2nd Virtual Fireside Talk:

Winning Legal Disputes in Project Business

Hosted by the Project Business Foundation

In our recent fireside talk, Sarah Schütte and Oliver F. Lehmann explored how to avoid legal disputes in cross-corporate project business.

But what if avoidance fails?

How can organizations and their project managers prepare to win the case when litigation or binding arbitration becomes unavoidable?

Sarah Schütte

London-based lawyer. Expert in contract law with a focus on Project Business (more…)

Sarah is a specialist in construction, engineering and infrastructure contracts with >20 years’ qualified experience, incl. 10 years as In-House Senior Counsel (both Buyer and Seller). She has expertise in collaborative contracting, partnering, ADR, DA(A)B, facilitation and adjudication. Niche practice in Project Management + Law. Advice on project structures, NEC, JCT, PPC, FIDIC etc contracts.

She was described by a client as “tenacious, effective and commercially astute”. Another remarked: “it is refreshing to see how quickly and easily you have grasped all the issues”.

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Dr. Casey LaFrance

Macomb, Illinois-based researcher. Expert in contracts in government projects (more…)

Casey is the creator of the Target Model of Discretion, a framework that clarifies decision rights and reduces legal risk in complex projects.

With 20+ years across public and hybrid sectors, he helps organizations prevent disputes by aligning authority, expectations, and decision zones.

As co-founder of AGIL3, he blends public administration, project business, and Agile to build liability-smart governance. His current research explores how liability often emerges from uncertainty — not malice — and how structured discretion can prevent that uncertainty from becoming a lawsuit.

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Portrait Oliver F. Lehmann

Oliver F. Lehmann

Trainer from Munich. Expert in Project Business Management (more…)

Oliver F. Lehmann is a leading expert in Project Business Management, known for his direct approach to the challenges of cross-corporate projects. With a background in manufacturing and automotive industries, he highlights the risks and complexities often ignored by traditional project management. His practical insights and no-nonsense style have made him a respected voice in the field.

As author of “Project Business Management,” Lehmann provides a framework for managing projects involving multiple organizations. He stresses the importance of governance, transparency, and accountability, arguing that project success depends on discipline, not luck. His work is essential reading for anyone navigating complex project business environments.

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Join, us for a virtual “Fireside Talk” — an informal but sharply focused session on the real-world legal and organizational challenges of project business.

The Talk

Date: 28 July 2025
Time: 12 PM CDT – 6 PM BST – 19:00 CEST (see in your time zone)
Duration: 1 hour*
Location: Online
Access link: Provided upon registration
Cost: Free

*: PMI-certification holders can claim 1 PDU under “Business Acumen”.

Your Takeaways

We’ll talk practical tactics for:

  • Building a strong evidentiary foundation from day one of the project
  • Using contracts as tools to enforce – not just define – project obligations
  • Managing communication and documentation with a legal mindset
  • Preparing claims and defenses that stand up under scrutiny in court or arbitration

This is not a theoretical debate – it’s a frank discussion between seasoned professionals who’ve seen what happens when cross-corporate projects land in legal proceedings, and what it takes to come out on top.

Who Should Attend?

This event is directed at:

  • Business Leaders: If you’re steering projects that span multiple organizations, understanding the nuances of inter-company contracts is crucial.​
  • Project Managers: Managing projects across corporate boundaries? Learn how to preempt conflicts and keep your projects on track.​
  • Legal Professionals: Specializing in contract law? Gain insights into the common pitfalls in project business contracts and how to avoid them.​
  • Procurement & Sales Teams: Your roles are pivotal in shaping contracts. Discover strategies to negotiate and manage contracts that stand up under pressure.​
  • Supply Chain and Claim Managers: Dealing with complex project supply networks? Learn how to navigate the legal and organizational challenges that come with them.

Why “Fireside Talk”?

Think of it like a relaxed chat with — just with more smoke and fewer marshmallows. These conversations go deep, fast. Expect straight talk, real cases, and actionable takeaways.

Reserve your seat. No fluff, no filter — just the truth about contracts, conflict, and how to make project business work.