Esche Schümann Commichau Stiftung

The Esche Schümann Commichau Stiftung is a German non-profit foundation headquartered in Hamburg. It was founded in 1997 on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the law firm Esche Schümann Commichau, one of Germany's largest multidisciplinary professional services firms. The foundation's purpose, as stated in its statutes, is to promote education and training in the legal, economic and tax advisory professions, primarily in the field of business law. It achieves this through competitions for diploma theses and other academic works, awarding scholarships, subsidizing printing costs for dissertations and other scholarly works, and financing domestic and international study stays. The foundation's most visible activity is its annual Förderpreis (promotional award), which recognizes outstanding academic work. Each year, six exceptional scientific works—including dissertations, habilitation treatises and diploma theses—are honored. The award ceremonies typically take place at the foundation's seat in Hamburg, with candidates presenting the main theses of their research and engaging in a short discussion. On special occasions, ceremonies have been held in the plenary hall of the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court and at Bucerius Law School. Since its founding, the foundation has awarded over 158 promotional prizes to university graduates, with total prize money exceeding EUR 150,000. The foundation is governed by a board (Vorstand) and a board of trustees (Kuratorium). Current board members include Beatrix Arlitt, Tom Kemcke, Dr. Hans Mewes (management), and Dr. Julia Runte. The board of trustees includes Prof. Dr. Lars Hummel (University of Hamburg), Prof. Dr. Bert Kaminski (Helmut Schmidt University / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg), Prof. Dr. Nicole Ratzinger-Sakel (University of Hamburg), and Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Karsten Schmidt (Bucerius Law School, Hamburg). The foundation maintains a donation account with M.M. Warburg Bank. While the foundation is a separate legal entity, it is closely tied to the Esche Schümann Commichau law firm, which itself was founded in 1822 and today employs 106 experts in law, tax and auditing, plus around 170 additional professionals. The foundation reflects the firm's long-standing commitment to education, science and culture, including support for the Elbphilharmonie and its musical projects. The foundation is registered in Wikidata as a foundation (Q1366921).

The Esche Schümann Commichau Stiftung was founded in 1997 on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the law firm Esche Schümann Commichau. The law firm itself was established in 1822 by Dr. Johann Carl Knauth in Hamburg's Zuchthausstraße, making it one of the oldest law firms in Germany. Over the decades, the firm grew into a leading multidisciplinary partnership for legal, tax and auditing services. The foundation was created as a way to give back to the community and support the next generation of professionals in the fields closely related to the firm's work. Since its inception, the foundation has focused on promoting education and training in legal, economic and tax advisory professions. Its primary instrument is the annual Förderpreis, awarded to outstanding academic works. The foundation's statutes also allow for scholarships, subsidies for printing costs of dissertations, and financing of domestic and international study stays. The first awards were granted in the late 1990s, and by 2025 the foundation had honored over 158 prize winners with total awards exceeding EUR 150,000. The foundation is governed by a board (Vorstand) and a board of trustees (Kuratorium). The board has included long-serving members such as Gunnar Herud (1997–2016), Hans Mewes (since 2002), Tom Kemcke (since 2002), Beatrix Arlitt (since 2016) and Julia Runte (since 2022). The board of trustees has featured prominent academics, including Karsten Schmidt (since 1997), Bert Kaminski (since 2017), Nicole Ratzinger-Sakel (since 2023) and Lars Hummel (since 2025). The foundation maintains a donation account at M.M. Warburg Bank. While legally independent, the foundation is closely associated with the Esche Schümann Commichau law firm, which today employs 106 experts and around 170 additional staff. The firm's commitment to education and culture extends beyond the foundation, including support for the Elbphilharmonie and its musical projects. The foundation's award ceremonies have been held at various prestigious venues, including the plenary hall of the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court and Bucerius Law School.

• 2025

  Lars Hummel joins the board of trustees.

• 2022

  Julia Runte joins the board.

• 2016

  Beatrix Arlitt joins the board; Gunnar Herud leaves after 19 years.

• 2002

  Hans Mewes and Tom Kemcke join the board.

• 1997

  Foundation established on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of Esche Schümann Commichau law firm.

• 1997

  First board members include Gerhard Commichau, Reinhard Preuschoff and Gunnar Herud.

A non-profit foundation promoting young talent in law, economics and tax advisory professions, closely associated with the Esche Schümann Commichau law firm.

1. 1Stiftung und Engagement | ESCHEesche.de
2. 2Geschichte | ESCHEesche.de
3. 3Werte und Philosophie | ESCHEesche.de
4. 4International und Netzwerke | ESCHEesche.de
5. 5Esche Schümann Commichau Stiftungde.wikipedia.org
6. 6Esche Schümann Commichau Stiftungwikidata.org