Schoenherr real estate duo to quit after culture clash

Schoenherr real estate heads Alfred Nemetschke and Walter Anderl have decided to part with the firm and operate independently of each other.

The two partners joined Schoenherr in 2007 from Austrian and Central and Eastern European rival Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati (CHSH), taking one partner and 11 associates.

But after two years the pair are now discussing when they will leave, citing ‘professional differences’.

It is not yet clear how many from Schoenherr’s estate team – which stands at approximately 89 lawyers – will leave with them. Schoenherr’s other two real estate partners, Peter Madl and Michael Lagler, will remain at the firm.

Alfred Nemetschke said: “We regret this inevitable decision, which is purely based on professional differences. Walter Anderl and I maintain what we believe is a client-oriented business model with an emphasis on personal and long-standing advice.”

Schoenherr’s managing partner Christoph Lindinger said: “Although cooperation in the last two years has been very successful from a business point of view, the ultimate goal of fully integrating Alfred Nemetschke and Walter Anderl into the Schoenherr structure, failed.”

Lindinger added that the divorce was “mainly as a result of differences in business concept and organisational culture” between the two parties.

Alfred Nemetschke: “Walter Anderl and I are currently weighing all future opportunities and have a very positive and optimistic outlook on the future.”

Nemetschke said that his team would not experience a negative impact from the split in Austria or in CEE.