Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen advises public and private sector clients and technical consultants on all aspects of construction including infrastructure and public procurement. He assists in drafting and negotiating contracts and in designing and handling tenders for public works and other public contracts.

Dispute resolution (arbitration, litigation and mediation) is a particular area of expertise for Peter. He handles not only construction and infrastructure disputes and professional negligence disputes within technical consultancy, but also commercial, contractual and public law disputes. He is a certified arbitrator and mediator. In 2013, he sat as a Temporary Judge at the High Court of Eastern Denmark. Since 2017, he has been member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR.

Peter also advises on real estate transactions and projects, including public-private urban development projects and other PPPs. He has extensive general commercial, contracts and corporate law experience.

Peter has achieved recognition in Chambers Europe, Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal.

He is the co-author (with Michael Gjedde-Nielsen et al.) of ABR 18: General Conditions for Consulting Services, Karnov Group, 1st edition, 2021.

Peter is also the co-author (with Jakob Juul) of Danish Arbitration ("Voldgiftsret"), Karnov Group, 3rd edition 2017.

He speaks the Scandinavian languages, English and French.

Peter has recently advised clients on matters such as:

• Drafting and tendering of contracts for the lightrail project in Odense (Odense Letbane) and the Greater Copenhagen Area (Ring 3), covering civil works, transportation systems, rolling stock and maintenance and operation
• Drafting and tendering of contracts for infrastructure works in connection with the Copenhagen Metro
• Drafting and tendering of contracts for urban development PPP projects as well as establishing public-private urban development companies (NærHeden, Høje Taastrup C, etc.)
• Tender of insurance services relating to infrastructure projects
• Tender of it development contract
• Ongoing legal assistance to technical consultants (architects and engineers) and contractors on building and construction projects

He has also been involved in litigation and arbitration concerning:

• Delay and additional claims of contractors in connection with the Copenhagen Metro project
• Delay and disruption related to projects within the district heating sector
• All-risks insurance cover for construction defects in newly constructed commercial buildings and other insurance claims disputes
• Product liability in the building and construction industry
• Fees and liability of technical consultants in relation to large public construction projects such as mega-hospital projects
• Professional negligence of technical consultants, attorneys and company directors

As arbitrator Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen has been appointed in 20+ ad hoc and institutional arbitrations regarding shareholder disputes, partnership disputes, M&A, real estate and insurance disputes as well as contractual disputes in a number of areas such as building and construction, IT and energy. He has experience both as chairman, co-arbitrator, sole arbitrator, interim arbitration and as arbitrator in expedited arbitration procedures.

Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen is one of the recommended profiles in Chambers Europe within the category Real Estate: Construction and in the guide it is stated: 

Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen is well placed to handle complex construction projects and disputes in the healthcare and transportation sectors. He acts for engineers and architects as well as employers.
Strength:
"Peter is a super dedicated and competent person with strong project management skills and deep knowledge." (2024)
"Peter is a very sensible and logical lawyer who explains a particular situation very well and the reasons for any decisions taken." (2024)

“Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen is well placed to handle complex construction projects and disputes in the healthcare and transportation sectors. He acts for engineers and architects as well as employers.
Strengths: "Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen delivers a high-quality service.”” (2023)

“Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen rises in the rankings following his growing presence in the construction world. He is well placed to handle complex construction disputes and tender procedures for infrastructure and energy projects as well as PPP agreements. Interviewees reflect: "He is very good with international clients and pragmatic and also good in arbitrations.”” (2022)

"Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen acts on construction disputes, large infrastructure and commercial development projects and contract negotiations. Sources highlight that "he has the ability to quickly understand the client's needs and act accordingly," adding: "He listens to the strategies indicated by the client and he contributes with very good evaluations regarding the risks involved."" (2021)

“Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen acts for clients on construction disputes, large infrastructure and commercial development projects and contract negotiations. Sources appreciate his "high level of expertise with construction law and good ability to get a quick overview and provide quick advice."“(2020)

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Furthermore, Peter is highlighted as a "Leading Individual" in Legal 500 within the category Real estate and construction, and in Legal 500 it is in this category as well as in the categories Dispute resolution and EU, competition and public procurement stated about Peter:

