Christian Esch appointed partner at Graf von Westphalen

Graf von Westphalen has appointed another equity partner from its own ranks, with Christian Esch having made the transition on 1 January 2011.  The firm now has 46 partners in total.

Managing partner Christof Kleinmann commented: “2010 was certainly not an easy year for us.  However, in spite of the adverse circumstances, 2010 was the most financially successful year in the firm’s history.  In addition to this, we were able to attract top-class lateral hires, who have strengthened our core practice areas.  2011 has seen us continue to grow – as has been demonstrated by Christian Esch’s promotion to partner – and we look forward to more new partners and associates.”

Christian Esch is an accredited specialist in construction and architectural law.  He completed his legal internship (Referendariat) at Graf von Westphalen in 2004, before joining the firm permanently as an associate in June 2005.  He has since worked together with Dr Robert Theissen in the areas of construction, property and architectural law, as well as construction-related public procurement.  At present, Christian Esch is advising, amongst other clients, GWG Gewerbeimmobilien mbH in relation to the construction of Hamburg Wasser’s new head office.  He also holds regular seminars on construction law topics, including the new Honorarordnung für Architekten und Ingenieure (Scale of Fees for Services by Architects and Engineers), construction management and construction-related public procurement.

"We are delighted to have Christian Esch as one of our partners,” said managing partner Dr Robert Theissen.  “We have known him for more than six years, and he has been extremely successful in that time.  This appointment leaves us very well-positioned for the coming year."