Work & Author Profile
As Of Counsel at ROSE & PARTNER and attorney and specialist in corporate law, I primarily advise startups, young companies, and their shareholders in Berlin and Hamburg. I provide support ranging from company formation through successful and tailored financing (including VSOP/ESOP) to the drafting or termination of existing employment or managing director contracts. Due to my in-depth knowledge of employment law, I also provide cross-disciplinary advice to managing directors, executives, and senior staff.
As an in-house Legal Counsel, I often assist startups during their formation or, on a project-by-project basis, with the proper legal structuring of their operations, the necessary contracts, and internal processes—for example, drafting employment contracts, providing guidance during terminations, drafting terms and conditions, preparing for upcoming litigation, or supporting a funding round. I also support them as an internal partner in selecting and engaging law firms and oversee the collaboration.
Since joining ROSE & PARTNER, I have been involved not only in legal consulting and case handling but also in business development for our firm.
As Director of Marketing at ADrosma, I oversee the online marketing and public image of ROSE & PARTNER.
Fiona Schönbohm is a sought-after interviewee in her fields of expertise. She has already published an article in FAZ Einspruch, the legal magazine of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, and has been interviewed by SPIEGEL ONLINE, the Handelsblatt, and Wirtschaftswoche. She has also appeared as a guest on several podcasts, including the (R)ECHT INTERESSANT podcast from the German Federal Bar Association.
Commitment
I am committed to combating right-wing extremism and am a member of a group that develops strategies—through draft documents and expert reviews—to enable companies, executives, and employers to actively take a stand against right-wing extremism within their organizations and among their business partners, and to defend their positions.
During my legal training, I founded the Refugee Law Clinic Hamburg, which offers free legal counseling to those in need, particularly in the areas of asylum and refugee law. Since then, as a member of ENCLE (European Network for Clinical Legal Education), I have been advocating across Europe for a change in the structure of legal education, toward more and earlier practical experience for students.
I have completed training as a mediator and successfully finished several years of university-level continuing education in the field of peace research and peace education.
Top articles of Fiona Schönbohm in english:
![[Translate to English:] Gründer-Vesting für Startups](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/3/csm_startup1_a2976ced81.webp "[Translate to English:] Gründer Vesting Startups")
Personal
I feel at home in Hamburg and Berlin, both professionally and personally, so I’m constantly commuting back and forth between the two cities—and happily traveling all over the world as well. My passion for travel regularly takes me on extended trips to South America, Africa, or Asia, or across Europe in search of the next ray of sunshine.
References
- “Competent, reliable, and empathetic” I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Schönbohm and the ROSE & PARTNER team. A great team that provided highly competent, reliable, and empathetic advice. Ms. Schönbohm was always quick to respond to my questions, very conscientious, and, with her clear and empathetic guidance, perfectly balanced professional expertise with interpersonal sensitivity. Everything here is just right—I highly recommend this law firm and would turn to them again in a heartbeat! Many thanks to you, Ms. Schönbohm, as well as to your colleagues and the entire team!
- Highly recommended Fiona supported me as legal counsel during the founding phase of my startup – and I couldn't have asked for better advice. She was incredibly focused, pragmatic, and always attuned to what startups truly need. Her guidance was not only legally sound but also highly actionable and tailored to our specific situation. Close to her clients, sharp in her thinking, and solution-oriented in every step – I can highly recommend working with her.
- Experienced & straightforward advice When it comes to legal matters, I can count on Ms. Schönbohm to provide expert, friendly, and empathetic advice. She has helped me out many times without any hassle and keeps me regularly informed about the latest developments. I always feel that Ms. Schönbohm gives me competent advice and that I’m in good hands. I highly recommend consulting with her.
- Outstanding Consulting on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) Excellent advice, great communication, and high quality. Highly recommended!
Data
Education & Training
- Certified Specialist in Corporate Law (2021)
- University of Hamburg (Valedictorian, Class of 2017)
- Université Aix-Marseille
Previous Legal Experience
- Head of Legal at Moll Family GmbH (family office and investor in Berlin), in-house counsel in the investment sector
- Attorney at honert Hamburg, a boutique law firm specializing in M&A and corporate law
- CMS Hasche Sigle Hamburg in the TMC (Technology, Media & Communications) practice group
- Alstertor Notary’s Office, specializing in real estate and corporate law
- Legal clerk at the German Bundestag in Berlin, Scientific Service, International Relations
- Internship at the German Consulate General in Cape Town, South Africa
- Research assistant at the Chair of European and International Law at the University of Hamburg
Languages
- German
- English
- Spanish
- French
German Publications & Media Appearances
- “Women Lawyers Against Political Extremism” podcast (R)ECHT INTERESSANT! by the German Federal Bar Association, episode available on Spotify on March 9, 2025
- “Overcoming Legal Obstacles for Startups” podcast “The Startup CFO - Founded & Funded,” episode on Spotify on June 10, 2024
- “Bonuses for Managing Directors” in Gründerszene on August 8, 2024
- “Management’s Authority to Represent the Company” in Gründerszene on June 20, 2024
- “Non-Competition Clauses for Founders Explained” on Gründerszene on May 23, 2024
- “Bylaws—Limiting Liability, Saving Time & Money” on Gründerszene on April 11, 2024
- “Delegating Tasks as a Managing Director” on Gründerszene on March 21, 2024
- “Emergency Checklist for Startup Bankruptcy” in Gründerszene on February 15, 2024
- “The Most Common Mistakes in Annual Financial Statements” in Gründerszene on January 18, 2024
- “What Managing Directors Need to Know at Year-End” in Gründerszene on December 21, 2024
- “Managing Director Contract—These 10 Points Must Be Included!” on November 23, 2023
- “Avoiding Liability Risks for Managing Directors—Protecting Personal Assets” in Gründerszene on October 22, 2023
- “The 10 Most Important Duties for Managing Directors” in Gründerszene on September 21, 2023
- “Working on Christmas” in Handelsblatt on December 9, 2022
- “Quiet Firing” in Wirtschaftswoche on November 11, 2022, in an interview on social media trends in labor law
- “Working on Christmas” in Handelsblatt on December 9, 2022, in an interview on employees’ rights during the holidays
- “YouTube’s Liability for Infringing Content Remains Unclear” in CMS on October 2, 2018
- “Still No End in Sight” in FAZ Einspruch, the magazine of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, on September 14, 2018, regarding the liability of a streaming platform
- “Is a ‘Like’ Misleading Advertising?” in CMS on August 28, 2018
- “New Interstate Broadcasting Treaty on the Way—What Will Change for Platforms, Publishers, Influencers, and Gamers?” in CMS on August 22, 2018
- “Practical Experience Through Law Clinics—The Law School of the Future” in JurCase on September 5, 2017, on clinical legal education
