Recognised for a wealth of experience in energy and environmental law, Haslinger / Nagele Rechtsanwälte GmbH demonstrates particular strength in advising on renewable energy projects such as the construction of water power plants, with the team’s expertise extending to environmental impact assessments and expropriation proceedings. The group is co-led by environmental law expert Wolfgang Berger, whose practice also includes public construction and constitutional law; Wilhelm Bergthaler, who offers clients knowledge of the mining, trade, and banking industries; and Martin Stempkowski, who specialises in public procurement law. Adept at compensation procedures, Mario Laimgruber is a key contact for the firm’s energy clients.
Administrative law and public sector in Austria
Haslinger / Nagele Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Praxisleiter:
Wilhelm Bergthaler; Wolfgang Berger; Martin Stempkowski
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Mario Laimgruber
Referenzen
‘Outstanding expertise. Unique problem-solving. Punctual completion. Perfect client care.’
‘They all have a solution-oriented and pragmatic approach to issues.’
Kernmandanten
Austrian Power Grid AG
Netz Oberösterreich GmbH
Energie AG OÖ
Linz Netz GmbH
Voest alpine
EVN AG / evn naturkraft Erzeugungsgesellschaft m.b.H.
Fontin & Company GmbH
Thurn-Saalach-Kraftwerks-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
ARCHITEC Objektbau GmbH
Bad Ischl HE GmbH
SCHIENE OÖ GmbH
eww ag
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Austrian Power Grid AG, Netz Oberösterreich GmbH, Energie AG OÖ and Linz Netz GmbH on the realisation of the interstate high voltage electricity project ‘Sichere Stromversorgung für den Zentralraum Oberösterreich’ with a deal value of €650m.
- Advised Austrian Power Grid AG on the realisation of the interstate high voltage electricity project ‘Stromversorgung Netzraum Ost’, which includes the implementation of a statutory research mandate regarding underground cables.
- Advised SCHIENE OÖ GmbH on the regional light rail extension in the third largest city in Austria in large part through densely populated residential areas with a project volume of €860m.
Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)
Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)’s full-service offering includes administrative court proceedings, railway regulation, and public transport law knowledge with a noteworthy specialism in environmental law, including advice on planning and permitting procedures for infrastructure projects. Heading the regulatory department, Bernd Rajal‘s broad practice encompasses energy, trade, and foreign investment law. Christian Schmelz heads the planning and environment group, while Günther Leissler steers the data protection and privacy group and is adept at telecommunications law. Johannes Stalzer excels in public procurement matters with a particular focus on the renewable energy segment. Christoph Cudlik, who specialises in the full range of administrative and constitutional law, was promoted to partner in February 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Bernd Rajal; Christian Schmelz; Günther Leissler; Johannes Stalzer
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Christoph Cudlik; Christian Holzer
Referenzen
‘They are easily approachable, foster good collaboration, proactively follow and remind others of deadlines, and seek advice from experts on specific topics internally.’
‘Good professional knowledge and practical experience in handling cases.’
‘The lawyers are all excellent and make things happen.’
Kernmandanten
Abbott Medical Group
Allianz Capital Partners
Alpiq
Austrian Chamber of Commerce
Austrian Association of Pharmacists
Austrian Medical Association
Autobahnen- u Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-AG (ASFINAG)
BASF SE
Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft m.b.H. (BIG)
City of Graz
City of Innsbruck
City of St. Pölten
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the Austrian Economic Chamber, the Austrian Industrial Association, and Österreichs Energie on various legislative projects, including the amendment of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, various ECJ proceedings, and the transposition of EU directives.
- Advised ImWind on the planning and permitting of the Loidesthal II wind farm in Zistersdorf.
- Advised Grand Semmering GmbH on the revitalisation of the famous Kurhaus in Semmering.
Binder Grösswang
Well versed in foreign investment control matters, Binder Grösswang’s ‘highly skilled’ team stands out for combining expertise in banking law and M&A with in-depth knowledge of administrative, state aid, and EU law, with focus areas including public procurement, planning, and environmental law. Johannes Barbist chairs the department focusing on the energy, transport, and telecommunications segments, while Regina Kröll‘s multifaceted workload extends to public commercial and foreign trade law.
