Senior Associate
PROFILE
Laura studied law at Goethe University in Frankfurt with a special focus in the area of ‘Criminology’, where she also passed exams in International Criminal Law. During her studies she worked as a research assistant at an international law firm in Frankfurt in the Disputes Section for Commercial Litigation and White Collar. There she gained first experience in banking, capital markets and corporate law. After completing her studies and legal clerkship in Frankfurt, Munich and Singapore, Laura worked as a research assistant/investigation assistant at an international law firm in Munich in the practice group Investigations, White Collar and Fraud, where she gained experience in conducting national and international investigations. In parallel, Laura worked on her doctorate in criminal procedure law on the topic of ‘Judicial decisions in cases of uncertain knowledge’, which was completed in 2024.
In accordance with her doctorate, where she particularly analyzed complex, large-scale proceedings in white collar and environmental criminal law, one focus of her work lies on advising in large-scale cases (e.g. Diesel) with a special focus on environmental criminal law as well as defending against the accusation of fraud.
In addition, Laura has a special interest in advising on human rights compliance and export control compliance (e.g. in the defense industry).
Moreover, Laura advises during dawn raids which requires not only the respective legal knowledge but also a good sense for and understanding of the communication with law enforcement authorities.
Apart from all that, Laura as guest lecturer is involved in the education of trainee attorneys at law in Munich since 2023. In her presentations she typically addresses dawn raids and seizures and gives practical tips regarding the professional handling of and advice during dawn raids.
In 2024, Laura successfully completed the theoretical component of the specialist lawyer training in criminal law.
Since 2025 Laura is Examiner for the First State Examination in Law in Bavaria.
REPRESENTATIONS
Laura is representing and represented clients in very significant criminal matters in Germany. Her top representations include the following matters:
Co-defense counsel of the former Chief Technology Officer of Audi since 2022 in the criminal proceedings before the 5 th Criminal Chamber of the Munich II Regional Court regarding the allegations of fraud, indirect false certification and criminal advertising.
Manager Magazin – DieselgateSueddeutsche (SZ) Magazin – Dieselgate
Co-defense counsel of a former Belgian manager of one of the leading private market platforms concerning the internal investigation as well as the criminal investigation.
Co-defense counsel of a former top manager of a leading German aviation and aerospace company relating to the internal investigation and criminal proceedings concerning the allegation of aiding and abetting official secrets.
Advising a German defense technology company in connection with an international M&A transaction Co-advising a German defense technology company in connection with an international M&A transaction involving the sale of defense equipment and compliance with human rights requirements.
Advising a German defense technology company in connection with a European M&A transaction Co-advising a German defense technology company in connection with a European M&A transaction involving the sale of OSINT software regarding compliance with the relevant export control requirements.
RANKINGS
Laura has obtained the following award:
Best Lawyers
Dr. Laura Marie Leitschuh "Criminal Defense"
Ones to Watch 2026 | 2027
View Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" Ranking/Dr. Laura Leitschuh
PUBLISHED WORK
Official Data Deletion Orders: A Less Intrusive Alternative or a Costly Pitfall?, NStZ, June 2026 Issue the article
Judicial decisions in cases of uncertain knowledge, Cuvillier Verlag, Göttingen 2023 The book
Conference report 12th “Petersberger Tage” of the DAV's Criminal Law Working Group, Anwaltsblatt online: Sovereignty of criminal law questioned: 12th “Petersberger Tage” in Dresden - Anwaltsblatt The article
NETWORK
Laura is member of the following associations:
CONFIDENTIAL ORIENTATION
When criminal-law risks affect personal responsibility, organizational stability or economic substance, an early assessment is decisive.
In a confidential initial conversation we clarify your situation, the possible risks and the next sensible steps. You receive a realistic assessment — even when no investigative measures have yet taken place.
Discretion, clarity and clear orientation are at the center.