Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution: commercial litigation

After 18 years of experience handling disputes at Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG , Ralph Hofmann-Credner set up his boutique practice HOFMANN-CREDNER Rechtsanwalts GmbH in 2020, focusing exclusively on offering specialised insurance, liability, and litigation expertise at the intersection with white-collar crime.

Dispute resolution: commercial litigation in Austria

Binder Grösswang

Binder Grösswang‘s offering leverages close connections with other practice areas and a roster of highly experienced litigators to litigate a wide range of mandates. In 2022, ‘brilliant litigator‘ Stefan Albiez was promoted to co-practice head, alongside Christian Klausegger. The firm excels in class-action litigation, and is also noted for its extensive experience in cross-border disputes. Ingeborg Edel is another key individual, who advises on a wide range of high-level commercial disputes and is particularly known for her industry know-how in the automotive and construction sectors. Elisabeth Tretthahn-Wolski is likewise recommended.

Practice head(s):

Christian Klausegger; Stefan Albiez


Other key lawyers:

Ingeborg Edel; Michael Kutschera; Elisabeth Tretthahn-Wolski; Thomas Hartl


Testimonials

‘Binder Grösswang has a strong dispute resolution practice and is definitely one of the leading firms in this area. I regard them as highly capable, knowledgeable and proficient colleagues, efficient in their approach and very commercial with impressive case management.’

‘Very motivated and clever, uniting outstanding litigation expertise with high level know-how.’

‘The practice consists of an excellent team of experienced experts with an impressive track record. The collaboration works out easily, the team is flexible and very responsive, the work results are right to the point and immediately useable.’

‘Christian Klausegger is a well-known expert in the dispute resolution area, with a broad knowledge and experience in IT-related disputes both locally in Austria and cross-border. He perfectly understands the challenges of IT projects, provides very effective advice and drives disputes with a strong strategic focus.’

‘Stefan Albiez is a brilliant litigator with impressive skills in efficiently handling parallel litigations. He always stays on top of things, always remains very calm, considerate and respectful. He is convincing in and out of court, a great communicator and talented strategist.’

‘Thomas Hartl keeps the reins firmly in his hand no matter how complex an issue, no matter how many parties involved. He is a true professional, a powerful litigator, skilled negotiator and, foremost, a superb specialist in connection with claims of mis-selling and prospectus liability.’

‘Excellent expertise in the subject area. Always seeking the best solution for the client in open discussions on a par and with pragmatic results if needed.’

‘In particular, we work with Stefan Albiez, who always convinces with his experience and expertise. Especially in our subject-specific topics, it’s nice when you don’t have to explain the business from the beginning every time but can get straight to the heart of the matter.’

Key clients

UNIQA Versicherung


City of Vienna


Province of Upper Austria


Province of Carinthia


Commercial Court Vienna


Zürich Lebensversicherung AG


Cardif Assurance


TIWAG Tiroler Wasserkraft


Lenzing AG


Bank Austria UniCredit


Commerzbank AG


Austrian Federal Railways


Erste Bank


Balcke Dürr


Russian Federation


Commerzbank


Renault Österreich


Work highlights


  • Representing numerous minority shareholders of BUWOG following a squeeze-out.
  • Represented numerous skiing resorts in class-action proceedings concerning claims relating to Covid-19 driven shut-downs.
  • Representing an Austrian pension fund against a Dutch trading platform following the alleged wrongful cancellation of several trades.

DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH

DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s much lauded commercial litigation team, headed by Florian Kremslehner, is well reputed for handling complex disputes in all areas of commercial and corporate law. The highly specialised disputes team encompasses financial and capital markets, insurance defence, and construction litigation sub-groups, allowing for a targeted approach. Other key contacts include Stephan Steinhofer, Felix Hörlsberger, and counsels Alexander Karl and Georg Jünger.

Practice head(s):

Florian Kremslehner


Other key lawyers:

Gunnar Pickl; Philipp Exenberger; Robert Keimelmayr; Stephan Steinhofer; Georg Jünger; Alexander Karl


Testimonials

‘The personal approach of the lawyers really transmits the feeling that from the first meeting you’re in the best hands and your advising lawyer has assembled the best team of partners, lawyers and associates for you.’

