Benefitting from a strong reputation in the Austrian market, and a ‘detailed knowledge of all contractual issues regarding construction’ KWR Karasek Wietrzyk Rechtsanwälte GmbH has a strong track record in the construction sector. The group offers clients a full service which covers a variety of construction projects. The quartet Georg Karasek, Clemens Berlakovits, Paul Schmidinger and Jan Philipp Schifko lead the team, and the latter’s ‘incredible workload‘ involves both litigious and non-litigious construction work as well as real estate business law matters. Schifko is commended for providing ‘advice with business value.’ Elsewhere, Berlakovits complements his construction law knowledge with public procurement law and architecture law knowledge.
Construction in Austria
KWR Karasek Wietrzyk Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Practice head(s):
Georg Karasek; Clemens Berlakovits; Paul Schmidinger; Jan Philipp Schifko
Other key lawyers:
Andreas Herrmann; Vinzenz Waldhof; Julian Ring
Testimonials
‘For me, legal competence in construction matters is the most important factor and they display this.’
‘Their legal knowledge in construction matters is very good and could rarely be found in other law firms. Clemens Berlakovits and Vinzenz Waldhof always tried very hard to adhere to our ideas, wishes and special requirements into a contract immediately. There were many constructive discussions and explanations of our intentions, but they always managed to carry out everything to our full satisfaction.’
‘KWR has excellent, detailed knowledge of all contractual issues regarding construction. They act quickly and have quick response times. They also have an excellent reputation in the market.’
‘Clemens Berlakovits is our main contact and is excellent in his field. He has high social and legal competence in all relevant fields. His team is there to assist with all issues. He knows when to solve a specific problem in court or when it is better to negotiate outside the courtroom.’
‘Their knowledge of construction law is superb. Very practical approach to both in out-of-court counselling and in court disputes.’
‘Jan Schifko is a great lawyer. He has an incredible workload but he is always reachable and finds the best solution in a legal but also in a business sense.’
‘Jan Schifko gives great advice with business value. and sees the bigger picture. Julian Ring is an up and coming attorney.’
‘They have a good understanding of construction technology and a very high level of competence regarding construction law.’
Key clients
Wirtschaftsagentur Wien
Donau Busterminal Realisierungs GmbH
Salvi Weber Schenker Architekten
Caritas Wien
Gemeinnütziger Wohnbauträger Alpenland
Gemeinnütziger Wohnbauträger ÖSW
Umdasch Group
G.E.D. Wohnbau GmbH
Schüller Gruppe
Kamper
Unger Stahlbau Ges.m.b.H.
AMFT – Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Hersteller von Metall-Fenster/Türen/Tore/Fassaden
DELUGAN MEISSL ZT
Vasko + Partner
Jabornegg & Pálffy Architekten
6B47
BIG Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft m.b.H.
Esterhazy Betriebe GmbH
Schrack Technik GmbH
Handler Group
Work highlights
- Representing the real estate developer, PSC Errichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. (part of the Raab&Raab Group) in civil proceedings at the commercial court of Vienna regarding the construction project TABA Tower.
- Advising Wirtschaftsagentur Wien. Ein Fonds der Stadt Wien. on the construction of a new laboratory building.
- Advising and representing the Implenia AG/ Implenia Bau GmbH in relation to litigation, contractual negotiations and other construction-related matters.
Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG
Adding to 'an excellent legal knowledge in the field of construction law but also a very good technical and economic understanding', the group at Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG also collaborates closely with the firm's public procurement, dispute resolution and arbitration teams. Well connected lawyer Wolfgang Müller is 'well known in the construction industry' and leads the team alongside construction law expert Thomas Anderl. More widely, the firm is 'very well positioned for complex and large projects' and regularly handles multijurisdictional as well as national construction and infrastructure matters. Michael Müller is a key figure in this regard, particularly on the contentious side.
