English / German
Consumer Goods & Services/Retail - Digital, Media & Technology - Industrials
Dr Thomas Barthel is Partner and Head of ADVANT Beiten's Berlin office and member of the Labour & Employment Law practice group. He advises and represents national and international companies from various industries on all aspects of individual and collective labour law as well as social security law. He focuses on restructurings and collective bargaining negotiations. He also renders advice on labour-law aspects of corporate transactions and assists with proceedings before conciliation boards. Furthermore, Dr Barthel frequently assists clients with all aspects of compliance.
Dr Thomas Barthel studied law at the Freie University of Berlin (Second State Examination 2000, Dr. iur. 2001). In 2005, he was admitted as licensed specialist for labour law. Thomas Barthel joined ADVANT Beiten in 2010 and became Partner in 2011. Before that he worked with CMS Hasche Sigle and Hogan & Hartson in Berlin and London.
Complementing his activities for ADVANT Beiten, Thomas Barthel is co-author of SPA - Schnellinformation für Personalmanagement und Arbeitsrecht ("SPA - Quick information for personnel management and labour law"), published by C.H.Beck Verlag.
"experienced dogmatist, strong negotiator in court", "incredibly skilled in our collective bargaining and company regulations, always available", "apart from his professional competence, he is extremely reliable and engaging", clients; "very fast, legally precise and pragmatic", competitor
"Thomas Barthel's team is exceptionally client- or business-oriented, professional, pragmatic and solution-oriented in the client's interest."
"highly competent advice and representation in all labour law matters, always transparent and trustworthy", Client
"Dr. Barthel is an outstanding dogmatist, goes into the underbrush of social law regulations, but also into bright constitutional and European law heights; class forensic scientist.",
"When many lawyers give an answer 'no' without an alternative solution, Dr Barthel always seeks a solution and follows through. We are very grateful for that. Dr Barthel has extensive expertise and helped us a lot with the transfer of business. Dr Barthel always makes himself available, even when he is on holiday. We are very satisfied with the cooperation.", Clients
"excellent lawyer, pragmatic and solution-oriented", "accomplished litigator" - Clients
Thomas Barthel is considered to have "strong communication skills" and is valued for his "confident manner in negotiations".
"legally and tactically excellent" – Competitor
Books:
Not all Travel Time is Working Time
Dr Thomas Barthel
in: Modernes Geschäftsreisemanagement 2013, Alabasta Verlag 2000, Ed.: Gerd Otto-Rieke
Essays/Articles:
Subsequent granting of remuneration in the event of invalid termination – not automatic
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Roman Parafianowicz
Labour Law Magazine - Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel 01/2023, p. 13 et seq.
Leave days: BAG confirms calculation in periods and thus reduction in case of short-time work
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Roman Parafianowicz
FAZ-Personaljournal, 01/2022, p. 8 et seq.
The clock is ticking - The two week period of Section 626 II German Civil Code when giving extraordinary termination without notice and its challenges
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Roman Parafianowicz
Labor Law Magazine - Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel 01/2021, p. 10 et seq.
Regulation on Limited Consideration of Travel Times in Company Agreements
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Gerald Peter Müller-Machwirth
Der Betrieb, 31/2020, p. 1632
Time of receipt of a notice - it becomes more complicated
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Gerald Peter Müller-Machwirth
Der Betrieb, 12/2019, p. 706
Off to Holidays
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Roman Parafianowicz
AuA, 10/2019, p. 576 et seq.
Changing the rules
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Roman Parafianowicz
Labor Law Magazine, 6/2019
When must travel time be paid? – A new framework
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Roman Parafianowicz
Schnellinformation für Personalmanagement und Arbeitsrecht, 10/2019, p. 78 et seq.
Involvement of Representative Body of Severely Disabled Employees in Case of Dismissal
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Gerald Müller-Machwirth
Der Betrieb, 07/2019, p. 373
Incapacity for work and vacation
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Roman Parafianowicz
AuA, 3/2018, p. 154 et seq.
Off to the Denied Holidays?
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Roman Parafianowicz
AuA, 2/2018, p. 86 et seq.
Are Activities Performed as Works Council Working Time in Terms of the German Working Hours Act (ArbZG)?
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Roman Parafianowicz
Schnellbrief für Personalwirtschaft und Arbeitsrecht, 23/2017, p. 177 et seq.
Quotations in "What is Past, What Comes Next?" - Round Table on Labour Law
Dr Thomas Barthel
AuA, 10/2017, p. 568 et seq.