‘Analytical thinking, ability to convert facts into legal arguments, patience, dedication and effort, organisation, reliability and quality.’ 

‘Stephan Steinhofer, Robert Keimelmayr: easy to reach, understanding the clients’ goals and needs, readiness to go the extra mile, high quality.’

‘Strong team, great depth, hands-on approach, great availability.’

‘Florian Kremslehner and Alexander Karl stand out. I commend their hands-on approach and understanding particularly in cross-border disputes.’

‘Fantastic team, very well organised, with good commercial understanding of disputes. Extremely knowledgeable individuals with great strategic sense. They know how to handle disputes.’

‘Their litigation team is just outstanding: excellent preparedness prior to court hearings, profound knowledge of the cases in all their aspects, excellent responsiveness, transparent invoice details and sovereignty before court.’

‘The team remains calm, is alert, reacts instantly and smartly to opponents’ arguments. The results DORDA’s litigation team shows have been beyond our expectations. The quality of delivery is sublime with way more accomplishments than we could have thought of.’

Key clients

Francesco Becchetti


Meta Ingenium d.o.o.


Sequa


Work highlights


  • Representing an international investment firm in over 100 litigation proceedings against its Austrian joint venture partner.
  • Representing an international car manufacturer in several Dieselgate damage claims.
  • Defending an international auditing firm against damage claims brought by several investors of an insolvent technology company.

KNOETZL HAUGENEDER NETAL Rechtsanwaelte GmbH

KNOETZL HAUGENEDER NETAL Rechtsanwaelte GmbH is known for its stellar experience litigating at the intersection of commercial and white-collar crime, resulting in frequent mandates from a wide range of industries, including banking and finance, construction, engineering, energy, transport, IT, data protection, life sciences and education. Bettina Knoetzl heads up the practice. Valentina Spatz is noted for her construction litigation specialism. Judith Schacherreiter known for her expertise in product liability matters and international private law, as well as her asset tracing specialism. White-collar crime expert Thomas Voppichler was promoted to partner in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Bettina Knoetzl


Other key lawyers:

Katrin Hanschitz; Judith Schacherreiter; Bert Ortner; Valentina Spatz; Natascha Tunkel


Testimonials

‘Very professional attitude. Always reachable. Working 24/7 if needed. Always planning ahead, knowing the next possible step of the opponents’ side.’

‘Highly efficient and exceptional in complex disputes, where different legal areas are relevant. In our experience the practice is also exceptional in their assessment of individuals and hence knows how to “interrogate” people to get all relevant answers for a positive outcome.’

‘Bettina Knoetzl and Katrin Hanschitz are not only highly professional but very quick in grasping complex interrelations and immediately providing variable potential solutions and proposals for the quickest possible way to a resolution.’

‘Outstanding knowledge. Very good communication with the client. Very transparent.’

‘Bettina Knoetzl is outstanding: very deep knowledge, high empathy, very broad approach.’

‘Direct contact with partners/experts on your matter, highly engaged team, even reachable on weekends and late/early hours.’

‘I got the feeling that we as individuals mattered, there was a real interest in helping us and finding the best solution for us.’

‘Katrin Hanschitz came up with innovative ideas to help us in our case; always creative, always reachable, always listening carefully to help us.’

Key clients

Facebook/ Meta


Work highlights


  • Defending Facebook/ Meta in a data protection test case.
  • Defending a private client, following flawed swap transactions, in civil proceedings against the City of Salzburg.
  • Handling all claims against an insurance group following a gas explosion which caused fatal injuries and significant damages at the surrounding buildings and other properties.

Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)

Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) acts in a multitude of complex commercial litigation proceedings, including large-scale pharmaceutical, finance-related and data protection disputes, as well as multi-party construction matters. The practice is jointly headed by life sciences specialist Andreas Natterer, and Christoph Lindinger, whose specialism is in investor litigation. Active across the entire CEE region, the practice has a strong track record in cross-border commercial disputes, appearing before courts across multiple jurisdictions. Bojana Vareskic regularly acts in consumer class-action suits and advises on contractual disputes in the energy sector, while Sara Khalil specialises in data protection and distribution disputes. Klara Kiehl departed the team to join fokus Rechtsanwälte GmbH in January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Christoph Lindinger; Andreas Natterer


Other key lawyers:

Sara Khalil; Bojana Vareskic


Testimonials

‘Very forward looking, structured advice of the very highest quality.’

Key clients

Raiffeisen Bank International


Funke Medien Group


UBER BV


Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd


KONE


Mondelez


Danone


Verband der Versicherungsunternehmen Österreichs – VVO


HETA Asset Resolutioin AG iA


Work highlights


  • Representing Funke Group in a set of commercial litigations (in Austria and Germany) concerning a syndicate agreement signed in 1987.
  • Representing Adler and its subsidiaries in nine disputes against different investment companies and investors based in Liechtenstein, Austria, and Germany.
  • Representing Meta in data protection proceedings against claims filed by data protection activist Maximilian Schrems in 2014.

Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG

Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG‘ broad practice spans white-collar crime, asset recovery and global enforcement, corporate and banking cases, and product liability litigation. The dispute resolution team fields a roster of much lauded practitioners, including Valerie Hohenberg, the ‘very talentedAlexander Zollner and ‘top-notch litigatorEva Spiegel. Senior associate Stephan Kugler joined in 2022 from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Riegler


Other key lawyers:

Eva Spiegel; Valerie Hohenberg; Clemens Trauttenberg; Markus Taufner; Alexander Zollner; Wolfgang Mueller


Testimonials

‘The team members are legally well versed and enormously reliable. This makes the co-operation very successful.’

‘They easily understand issues may arise from other jurisdictions and how to use those issues for the benefit of a project.’

‘Excellent expertise; homogenous team; fast response.’

‘The team is detailed, efficient, and creative in addressing our needs. It works seamlessly together and delivers on expectations. Wolf Theiss has great resources and the team is available as soon as needed which is imperative in time sensitive matters.’

‘Eva Spiegel does not only give good legal advice but is involved in strategic discussions for the management of the case. You always have her full attention and the resources of the firm in dealing with the matter at hand. Moreover, she is a top-notch litigator, who is business-minded, practical, tough, and whip smart.’

‘Alexander Zollner is outstanding. He is a very talented lawyer who provides excellent client service, is totally dedicated, and gives good roadmaps.’

‘Valerie Hohenberg – kind, understanding and operational.’

Key clients

Erste Bank


Lifebrain


OEBB


KA Finanz


Work highlights


  • Representing an international consulting company in connection with the insolvency of one of its clients, an Austrian real estate developer.
  • Representing Austrian bank KA Finanz in claims arising from unlawful deals with structured credit products and credit default swaps which contributed to the financial collapse and the nationalisation of the bank.
  • Representing Lifebrain PCR-COVID-19 Labor, in a range of contentious matters including unfair competition, defamation and white-collar cases.

Cerha Hempel

Cerha Hempel‘s dispute resolution team is ‘a highly solution-oriented and excellently skilled group of lawyers, who work together in a seamless manner'. Helmed by Irene Welser, the group receives instruction from leading names spanning the real estate, retail, energy, banking and finance, and IT sectors. Michaela Siegwart and Holger Bielesz  are also recommended. Senior associate Paul Krepil, formerly of Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG, joined the firm at the end of 2021, with a strong focus on investor disputes.

Practice head(s):

Irene Welser


Other key lawyers:

Holger Bielesz; Michaela Siegwart; Paul Krepil; Alexandra Stoffl


Testimonials

‘I know them as a highly solution-oriented and excellently skilled group of lawyers, who work together in a seamless manner. I have been working with them repeatedly and what impresses me most is their ability to put together the right type and number of people for the task at stake. They are my go-to group.’

‘Very focused, intelligent, holistic understanding of commercial implications, extremely thorough, precise elaboration of issues – and still unpretentious people.’

‘The cooperation with the lawyers is excellent, uncomplicated and very professional.’

