We advise principals and contractors, architects and engineers as well as property management businesses on planning, building and managing buildings and facilities. We are also experienced in buying and selling property, letting and leasing as well as securing loans.
Property Law
Berlin has a booming property market and is attractive to buyers from abroad. Restored old flats are particularly popular. However, buying a flat entails long-term legal and administrative responsibilites which buyers should be aware of. As part of the sale, the buyer is always bound by complicated rules which govern the future distribution of service charges, utility costs and other costs among the residents. We can assist in drafting and understanding the sales contract and advise on the ongoing building works and the joint management of the property by the compulsory residents’ association.
Public Procurement
Public procurement law is a highly dynamic area which constantly evolves
through extensive case law and changing rules. As a result of the first
stage of the reform of public procurement rules, since November 2006 the revised Public
Procurement Regulation and the revised German Official Contracting
Terms for the Award of Construction Contracts (VOB 2006), for Service
Contracts (VOL 2006 and VOF 2006) apply. The second stage of the
reform of public procurement law is currently under way. We advise contracting authorities and bidders on all questions concerning public procurement law. We assist with and monitor EU-wide and national public procurement procedures, represent contracting authorities and bidders in review and appeal procedures and in litigation about damages. Prior to a procurement procedure, we clarify whether the principal is a public contracting authority and whether exceptions to the duty to call for tender apply. Such exceptions could apply in particular to in-house contracts or to co-operations between municipal bodies.
EC and International Environmental Law
In recent years national law has been shaped more and more by the implementation of international and European treaties and rules. Climate change and emission trading, environmental impact assessment for plans and programmes, environmental information rights and public procurement are just some examples of substantial changes in national laws of EC member states. We provide expert legal advice and opinions for government ministries and authorities on the development and implementation of international and EC law. Our partners have a research and policy advice background from their work at universities and with international organisations.
Training Courses and Seminars
We are regular speakers at training courses and seminars, particularly for the course providers BGW and vhw. At in-house courses we explain legal groundwork and recent developments to our clients. We aim to make our clients aware of legal pitfalls more quickly in order for them to assess their need for legal advice more accurately.