Practice head(s):
Wolfgang Müller; Thomas Anderl
Other key lawyers:
Michael Müller; Philipp Szelinger; Hannah Schaflinger
Testimonials
‘Due to its size, Wolf Theiss is very well positioned for complex and large projects. This is particularly important in large infrastructure projects. In addition to the very experienced Wolfgang Müller there are experienced but young lawyers in the team. In addition to Wolf Theiss, there are only very few comparably good law firms that are active in this field.’
‘Wolfgang Müller is outstanding. He has a lot of experience in this field. As a new and young lawyer, Michael Müller deserves special mention, who is already doing a very good job despite his short stint as a lawyer.’
‘The team not only has outstanding legal expertise but also has the essential pragmatism to deal with (especially public) infrastructure customers.’
‘We highly appreciate the cooperation and collaboration with the construction team, which is based on years of trust. They not only have excellent legal knowledge in the field of construction law but also a very good technical and economic understanding. In addition, they are very well networked in the industry, which is extremely useful when dealing with our matters.’
‘Wolfgang Müller is well known in the construction industry and knows almost all the players personally. Apart from his outstanding knowledge of construction contract law, he also has an extensive understanding of our business and the technical aspects of it.’
‘Michael Müller has an excellent knowledge of construction law, construction economics and technology. Particularly noteworthy is that he has a very good understanding of numbers, which makes cooperation much easier.’
‘My contacts in the construction team are experienced, sharp-witted and strong negotiators. I particularly appreciate that my contacts are easy to reach and explain several options during the consultation. Wolfgang Müller and Michael Müller are outstanding.’
Key clients
GEN-I
Swimsol
Marti
Boehringer Ingelheim
Haslinger Stahlbau
Unger Stahlbau
Implenia Österreich
PINUS Grundstückvermietung
Mercury Engineering
Hilti Vermögensverwaltung
STRABAG
Hartree Partners (UK)
Scanbio Marine Group
JP Immobiliengruppe
PORR Bau GmbH
BeMo Tunnelling GmbH
Ing. Hans Bodner Baugesellschaft
HABAU Hoch- und Tiefbau
HOCHTIEF Infrastructure (Austria)
ÖSTU-STETTIN Hoch- und Tiefbau GmbH
Swietelsky
Work highlights
CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Nikolaus Weselik heads up both the real estate group and the construction group at CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH. Leading the group alongside Thomas Hamerl, Weselik is an active team member when it comes to litigious matters and an experienced arbitrator. Hamerl, whose fields of expertise lie in national and international construction, infrastructure and energy projects, often acts for clients before domestic and international courts and arbitral tribunals. The team has particular nous in the hotel industry, and also excels in responding to client's tax questions related to construction projects.
Practice head(s):
Nikolaus Weselik
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Hamerl; Mariella Kapoun
Key clients
VX Fibre (Austria) and VNext (Sweden)
Breitband Holding
Strabag
Projektgemeinschaft Brenner Basistunnel Nord (Amberg Engineering, Lombardi, müller + hereth, Obermeyer, hpbm)
DSR Hotel Holding
Central European University (CEU)
REWE
PORR
Hochtief
Billa
NMPB Architekten ZT GmbH
Securikett Ulrich & Horn GmbH
European Investment Bank
Raiffeisen Landesbank Oberösterreich
Work highlights
- Acting as appointed arbitrator in an ICC arbitration in one of the currently largest construction projects in Austria.
- Represented the client in a large proceeding regarding the building construction project “Umfahrung Strasswalchen”.
- Representing PORR in a large arbitration case in connection with a major underground work project.
Müller Partner Rechtsanwälte
At Müller Partner Rechtsanwälte, ‘extremely empathetic and highly qualified‘ firm founder Katharina Müller, who handles both litigious and non-litigious work, leads the team alongside Bernhard Kall, who works on such cases as compensation and damage claims. Owing to its size, the group is ‘very well positioned for complex and large projects‘ including infrastructure, structural, and civil engineering projects. Another key team member Mathias Ilg, who focuses on public construction law and ‘deals with technical matters in an extraordinary way.‘
Practice head(s):
Katharina Müller; Bernhard Kall
Other key lawyers:
Christoph Gaar; Mathias Ilg; Roman Gietler
Testimonials
‘Great team. Katharina Müller, Bernhard Kall and Christoph Gaar are excellent lawyers, good negotiators, great seminar speakers and extremely human. Despite an extremely high success rate, they are not aloof.’
