WirtschaftsWoche: ROSTALSKI Named Top Law Firm of 2026 in Criminal Tax Law – Dr. Tony Rostalski Honored as Top Attorney

How the ranking is determined

For this year’s ranking, the Handelsblatt Research Institute surveyed more than 1,700 lawyers from approximately 200 law firms to identify the most renowned colleagues in the fields of tax law, criminal tax law, and foreign trade law. The recommendations were then evaluated by a panel of experts.

In the field of criminal tax law, 41 law firms and 50 attorneys nationwide were recognized. ROSTALSKI is thus among a select group of law firms expressly recommended by peers in this area of law—and Dr. Tony Rostalski is among the 50 recommended attorneys. WirtschaftsWoche published the results on November 6, 2026, in the article“Will Taxes Become Simpler and Fairer? Top Tax Lawyers Doubt It.”

Why This Award Matters to Clients

In criminal tax law, the first day is often decisive. A search by tax investigators, an asset freeze, or the initiation of a preliminary investigation usually catches companies, executives, and private individuals off guard. Anyone looking for a defense attorney at that point needs reliable guidance quickly.

A recommendation from fellow professionals is a particularly meaningful indicator in this regard: It is not based on self-promotion, but on the assessment of attorneys who can evaluate legal proceedings, courtroom performance, and outcomes from their own firsthand experience.

“Above all, this award is a recognition of the work of our entire team and of the trust placed in us by our clients. Criminal tax law often involves clients’ financial survival and reputation—which requires swift action, discretion, and a clear strategy.” — Dr. Tony Rostalski, Attorney Specializing in Criminal Law

Our Areas of Expertise in Criminal Tax Law

ROSTALSKI provides legal defense and counsel to companies, corporate bodies, and individuals in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, and throughout Germany, including in the following areas:

• Searches and seizures conducted by the tax investigation unit, the public prosecutor's office, or the customs investigation unit
• Preliminary investigation into tax evasion (Section 370 of the German Fiscal Code [AO]), income tax and value-added tax offenses, and social security fraud (Section 266a of the German Criminal Code [StGB])
• Asset Freeze and Asset Forfeiture – Safeguarding the Ability to Conduct Business
• Voluntary Disclosure Leading to Exemption from Penalties (Section 371 of the German Fiscal Code) in Close Coordination with Tax Advisory Services
• Customs and Foreign Trade Criminal Law, including proceedings before the Main Customs Office
• Tax compliance and preventive consulting to prevent risks from arising in the first place

Practical Advice: What to Do When the Tax Investigators Are at Your Door?

1. Stay calm and do not provide any information about the matter. As the accused, you have the right to remain silent—exercise that right.
2. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Ask to be given a copy of the search warrant and notify your attorney while the search is still in progress.
3. Do not actively participate, but do not interfere either. You should not comply with any requests for surrender until you have consulted with an attorney.
4. Do not file a voluntary disclosure on your own initiative. If the offense has already been discovered or proceedings have been initiated, filing a voluntary disclosure is generally not permitted—the next steps must be coordinated.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a criminal tax law attorney? At the latest, when a preliminary investigation is initiated, a search is conducted, or a summons is issued by the tax investigation authorities—ideally even before that, such as when a voluntary disclosure is being reviewed.

Does ROSTALSKI represent only clients from Cologne? No. The firm is based in Cologne and represents clients in North Rhine-Westphalia as well as throughout Germany.

Who presented the award? *WirtschaftsWoche*, in cooperation with the Handelsblatt Research Institute (HRI), based on a survey of more than 1,700 lawyers and a jury evaluation.