KWR Karasek Wietrzyk Rechtsanwälte GmbH offers clients ‘practical solutions and advice’ across the spectrum of construction law issues, assisting with the drafting of contracts for major projects, while also representing clients before the courts. The team is sought after for major infrastructure projects by public bodies, private developers and investors, whom it advises across the life cycle of construction projects, working closely with the firm’s procurement team. Leading the practice are co-founding partner Georg Karasek, whose expertise includes construction, procurement and architectural law, infrastructure project specialists Clemens Berlakovits and Paul Schmidinger, both of whom also assist with real estate transactions, as well as Jan Philipp Schifko, who handles both contractual matters and disputes.
Construction in Austria
KWR Karasek Wietrzyk Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Practice head(s):
Clemens Berlakovits; Georg Karasek; Jan Philipp Schifko; Paul Schmidinger
Other key lawyers:
Vinzenz Waldhof; Julian Ring
Testimonials
‘Jan Philipp Schifko is very involved in every case, knows all the facts and gives great practical advice.’
‘Client-centric and practical solutions and advice, eager to find the best legal solution taking into consideration the business and technical surrounding the client is in.’
‘Efficient and fast communication, absolutely willing to go the extra mile in order to find the best solution for the client, great translator of legal language for business people.’
‘Extremely experienced in construction related legal matters.’
‘Jan Schifko is always available, supportive, experienced and professional.’
‘Excellent in construction law.’
‘Jan Schifko is professional, highly responsive and pragmatic.’
Key clients
ALU KÖNIG STAHL GmbH
Kamper Bau
Telegraphencentrale Bauträger GmbH
Schüller Bau
PSC Errichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H.
Metallbau Eybel GmbH
WK Development GmbH
Handler Group
ATP Innsbruck GmbH
FB Future Bauart Bauträger GmbH
SMB
Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft
BVAEB
Wiener Linien
Caritas Wien
Esterhazy Betriebe GmbH
Wirtschaftsagentur Wien. Ein Fonds der Stadt Wien.
Vasko + Partner Jabornegg & Pálffy Architekten
Work highlights
- Advised Wiener Linien GmbH & Co KG in connection with the drafting of contracts for the construction of the underground railway project Linienkreuz U2 U5.
- Assisted the architectural firm Vasko + Partner Jabornegg & Pálffy Architekten with contract negotiations in regard to an extensive renovation of a cultural institution.
- Represented PreZero in civil proceedings concerning damage claims against their Austrian contractor, who violated fire safety standards after which caused several millions of Euros of damage.
Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG
The ‘solution-oriented’ team at Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG advises its clients on matters concerning some of Austria’s largest construction projects, including road, rail and energy infrastructure. On the contentious front, the firm acts for construction companies in disputes over contractual issues, non-payment of fees and cost overruns, with practice head Wolfgang Müller marshalling his ‘excellent knowledge’ of construction law and related technical issues to represent clients before the courts and in arbitration hearings. Jointly heading the practice is Thomas Anderl, whose practice focuses on cross-border projects while also including FIDIC contracts. Michael Müller assists with the full spectrum of construction projects and also takes contentious instructions, while Hannah Schaflinger‘s disputes-focused practice brings together construction, insurance and tort law.
Practice head(s):
Wolfgang Müller; Thomas Anderl
Other key lawyers:
Michael Müller; Hannah Schaflinger; Philipp Szelinger
Testimonials
‘Thorough understanding of the business, flexibility to adapt to client’s systems and tools, outstanding professional competencies, ability to provide legal advice for a broad range of topics and industries.’
‘Wolf Theiss has one of the largest construction teams of all Austrian law firms. Most of their team members are dual-qualified as engineers and lawyers. This is a big advantage compared to other construction practices and makes working with them much easier and more fruitful.’
‘Thomas Anderl is our go-to-lawyer for construction issues. He is not only a lawyer but also a construction engineer. This gives him the opportunity to quickly touch base and build trust with technicians and engineers. His team delivers “tailor-made solutions”. ’
‘Philip Szelinger is very experienced, both from a legal and a practical experience perspective. Philip is also a great person to work with on a personal level.’