‘Katharina Müller is extremely empathetic and highly qualified. She tries to get to the client’s goal quickly and without much ado. Highly experienced in difficult settlement negotiations. Bernhard Kall is a very good construction lawyer with highly analytical thinking and a high level of implementation skills. Christoph Gaar is a great construction lawyer with a lot of passion for the cause. Prepares matters in an excellent legal way and is a great team player.’
‘Due to its size, the firm is very well positioned for complex and large projects. This is particularly important in large infrastructure projects. In addition to the very experienced Katherina Müller, there are other experienced but lawyers in the team as well as young lawyers.’
‘The founder of the law firm, Katherina Müller, is outstanding. She has a great deal of experience in this area and is also very well recognized in the professional world thanks to her numerous publications. As a new and young lawyer, Mathias Ilg deserves a special mention, who is already doing a very good job despite his short time as a lawyer.’
‘Super solution-oriented, never fight for non-reachable targets, always have clients benefits in mind. Perfect Austrian construction market knowledge. You always know about strengths and weaknesses of your opponent.’
‘Katharina Müller is senior, wise, smart and clever.’
‘Mathias Ilg deals with technical matters in an extraordinary way.’
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
TGA Baumanagement GmbH
Ortner Ges.m.b.H
Elektro- und Sicherheitstechnische Anlagen Wolf Bau von Niederspannungsanlagen GmbH
Laki Epületszobrasz Zrt.
Bacon Gebäudetechnik GmbH
EQUANS Group
DI Anton Hofstätter Gesellschaft m.b.H,
ALLPLAN Gesellschaft m.b.H.
EMC elektromanagement & construction GmbH
Ing. Emmerich Csernohorsky GmbH
EAG Elektroanlagenbau GmbH
VA TECH WABAG GmbH
Work highlights
- Representing BeMo Tunnelling GmbH in major private enforcement proceedings regarding payment claims and claims for adjustment of payment from a tunnel renovation project.
- Represented a globally operating plant manufacturer for sewage treatment plants and hydroelectric power plants in substantial court proceedings arising from a complex infrastructure project resulting in a reasonable settlement.
- Advising several building services syndicates (Haustechnik-ARGEn) during the execution phase of the renovation of a major historic building in Vienna, which included ongoing advice on legal issues arising throughout the project.
Cerha Hempel
Cerha Hempel advises clients at each stage of the construction life cycle, ranging from the acquisition of land, right through to the sale of the projects. The workload includes regulatory law advice and public procurement matters, as well on advising on disputes. Practice head Peter Vcelouch handles construction-related litigation and arbitration proceedings as well as general dispute resolution matters. Manfred Ton is a go-to lawyer in the team when it comes to transactional work, and recently advised a large German asset and investment management company on the acquisition of retail parks within its portfolio.
Practice head(s):
Peter Vcelouch
Other key lawyers:
Manfred Ton
Key clients
LIDL Österreich
Flughafen Wien AG
SES Spar European Shopping Centers
thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions AG
Value One
numa group
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Work highlights
- Advising thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions AG on a large-scale industrial construction project in the south of Austria.
- Advised numa group GmbH on its expansion in the Austrian hospitality market.
- Advising Lidl Österreich on several real estate development projects, real estate acquisitions concerning new shop locations (“Lidl” markets) in Austria and on several construction law issues.
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s construction & infrastructure group is supported by a strong dispute resolution practice has experience acting in international and domestic construction disputes. Practice co-head Gunnar Pickl regularly works on construction and infrastructure arbitration and is ‘an excellent construction litigator who can seemingly grasp the crucial points of a case in record time’. Co-head Stefan Artner is a key name to note for construction mandates with a real estate angle, and ‘has a good overall understanding of transactions’.
