Dentons appoints David Zafra Carollo as Düsseldorf Managing Partner

Düsseldorf-Global law firm Dentons has appointed real estate lawyer David Zafra Carollo as Managing Partner of its Düsseldorf office, effective July 1, 2026. In his new role, he will lead the office of more than 30 lawyers. He succeeds Dr. Sascha Grosjean who has served as Office Managing Partner for the past three years and whose term has ended.

David Zafra Carollo has been a partner at Dentons since 2019 and has served as Co-Head of the Real Estate practice in Germany since 2025. He advises on real estate acquisition, sale and financing transactions in Germany and across Europe, as well as the restructuring of industrial sites and complex real estate disputes. His clients include leading national and international real estate companies and investors.

Commenting on his appointment, David Zafra Carollo said: "Düsseldorf is a key market for Dentons-not only in Germany, but also globally. With an outstanding team, strong client relationships and significant growth potential, the office is ideally positioned for the future. Together with my colleagues, I look forward to strengthening our market position and continuing to provide our clients with high quality advice backed by the strength of our global platform."

Dr. Rebekka Hye-Knudsen, Co-Managing Partner Germany, said: "David Zafra Carollo is a highly respected partner who knows the Düsseldorf market and our clients extremely well. We are delighted that he is taking on this role and are confident that he will make an important contribution to the continued growth and success of our Düsseldorf office and the advancement of our strategic priorities."

Dr. Matthias Santelmann, Co-Managing Partner Germany, added: "Under Sascha Grosjean's leadership, our Düsseldorf office has developed exceptionally well over the past three years, becoming a strong and highly integrated part of our German practice. We are pleased that David Zafra Carollo will build on this success with entrepreneurial vision, outstanding legal expertise and a collaborative leadership style. We would also like to thank Sascha sincerely for his commitment and valuable leadership contribution as Managing Partner."

Dentons is a global law firm with more than 160 offices in over 80 countries. In Germany, the Firm has more than 200 professionals across its offices in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and Munich.

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