1822: Dr. Johann Carl Knauth establishes his law firm on Zuchthausstraße in Hamburg after being admitted to the bar. This step lays the foundation for a success story that unfolds over decades – and continues today under the name Esche Schümann Commichau.
1847: After its founding, the law firm experiences another important milestone: Dr. Knauth takes on Johann Friedrich Voigt as a partner. At the time, this merger is an extraordinary step – both in Hamburg and across the entire European continent. The partnership opens up new perspectives and lays the foundation for the further development of the law firm, which from then on is led not only by one, but by two experienced lawyers.
1858: Dr. Ernst Friedrich Sieveking joins as another partner. Sieveking, known as the namesake of Sievekingplatz and an important advocate of uniform maritime law, brings not only his legal knowledge but also a strong influence on the international legal landscape.
1875: The growing law firm brings Dr. Johann Heinrich Burchard, later mayor of the Hanseatic city, and Dr. Otto August Louis Wachsmuth on board. With their expertise, they further drive the success of the firm.
1877: Sieveking is elected to the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. As legal advisor and later senator for judicial affairs, he plays a decisive role in the modernization of Hamburg's administration of justice.
1909: With the arrival of Dr. Max Harald Krauel, the firm now consists of four partners, thereby gaining even more weight and expertise. Alongside Dr. Otto Wachsmuth, Dr. Oscar Paul Horwitz, and Dr. Wilhelm Amsinck Burchard-Motz, Krauel brings valuable new perspectives to the firm. The firm's focus increasingly shifts to maritime and commercial law.
1922: The firm celebrates its 100th anniversary. A century of dedicated legal advice in the heart of Hamburg – characterized by legal excellence, Hanseatic reliability, and steady growth. The firm looks back on an eventful history and at the same time looks ahead to the future with a clear vision.
1939 - 1945: During the war years, Dr. Max Harald Krauel leads the firm with a firm understanding of principles, without collaborating with the National Socialists. After the end of World War II, he is appointed vice president of the Hamburg Bar Association in 1946.
1948: Dr. Dr. Werner Deuchler becomes a partner in the firm and plays a key role in shaping its development. In addition to his litigation work, he establishes a strong commercial law practice. As president of the German Bar Association (1970) and the International Bar Association (1974), he strengthens the firm's national and international connections and significantly expands its network.
1949: Dr. Ernst Esche establishes his own law firm and soon gains the trust of numerous medium-sized companies. With his special expertise in plant and mechanical engineering, he quickly earns an excellent reputation as an accomplished commercial lawyer. The firm quickly establishes itself as a sought-after address for corporate legal advice and grows steadily in line with the requirements of its clients.
1974: The merger of the law firm Dr. Ernst Esche, founded in 1949, and the auditing and tax consulting firm Dr. Windler & Schümann, founded in 1952, results in the creation of Esche Schümann & Partner – an interdisciplinary firm combining legal, tax, and auditing services.
1991: The law firms Deuchler, Krauel & Commichau and Esche, Schümann & Partner merge to form Esche Schümann Commichau. The interdisciplinary support of national and international companies and private individuals in the areas of law, tax, and auditing becomes the hallmark of the firm.
1997: The Esche Schümann Commichau Foundation is established to mark the firm's 175th anniversary. To this day, the foundation awards annual prizes to graduates in the fields of law, taxation, and auditing.
2012: The firm celebrates its 190th anniversary and simultaneously begins a new chapter: With the move to the modern HafenCity, the team of around 200 employees takes up residence in its new home. The change of location symbolizes the generational change and a look toward the future.
2022: The firm celebrates its 200th anniversary and consistently looks ahead. ESCHE combines tradition with innovation and strengthens its interdisciplinary approach: integrated consulting in law, tax, and auditing is further expanded to ensure comprehensive support for clients in the future.
1822: Dr. Johann Carl Knauth establishes his law firm on Zuchthausstraße in Hamburg after being admitted to the bar. This step lays the foundation for a success story that unfolds over decades – and continues today under the name Esche Schümann Commichau.