Praxisleiter:
Johannes Barbist
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Regina Kröll; Anian Gruber
Referenzen
‘The team is highly skilled and its broad expertise allows it to cover any additional questions.’
‘Regina is very knowledgeable, very responsive, and always friendly. She will go the extra mile for you.’
‘The team works very professionally, on time, and with great quality and dedication.’
Kernmandanten
aws (Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH)
Kärntner Beteiligungsverwaltung
Netz Burgenland GmbH
TIWAG
ÖBB Group
Semperit Group
Lenzing Group
Corza Medical Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Semperit on the regulatory and foreign direct investment (FDI) aspects of the sale of its medical business.
- Advised aws (Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH) on public administrative law, constitutional law, and EU law.
Cerha Hempel
Demonstrating proficiency across a variety of sectors, including energy, pharmaceuticals, and transport, Cerha Hempel has established experience in domestic and EU public law litigation and frequently represents clients in proceedings before the European Court of Justice. The team is jointly steered by Hans Kristoferitsch, who is well known for his expertise in state aid matters, and Stefan Huber, who has a strong pedigree in higher educational law. Armin Schwabl‘s focus areas encompass product regulation as well as waste and environmental law.
Praxisleiter:
Hans Kristoferitsch; Stefan Huber
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Armin Schwabl
Referenzen
‘Superb knowledge of Austrian administrative law. Straight to the point with great accuracy.’
‘Armin Schwabl is an excellent lawyer – always courteous and available, friendly, with a critical and open view of the aspects to be discussed, always keeping both sides in mind.’
‘Very easy to work with. They explain issues and solutions to issues very well.’
Kernmandanten
SES Spar European Shopping Centers
Republic of Austria
RHI Magnesita
Austrian Students’ Union
Bloch3
HPE
Lenzing AG
ASFINAG
Austrian Power Grid AG (“APG”)
Vienna International Airport
SPAR
Danube Private University
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented SPAR in complaints before the European Commission against the Hungarian retail tax.
- Providing RHI Magnesita with group-wide advice on sanctions compliance.
CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Praised by clients for its ‘deep knowledge of the law’, CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH is lauded for its strong litigation practice, representing clients in numerous proceedings such as civil servant disputes before the Austrian Supreme Administrative Court. One of the team’s key contacts for court proceedings is Robert Keisler, who is experienced in the healthcare, construction, logistics, and tourism segments, and co-heads the practice alongside Bernt Elsner, who specialises in public procurement law. Thomas Hamerl covers public budgeting and regulatory matters in the renewable energy sector.
Praxisleiter:
Robert Keisler; Bernt Elsner
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Thomas Hamerl; Marlene Wimmer-Nistelberger
Referenzen
‘The CMS team is characterized by a high degree of professionalism and competence. The cooperation is reliable and uncomplicated.’
‘The lawyers at CMS are highly qualified and experienced in representing clients in court.’
‘Deep knowledge of the law and administrative practice in combination with a hands-on approach.’
Kernmandanten
Unser Ö-Bonus Club
AutoSock Operations
Medical University of Vienna
Enerox
T-Mobile Austria (Magenta Telekom)
Breitband Holding GmbH
Austrian Post (Österreichische Post AG)
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented ÖßBonus Club GmbH before the data protection authority and the Federal Administrative Court in relation to alleged violations of the GDPR.
- Advised Magenta Telekom on regulatory matters concerning the operation of its data centre.
- Represented Österreichische Post before the Federal Administrative Court and the Supreme Administrative Court in civil servants disputes.
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH has proven capabilities in trade, waste, mineral resources, pharmaceutical, and assembly law, and a noteworthy focus on energy transition projects. Additionally, the team is frequently sought after by both bidders and contracting authorities for advice on public procurement matters. Offering niche expertise in the defence sector, practice head Bernhard Müller‘s wide public law practice extends to environmental, foreign trade, and public construction law. Lorenz Wicho joined the team in January 2024 from Ateus Rechtsanwälte GmbH and further strengthens the team’s expertise in the life science segment, while public commercial law expert Tatjana Katalan arrived in October 2024 from E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH.