‘Holger Bielesz: innovative, thinking out of the box, very experienced.’

‘Paul Krepil knows the case in depth, quick and useful responses. He typically knows even minor details by heart.’

‘Irene Welser is extremely experienced with an outstanding performance in court as a litigator; always friendly and open to discussing different aspects of cases.’

‘The team works very professionally and purposefully. There are corresponding experts for every possible question. The systematic approach with the involvement of the client should also be emphasised.’

‘The law firm works very precisely and always takes all eventualities into account during the case. The assignments are completed quickly. They are always ready to answer queries, which are also dealt with quickly. The procedural tactics are very clear.’

Key clients

SPAR AG/ASPIAG Management AG


NOVOREAL Immobilieninvest AG


City of Vienna / WIENER STADTWERKE SES


Spar European Shopping Centers GmbH


UNIQA Versicherungen


DUNAKESZI JÁRMŰJAVÍTÓ KORLÁTOLT FELELŐSSÉGŰ TÁRSASÁG


HERVIS Sport- und Modegesellschaft m.b.H.


Wiener Linien GmbH & Co KG


SmartStream Technologies Limited


ASFINAG


ÖBB Infrastruktur AG


McDonald’s GmbH


Apleona HSG GmbH


Hey Communications & Production GmbH


INTERSPAR Gesellschaft m.b.H.


Mona Naturprodukte GmbH


MACON A.B.


Work highlights


  • Represented SPAR, as a minority shareholder of dm drogeriemarkt, in a number of corporate disputes.
  • Representing NOVOREAL in proceedings against a coffeehouse operator in Vienna pertaining to unpaid rent due to lockdown measures during the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Advising Stadt Wien and WIENER STADTWERKE on their antitrust damage claims against five truck manufacturers involved in the truck cartel.

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH offers a wide variety of dispute services to national and international corporate and private clients spanning various industries, including banking and finance, construction, energy, engineering, technology, media, automotive, transport, culture and education. The practice is jointly headed up by Daniela Karollus-Bruner, who also oversees the insurance group, and corporate and commercial expert Johannes Reich-Rohrwig. The team’s caseload comprises complex and sensitive disputes, with a focus on damage, tort, and contractual claims, and mandates with a white-collar crime nexus.

Practice head(s):

Johannes Reich-Rohrwig; Daniela Karollus-Bruner


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Böhm; Lukas Peissl; Arno Zimmermann


Key clients

Austrian Airlines


Work highlights


  • Representing Austrian Airlines in several litigations, including a lawsuit pertaining to the payment of capital increase and a counterclaim.

Baker McKenzie Rechtsanwälte LLP & Co KG

Baker McKenzie Rechtsanwälte LLP & Co KG is best known for representing national and international clients in complex compliance-related and distribution disputes. Alexander Petsche is a key contact for clients from the construction and energy industry. Due to practice head Filip Boras’ multi-jurisdictional expertise, the practice is well placed to handle disputes from clients based across the SEE region. Frequent mandates include litigation related to financial distress.

Practice head(s):

Filip Boras


Other key lawyers:

Alexander Petsche; Desiree Prantl


Key clients

BIA Separations d.o.o.


Evonik Industries AG


FCC Construcción S.A.


McDonald’s Franchise GmbH


MBI & Partners U.K. Ltd. and affiliated JJW hotel companies


Schindler Elevator and Escalator Group


WMF in Österreich GmbH/Group Sep


Work highlights


  • Defending Slovenian start-up BIA Separations against revocation claims.
  • Represented WMF Österreich in damage claims related to real estate.
  • Advised McDonald’s Franchise on its unilateral termination of franchise contracts.

bpv Hügel

bpv Hügel is noted for its focus on competition and antitrust litigation, and has recently seen a growing number of high-profile engineering, energy, construction and environmental litigations. Arbitration expert Markus Schifferl, who joined from Zeiler Floyd Zadkovich in March 2021, now jointly heads the practice with litigation specialist Florian Neumayr. Andrea Zinober, another recent arrival, further contributes to the team’s expertise in distribution and unfair competition litigation.