Caution with Dismissals under Collective Power of Representation
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Gerald Peter Müller
Der Betrieb, 37/2017, p. 217
Limits for the Shaping of Time Limitations – Abuse Alert System
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr Gerald Peter Müller
Der Betrieb 23/2017, p. 1329 et seq.
Is travel time always working time?
Dr Thomas Barthel and Roman Parafianowicz
Labor Law Magazine, 1/2016, p. 22 et seq.
Less Strict Requirements for the Limited Continuation of a Pensioner's Employment Relationship? (On BAG (German Federal Labour Court), 11 February 2015 - 7 AZR 17/13, SPA 6/2015, p. 48)
Dr Thomas Barthel and Roman Parafianowicz
Schnellbrief für Personalwirtschaft und Arbeitsrecht, 13/2015, p. 97 et seq.
Minimum Wage Creates Dangerous Insecurity
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
humanresourcesmanager.de, 02 February 2015
From Settlement Agreement to (Invalid) Fixed-Term Employment Agreement – Termination or Continuation?
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
AuA, 6/2014, p. 338 et seq.
When Termination Turns into an Inadmissible Limitation of Term
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
humanresourcesmanager.de, 27 February 2014
Entitlement to Vacation When Changing to Part-Time Employment
Dr Thomas Barthel and Roman Parafianowicz
LOHN+GEHALT, December 2013, p. 66
Average is Good
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
AuA, 10/2013, p. 617
Recruiting and Retaining Employees
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
AuA, 9/2013, p. 504
And Again Another Trade Union Less
Dr Thomas Barthel and Roman Parafianowicz
Schnellbrief für Personalwirtschaft und Arbeitsrecht, 15/2013, p. 113
Hiring Freeze upon Request to Extend Working Time pursuant to Section 9 of the German Part-Time and Limited-Term Employment Act
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
Schnellbrief für Personalwirtschaft und Arbeitsrecht, 11/2013, p. 81
Fixed-term or Open-ended Employment Contract - A Balance Act
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
Modejobs110.de, 2013
Words of Farewell
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
personalszene 17/2013, p. 4
The Staff Council's Refusal to Give its Consent to Hiring - A Competitive Disadvantage for Public Employers?
Dr Thomas Barthel and Roman Parafianowicz
Zeitschrift für Tarifrecht, 2/2013, p. 64
The End of the Surrogate Theory
Dr Thomas Barthel and Christian Oertel (comment on the decision of the Federal Labour Court of 19 June 2012 - 9 AZR 652/10)
AuA, 1/2013, p. 53 et seq.
Employing Severely Disabled Persons
Dr Thomas Barthel and Paul Gellner
AuA, 1/2013, p. 30 et seq.
Dismissal on the Ground of Unconstitutional Views?
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
Schnellbrief für Personalwirtschaft und Arbeitsrecht, 1/2013, p. 1
Beiten Burkhardt Advises on Labour Law: Probationary Period─What Does It Really Mean?
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
Modejobs110.de, 2012
Beiten Burkhardt Advises on Labour Law: Costs of Job Interviews
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
Modejobs110.de, 2012
No Ban on Long-Term Employment of Temporary Agency Workers
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
personalszene 33/2012, p. 3
Unsuccessful Job Applicants Have No Right to Disclosure of Information!
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
Schnellbrief für Personalwirtschaft und Arbeitsrecht, 11/2012, p. 1 et seq.
Is Travel Time Always Working Time?
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
personalszene 25/2012, p. 5
Will Holiday Entitlements of Long-Term Sick Employees Expire after 15 Months?
Dr Thomas Barthel and Christian Oertel (Comment on the decision of the Berlin Regional Labour Court Decision of 21 December 2011– 10 Sa 19/11)
AuA 2012, p. 375 et seq.
Do Unsuccessful Job Applicants have a Right to Disclosure of Information?
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
Schnellbrief für Personalwirtschaft und Arbeitsrecht, 6/2012, p. 1 et seq.
A "Custom-Built" Workforce
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
AuA, 1/2012, p. 12 et seq.
Revocation of Appointment as Data Protection Officer
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr. Gerald Peter Müller (comment on Federal Labour Court decision of 23 March 2011– 10 AZR 562/09)
AuA 2011, p. 729 et seq.
"Heinisch vs Germany" – Much Ado about Nothing?
Dr Thomas Barthel and Khayreddin Karboul
Schnellbrief für Personalwirtschaft und Arbeitsrecht, 17/2011, p. 1 et seq.