Praxisleiter:
Bernhard Müller
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lorenz Wicho; Tatjana Katalan
Referenzen
‘Highly motivated law firm. They have an outstanding reputation. They are fully committed, never tire, and are always there when you need them.’
‘Bernhard Müller’s team demonstrates excellent and profound legal knowledge combined with a strong understanding of the business. They are known for their good listening skills, quick response times, and fostering a positive team atmosphere. Additionally, their exceptional collaboration skills ensure seamless teamwork and effective communication.’
‘Bernhard Müller possesses excellent legal knowledge and a clear understanding of legal principles. He comprehends business objectives and requirements and combines this insight to develop targeted strategies and precise tactical considerations to achieve set goals.’
Kernmandanten
Viavan GmbH
Kunst im oeffentlichen Raum (KÖR)
TK Maxx
Austrian Chamber of Commerce
Biocannovea Produktions & Vertriebs GmbH
Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKO)
Einride Technologies Germany GmbH
Sodexo Benefits & Rewards Services AustriaGmbH
Starbucks Coffee Austria GmbH
Beton Dialog Österreich
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Einride on market entry in the field of electromobility in Austria.
- Advised Starbucks on the creation of a comprehensive manual regarding packaging materials and corresponding legal obligations such as waste treatment.
- Advised the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber following the decision of the Constitutional Court deeming the organisation of the COVID-19 Federal Financing Agency (COFAG) not constitutional.
Fellner Wratzfeld & Partners
Fellner Wratzfeld & Partners handles a busy workload, which includes specialisms in environmental impact assessments, public procurement matters, and planning law, with the team’s client roster including public companies, municipalities, federal provinces, and federal governments. Department head Michael Hecht focuses on environmental, public construction, and public commercial law, and is well versed in due diligence as well as approval and permit proceedings. Josef Peer is a name to note for the public law aspects of project developments.
Praxisleiter:
Michael Hecht
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Josef Peer
Kernmandanten
Salzburger Regionalstadtbahn Projektgesellschaft m.b.H.
Stadt Wien, Wiener Gesundheitsfonds
via donau – Österreichische Wasserstraßen-Gesellschaft mbH
ARGE Oberes Hausfeld
Stadt Wien und Land Niederösterreich
Stadtgemeinde Gmunden
Wohnfonds Wien
Innsbrucker Immobilien GmbH & Co KG
PremiQaMed IMS GmbH
Flughafen Graz Betriebs GmbH
Niederhuber & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Environmental law is at the heart of Niederhuber & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s practice, with the team’s portfolio including a strong focus on the energy segment as well as expertise in permit requirements, administrative court proceedings, and public construction law. A key port of call for energy and infrastructure, Martin Niederhuber heads the firm’s Vienna office alongside David Suchanek , who frequently represents clients before authorities and courts. An expert in nature conservation law, Paul Reichel leads the Salzburg office, while Manuel Planitzer steers the team in Graz and is one of the team’s key contacts for waste management law. Florian Stangl is also a name to note.
Praxisleiter:
Martin Niederhuber; David Suchanek; Paul Reichel; Manuel Planitzer
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Peter Sander; Florian Stangl
Referenzen
‘Very strong specialisation in public and administrative law, in particular waste law.’
‘Great knowledge of the industry and well connected.’
Kernmandanten
Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology
VERBUND AG Group (VERBUND Hydro Power GmbH, VERBUND Green Power GmbH; VERBUND Energy4Business GmbH)
Flughafen Salzburg GmbH (Airport Salzburg)
Austrian Power Grid AG
EVN AG; EVN Wärme GmbH; EVN Wärmekraftwerke GmbH
Salzburg AG für Energie, Verkehr und Telekommunikation
Wirtschaftskammer Österreich
Ganahl Aktiengesellschaft
Vereinigung der Österreichischen Zementindustrie
WEB Windenergie AG
ASFINAG Autobahnen- und Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-AG
REMONDIS Austria GmbH
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the Federal Ministry for Climate Action and Energy on constitutional law, EU law, and energy law, including giving a legal opinion on whether the Minister is breaching the constitution when voting for the EU Nature Restoration Act in the Council of the EU.