Practice head(s):

Florian Neumayr; Markus Schiffer


Other key lawyers:

Florian Plattner; Andrea Zinober; Sebastian Reiter


Testimonials

‘Very responsive, gather information about the client’s business to understand their industry and needs; high quality legal advice.’

‘Florian Neumayr: expert knowledge, looks for “out of the box solutions”, keeps himself always updated with new developments; very responsive, his advice is as concrete as possible.’

Key clients

TRATON SE


Stellantis


BP Europe SE


Immofinanz


Valneva


Arthrex


SWARCO


FIAT


Österreich newspaper


pulmetall


Work highlights


  • Representing a German truck manufacturer in around thirty litigations.
  • Representing a large elevator manufacturer in more than thirty court cases pertaining to follow-on damages.

E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH

E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH represents national corporations, as well as major international players, in the gamut of sensitive and high-profile commercial disputes. The practice, led by Jana Eichmeyer, who also heads up the employment law department, is active in consumer protection disputes, contentious restructurings, banking and finance litigation, and energy disputes. More recently, the team, including white-collar crime specialist Mario Spanyi, has seen an increase in civil litigation mandates arising from disputes in the life sciences sector.

Practice head(s):

Jana Eichmeyer


Other key lawyers:

Mario Spanyi


Key clients

Schur Flexibles


Fellner Wratzfeld & Partners

Fellner Wratzfeld & Partners is reputed for its strength in finance and banking-related litigation, particularly cases relating to M&A deals, joint ventures, capital markets transactions and insolvencies. Class-actions and cases with a white-collar crime nexus are also areas of expertise. Markus Fellner and Gregor Schett jointly head up the practice. In team news, Stefan Adametz made partner in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Gregor Schett; Markus Fellner


Other key lawyers:

Kurt Wratzfeld; Markus Kajaba


Testimonials

‘The team is extremely well connected and their standard of legal services is exceptionally high.’

‘Markus Fellner and Gregor Schett are absolute experts in their field and really tough negotiators.’

Key clients

UniCredit Bank Austria AG


Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederoesterreich-Wien


BAWAG P.S.K.


Work highlights


  • Advising UniCredit Bank Austria on the enforcement of its minority rights resulting from its position as shareholder of the institutions forming the 3Banken Gruppe.
  • Representing Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederoesterreich-Wien in litigation against several hundred investors asserting claims based on faulty investment advice when acquiring a share in closed funds.

Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners Rechtsanwälte GmbH (SCWP Schindhelm)

Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners Rechtsanwälte GmbH (SCWP Schindhelm)‘s strong presence in the industrial regions surrounding Linz and Wels translates into frequent mandates from exporters and manufactures based in Upper Austria. The team, under the leadership of Markus Fellner, has strong cross-border capabilities, most notably across the CEE region, and regularly represents national and international clients from the construction, engineering and automotive industries.

Practice head(s):

Markus Fellner


Other key lawyers:

Ria Kucera; Nina Pichler; Rupert Kreumi


Testimonials

‘Markus Fellner is a good and competent lawyer. He pays attention to detail and is well focused on the matters at hand.’

‘Great service and quick response-time.’

Key clients

Bilfinger Bohr- und Rohrtechnik GmbH


HDI Global SE


LSW GmbH


HLSW GmbH


dm drogerie markt Verwaltungsgesellschaft m.b.H.


KTM AG


Pierer Mobility AG (formerly KTM Industries AG)


HABAU Hoch- und Tiefbaugesellschaft m.b.H. and ÖSTU-STETTIN Hoch- und Tiefbau GmbH (HABAU Group)


Work highlights


  • Representing LSW and HLSW in €1.2bn proceedings against a large furniture retail group.
  • Acting for German engineering client Bilfinger and its insurer HDI Global in claims relating to an industrial accident.
  • Acting for dm drogeriemarkt in multiple proceedings, following three favourable judgments before the Austrian Supreme Court.