‘Thomas Anderl provides great technical knowledge and experience with the work on construction sides alongside his profound legal expertise. I highly appreciate his goal-oriented and pro-business advice. Philipp Szelinger is a great negotiator, both in and out of court.’
‘Wolfgang Müller convinces not only with his excellent knowledge of construction contract law, but also with his understanding of technical aspects and our construction business.’
‘Michael Müller is well versed not only in construction contract law, but also in key technical and economic aspects. His excellent knowledge of construction economics and his understanding of numbers facilitate collaboration immensely.’
‘Hannah Schaflinger is a refreshing, dynamic lawyer with an excellent capacity to grasp the bigger picture and the details in a dispute, and translate our technical perspective into clear and concise legal language.’
Key clients
Swimsol
Haslinger Stahlbau
Implenia
Marti
Hartree Partners
Arge H 51 Pfons Brenner
Boehringer Ingelheim
BeMo Tunneling
Ing. Hans Bodner Baugesellschaft
JC Real Estate
Zinglbau
HABAU Hoch- und Tiefbau
HOCHTIEF Infrastructure
ÖSTU-STETTIN Hoch- und Tiefbau
Swietelsky
PORR
Hilti & Jehle
JPI Group
ALUKÖNIGSTAHL
Work highlights
- Represented ARGE Stahlbau ESW2020, a joint venture between UNGER Steel and Haslinger Stahlbau in ICC arbitration proceedings against VOESTALPINE in relation to structural steelwork in the stainless steel plant in Kapfenberg.
- Advised an international joint venture of construction companies with respect to the H51 Pfons-Brenner section of the Brenner Base Tunnel.
- Advised Boehringer Ingelheim on their new BioNEX project, a further LSCC production centre in Bruck an der Leitha.
CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH
CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH offers clients construction and real estate advice under one roof, handling logistical and procurement matters for building contractors while supporting developers and investors with transactional matters. Leading the practice is Nikolaus Weselik, who assists on construction projects and is also noted for his experience as a litigator, advising on both construction and transactional disputes. Mariella Kapoun has expertise in forward funding and purchase agreements, advising both real estate investors and developers on the gamut of transactional issues, while also assisting with construction contracts.
Practice head(s):
Nikolaus Weselik
Other key lawyers:
Johannes Hysek; Mariella Kapoun
Testimonials
‘CMS in Austria has an excellent team in the field of real estate law. We feel very well represented here in our project developments.’
‘Johannes Hysek and his team work quickly, reliably and in a solution-oriented manner.’
Key clients
B&C Industrieholding
Quantum Immobilien
REWE Group
BNP Paribas Real Estate
Longchamp
Panattoni Austria
Work highlights
- Assisted the Central European University in connection with the refurbishment of its headquarters in Vienna.
- Advising the consortium Projektgemeinschaft Brenner Basistunnel Nord on all construction matters in connection with Austria’s largest construction project, the Brenner Base Tunnel.
Müller Partner Rechtsanwälte
Under the leadership of ‘outstanding’ Katharina Müller, Müller Partner Rechtsanwälte assists its clients with the drafting and negotiation of construction contracts, while also representing clients in proceedings before Austrian courts and in arbitration hearings. Bernhard Kall, who leads the firm’s public procurement team, co-heads the construction team, acting on claims for damages and compensation arising out of improperly completed projects. Christoph Gaar, Roman Gietler and Mathias Ilg assist with a variety of civil law issues, including civil litigation, while also advising on contractual matters and the obtaining of permits.
Practice head(s):
Katharina Müller; Bernhard Kall
Other key lawyers:
Christoph Gaar; Roman Gietler; Mathias Ilg
Testimonials
‘Highly qualified, always up to date, perfect teamwork. Excellent seminars and webinars as well as news articles, that always cover the newest, most pressing issues.’
