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Welcome

As a US-based fully qualified German lawyer with a substantial global network, I support companies of all sizes and industries in the variety of their international business activities.

is of utmost importance to all companies. Increasing European regulations on Privacy, Data, AI, and the Digital Economy in general require international tech companies to comply irrespective of a local presence. With more than 30 years of experience in Europe and the US, I guide US businesses referring their international regulatory compliance and support focused incident responses.

can be complicated but doesn't have to be. US companies are often challenged by the comprehensive legal framework they are confronted with when expanding overseas. Having advised hundreds of companies on international law, I provide solid and practical solutions for their expansion and the international law topics associated with doing business in Europe.

are key for successfully doing business internationally. Finding the relevant contacts can be difficult but is decisive for business success. I leverage my substantial international network, in particular in Europe and the US, thereby helping companies and people build the business relations they need for achieving their international goals.

REGULATORY
COMPLIANCE

INTERNATIONAL
EXPANSION

BUSINESS RELATIONS

Special
Focus

Germany

United States

International

Born and raised in Germany, I am a fully qualified German attorney and a Certified Specialist Lawyer for IT Law. I have over 20 years of working experience in top-tier European law firms in Germany advising mostly international clients, in particular US tech companies.

Re-located to Silicon Valley and San Francisco for more than 11 years, I have successfully co-founded and scaled the first US offices of three major international law firms. Together with my international teams, I provide on-the-ground European legal expert support for US companies.

Having lived and worked in Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and the US, I consider myself truly international. I hold executive positions, am an elected member of leading German-American business organizations, and substantially engage in international partnerships.

About Me

Preparing for tomorrow's challenges starts today. That's why CMS adopts a Future Facing approach, ensuring our clients stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. Global expertise, local insights, always with your commercial goals in mind.

Law Firm

I am passionate about fostering international relationships.  Besides being a partner of the international law firm CMS in our Silicon Valley representative office, exclusively working on multijurisdictional topics, I am an elected member of several German-American organizations and have assumed leading positions in some of them to support the friendship between my home countries Germany and the USA.

Heidelberg

Club

International

Truly
International

Chairman of the
Board of Directors

An active community of leaders and professionals from large international companies, SMBs, start-ups, and service organizations to foster German-American business.

Member of the central Executive Committee

The vibrant association of over 2,500 members from law, industry, and society promoting and cultivating interest in US and German law and their intersections.

Member of the Board of Advisors

Bringing together the most seasoned thought leaders in the areas of privacy and security law by delivering hands-on activities and practical takeaways.

USA | Germany | since 2022

USA | Germany | since 2025

Washington D.C. | since 2020

Member of the Executive Board

The premier organization for C-Suite leaders in Silicon Valley, providing community, connections, and thought leadership to enable both personal and organizational growth.

Silicon Valley | 2020 - 2023

Board
Functions

I regularly speak at international conferences, lecture at universities in Germany and the US, and lead trainings. Topics include international trade, privacy and compliance, international AI regulations, European and US law developments, and international expansion.

digitales-hessen-de.png

Speaking
Engagements

Partner
CMS Representative Office, Inc.
2024 - Present
Mountain View, CA, USA

Establishing CMS’s first US office in Silicon Valley

Providing legal support to clients and business partners

Driving recognition of the CMS brand in the US

Partner
Bird & Bird
2018 - 2024
San Francisco, CA, USA

Co-founded Bird & Bird's first US office in San Francisco

Established Bird & Bird's strategy in the US market

Increased brand recognition and built partnerships

Partner
Taylor Wessing US

2014 - 2018
Menlo Park, CA, USA

Co-founded Taylor Wessing's first US office in Silicon Valley

Co-Head of Taylor Wessing's US group

Built and established Taylor Wessing's US strategy

Partner
Taylor Wessing Germany
2003 - 2014
Frankfurt/Main, Germany

Speaker of the German Partners' Board (2012 - 2014)

Managing Partner Frankfurt/Main office (2005 - 2009)

Built the Frankfurt/Main IT practice

Associate / Senior Associate

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
1998 - 2003
Frankfurt/Main, Germany

IP / IT Practice Group

Focused on Tech Transactions and Privacy

Seconded to Squire Sanders, San Francisco (2000 - 2001)

Associate
Clifford Chance
1996 - 1998
Frankfurt/Main, Germany

IP / IT Practice Group

Focused on Outsourcing and Tech Transactions

Fostered the Internet-Law practice

Assistant Professor
University of Trier
1994 - 1996
Trier, Germany

Lectured German Civil Law

Managed a team of research assistants

Lead researcher for Unfair Competition commentary

Substantial
Experience

Some Material

My
Business Picture
of the
Month

Call 

+1 (415) 623-9950

Email 

Connect

  • LinkedIn

Contact
Me

© 2025 by Kai Westerwelle

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