Vavrovsky Heine Marth Rechtsanwälte

Vavrovsky Heine Marth Rechtsanwälte has a strong track record across a broad spectrum of complex technical contentious matters in both the national and international context. The group’s leadership trio comprises name partner Nikolaus Vavrovsky; alternative dispute resolution expert and seasoned litigator Dieter Heine; and Florian Stefan, who made partner in 2022 and specialises in international law. The team has deep know-how and expertise representing clients in construction, real estate, infrastructure and IP disputes across multiple jurisdictions. Nina Sterzl is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Nikolaus Vavrovsky; Dieter Heine; Florian Stefan


Other key lawyers:

Nina Sterzl


Testimonials

‘The team is overall highly competent. They apply a structured approach to gathering the information and documentation and building out the legal scenarios. The communication with the client is clear with a very fast response time and always solution oriented.’

‘VHM are excellent listeners, very pragmatic and they respond in good time. The quality of the firm’s work is outstanding.’

‘Nikolaus Vavrovsky impresses with his understanding of the technical side. He is a good listener and always keeps focus on a well worked-out strategy.’

‘Exceptional understanding of the commercial backgrounds of the case, profound general business know-how allowing the development of innovative solutions to settle dispute; always up to date; offer quick practical solutions; empathic and very strong negotiation skills.’

‘I completely trust Dieter Heine, who continues to exceed my expectations in legal knowledge, market understanding and creativity. In addition to being a strong litigator, he is a master communicator who approaches matters constructively and is able to create common ground in negotiations.’

‘Dieter Heine is an outstanding lawyer and strategist. He understands commercial and legal contexts in no time, has impressive business instincts and knowledge of our environment and swiftly presents feasible solutions. He is a forceful litigator with extraordinary presence in and out of court.’

‘Nina Sterzl is a very qualified and sharp-minded attorney with excellent litigation skills. She is absolutely dedicated to her clients and displays great flexibility when handling a matter.’

‘Vavrovsky Heine Marth stands out for its expertise and client orientation. A very sophisticated and dedicated team, which constantly delivers excellent results and excellent quality of work. The team is always on top of things regarding legal, economic and technical know-how.’

Key clients

Geros Beteiligungsverwaltungs GmbH/ Lifestyle Brands Investment Holding GmbH


Novogenia GmbH


Habeco Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H.


Die Wohnkompanie GmbH


Taxi 40100 Taxifunkzentrale GmbH


Energy Changes Projektentwicklungs GmbH


Salzburger Festspiele (Salzburg Festival)


Streamview GmbH


QBC Immobilien GmbH & Co Zeta KG et al.


Stadt Salzburg/City of Salzburg


Work highlights


  • Advised Salzburger Festspiele on the prevention of unauthorised ticket sales by the ticket sale site viagogo.
  • Advised Novogenia on the issue of legal permission to perform medical PCR tests.
  • Representing Geros Beteiligungsverwaltungs in a lawsuit relating to the Steinhoff Group.

Aigner Lehner Zuschin Rechtsanwälte

Aigner Lehner Zuschin Rechtsanwälte has built a significnat reputation in investor protection litigation, with a team of specialists experienced in representing retail investors, and state-affiliated as well as public entities. Founding partner Lukas Aigner is highly regarded for his expertise in complex financial derivatives and hedge fund structures. Johannes Lehner regularly represents clients in construction and sports disputes. Aigner and Lehner jointly head up the practice.

Practice head(s):

Lukas Aigner; Johannes Lehner


Other key lawyers:

Georg Zuschin; Maximilian Weiser


Testimonials

‘Due to its vast litigating experience, the firm’s competence in developing efficient strategies to enforce or defend claims is especially noteworthy. Consequently, the economic aspects are always given great consideration in the decision-making process and strategy, which is naturally of great importance from the client’s point of view.’

‘Lukas Aigner and Johannes Lehner stand out as practitioners with remarkable assertiveness in contentious litigation proceedings.’

‘The team is very well connected and in our case worked excellently with various experts.’

‘No matter in which field of law or at what time, the firm is always able to provide us with concise and clear legal advice, which also respects crucial economic and tactical points.’

‘Johannes Lehner – whenever we need him, he is there. We are happy to have Johannes on our side. With his broad legal know-how, he is able to assist us in any case.’