Practice head(s):
Stefan Artner; Gunnar Pickl
Other key lawyers:
Magdalena Brandstetter
Testimonials
‘One of the biggest advantages is the capability to understand the transactions not only on the legal or tax side but also to have a deep understanding in commercial terms and correlations.’
‘Stefan Artner is very well prepared for meetings, has a good overall understanding in transactions, displays perfect behaviour in negotiations, and is straight forward.’
‘The team is extremely impressive, and that is understating it. They have decades of experience and incredible know-how in both construction and contentious arbitration, which is a unique selling point in the Austrian market. If I were a client from the construction sector, Dorda would be the firm I would turn to with my disputes.’
‘What is striking is the strength with which they use new technologies with persuasive effect in arbitration proceedings. This applies to both the excellent written pleadings and the oral presentation in the arbitration proceedings.’
‘First and foremost, Gunnar Pickl is an excellent construction litigator who can seemingly grasp the crucial points of a case in record time. His impressive oral skills are matched by a to-the-point efficient writing style, leaving no stone unturned, if necessary, but concentrating on the main points.’
‘Stefan Artner has outstanding knowledge and experience in the field of real estate law. Plus he is a smart negotiator and he‘s available whenever you need him.’
‘The team handles large scale construction projects with both a national and an international dimension. They regularly provide a flexible and efficient method of dispute resolution that also guarantees legal certainty. The deep know-how enables DORDA to cover all aspects that require particular attention.’
Work highlights
Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)
Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) are extremely active in the renewables sector, and the energy sector more generally. Recently, this has involved providing advice in connection with the acquisition and development of wind parks. Constantin Benes, who heads up the team alongside Peter Madl and Christian Schmelz, also has a particular focus on matters relating to the industrial sector, as well as the development of housing and office projects. Generally, the group has a strong regulatory practice and leverages its close ties to the firm’s real estate and regulatory experts.
Practice head(s):
Peter Madl; Christian Schmelz; Constantin Benes
Other key lawyers:
Philipp Staudigl; Franziska Oczlon
Testimonials
‘The team led by Constantin Benes stands out for its in-depth knowledge, and fast response rate. It is always very supportive.’
‘Constantin Benes and Philipp Staudigl have in-depth knowledge and provide fast responses to legal requests, especially related to construction & real estate law.’
‘Constantin Benes has a vast knowledge in the field of tenancy law and a practice-oriented approach. Constantin and his team are always very supportive and provide very good and practical solutions.’
‘Very uncomplicated to work with Schoenherr. Constantin Benes is very quick and clear in her thoughts and language, and is always reachable by phone.’
‘The law firm has a very broad range of expertise and always has a suitably trained contact person for all areas that we need.’
‘The entire team acts in a customer-oriented way without disregarding the legal aspect. Risks and opportunities are highlighted. Out of the box solutions are found. Always available when it is urgent. Friendly and patient.’
Key clients
Autobahnen- u Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-AG (ASFINAG)
Bank Austria Real Invest Immobilien-Kapitalanlage GmbH
Bauconsult Group
Bitpanda GmbH
Deutsche Vermögensberatung Aktiengesellschaft DVAG / Pannonia Grundstücksverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH
DWS Grundbesitz GmbH
GBI AG
Hallmann Group
Invester United Benefits
Laakirchen Papier
Marubeni Corp.
OFID (OPEC Fund for International Development)
Pannonia Grundstücksverwaltungs GmbH
RIGI REAL ESTATE
Scherübel’s Söhne GmbH
TIWAG Tiroler Wasserkraft AG
Unger Unternehmensgruppe
Wiener Linien
WINEGG Group
ZECH Bau
Work highlights
- Advising Unger Unternehmensgruppe on the acquisition (in form of a joint venture with Avoris group) of a 120,000m2 area to build a new part of a town near Linz / Upper Austria.
