determining the address and residence is no impossible task. The Legal Department of the GACC New York cooperates with a professional investigator and supports you in localizing individuals and finding addresses.

Company Certificates

The Legal Department of the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York assists you with obtaining Company Certificates in the United States.

Company Certificates

Unlike the comprehensive company registration required in Germany (Handelsregister), there is, in principle, no system of company registration in the United States.

The individual states, however, issue several certificates regarding incorporated companies, including the Articles of Incorporation and the Certificate of Good Standing, thereby allowing potential business partners to verify company details.

The Certificate of Good Standing can be used as proof that a company has been incorporated at a certain date according to the provisions of a certain state, that it has been registered with the proper authorities and that it has regularly paid its due franchise tax.

International Standards, Laws & Regulations

Information & advice on international technical regulations

The German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York in cooperation with the Beuth Verlag, a subsidiary of the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), provides information on national, European and international standards, norms as well as technical regulations and advises companies in selecting appropriate technical standards.

This consulting service provides a list of relevant legal documents to German companies wishing to conduct business in the U.S. as well as American companies planning to enter the German market. We also provide relevant information to established companies seeking a competitive advantage through a better understanding of the latest developments in technical regulations and standards of production.

Career

Juristischer Vorbereitungsdienst / Referendariat

Für deutsche Rechtsreferendare besteht die Möglichkeit, einen Teil ihres juristischen Vorbereitungsdienstes in der Rechtsabteilung der Deutsch-Amerikanischen Handelskammer in New York zu absolvieren.

Die Justizausbildungs- und Prüfungsordnungen (JAPO) der Bundesländer legen fest, ob Sie Ihre Wahl-, Wahlpflicht-, Anwalts- oder Verwaltungsstation bei einer deutschen Auslandshandelskammer absolvieren können. In Zweifelsfällen sollten sich interessierte Bewerber vorab direkt an die für die Referendarausbildung des jeweiligen Bundeslandes zuständigen Ausbildungsstellen (OLG) wenden. Die Referendare sind für die Anerkennung ihrer Station selbst verantwortlich.

Aufgabenprofil
Im Rahmen der Arbeitsgebiete der AHK USA – New York erhalten die Rechtsreferendare insbesondere Einblick in das deutsche und US-amerikanische Wirtschaftsrecht und unterstützen die Rechtsabteilung bei der Beantwortung allgemeiner Rechtsanfragen u. a. aus folgenden Bereichen: allgemeines Zivilrecht, Handels- und Gesellschaftsrecht, Steuer-, Zoll-, Arbeits- und Aufenthaltsrecht sowie Produkthaftungsrecht.

Des Weiteren lernen die Referendare den Ablauf einer Firmengründung in den USA kennen und unterstützen den Inkasso-Service der AHK USA – New York.

Dauer der Ausbildung
Stationen bei der AHK USA – New York dauern in der Regel drei bis vier Monate. In einem kürzeren Zeitraum ist eine sinnvolle Einarbeitung und Mitarbeit im Rahmen einer Ausbildung kaum zu erreichen.

Voraussetzungen, einzureichende Unterlagen und Bewerbungsfrist
Die Arbeitssprache der AHK USA – New York ist überwiegend Deutsch. Aufgrund der häufigen externen Kommunikation mit US-amerikanischen Behörden, Unternehmen und Kunden sollten Bewerber über gute Englischkenntnisse verfügen. Interesse an der Bearbeitung von Rechtsfragen mit wirtschaftlichem Bezug wird ebenso vorausgesetzt wie die Fähigkeit, sich an die Lebens- und Arbeitsbedingungen im Ausland anzupassen.

Bewerber sollten den juristischen Vorbereitungsdienst bereits angetreten oder eine entsprechende Zusage erhalten haben. Die Bewerbung ist unter Angabe des genauen Ausbildungszeitraums per E-Mail mit den üblichen Unterlagen (dt. Anschreiben und tabellarischer Lebenslauf) an legalservices(at)gaccny.com zu richten.

Vergabe der Ausbildungsplätze
Die Ausbildungsplätze werden ca. zwölf Monate vor Beginn der Station vergeben. Später eingehende Bewerbungen können in der Regel keine Berücksichtigung finden. Erfolgreiche Bewerber werden telefonisch benachrichtigt. Im Falle einer Absage erhalten die Bewerber eine Benachrichtigung per E-Mail.

Bitte haben Sie Verständnis dafür, dass wir Anfragen zum Stand des Bewerbungsverfahrens nicht beantworten können.

