Franziska Katterbach joins Fieldfisher as partner

European law firm Fieldfisher has further strengthened its Life Sciences sector group with the appointment of Franziska Katterbach, a prominent expert in medical cannabis regulation, as a partner. Katterbach, who joined the firm’s Frankfurt office on 1 September 2026 from Oppenhoff, brings valuable insights to Fieldfisher's clients in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices and diagnostics sectors. Alongside her, associate Dr Nadine Müller joined the firm.

Katterbach’s extensive experience encompasses all product and service stages, from initial concept through research and development to commercialisation and eventual exit. Her reputation in the area of medical cannabis gives her a unique edge as this sector rapidly evolves. She offers strategic guidance on regulatory requirements, market access, distribution, and pharmacy operations, as well as developing sustainable business models.

Katterbach commented on her new role saying “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.” She highlighted the potential these changes create, stating that they present “entirely new business models, market structures and regulatory challenges that offer enormous potential.”

Her previous roles in two international pharmaceutical companies provided her with insights into strategic direction, market development, and daily operations, enriching her advisory capabilities with a comprehensive understanding of clients' operational and strategic challenges. In the field of medical cannabis, she will oversee M&A transactions, authorisation proceedings, and compliance matters while collaborating with regulatory specialist Robert Jappie based in the London office.

Alongside her expertise in medical cannabis, Katterbach also focuses on telemedicine models, digital health platforms, and the increasing platformisation of healthcare, ensuring innovative offerings are legally compliant and commercially viable. This aligns with Fieldfisher's Tech & Data practice, supporting cross-sector advice.

Fieldfisher's international Life Sciences sector group, co-led by Dr Cord Willhöft and Olivier Lantres, comprises over 80 lawyers skilled in various legal domains including corporate transactions, data privacy, and regulatory issues. With Katterbach's addition, the firm is poised to expand its advisory services in the German market. Notably, her expertise complements that of Cord, who advises on market entry strategies from the Silicon Valley office, and Elisabeth Noltenius, who focuses on digital health in Berlin.

Dr Philipp Plog, Managing Partner at Fieldfisher Germany, expressed confidence in Katterbach’s impact stating, “With her on board, we are gaining a strong new profile to further develop the practice in Germany and internationally.” Dr Cord Willhöft further noted, “Her proven expertise in the field of medical cannabis and digital care models strengthens two areas that are becoming increasingly important for our clients.”

In addition to her appointment, employment law expert Dr Sebastian Buder will also be joining Fieldfisher's Berlin office on the same date, further enhancing the firm’s legal expertise in the region.