‘Katharina Müller is extremely goal-oriented, a strong negotiator and has a wide knowledge of the subject. She focuses only on her clients’ success. Christoph Gaar prepares matters perfectly, concentrates on key points and works perfectly with Katharina Müller – a dream team!’
‘Due to its size, Müller Partner is well set up to handle large, complex projects. Alongside the very experienced Katharina Müller are several young but experienced lawyers, so we as clients are supported by a team of young but experienced lawyers.’
Key clients
ARE Austrian Real Estate GmbH
Herbsthofer GmbH
BeMo Tunnelling GmbH
ELIN GmbH
Caliqua Anlagentechnik GmbH
Wieselthaler Ges.m.b.H.
LSG Building Solutions GmbH
Markus Stolz GmbH & Co KG
Schmid Hochbau GmbH
Ortner Ges.m.b.H
Elektro- und Sicherheitstechnische Anlagen Wolf Bau von Niederspannungsanlagen GmbH
Planttech GmbH
Bacon Gebäudetechnik GmbH
EQUANS Group
DI Anton Hofstätter Gesellschaft m.b.H,
EMC elektromanagement & construction GmbH
Ing. Emmerich Csernohorsky GmbH
EAG Elektroanlagenbau GmbH
VA TECH WABAG GmbH
Rubner Bau GmbH
Hobe Bau GmbH
Molin-Industrie-Inbetriebnahme-Montage-Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG
Haustechnik Planungsgesellschaft für Ver- und Entsorgungsanlagen Ges.m.b.H
ACCURO Sonderlöschanlagen GmbH
Unionbau Bau GesmbH
LSI Leistungsgruppe von Installateuren HandelsGmbH
Rodio GmbH Spezialtiefbau
Hermann Gerloff & Söhne GmbH & Co KG
Synecotec GmbH
Fill Metallbau Gesellschaft mbH
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium of building equipment services on the renovation of a historically significant building of major public interest in Vienna.
- Assisted two consortia of technical building services companies in the course of the renovation of a major historic building in Vienna.
- Advised the main building contractor consortium on the construction project of an important new retail distribution centre, with a project value of €90m.
Cerha Hempel
Cerha Hempel merges construction and real estate law to provide advice on tenders and construction contracts in addition to assisting with the financing and sale of projects. Contentious matters fall under the remit of practice head Peter Vcelouch, who represents clients in matters focused on building defects, zoning and building applications and leasing arrangements. December 2022 saw Taylor Wessing enwc Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s Matthias Nödl return to the firm, specialising in both contentious and non-contentious construction and architectural law, while the following month Manfred Ton left the partnership, founding his own practice.
Practice head(s):
Peter Vcelouch
Other key lawyers:
Matthias Nödl
Key clients
LIDL Österreich
Flughafen Wien AG
SES Spar European Shopping Centers
thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions AG
Value One
numa group GmbH
Thyssenkrupp Materials Austria GmbH
Walter Gasthaus Gleis- und Tiefbau GmbH & Co KG
ROHR-IDRECO Bagger GmbH
LHS Entwicklung 2 GmbH (Johannes B. Kerner)
Ingob.ZT
ÖBB Immobilienmanagement GmbH/ÖBB Infrastruktur Aktiengesellschaft
BOKU Wasserbaulabor
Mister Spex
Magenta Infra
N.A. Walde Immobilienprojekt GmbH & Co KG
AVEST Immobilien GmbH
Work highlights
- Advised numa group GmbH regarding its expansion in the Austrian hospitality market.
- Acted for Raiffeisen Property Holding International on the forward sale of an office building in Vienna, which is set to become the new headquarters of the European Handball Federation.
- Assisted BOKU-Wasserbaulabor with respect to the planning and construction of a new large scale research laboratory.