‘Clear, concise and practical, this is the best way to describe Johannes Lehner.’

‘Lukas Aigner is an incredibly persuasive, quick-acting attorney who likes to think outside the box and has alternative solutions ready. He is always considerate of our needs in all of his assignments and has been able to complete all proceedings to our complete satisfaction.’

Key clients

CA Immobilien Anlagen AG


Magistrat der Landeshauptstadt Linz


A group of CPI Immobilien Group investors


A group of Wienwert investors


Geocar GmbH


Unitherm Beteiligungs GmbH


A group of Wirecard AG investors


Federal State of Upper Austria


Linzer Athletik-Sport-Klub / LASK GmbH


LASK Arena GmbH & CO KG


Work highlights


  • Representing CA Immobilien Anlagen in civil law claims relating to the BUWOG case.
  • Representing the City of Linz in litigation against the Austrian bank BAWAG P.S.K over a failed OTC swap-transaction linked to foreign currency, causing a €640m loss to the client.
  • Acting for several hundred CPI Immobilien Group investors in damages amounting to over €200m.

BRANDL TALOS Attorneys at law

BRANDL TALOS Attorneys at law has a focused gaming and banking litigation practice, and is often involved with complex, cross-border and disputes in those fields. The firm has a longstanding client base, predominantly comprising banking and insurance sector clients, including gaming and betting operators, as well as private clients. Christian Lenz oversees the work.

Practice head(s):

Christian Lenz


Other key lawyers:

Christopher Schrank; Raphael Toman; Patrick Mittlböck; Anela Blöch


Key clients

Victims of the Commerzialbank Mattersburg im Burgenland AG


Work highlights


  • Representing claimants in a class-action relating to Commerzialbank Mattersburg im Burgenland’s insolvency in 2020, arising out of criminal conduct by the bank’s representatives.

Brauneis Rechtsanwälte

Brauneis Rechtsanwälte’s commercial litigation practice is valued by clients for its 'highly complete understanding of the commercial litigation environment'. THe team is regularly instructed to handle consumer protection disputes within the financial services and insurance sectors. The leadership trio helming the group comprises Alexander KlauserGerald Otto and Bernhard Girsch.

Practice head(s):

Alexander Klauser; Gerald Otto; Bernhard Girsch


Testimonials

‘The team consists of great teamplayers and experts who are innovative decision-makers.’

‘The team always coordinates with the client in advance in a timely manner and in the best possible way, schedules are reliably adhered to, always competent, committed, friendly and available.’

‘Alexander Klauser is a very experienced and talented litigator. His performance in the courtroom is outstanding.’

‘Bernhard Girsch is very experienced and leads a team very skillfully. He also takes the client’s input very seriously and consults in a very polite but honest manner, which enables the client to make only the best decisions.’

‘Perfect team, which has a highly complete understanding of the commercial litigation environment.’

‘Gerald Otto: very competent and experienced, outstanding negotiation skills, high level of commitment and in addition great vision and strategic understanding.’

Key clients

VKI (Verein für Konsumenteninformation)


SPI Group / Spirits International BV


FRANKSTAHL Rohr- und Stahlhandelsgesellschaft m.b.H.


Union Investment Real Estate Austria AG


Christian Schäfer GmbH


Wirtschaftskammer Wien (Chamber of Commerce, Vienna)


Verbraucherschutzverein


Siemens Energy Austria GmbH


Canal+ Luxembourg S. à r.l.


Work highlights


  • Representing VKI in a class-action against Volkswagen.
  • Representing Canal+ Luxembourg in a dispute against the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation ORF, in which the latter is requesting a simulcrypt fee for permission to activate ORF programs on the former’s satellite platform.
  • Representing Siemens Energy Austria in a number of commercial litigation mandates.

DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH

DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s litigation team caters to national and international clients from the automotive, insurance, gambling, construction, aviation, consumer goods, and financial services sectors, as well as receiving instruction from a significant bank of private clients. Led by white-collar crime expert Georg Krakow, the team’s strength is enhanced by senior litigators Claudine Vartian and Andreas Daxberger.

