Media
April 12, 2023 / Press Release

Katja Garvey appointed to German-American Chamber board

Porter Wright is proud to announce that partner Katja Garvey has been appointed to serve on the board of directors of the German-American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest. GACC Midwest, headquartered in Chicago, promotes German-American business relations and supports trade and investment between Germany and the United States, especially the Midwest.

“We’re excited to welcome Katja to the board and look forward to the fresh perspective and energy she will bring, especially for supporting our activities and member companies in Ohio,” shared Mark Tomkins, President & CEO of GACC Midwest.

As a German native and leader of the firm’s International Business & Trade Practice Group, Katja works with German-speaking businesses to bridge complex legal and cultural divides. In her new role with GACC Midwest, Katja will use her leadership and legal professional experiences to support GACC Midwest in being a reliable partner for German companies in the U.S. as well as in the promotion of German-American business.

Katja serves as outside general counsel for most of her clients, including large, German-based manufacturing clients with U.S. subsidiaries, providing regular guidance in commercial agreements, corporate restructuring and other legal issues in the U.S. Katja understands her German clients’ greatest concerns, such as piercing of the corporate veil and director/officer liability for German executives. She and her team help German clients with the corporate legal counsel needed to establish a U.S. presence and begin U.S. operations alongside considering potential cultural and practical implications for doing business in the U.S.

Katja earned a law degree in Passau, Germany, before earning an LL.M. (Master of Laws) degree in business law at The Ohio State University in the U.S.

About GACC Midwest

GACC Midwest is a part of the German Chamber Network with 150 offices in 92 countries around the globe. The organization combines elements of a trade commission, a membership association and professional consulting services for market entry, apprenticeships in the US, and more. GACC Midwest’s territory covers 14 U.S. states, comprising approximately one quarter of the nation’s geographical area, its population and its GDP. Main industries include advanced manufacturing in the U.S., automotive, medtech, agriculture and food processing.