Berlin, 10 September 2018 – The German association for Professional Service Firms, DGPSF, awarded Frank Obermann, Managing Partner of BEITEN BURKHARDT, with the Management Taktstock (German for baton) at a celebratory gala at the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg last Friday. Frank Obermann has been awarded the prize for special achievements in Leadership and Management of our law firm by Professional Service Firms.

The laudatio emphasized Frank Obermann's stamina and drive. He has been demonstrating these qualities for more than 14 years as Managing Partner. The laudator, Elisabeth Lepique, stated that "with his long-standing experience in managing BEITEN BUKHARDT Frank Obermann succeeded in positioning the firm extraordinarly under strategic aspects and intelligently expanded the firm's business. The new structures established by Frank Obermann ensured that colleagues are focusing more intensely on their core competences and are living the interdisciplinary advisory and consulting approach. By its appearance in teams BEITEN BURKHARDT was able to win new lucratuve clients in the public sector most recently. That success can only be achieved through teamwork Frank Obermann knows from his time as player in the German National Hockey League. As in every crew and every team, there are different characters and types who have to be managed and motivated. With his strength as moderator Frank Obermann succeeds in integrating and accommodating these different team members. Whether on the hockey field or in the law firm: To integrate newly elected Partners or newcomers into an existing team is a real challenge for the management. Moreover, junior talents have to be found and promoted at all levels for the team. Frank Obermann is also following this principle: Younger staff members get a perspective to assume and take on more responsibility and to develop a solid lawyer's personality. In 2016 the BEITEN BURKHARDT Academy was newly set up for this purpose. Last year 20 Partners (including 4 Equity Partners) were nominated – a strong sign of the promotion of talents. On the way to the top it sometimes requires courage to leave familiar paths and to try new ways. In 2016 the Partners Meeting resolved to further open the established Equity Partner model for colleagues who want to work part-time."

Frank Obermann has been working with BEITEN BURKHARDT since 1991 and has managed the firm as Managing Partner since 2004. Located at the Berlin office he also provides advice to public authorities and private businesses on German and Europe-wide tender procedures and privatisation processes, and public-sector clients on civil and company law matters.

Each prize winner of the year before participates in selecting the new Taktstock awardee. Elisabeth Lepique, Managing Partner of Luther and prize winner of 2017, has   together with the DGPSF advisory board   looked for an outstanding personality who has gained great credit and respect, nationally and internationally, for his or her professional activities. Frank Obermann is such a personality who has rendered outstanding services in his function as Managing Partner for services in Leadership and Management.

DGPF was founded by leading managers and counsels of German law firms, tax consultancy firms and auditing companies in 2009. The association's purpose is to initiate and support practical, researching and teaching activities in the management area of professional service firms.