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s construction team dovetails with the firm’s dispute resolution practice to provide clients ranging from international investors to property developers with advice on a spectrum of issues, including major transactions involving both in-progress and completed construction projects. The team is led by ‘Austrian real estate law expert’ Stefan Artner, who specialises in real estate-focused M&A, construction disputes specialist Gunnar Pickl, and Magdalena Brandstetter, whose practice straddles both construction advice, covering civil engineering and plant construction, and real estate transactions.
Practice head(s):
Gunnar Pickl; Stefan Artner; Magdalena Brandstetter
Other key lawyers:
Bernhard Müller; Julia Haumer-Mörzinger
Testimonials
‘Great arbitration team; one of the strongest and largest in Austria. Particular strength in construction, corporate and distribution.’
‘Excellent expertise in real estate law, fast response time and the solution orientation of Stefan Artner and his team are second to none.’
‘Stefan Artner is the Austrian real estate law expert. His excellent expertise, his accessibility, his negotiating skills in difficult situations and his friendly manner are widely known.’
‘Strong team with lots of experience in the industry. Many different characters that form a powerful team.’
‘Stefan Artner: 25 years of experience, good negotiator, very deal-orientated. Magdalena Brandstetter: well connected real estate lawyer.’
‘The firm’s team is very broadly positioned, with a special focus on construction. Short reaction times, advice on point. The firm is specialised in the relevant fields, with many highly-qualified experts in the team.’
‘The team around Stefan Artner and Gunnar Pickl is service-oriented in every respect. The assessments are realistic and recommendations to the point.’
‘What is very useful for me is the fact that this firm has many experts in other areas who can be called upon to deal with special issues in my construction warranty cases.’
Key clients
Kommunalkredit Austria
Brush Holding Ltd
Melrose
ARE Austrian Real Estate
C&P Immobilien
Swietelsky AG
Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft m.b.H.
Raiffeisen Beteiligungsholding
LHI Group
GalCap Europe
DLH (Deutsche Logistik Holding)
Itinera
Brookfield
DigitalBridge Group
Universal-Investment Luxembourg
SIGNA Financial Services AG
Ascott International Management, Europe
Magna Group
Work highlights
- Represented Brush Holding in a dispute with two Austrian entities owning several wind parks in Austria.
- Acted for GalCap Europe on the acquisition of two residential projects in Vienna.
- Assisted DigitalBridge with the acquisition of Deutsche Telekom’s telecommunication towers infrastructure in Austria.
Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)
Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) is noted for its work in the energy and infrastructure sector, where it supports developers on planning and construction issues, while also advising on the forward sale of residential and office developments. Leading the team is the ‘standout’ Constantin Benes, focusing on industrial construction projects and disputes. Assisting him in steering the team are managing partner and real estate specialist Michael Lagler and Christian Schmelz, who advises on planning and environmental matters. Former co-head Peter Madl left the partnership in 2023, but continues to advise investors on real estate investments as a counsel.
Practice head(s):
Constantin Benes; Michael Lagler; Christian Schmelz
Other key lawyers:
Peter Madl; Franziska Oczlon
Testimonials
‘The Schönherr real estate practice is composed of a very competent team of experienced lawyers with a broad knowledge base in several areas of real estate law. They have strong service levels, high reliability and great availability.’
‘Essentially, what makes the team unique is that I can turn to the team for almost any question or problem and receive goal-oriented, timely and competent feedback.’
‘Constantin Benes is very service-oriented, knowledgeable and has demonstrated valuable negotiations skills.’
‘Very flexible and knowledgeable, good always good advice, quick response.’
‘High availability when feedback is required, both in writing and over the phone/Teams. Good ability to put things into broader perspective.’
‘Very competent team of lawyers which always respond very promptly to requests. The lawyers are very solution-oriented. Feedback on enquiries always includes not only answers to questions asked, but also always recommendations on how to proceed with the matter.’
‘I’ve had the pleasure of working with several members of team Schoenherr. Helping each other as a goal to help me the most as a client is definitely a big factor in calling them for any kind of situation I find myself in with my company.’
