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Project development and construction law

Comprehensive legal support for real estate development and complex construction projects

Project development and private construction law in the real estate sector are often characterised by long planning and approval phases, complex contract structures and high economic risks.  

We support you in all phases of your project: from property development and clarification of construction law principles to the drafting and negotiation of planning and construction agreements through to realisation, acceptance and – depending on the project – handover, utilisation or sale. Whether for a large-scale construction project, a neighbourhood development or a special property, we lay the legal foundations for successful construction projects to keep them on time and under budget. 

Industry experience, success factors and core competences 

Our experience is based on decades of supporting demanding construction projects at home and abroad. Our clients include project developers, construction groups, investors, general contractors, planning offices and the public sector. 

We support high-value structural engineering and infrastructure projects in various asset classes, including office, residential, retail, logistics, hotels and data centres. Our team is also experienced in infrastructure projects in important industries: telecommunications, energy generation and storage, traffic routes.

Industrial plant construction projects are a particular focus of our advisory services. We advise on construction and plant projects in areas such as energy and climate protection (wind, solar, hydrogen, battery energy storage systems/BESS), chemicals, automotive, pharmaceuticals and defence. We have extensive experience in dealing with typical contractual success factors such as performance guarantees, availability commitments, interface management and limitations of liability. 

In particular, we assist international clients with their construction projects in Germany. Our advisers are familiar with the expectations and experience of international companies and have a wealth of experience in explaining the legal requirements, risks and opportunities for project development and construction projects in Germany. In the same way, we support German companies with projects abroad and guide them safely through unfamiliar terrain. The international CMS network enables us to seamlessly integrate local advisers in numerous regions around the world. 

Overview of our services

  • Legal support with acquiring land and building rights
  • Structuring of projects and models for awarding contracts
  • Drafting and negotiation of planning and construction agreements in various contract forms (general contractor, coordinating general contractor, GMP, EPCM, IPA, FIDIC, JCT)
  • Support with tenders and contract negotiations
  • Legal advice during the construction phase
  • Claim and anti-claim management, construction time extensions
  • Support during acceptance, defect and supplementary management
  • Conflict resolution through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (mediation, adjudication, dispute resolution boards) and through court and arbitration proceedings 

Talk to our Construction & Development Lawyers

From land acquisition and contract models (EPCM, GMP, FIDIC, JCT) to claims, acceptance and dispute resolution, we help you reduce risk, avoid delays and protect your budget. Speak with our team about your project.

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Events

  • Germany
    18 Mar 2026

    Green claims in focus

  • Germany
    19 Mar 2026

    CMS Nordic Health Summit

  • Germany
    23 Mar 2026

    CMS at PTMG Spring 2026

  • Germany
    08 Apr 2026

    CMS at Fordham IP & Policy Conference

  • Germany
    21 Apr 2026

    On the Pulse webinar series 2026 - Spring/Summer

  • Germany
    28 Apr 2026

    IP Insights webinar series 2026

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