DISPUTE PREVENTION

Contracts that hold when it matters.

Mastering conflicts: factoring litigation risk into contract drafting from the outset.

Whether a complex project or a seemingly standard agreement: drafting without thinking through conflict scenarios leaves future disputes to chance. Precise, robust provisions create clarity—domestically and internationally. Where different legal systems, languages and business cultures meet, the bar is higher still. That is where experience in international contract and procedural law pays off.

Those who master conflicts do not to need fear them.

I draft contracts in such a way that my clients have an advantage from the outset – whether it is to avoid disputes or to assert their interests in proceedings.

A contract designed strategically—especially from a litigator’s perspective—not only avoids conflict. It creates certainty, leverage and resilience—and is the best starting position should the matter go to court.

A good contract is both shield and sword. That requires foresight in the wording—and the courage to regulate uncomfortable scenarios clearly.

I draft for the real case, not the ideal case.

Those who ignore risks and conflicts for too long often realize too late that time, money and options have been lost. Early, clear regulations are the foundation: without them, delays, extra costs and standstill loom.

How I use contract drafting to keep disputes under control:

  • Clearly define jurisdiction, applicable law and procedural rules from the outset.
  • Think about the provision of evidence: documentation, evidence paths, access to data.
  • Clearly regulate disruptions to performance (default, defects, withdrawal, termination, contractual penalty).
  • Make optimum use of conflict resolution mechanisms (escalation stages, mediation, arbitration/jurisdiction agreement).
  • Keeping an eye on GTC conformity and effectiveness – linguistically precise, legally sound.

Shaping opportunities — contracts as a strategic business instrument

I do not treat contracts merely as protection; I use them as a strategic steering tool for your commercial relationships. Properly designed, contracts are a driver of business success.

Because contracts are more than just a protective shield for process prevention. Designed correctly, they are a strategic tool for your business success.

In many mandates—especially distribution agreements—the aim is not only protection but also maximising economic upside. That means drafting clauses that create incentives and room to manoeuvre—for example through intelligent remuneration models, flexible termination rights and, not least, bonus and sanction mechanisms that steer performance.

This business perspective complements risk management—so contracts not only hold up when it counts but also pay off. And if a dispute arises, litigation experience tells us which clauses carry—and which already help enforce objectives at the negotiation table.

This business perspective underscores one thing:

Only a strategically-minded lawyer can ensure that a contract not only works – but also strengthens you both legally and economically.

How I use contract drafting to create opportunities:

  • Remunerating success – performance pays off.
  • Stay flexible – with clear termination and adjustment rights.
  • Set incentives – define bonuses, milestones, quality criteria.
  • Establish advantages – contractually secure opportunities
  • Creating and securing market advantages: exclusivity, competitive edge, protection against free riders.

Why involve a lawyer in contract drafting?

Many people ask themselves: Is a template enough? Or a direct exchange with the other party?

Experience shows: errors surface only in the hard case—but then with full force.

Typical risks:

  • Unclear or imprecise formulations – target is missed or cannot be enforced.
  • Missing/incorrect jurisdiction or choice of law clauses – another court is unexpectedly responsible.
  • Clauses that do not comply with German standard-terms law (AGB)– seemingly “effective” provisions turn out to be ineffective.
  • Gaps on rescission, termination, contractual penalties — costly uncertainty.

And what about KI?

Tools can generate legal-sounding text in seconds—no liability, no AGB case-law, no strategic judgement. Anyone who believes a contract is “done” this way risks nasty surprises in a dispute—and damage that is often no longer fixable.
Good contract drafting is not about pretty phrasing; it is about strategy, enforceability and experience.

The law firm for dispute prevention in your industry

Machinery and plant engineering

Projects rarely fail on technology—they fail on contracts and interfaces. I combine litigation experience with drafting so that change orders are regulated cleanly, acceptances are managed securely and risks are controlled early—for projects that are legally robust.

Trade and Distribution

In trade and distribution, success is secured not only by products but by contracts. I draft distribution agreements that enable growth and hold up in a dispute—and I represent companies in proceedings from commercial agent indemnity and competition issues to international distribution agreements.

Corporate disputes & Contract drafting

Directors quickly come into the crosshairs—alleged breaches of duty and personal liability. Shareholders clash when decisions are blocked or expectations diverge. I ensure that corporate rules are robust—and I represent both shareholders and directors when conflicts escalate, up to complex shareholder litigation.

Transportation and logistics

Transport and logistics are international—and conflicts arise where responsibility changes hands, e.g. at transshipment points or across legal borders. I combine drafting with litigation experience so that carriage and charter agreements hold in the real world, and I represent logistics companies in national and cross-border proceedings.

CONTACT

LEGAL+

+49 (40) 57199 74 80

+49 (170) 1203 74 0

Bleichenbrücke 11 D-20354 Hamburg

kontakt@legal-plus.eu

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