- Advised VERBUND on various legal issues relating to the development of renewable energy projects, including the drafting of energy-related contracts.
- Advised the cement manufacturer Rohrdorfer on a project for capturing CO2 from exhaust gases at a cement plant in Austria.
Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG
With a strong presence in the life sciences sector, Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG is well equipped to handle matters related to state aid, environmental, planning, and citizenship law as part of its broad practice. Practice head Kurt Retter is renowned for supporting clients in foreign direct investment (FDI) matters and has a proven track record in the energy, telecommunications, and railway sectors. Harald Strahberger frequently represents clients in administrative proceedings and before the courts, including the Supreme Administrative Court and the Constitutional Court, with his repertoire spanning the full spectrum of public law.
Praxisleiter:
Kurt Retter
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Harald Strahberger; Dominik Engel
Referenzen
‘Wolf Theiss provides professional expertise and a teamwork approach, ensuring 360-degree cross-disciplinary expertise. The team performs at an extremely high level and offers excellent knowledge on a wide range of laws.’
‘They are willing to take on complex, unusual legal challenges, and find innovative answers.’
‘Willingness to engage in complex matters which represent special challenges in the legal field.’
Kernmandanten
Agrofert
Lifebrain Covid Labor
Wiener Gesundheitsverbund
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Vienna Hospital Association (Wiener Gesundheitsverbund) on large-scale renovations and refurbishment works at Hospital Hietzing, Hospital Donaustadt, HospitalFavoriten, and Hospital Ottakring, which require a permit under the federal Environmental Impact Assessment Act
bpv Hügel
bpv Hügel is well regarded for expert advice on a wide range of public and administrative law topics, including tobacco, environmental, and state aid law, with a wealth of experience in proceeding before the administrative courts. Heading the practice alongside Christian Schneider, Christian Macho focuses on the construction sector, with his areas of expertise encompassing public construction and procurement law as well as planning law. Schneider’s broad practice includes expert knowledge of EU regulatory, public procurement, and public economic law.
Praxisleiter:
Christian Schneider; Christian Macho
Kernmandanten
Mayer & Co GmbH
British American Tobacco
Österreichische Gesundheitskasse
Marktgemeinde Maria Enzersdorf
City of St. Pölten
Marktgemeinde Alland
Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists
Die NÖ Umweltverbände
Österreichs Energie
Herbst Kinsky Rechtsanwalte GmbH
Herbst Kinsky Rechtsanwalte GmbH comfortably operates across state aid, public banking, public procurement, and trade law. Recent work highlights include the representation of a client in administrative criminal proceedings under the Medicines and Medicinal Products Import Act. Leading the department, Christoph Herbst is renowned for his expertise in public commercial law, while Valerie Mayer is a key contact for foreign direct investment (FDI) matters, which are another specialism of the firm.
Praxisleiter:
Christoph Herbst
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Stephan Lenzhofer; Valerie Mayer
Referenzen
‘They cover all essential areas of law professionally and work in a practical and reliable manner, providing prompt and profound feedback.’
Kernmandanten
ORF Beitragsservice GmbH
Illwerke vkw AG
Kammer für Arbeiter und Angestellte für Wien
Everfield UK Ltd
Austrian Pharmacy
Niederösterreichische Landesgesundheitsagentur
mRaP GmbH (Hello Cash)
Maguar Capital Partners
Valsoft Corporation Inc.
Star Capital Partnership LLP
Invision AG
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised ORF-Beitrags Service GmbH on the conversion of the financing of public broadcasting from a programme fee to a household levy.
- Advised the Vienna Chamber of Labour on an amendment proposal for certain legal provisions of the Electricity Industry and Organisation Act 2010 regarding electricity price increases for end customers.
- Advised Niederösterreichische Landesagentur on public law and public procurement law regarding the total contractor for the St. Pölten University Hospital.
