CMS strengthens Commercial Excellence with new leadership role

Berlin – With effect from 1 August 2026, the international corporate law firm CMS has established a new corporate function for Commercial Excellence. Matthias Langbehn, Commercial Director at the Berlin office, will head the new unit. In future, his remit will encompass pricing, engagement terms and fee agreements as well as commercial management.

Langbehn brings with him many years' experience at the interface between law, business and operational management. Before joining CMS, he was Managing Director of Terminal 2 Gesellschaft, a Lufthansa subsidiary. In his previous roles at the parent company, his responsibilities included matters relating to legal spend management and digitalisation. He also oversaw collaboration with external law firms.

Commercial Excellence is becoming increasingly important against a backdrop of rising client expectations, increasing pressure to improve efficiency and reduce costs, and technological developments. CMS is investing in expanding its expertise in this area. The aim is to further enhance the firm's financial management capabilities, develop innovative remuneration and pricing models, and drive forward the commercial roll-out of technology-based advisory services even more vigorously.

The new corporate function forms part of this strategic development, as does the recently created role of Chief Solutions Officer, which Dr Arne Burmester has held since 1 July 2026. 

Dr Martin Vorsmann, Managing Partner of CMS Germany said: "A successful law firm needs not only excellent legal advice but also efficient back-office structures. Particularly in an organisation of our size, the close integration of different departments and professional financial management are key factors for success. In Matthias Langbehn, we are gaining a leader who brings together different perspectives and who will use his experience to guide the further development of our organisation."

Matthias Langbehn added: "Technology opens up new opportunities to make legal advice more efficient, transparent and tailored to individual needs. At the same time, companies' requirements in terms of predictability and financial transparency are increasing. From my experience on the client side, I know just how important this combination is. Together with the teams at CMS, I would like to help integrate business management, technology and client work even more closely, so that we can support our clients even more effectively in an increasingly complex environment."

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