Vergütung
Die Rechtsreferendare bleiben während der Ausbildungsstation in der Rechtsabteilung der AHK USA – New York Landesbedienstete und werden weiter durch die jeweilige Landeskasse besoldet. Die AHK USA – New York leistet keine zusätzliche Vergütung. Anträge auf Kaufkraftausgleich oder Erstattung von Reisekosten sind an die zuständigen Stellen des jeweiligen Bundeslandes zu richten.

Visum
Referendare benötigen für die Dauer ihrer Station in den USA ein J-1 Visum, bei dessen Beantragung die AHK USA – New York behilflich ist und für welches sie die Kosten übernimmt.

Unterkunft
Die AHK USA – New York kann weder Unterkünfte zur Verfügung stellen noch vermitteln. Gerne lassen wir Ihnen jedoch unsere umfangreiche Housing List mit Unterkunftsadressen und hilfreichen Links für die Zimmer- bzw. Wohnungssuche in New York zukommen.

Newsletter & Information Material

Business Law Magazine

The German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York, along with other German Chambers of Commerce, is pleased to support the new Business Law Magazine as a cooperation partner.

The Business Law Magazine is an online English-language magazine primarily aimed at company lawyers, managing directors, judges, prosecutors and attorneys in Germany’s leading trade partners. In articles written with real-world legal practice in mind, the magazine explores all important questions related to German corporate, commercial, tax, labor, compliance and IP/IT law. To accomplish this goal, it draws on the expertise of widely known external authors from law firms and company legal affairs departments who delve into the latest national and international issues.

The Business Law Magazine is a joint publication of the F.A.Z. Institut, a member of the F.A.Z. Publishing Group, and German Law Publishers. It is a member of the Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel product family. The aim and mission are to inform about current legal issues that play an important role in daily legal activities. Support is provided by cooperation partners – the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (GACC) in New York, and the German Chambers of Commerce (AHKs) in Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sao Paulo. Highly regarded national and international law firms are contributing as strategic partners. The magazine’s editorial staff works closely with an advisory board made up of experts in commercial law.

Links:
F.A.Z.-Institut
German Law Publishers

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel

The German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. New York is a cooperation partner of Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel – the online magazine covering topics of law, industry and taxes.

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel & DisputeResolution
The Deutsche AnwaltSpiegel is an online magazine aiming at business practice as well as at the markets for legal and tax services. Renowned authors from the legal field and various companies as well as practice-oriented scientists cover the entire range of company-relevant law.

Also a part of the product family of Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel is the online magazine DisputeResolution, aiming at business and organizational practice, at the market for legal services as well as various fields of justice. Renowned authors from the legal field, arbitral institutions and companies as well as practice-oriented scientists cover the entire range of judicial and extrajudicial disputes. Border-crossing issues and international problems are always taken into account.

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel and DisputeResolution are joint productions of the F.A.Z.-Institut, a company of the F.A.Z. publishing group, and the legal publishing group German Law Publishers. The goal and the pretense of these publications are to provide readers with practice-relevant and current topics that are important for their occupation and daily professional activities. In order to reach this goal, a number of renowned, strategic partners – all of them are noted national and international law firms and practices – were recruited to provide their comprehensive know-how in Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel.

Subscription 

The online magazine Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel is published on a bi-weekly basis and provides current and compact information regarding company-relevant topics in the areas of law, industry and taxes. Click here for a free subscription.

The online magazine DisputeResolution is published on a quarterly basis and is supplemented by short newsletters covering especially important and current events and topics. Click here for a free subscription.

Links:
F.A.Z.-Institut
German Law Publishers

Law – Made in Germany

Within the framework of the initiative Law – Made in Germany, the German-American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in New York instructs American companies and investors on the benefits of German law within global business.

The Benefits of the German Legal System 

  • stability and transparency
  • legal certainty through codification
  • flexibility through contractual freedom
  • independent, fast and cost-effective litigation before German courts
  • predictable liability law
  • swift enforcement of rights 

Further Information & Contact
For further information, please consult the second edition of the brochure Law – Made in Germany: global, effective, cost-efficient, which can be downloaded in the download section of our website. Additional information is available on the homepage of the General Federal Ministry of Justice.

We would be happy to get to know you through a non-committal conversation. 

The German Chambers of Commerce’s service brand DEinternational offers German companies consulting services and support with successfully establishing and expanding business activities abroad. The German Chambers of Commerce have a longstanding experience with international markets and support companies as a reliable partner when building business relationships. They act as bridges between markets and cultures; employees are always bilingual and are familiar with the risks and opportunities for your exporting business.