"Exhaustion" of the Right of Termination
Dr Thomas Barthel and Roman Parafianowicz
AuA, 7/2011, p. 403 et seq.
Paid or Unpaid Time? Not all Travel Time is Working Time
Dr Thomas Barthel and Dr. Gerald Peter Müller
AuA, 3/2011, p. 152 et seq.
Failure to Agree on Targets
Dr Thomas Barthel
AuA, 2/2011, p. 114 et seq.
Ineligibility Period - When Will it Really Apply?
Dr Thomas Barthel
AuA, 7/2010, p. 406 et seq.
Dismissal following Modification of Job Specifications
Dr Thomas Barthel
Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht, 9/2009, p. 552 et seq.
Segregation and Separation of Pension Obligations - Contractual Trust Arrangements
Dr Thomas Barthel
Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht, 7/2009, p. 398 et seq.
The German Federal Labour Court Provides Clarity - Ethical Guidelines and Co-Determination
Dr Thomas Barthel
Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht, 2/2009, p. 78 et seq.
Dismissal Without Notice For Unauthorised Use of the Internet
Dr Thomas Barthel
azur100, JUVE, 2009, p. 219 et seq.
Double Written Form Requirement Clause - Implications of Its Use as a Standardised Term
Dr Thomas Barthel
Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht, 01/2009, p. 52 et seq.
Dismissal Without Notice on Grounds of Suspicion and Misconduct - Example: Unauthorised Use of the Internet
Dr Thomas Barthel
Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht, 3/2008, p. 150 et seq.
Changes in the Workplace - Is a Transfer Possible or a Dismissal Pending a Change of the Employment Contract Necessary?
Dr Thomas Barthel
Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht, 7/2007, p. 410 et seq.
Whistleblower Clauses – Labour Law and Data Protection Law Frameworks
Dr Thomas Barthel
Informationsdienst IT-Grundschutz, issue 9, November 2006
Staff Cost Reduction without Staff Cuts - Unilateral Amendment of Employment Contract Terms
Dr Thomas Barthel
Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht, 6/2006, p. 328 et seq.
Staff Cost Reduction without Staff Cuts - Dismissials for Operational Reasons Pending a Change of Employment Contracts
Dr Thomas Barthel
Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht, 5/2006, p. 269 et seq.
Ethical Guidelines in Labour Law and Data Protection in Whistleblower Clauses
Dr Thomas Barthel
Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht, 4/2006, p. 204 et seq.
Low Performers – What to do when Performance is Poor
Dr Thomas Barthel
Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht, 7/2005, p. 400 et. seq.
Honesty is the Best Policy – Forfeiture of Special Protection Against Dismissal in Case of Severe Disability
Dr Thomas Barthel
Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht, 8/2004, p. 20 et seq.
Cancellation Agreement and Consumer Protection
Dr Thomas Barthel
Betrieb und Wirschaft, 2003, p. 255 et. seq.
Lectures:
Online Seminar: "Operational integration management and basic features of dismissal due to illness" in October 2022 together with Dr Roman Parafianowicz with the magazine "Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht" (AuA);
Online Seminar: "Well positioned in the drafting of employment contracts" in June 2022 together with Dr Roman Parafianowicz in cooperation with the magazine "Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht" (AuA);
Online Seminar: "Use of third parties in companies - pseudo self-employment and risk avoidance" in November 2021 together with Dr Roman Parafianowicz in cooperation with the magazine "Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht" (AuA);
"Working Time Law" on 21 September 2021 in cooperation with the journal "Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht" (AuA);
"New regulations on holiday entitlement" on 26 May 2020 in cooperation with the magazine "Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht" (AuA) in Berlin;
"Off on Holiday - the Best Time of the Year and its Legal Challenges" with DEKRA in Dresden in November 2019 and in January 2020 in Munich;
"How to prepare a termination talk properly" together with DEKRA in Bremen in November 2019;
"How to prepare a termination talk properly" together with DEKRA in Darmstadt in September 2019;
Online Seminar: "Illness and Misconduct as Grounds for Termination" in January 2019, in cooperation with the magazine "Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht" (AuA) in Munich;
"How to prepare a termination talk properly" together with DEKRA in Munich in January 2019;
Online Seminar: "Well-Positioned to Draw up Employment Contracts" together with Dr Roman Parafianowicz in October 2017 in cooperation with the magazine "Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht";