- Advising ZECH Bau SE on their general contract structure, their standard construction agreements, and agreements with subcontractors, as well as with regard to the construction of an apartment complex with approx. 200, apartments and an underground parking park in the outskirts of Vienna.
- Advising TIWAG on the construction and operation of two large hydro pump power storage plants and three large-scale river power plants in Tyrol.
Vavrovsky Heine Marth Rechtsanwälte
Vavrovsky Heine Marth Rechtsanwälte is ‘highly experienced in high-profile disputes in the field of construction’ and is headed up by ‘gifted transaction lawyer’ Christian Marth, ‘well-versed construction disputes practitioner’ Nikolaus Vavrovsky, and public construction law expert Christian Marth. The group acts in a range of matters from development and construction to construction related litigation, and offers clients support throughout a project’s life cycle.
Practice head(s):
Christian Marth; Nikolaus Vavrovsky; Daniela Pitzek
Other key lawyers:
Lisa Haslinger
Testimonials
‘Vavrovsky Heine Marth Rechtsanwälte is highly experienced in high-profile disputes in the fields of construction and infrastructure. Their practice has strength in the full range of construction work and significant experience acting on contentious and non-contentious matters for both contractors and developers. Having a strong real estate-transaction department makes the practice uniquely well-rounded and fit for our purpose. We trust their expertise not only in construction disputes, but also in the structuring and utilization of residential projects. The group has got all necessary tools to tackle claims arising from defects, delays and terminated contracts.’
‘Nikolaus Vavrovsky is a well-versed construction disputes practitioner with considerable experience advising on arbitrations and litigation proceedings. He is highly knowledgeable with a high understanding of technically complex issues and provides clear advice and recommendations.’
‘The team around Christian Marth is extremely well versed in the handling of acquisitions and sales of commercial and residential properties throughout Austria. At the same time, Nikolaus Vavrovsky adds vast and valuable experience in construction law matters.’
‘Christian Marth is dynamic and stays extremely focused, even when things boil up. He is a gifted transaction lawyer, very responsive and has the ability to steer his team through any kind of complex negotiation in the right direction. He is very well connected and a skillful market leader.’
‘Nikolaus Vavrovsky has a high level of sophistication. He always keeps the overview, remains patient also in difficult situations and finds the right words at the right time. We especially benefit from his experience as a litigation and arbitration lawyer in complex construction disputes.’
‘Lisa Haslinger is certainly a future leader and enthralls with her know-how in all public construction law-related matters.’
‘Partners agree on topics among themselves, so there is no risk of an unenforceable individual opinion.’
‘Vavrovsky Heine Marth Rechtsanwälte has an acclaimed contentious offering, tackling high-profile disputes in the fields of construction, infrastructure and public transportation. Their practice has acknowledged strength in the full range of construction work and significant experience acting on contentious and non-contentious matters for both contractors and developers.’
Key clients
Apleona HSG GmbH (formerly Siemens Gebäudemanagement & Services GmbH)
Geros Beteiligungsverwaltungs GmbH/ Lifestyle Brands Investment Holding GmbH
Bank Austria Real Invest Immobilien Kapitalanlage GmbH
Die Wohnkompanie GmbH
fourreal GmbH
Ing. Hans Bodner Baugesellschaft m.b.H & Co KG
LLB Immo Kapitalanlagegesellschaft m.b.H. (Liechtensteinische Landesbank)
Manfred Raab and Raab&Raab Group
Real One Group
Siemens Group Austria
Stix + Partner Immobilien GmbH
UBM Development Österreich GmbH
Wiener Komfortwohnungen GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising leading construction company Bodner Bau in the redevelopment of the former tobacco factory in Linz (Tabakfabrik Linz).
- Advising Bank Austria Real Invest Immobilien Kapitalanlage GmbH in two complex construction disputes, connected to major development projects in lower Austria.
- Advising fourreal GmbH in the development of a residential project in a prestigious Vienna neighborhood.