Michael Ziegaus-Clavien

My main areas of practice

One of my core areas of expertise is providing comprehensive legal advice to national and international real estate companies and investors in the leasing and ongoing management of commercial and residential properties. This includes, in particular, the drafting and negotiation of lease agreements as well as property, facility and asset management agreements, brokerage agreements, project management, construction and general contractor agreements. I also regularly represent my clients in related court proceedings.

Moreover, in an increasingly technology‑driven real estate market where regulatory requirements, digital infrastructure, and economic utilization concepts are closely intertwined, I possess particular expertise in data protection and IT‑related legal issues in the real estate sector, especially in connection with digitalized building structures and "Smart Buildings".

Due to my many years of broad experience in this field, I advise across all asset classes, especially in the office, logistics and retail sectors, and I also have in-depth experience in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. My extensive practical experience enables me to understand different types of properties, their technical and operational challenges, as well as the often complex constellation of interests between owners/investors, tenants, asset, property and facility managers, and contractors.

Another focus of my practice is the comprehensive legal support of real estate transactions. I advise on the acquisition and sale of properties in both asset and share deals and have extensive experience in structuring and negotiating the relevant transaction agreements. I also advise on the drafting and negotiation of related joint venture agreements.

In doing so, I always keep my clients’ commercial objectives and the transaction timeline in mind and ensure efficient execution – including through the supportive use of Artificial Intelligence, for example in the context of due diligence. My clients primarily include national and international real estate investors and portfolio holders, as well as prominent commercial tenants. They particularly value my ability to quickly grasp commercial requirements and translate them into robust, pragmatic solutions that work in practice.

I advise my clients in German and English.

Recommendations

I am recommended by Handelsblatt, in cooperation with Best Lawyers, as “One to Watch” in the field of real estate law.