Army duty with German Military Police (1988 to 1990). Employed as executive officer for international associations and professional sports franchises in Germany and the USA (1991 to 1997). Legal studies at University of Regensburg Law School (Germany) and University of Leicester (England), both German law exams in Bavaria, graduated with distinction. Admitted to the Munich Bar (2001). Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) in European Commerce Law, graduated with distinction. Employed for three years as associate lawyer with the international law firm BBLP Beiten Burkhardt Mittl & Wegener in Munich (practice group corporate law). Managing director of a German publishing house. General legal counsel to a number of German companies, including pharmaceutical and biotech firms. Lecturer in international commercial law, sports & event law and cross-border probate matters.

Co-founder of Graf & Partners LLP in 2003 and the firm’s managing partner ever since.