Germany: Construction
While the construction industry is traditionally one of the first to feel the effects of an economic downturn, the sector in Germany remains relatively active. Our research identifies 22 lawyers recognised for their work on behalf of owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals.
Kapellmann und Partner sees four of its partners selected for inclusion in this chapter. Name partner Klaus Kapellmann is a “legendary figure in this field”, recommended by clients and peers alike as a “great strategist and an outstanding lawyer”. Christian Bönker is widely recognised for both his counsel and his representation of clients in relation to construction processes, town planning contracts and planning permission, and his disputes work is also said to be “first class”. Klaus Eschenbruch is an “excellent lawyer”, known for his high profile work on projects such as the ThyssenKrupp Quartier project in Essen and the construction of an additional terminal at Düsseldorf airport. Kai-Uwe Hunger “has a tremendous track record”, which includes acting as project leader in the construction of the MDR Radio and Television Broadcasting Station in Halle.
HFK Rechtsanwälte LLP is one of the country’s leading firms in this sector, and three of its partners are selected. Christian Nunn manages the firm’s Munich office. A “very skilled practitioner”, he is much in demand as a consultant on large infrastructure and real estate projects. Horst Franke is very well-known as chairman of the German Society for Construction Law, and highly rated for his advice to principals and contractors in relation to infrastructure, commercial and office projects. The “brilliant” Bernd Knipp has worked with Deutsche Bahn AG in relation to the construction of the long distance railway station in Frankfurt, as well as advising on the construction of high-rise projects and shopping centres.
Ralf Leinemann of Leinemann & Partner Rechtsanwälte in Berlin is another highly respected figure, commended to researchers for his litigation and arbitration work as well as for his procurement practice. Alongside him, Marc Oliver Hilgers is “widely recognised” for his work on behalf of architects as well as in relation to procurement and arbitration proceedings.
Also based in Berlin, Andreas Roquette is one of two nominees from CMS Hasche Sigle. He is renowned for his expertise both in relation to ongoing construction projects, and to arbitration and other disputes arising from them. Andreas Otto is head of the real estate and construction practice group and “one of the best around” in the eyes of his peers for advice on large-scale projects and representation in disputes.
Axel Kunze at Squire Sanders & Dempsey (UK) LLP is one of the most highly nominated individuals in our research, and received recommendations from sources both domestically and worldwide for his work on behalf of investors and developers as well as for contractors and lessors. “He is the first person I call”, said one interviewee.
At Hogan Lovells International LLP, Wendelin Acker is “hugely respected for all types of work in this sector”, and he was picked out by clients and peers both in Germany and beyond for his negotiation, dispute resolution and risk management skills.
Ralf Kemper at KNH Rechtsanwalte is revered for his construction, engineering and architectural expertise. Recommended for his non-contentious and disputes avoidance practice, he is also “tremendously effective in all types of construction related disputes”.
Rainer Schilling of SMNG Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is “one of the leading construction experts in Frankfurt”, recommended in particular for his mediation and arbitration work in this sector.
At Hülsen Michael Hauschke, Thomas Seewald is recognised for his work on power plant and infrastructure construction projects, and is described as a “real specialist” by his peers.
Antje Boldt of Sibeth in Munich is “very highly regarded” for both her contract related work and her disputes practice, and was commended to researchers for her work on behalf of architects.
At Hecker Werner & Himmelreich Rechtsanwälte in Cologne, Ulrich Werner is regarded as “one of the leading experts in the country” and received recommendations from sources across Europe. He is recognised for his project management experience as well as for his mediation and arbitration practice.
Burkhard Messerschmidt of Redeker Sellner Dahs in Bonn is a “major player in this sector”, and was commended for his counsel to architects in particular, as well as for his arbitration practice.
Klaus Englert of Kupferschmid Englert Pichl Grauvogl & Partner is a “very well known figure” and received recommendations from clients and peers alike for the quality of his work.
Peter Oppler of Böck Oppler Hering in Munich is strongly commended for his work on behalf of owners, architects and engineers, as well as for his mediation and arbitration expertise.
At GSK Stockmann + Kollegen in Frankfurt, Oliver Moufang is recognised for his litigation and arbitration experience in relation to public and private construction projects, and was also commended for his architectural and engineering related expertise.