Life sciences and cannabis expert Franziska Katterbach joins Fieldfisher as a partner
European law firm Fieldfisher has appointed life sciences expert Franziska Katterbach, one of Germany’s leading advisers on regulatory matters relating to medical cannabis, as a partner in its Life Sciences sector group.
Franziska advises companies in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices and diagnostics sectors on regulatory, commercial and transaction-related matters. She joined the firm’s Frankfurt office on 1 September 2026 from Oppenhoff, together with associate Dr Nadine Müller.
Franziska advises clients throughout the entire life cycle of products and services, from the initial idea through research, development and technology transfer to successful commercialisation and exit. She is particularly renowned for her advice on medical cannabis, one of the most dynamic growth areas in the life sciences sector. In this area, she supports companies with regulatory requirements as well as market access, distribution, pharmacy structures, prescribing practices and the development of viable business models.
She brings experience from a market that is evolving rapidly, both legally and economically, and in which companies are often breaking new ground. Franziska understands the requirements of growing healthcare companies from both a legal consultancy perspective and a corporate one. As a senior executive at two international pharmaceutical companies, she was directly involved in strategic direction, the development of new markets and day-to-day operations. This business experience shapes her advisory work: she understands her clients’ challenges not only from a legal perspective, but also from strategic and operational standpoints and brings an international network to bear.
In the field of medical cannabis, Franziska advises clients on M&A transactions, authorisation and appeal proceedings, as well as compliance issues. She also regularly comments on developments relating to market access, digital healthcare and European law. As part of her medical cannabis practice, Franziska will work closely with Robert Jappie, a partner and cannabis regulatory specialist based in the firm’s London office.
In addition, she advises on telemedicine delivery models, digital healthcare platforms and the increasing platformisation in the life sciences sector, an area in which innovative healthcare offerings are established in a legally compliant manner, commercialised or strategically developed as part of M&A transactions. Her work at the intersection of regulation, technology and digital business models aligns closely with Fieldfisher’s Tech & Data practice, enabling seamless, cross-sector advice.
Franziska joins Fieldfisher’s international Life Sciences sector group, which is co-led by Dr Cord Willhöft and Olivier Lantres and brings together more than 80 lawyers working across commercial, corporate transactions, data & privacy, disputes, employment, finance, IP, regulatory, real estate and tax.
With Franziska on board, Fieldfisher is further expanding its advisory services in the German market. Her expertise complements the work of Cord, who advises medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies on entering the EU and German markets from Fieldfisher’s Silicon Valley office, and Elisabeth Noltenius, who advises on digital health from the firm’s Berlin office.
With this appointment, Fieldfisher is strengthening its capabilities at the intersection of legal, regulatory and commercial issues. Franziska adds further expertise in advising companies as they develop, commercialise and scale innovative products, new care models and forward-looking business approaches in regulated markets.
Franziska Katterbach commented:
“The life sciences market is currently undergoing a genuine transformation and medical cannabis, like the digitalisation of healthcare, is at the heart of this development. This is giving rise to entirely new business models, market structures and regulatory challenges that offer enormous potential. Fieldfisher brings exactly what is needed to actively help shape these markets: an outstanding international life sciences practice, a deep understanding of innovative and regulated markets, and the courage to break new ground. I am very much looking forward to working with the firm to harness this momentum for our clients and take our advice to the next level.”
Dr Philipp Plog, Managing Partner at Fieldfisher Germany:
“Life sciences is one of Fieldfisher’s core sectors, which is why we are continuing to expand our position in this area. Franziska Katterbach is equally familiar with highly regulated markets and the strategic challenges faced by growing companies. With her on board, we are gaining a strong new profile to further develop the practice in Germany and internationally.”
Dr Cord Willhöft, Partner and Sector Co-Head of Life Sciences & Healthcare:
“With Franziska Katterbach, we are gaining an outstanding addition to our life sciences practice. Her proven expertise in the field of medical cannabis and digital care models strengthens two areas that are becoming increasingly important for our clients and tie in perfectly with our existing advisory services. I am very much looking forward to working with her to further expand our regulatory advisory services.”
Alongside Franziska Katterbach, employment law expert Dr Sebastian Buder is also joining the firm as a partner at the Berlin office with effect from 1 September. A few weeks ago, Eric Romba (Digital Finance) and Dr Benny Wünschmann (Litigation) were also recruited as new partners, bringing their teams with them to the capital.