“Peter Thommesen stands out a one of the best advisers on all aspects related to construction. He provides excellent service to clients.” (2024)

“Peter Thommesen is a top performing attorney with deep experience within his field and a sense of the important issues – a good mix of pragmatism, legal ability, commercial considerations and the ability to find solutions.” (2024)

“Peter Thommesen has been the lead representative on one of our major projects over a number of years and has provided excellent advice. He has been ably supported by Jacob Allon who is taking an increasingly important role and is particularly good at managing our input.” (2024)

“Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen is very dedicated and solution oriented, which is needed within large scale projects. His feedback and answers are understandable for non-legal persons which makes the process very effective.” (2024)

“Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen … uses his “high standard of knowledge” to advise on PPP urban development projects and construction management work” (2023)

“Peter Thommesen is a high quality, stand-out partner.” (2023)

“Peter Thommesen has wide ranging experience. He is an expert and provides valuable input regarding tactics and strategy concerning legal issues.” (2023)

”Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen does a professional job with a high standard in the market.” (2022)

”Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen is a very high skill consultant that understands his clients and delivers each time.” (2022)

”Michael Gjedde-Nielsen and Peter Fauerholdt Thommesen have both contributed high-quality advice in all relevant legal questions. Michael and Peter have contributed to explaining the very complex legal questions facing the company to the Board and owners in an understandable and convincing manner to the satisfaction of all involved.” (2022)

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And for six years in a row - in the yearly editions 2018-2023 - Peter has also been selected as a ‘Future Leader’ in arbitration in Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration.

Admitted to the Supreme Court, 2022
Certified mediator, The Association of Danish Law Firms, 2020
Partner, VILTOFT, 2014-
Temporary Judge, the High Court of Eastern Denmark, 2013
Certified arbitrator, the Association of Danish Law Firms, 2013
Admitted to High Court, 2012
Attorney, VILTOFT, 2010-2013
Foreign intern, Essex Court Chambers (Toby Landau QC), London, 2008
Stagiaire, ICC International Court of Arbitration, Paris, 2008
LL.M., University of Cambridge, England, 2008
Admitted to the Danish Bar, 2007
Assistant attorney and attorney, Bruun & Hjejle, 2004-2010
Master of Laws (LL.M.), University of Copenhagen, 2004
Studies at New York University School of Law, USA, 2002

External lecturer in International Commercial Law (private international law and commercial arbitration), Copenhagen Business School, 2012-2017

External lecturer at the University of Copenhagen in European & International Commercial Law (2008-2013) and in the Willem C Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition (2010-2012), 2008-2013

Tutor in the Law of Obligations at the University of Copenhagen, 2004-2007

Peter also regularly teaches courses in commercial arbitration, construction, procurement and contracts for private course providers.

Co-author (with Michael Gjedde-Nielsen et al.) of ABR 18: General Conditions for Consulting Services, Karnov Group, 1st edition, 2021

Co-author (with Jakob Juul) of Danish Arbitration ("Voldgiftsret"), Karnov Group, 3rd edition 2017.

Co-author (with Michael Gjedde-Nielsen) of article about construction arbitration in Denmark, Tidsskrift for Bolig- og Byggeret (T:BB) 2016, p. 883.

In addition, he is author of articles on various topics in the field of commercial arbitration (Advokaten 2011, No 10, p. 20) and corporate law (Justitia 2005, No 2; with Simon Krogh).

Member, ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR (since 2017)

Board member and co-founder of Young Arbitrators Copenhagen (YAC) ((2013-2020, chairman 2017-2019).

Member of the working group of the Danish Institute of Arbitration concerning dispute boards in construction and other long-running contracts (2013).

Member of the working group of the Association of Danish Law Firms about forms of remuneration (2013-2014).

Volunteer advisor, Copenhagen Legal Aid (2002-2012).

Member of the Danish Society for Construction and Consulting Law, the Danish Association for Procurement Law, the Danish Arbitration Association, Young Arbitrators Stockholm (SCC) and the Young International Arbitration Group (LCIA).