Lansky, Ganzger, Goeth & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Sanctions law is at the heart of Lansky, Ganzger, Goeth & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s practice, which is praised for its ‘unique experience in defending clients in international cases’. Practice co-heads Gabriel Lansky and Alexander Egger are well known for having experience before the European and international courts and co-lead the group alongside Philip Goeth, an expert in EU regulatory banking law, and Anna Zeitlinger, who splits her time between the firm’s Vienna and Dubai offices and is a key contact for CIS-related matters.
Praxisleiter:
Gabriel Lansky; Philip Goeth; Anna Zeitlinger; Alexander Egger
Referenzen
‘Unique expertise gained by the team’s members in European institutions.’
‘Alexander Egger has enormous and valuable experience with EU institutions.’
‘They have demonstrated that they are reliable partners with expert professional knowledge. They have unique experience in defending clients in international cases involving key players in the global market. They are particularly knowledgeable about European law and international sanctions and have extensive practical experience in this area. They are skilled in cross-border litigation, making them highly effective in tactically complex matters.’
Kernmandanten
Arkady Volozh
Dmitry Pumpyansky
Galina Pumpyanskaya
Vladimir Rashevsky
SBK Art LLC
Republic of Serbia
Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate
Highlight-Mandate
- Rrepresented Mr.Arkady Volozh, the founder and former CEO of Yandex, against sanctions imposed on him by the EU.
- Represented Dmitry Pumpyansky and Galina Pumpyanskaya before the General Court of the EU in actions for annulment of various pending proceedings.
- Represented Vladimir Rashevsky, former CEO of EuroChem Group AG and previously of JSC Siberian Coal Energy Company (SUEK), before the General Court of the EU in actions for the annulment of sanctions imposed on him by the Council of the EU.
PHH Rechtsanwält:innen GmbH
PHH Rechtsanwält:innen GmbH excels in handling environmental matters, with particular expertise in the energy sector. The team has a strong track record of advising on hydropower plant projects, including approval proceedings and environmental impact assessments. Practice head Stefanie Werinos exemplifies the team’s capabilities in environmental law and is also well equipped to advise on public healthcare and town planning matters.
Praxisleiter:
Stefanie Werinos
Kernmandanten
AbbVie GmbH
Verbund (Verbund Hydro Power GmbH)
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Verbund Hydro Power GmbH on the environmental impact assessment for expanding the Laufnitzdorf hydropower plant.
- Represented an energy company in a dispute brought by a municipal wastewater association in Lower Austria.
- Advised a supplier of sustainable building and construction materials on a mining licence for a new gypsum quarry, which is required for the entire European supply.
SAXINGER Rechtsanwalts GmbH
Noted by clients for its ‘excellent client care’, SAXINGER Rechtsanwalts GmbH is a frequent port of call for electricity grid operators seeking advice on grid expansion and is reputed for its experience in railway-related matters, which are a cornerstone of Hanno Liebmann’s portfolio. Edwin Scharf specialises in public procurement law.
Praxisleiter:
Edwin Scharf
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Markus Nußbaumer; Jana Seywald; Hanno Liebmann
Referenzen
‘Hanno Liebmann is a very experienced and creative partner and works in very solution-oriented manner.’
‘Outstanding expertise, unique problem-solving ability, punctual completion and excellent client care.’
‘Solve large problems in a friendly way.’
Kernmandanten
ADX VIE Gmbh
Niederösterreichische Verkehrsorganisations GmbH (NÖVOG)
Bundespensionskasse AG
Schiene OÖ GmbH
Federal State of Upper Austria
Marktgemeinde Wöllersdorf-Steinabrückl
Federal State of Styria
ACOTON Projektmanagement & Bauträger GmbH
Ardex Baustoff GmbH
Shell Austria GmbH
eww ag
Grandhotel GIV Immobilien Verwaltungs GmbH
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a grid operator from Upper Austria on public law issues related to Austria’s transition to renewable energy.
- Represented the State of Upper Austria in ongoing proceedings regarding the expansion of a highway routes in Austria.
- Represented one of only three companies granted oil and gas exploration rights in Austria in proceedings arising from proposed test drillings.