Participation at Round-Table "Arbeitsrecht" of the magazine Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht (AuA) in September 2017 in Berlin;
Online Seminar: "Off to the denied vacation thanks to doctor's certificate. What are employers' options?" together with Dr Roman Parafianowicz in June 2017 in cooperation with the magazine "Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht";
Online Seminar: "Off to the denied vacation thanks to doctor's certificate - What are employers' options?" together with DEKRA in Dresden in November 2016, in Munich in January 2017, and in Darmstadt in September 2017;
Online Seminar: "The Drawing up of Employment Contracts" in November 2016 in cooperation with the magazine "Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht";
Online Seminar: "A 'Custom-Built' Workforce - An Unattainable Dream?" in June 2016 in cooperation with the magazine "Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht";
"How to prepare a termination talk properly - Strategy options" in cooperation with LEE HECHT HARRISON, in Berlin in June 2016;
"How to plan and implement reorganisations properly" in cooperation with LEE HECHT HARRISON, in Hamburg in June 2016;
Online Seminar: "How to Prepare a Termination Talk Properly" in April 2016 in cooperation with the magazine "Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht";
"How to Prepare a Termination Talk Properly - Strategy Options" in cooperation with LEE HECHT HARRISON, in Dusseldorf in March 2016;
"Well-Positioned to Draw up Employment Contracts 2016" in cooperation with DEKRA, in Munich in January 2016, in Neustadt in April 2016, in Augsburg in June 2016 and in Darmstadt in Oktober 2016;
"Well positioned for employment contracts 2016" in cooperation with DEKRA, in Hamburg and Chemnitz in November 2015;
"Volunteer programme - the "quiet" staff reduction" in cooperation with LEE HECHT HARRISON; in Hannover in September 2015;
"How to prepare a termination talk properly - Strategy options" in cooperation with LEE HECHT HARRISON, in Dusseldorf in August 2015 and in Berlin in Oktober 2015;
"Staff management and restructuring -- Minimum wage creates dangerous uncertainty: Current Developments and Strategies for Employers When Handling the German Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG)" " in cooperation with LEE HECHT HARRISON, in Berlin in April 2015 and in Leipzig in June 2015;
"From the Beginning to the End - Legally Compliant Acting From the Employment to the Dismissal Protection Lawsuit" with DEKRA in January 2015 in Munich, in February 2015 in Kiel, in March 2015 in Lübeck and in Oktober 2015 in Frankfurt am Main;
Regular training for senior executives on general labour and employment law issues;
"Temporary Employment versus Work or Service Agreement, with a Specific Focus on the Use of Interim Managers" in October 2014, in cooperation with LEE HECHT HARRISON;
"Conciliation Committee - Not a Cause for Concern - How to Solve Labour Law Conflicts Prudently - Legal Options and Mediation" in Frankfurt am Main in September 2014, in cooperation with DEKRA;
"Restructuring – From the Planning Stage to Actual Implementation" October 2013 in Berlin with LEE HECHT HARRISON;
Training for Management Executives on the Issue "Works Council Election 2014" in June and July 2013;
"Working Longer in Good Health - What Companies and Executives Should Keep in Mind Now" with DEKRA in September 2013 in Frankfurt am Main, in November 2013 in Dresden and in January 2014 in Munich;
Does Travel Time Mean Working Time? – Are We Permanently on Duty while Travelling?, Speech at ITB 2013 - Business Travel Strategy Day;
Staff Retention in Times of Skills Shortage, Lecture at a DEKRA seminar in September 2012;
A "Custom-Built" Workforce - An Unattainable Dream? Lecture at the annual meeting of the BetriebsBerater journal in September 2011;
Performance-related Pay Systems - Current Situation, Trends and Legal Framework, Lecture at a DEKRA seminar in September 2010;
Adjustment of Staff-Costs - Instruments to Reduce Staff Costs, Lecture at a DEKRA seminar in September 2009;
Reduction and Flexibilisation of Staff Costs - Options Available under Employment and Works Constitution Law, Lecture at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Personalführung e.V. in April 2009;
Economic Downturn - Crisis and Opportunity - Reduction of Staff Costs - Options Available under Employment and Works Constitution Law, Lecture for senior executives in March 2009;
Is a Transfer Possible or a Dismissial Pending a Change of the Employment Contract Necessary?, Lecture for senior executives in April 2007;
"Labour & Employment Law for Senior Executives" as part of the CPD programme at Brandenburg University of Technology.