1847: After its founding, the law firm experiences another important milestone: Dr. Knauth takes on Johann Friedrich Voigt as a partner. At the time, this merger is an extraordinary step – both in Hamburg and across the entire European continent. The partnership opens up new perspectives and lays the foundation for the further development of the law firm, which from then on is led not only by one, but by two experienced lawyers.
1858: Dr. Ernst Friedrich Sieveking joins as another partner. Sieveking, known as the namesake of Sievekingplatz and an important advocate of uniform maritime law, brings not only his legal knowledge but also a strong influence on the international legal landscape.
1875: The growing law firm brings Dr. Johann Heinrich Burchard, later mayor of the Hanseatic city, and Dr. Otto August Louis Wachsmuth on board. With their expertise, they further drive the success of the firm.
1877: Sieveking is elected to the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. As legal advisor and later senator for judicial affairs, he plays a decisive role in the modernization of Hamburg's administration of justice.
1909: With the arrival of Dr. Max Harald Krauel, the firm now consists of four partners, thereby gaining even more weight and expertise. Alongside Dr. Otto Wachsmuth, Dr. Oscar Paul Horwitz, and Dr. Wilhelm Amsinck Burchard-Motz, Krauel brings valuable new perspectives to the firm. The firm's focus increasingly shifts to maritime and commercial law.
1922: The firm celebrates its 100th anniversary. A century of dedicated legal advice in the heart of Hamburg – characterized by legal excellence, Hanseatic reliability, and steady growth. The firm looks back on an eventful history and at the same time looks ahead to the future with a clear vision.
1939 - 1945: During the war years, Dr. Max Harald Krauel leads the firm with a firm understanding of principles, without collaborating with the National Socialists. After the end of World War II, he is appointed vice president of the Hamburg Bar Association in 1946.
1948: Dr. Dr. Werner Deuchler becomes a partner in the firm and plays a key role in shaping its development. In addition to his litigation work, he establishes a strong commercial law practice. As president of the German Bar Association (1970) and the International Bar Association (1974), he strengthens the firm's national and international connections and significantly expands its network.
1949: Dr. Ernst Esche establishes his own law firm and soon gains the trust of numerous medium-sized companies. With his special expertise in plant and mechanical engineering, he quickly earns an excellent reputation as an accomplished commercial lawyer. The firm quickly establishes itself as a sought-after address for corporate legal advice and grows steadily in line with the requirements of its clients.
1974: The merger of the law firm Dr. Ernst Esche, founded in 1949, and the auditing and tax consulting firm Dr. Windler & Schümann, founded in 1952, results in the creation of Esche Schümann & Partner – an interdisciplinary firm combining legal, tax, and auditing services.
1991: The law firms Deuchler, Krauel & Commichau and Esche, Schümann & Partner merge to form Esche Schümann Commichau. The interdisciplinary support of national and international companies and private individuals in the areas of law, tax, and auditing becomes the hallmark of the firm.
1997: The Esche Schümann Commichau Foundation is established to mark the firm's 175th anniversary. To this day, the foundation awards annual prizes to graduates in the fields of law, taxation, and auditing.
2012: The firm celebrates its 190th anniversary and simultaneously begins a new chapter: With the move to the modern HafenCity, the team of around 200 employees takes up residence in its new home. The change of location symbolizes the generational change and a look toward the future.
2022: The firm celebrates its 200th anniversary and consistently looks ahead. ESCHE combines tradition with innovation and strengthens its interdisciplinary approach: integrated consulting in law, tax, and auditing is further expanded to ensure comprehensive support for clients in the future.
ESCHE celebrates 200 years
On 21 June 2022, the multidisciplinary consulting firm ESCHE celebrated its 200th anniversary – a remarkable milestone for one of the leading firms specialising in law, tax, and auditing. This article explores how ESCHE has left a lasting mark on Hamburg’s economy and continues to influence its future. Read on for fascinating insights into the firm's eventful history and its visionary plans for the future.
