Firms To Watch: Administrative law and public sector

Led by Andreas Lopatka-Sint, EY Law - Pelzmann Gall Größ Rechtsanwälte GmbH has significantly strengthened its public law offering with the arrival of Ulrike Sehrschön, whose focus areas include procurement and energy law, from E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH in September 2024.      

Administrative law and public sector in Austria

Haslinger / Nagele Rechtsanwälte GmbH

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.

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


municipality Rankweil


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


Contour Global


EBG MedAustron


Ecoplus Alpin


Energie Steiermark


Energiepark Bruck/Leitha


Burgenland Energie (BE Energy)


Energiewerkstatt


ENWA


European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)


European Commission


Essity Austria


EVN AG


EXAA Energy Exchange


Federal Minister of Energy of Austria


Flixbus


Fresenius


Gas Connect


Gewista


Grand Semmering GmbH


Hitachi Rail GTS Austia GmbH


ImWind


Infoscreen (GEWISTA)


Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe


Internationale Rheinregulierung


JCDecaux


Kals municipality


Klinik Ottakring


Klinik Wiener Neustadt


Laakirchen Papier AG


Land Burgenland


Land Kärnten


Lime


Monier Group


Netz Niederösterreich


Neue Heimat Tirol


Ökoenergie


OMV AG (E&P)


Österreichische Bundesbahn (ÖBB)


Österreichische Bundesforste (ÖBF)


Österreichische Post AG


Püspök


Prezero


Red Bull


Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy


Sony


SpaceX / Starlink


Sports Direct


Stadtwerke Klagenfurt


Stadt Wien


Thales Austria GmbH


TINETZ-Tiroler Netze GmbH


TIWAG Tiroler Wasserkraft


Trans Austria


UBER


UniCredit


BLOCH3


VERBUND


Vienna International Airport


Vienna Technical Museum


WEB Windenegie AG


Wien Energie


Wien IT GmbH


Wiener Linien GmbH & Co KG


Wiener Lokalbahnen


Wiener Netze


Wiener Stadtwerke Holding


Windkraft Simonsfeld


Windlandkraft


WIPARK


Zellstoff Pöls AG


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


GATX


Philip Morris Austria GmbH


RTR


Wien Energie


Wiener Netze GmbH


Via Donau


Universität für Bodenkultur Wien


Burgenland Energie


BMK


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


Österreichische Gesundheitskasse


Fachvereinigung Mineralwolleindustrie


Schmittenhöhebahn AG


Loacker Recycling GmbH


Zauchenseeliftgesellschaft Benedikt Scheffer GmbH


Schlotterer Sonnenschutzsysteme GmbH


Münzer Bioindustrie GmbH


PreZero Sorting Austria GmbH


Fuchsluger GmbH


EWP Recycling Pfand Österreich 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.