‘Constantin Benes is a standout by himself. My respect for the knowledge this man has and uses to win cases is beyond what I imagined and could have asked for. Always available for unexpected phone calls and mail. Always has a well-thought-out answer in his pocket.’
Key clients
Autobahnen- u Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-AG (ASFINAG)
ARE Austrian Real Estate GmbH
Bank Austria Real Invest Immobilien-Kapitalanlage GmbH
Bauconsult Group
BIG Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft mbH
Brau Union
CC Wien Invest GmbH
Deutsche Vermögensberatung Aktiengesellschaft DVAG/Pannonia Grundstücksverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH
DWS Grundbesitz GmbH
GBI AG
Hallmann Group
IMMOVATE Realita GmbH
Invester United Benefits
Laakirchen Papier
Marubeni Corp.
OFID (OPEC Fund for International Development)
Radkersburger Hof GmbH & Co KG
Raiffeisen Lagerhaus
Raiffeisen Ware Austria
RIGI REAL ESTATE
Scherübel’s Söhne GmbH
Schreiner Trockenbau GmbH
Soini Asset Immobilien
TIWAG Tiroler Wasserkraft AG
Unger Unternehmensgruppe
VIG Vienna Insurance Group
Wiener Linien
WINEGG Group
ZECH Bau
Work highlights
- Advised Bank Austria Real Invest Immobilien-Kapitalanlage GmbH on the construction of a development containing 300 apartments, a nursery school as well as 310 parking spaces.
- Acted for Raiffeisen Lagerhaus on the sale, rezoning and redevelopment of multiple warehouse and silo facilities in Korneuburg, Wiener Neustadt and Gänserndorf.
- Assisted BTS Primus Immobilienbesitz GmbH/Al-Wazzan Group with the construction and implementation and leasing out of a PV plant on the client’s premises in Vienna’s 10th district.
Vavrovsky Heine Marth Rechtsanwälte
Vavrovsky Heine Marth Rechtsanwälte provides clients with ‘innovative contract solutions’ across the lifecycle of construction projects, supporting both the construction itself and subsequent sales, while also representing clients in disputes arising out of delays, cost overruns and defects. Transactions, including forward purchases and financing arrangements, form the spectrum of advice given by practice co-head Christian Marth, whose clients include developers and international real estate funds. Both litigation and arbitration proceedings are handled by co-head Nikolaus Vavrovsky, who acts for banks, investors, developers and public bodies.
Practice head(s):
Christian Marth; Nikolaus Vavrovsky
Other key lawyers:
Lisa Haslinger
Testimonials
‘Very responsive and customer-oriented. They think for the customer and come up with innovative contract solutions that benefit the customers without being obvious.’
‘We worked with Christian Marth who is highly competent, accessible 24/7 and responsive. Especially during time-constrained negotiations, this is a key factor.’
‘This is a firm with people who are very close to the client. They are very solution oriented, very accessible and very competent and professional.’
‘The cooperation is at eye level, the definition of tasks is very clear and the implementation is very fast.’
Key clients
European Parliament
Raiffeisen Immobilien Kapitalanlage-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
LLB Immo Kapitalanlagegesellschaft m.b.H. (Liechtensteinische Landesbank)
Bank Austria Real Invest Immobilien Kapitalanlage GmbH
Imfarr Beteiligungs GmbH
Ing. Hans Bodner Bau Ges. m.b.H. & Co. KG
Mamma Real Estate GmbH & Co KG
Haring Group
UBM Development Österreich GmbH
Wiener Komfortwohnungen GmbH
Work highlights
- Advised Mamma Real Estate GmbH & Co KG on construction of the largest hotel at Vienna Airport to date.
- Acted for Raiffeisen Immobilien Kapitalanlage-Gesellschaft m.b.H. on its acquisition of a property in a development area in Vienna via a share deal and forward purchase from SIGNA/ARE.
- Advised Imfarr Beteiligungs GmbH on the sale of a property that was rented to the Republic of Austria, Austrian Parliamentary Directorate Division, and on the comprehensive renovation of an office building in Vienna’s second district.