Practice head(s):

Georg Krakow


Other key lawyers:

Claudine Vartian; Andreas Daxberger; Marc Lager


Testimonials

‘Highly focused and strategically adept. Great negotiation skills.’

‘Extremely client oriented and always going the extra mile for client satisfaction.’

Key clients

Entain Group


Tesla Inc.


Starstone Insurance SE


GRAF ISOLA

GRAF ISOLA has a well established client base comprising financial institutions, manufacturers and public sector bodies, as well as private foundations. Employment law expert Jakob Widner leads the commercial litigation practice, and regularly handles product liability claims, as well as cases with a nexus to banking, data protection, insolvency and restructuring issues.

Practice head(s):

Jakob Widner


Other key lawyers:

Ferdinand Graf


Testimonials

‘Team works quickly and is always available.’

‘High quality service.’

Key clients

Samariterbund


SOZIALBAU


STAR Agro HandelsGmbH


Erwerb der Waldaugasse 3 GmbH


WIT Personalservice GmbH


Vienna Jewish Community, Heirs after Karl Mayländer


Dexia Credit Local


Brand Loyalty Sourcing B.V.


therapie-info PSISYS GmbH


Regent / ESCADA


KTM Fahrrad GmbH


Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (Chamber of Commerce)


Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft mbH (BIG)


Erdöl-Lagergesellschaft mbH


VGN Medien Holding GmbH,


Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG


CTP Chemisch Thermische Prozesstechnik GmbH


Borckenstein GmbH


Peter Lisec Privatstiftung


Work highlights


  • Representing Lisec Privatstiftung, owner of the glass machinery producer LISEC group, in a corporate litigation.
  • Acting as litigation counsel for real estate manager and apartment builder SOZIALBAU in a claim against the seller of a significant parcel of real estate.
  • Representing the Dutch Brand Loyalty in a product liability case.

Herbst Kinsky Rechtsanwalte GmbH

While the team represents clients from a broad spectrum of sectors, including energy and manufacturing, Herbst Kinsky Rechtsanwalte GmbH is best known for acting in disputes arising from the public sector. Frequent mandates pertain to contractual, corporate and product liability issues. Practice head Stephan Lenzhofer is appreciated for his expertise at the intersection of public and insurance law.

Practice head(s):

Stephan Lenzhofer


Other key lawyers:

Christoph Herbst


Testimonials

‘They react really fast.’

‘Stephan Lenzhofer: calm, sympathetic, meticulous, thinks strategically, diligent, competent.’

Key clients

GIS Gebühren Info Service GmbH


Optimist Inc.


Mahmoud Charr


Deloitte Tax Wirtschaftsprüfungs GmbH


ESIM Chemicals GmbH


Stona Immobilien GmbH


Hofer Möbel GmbH


SPSC GmbH Deutschland


Supply Chain Partners GmbH


Work highlights


  • Representing GIS in a class-action against the client and ORF concerning allegations of the unauthorised collection of 10% VAT.
  • Representing former members of the supervisory board of the nationalised bank Kommunalkredit Austria in proceedings regarding the alleged breach of the duty of care before and during the financial crisis.
  • Representing Deloitte against claims of the former Minister of Finance with respect to the provision of alleged wrong advice.

KWR Karasek Wietrzyk Rechtsanwälte GmbH

KWR Karasek Wietrzyk Rechtsanwälte GmbH is well placed to handle complex construction, infrastructure, energy and real estate disputes across multiple jurisdictions. Thomas Frad heads the team with a particularly strong focus on construction and aviation litigation. Georg Karasek is another key contact.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Frad


Other key lawyers:

Georg Karasek; Clemens Berlakovits; Jan Philipp Schifko; Paul Schmidinger; Elisabeth Fischer


Testimonials

‘Perfect match for our needs – always recognise what we really want.’

‘High quality of service and good atmosphere.’

‘Their knowledge is superb. Very practical approach in court disputes. Their motions are second to none.’

‘Jan Philipp Schifko is a great lawyer. His motions and negotiation skills stand out.’

‘A very dedicated and proactive team which is able to work across many disciplines.’

‘Thomas Frad a highly skilled lawyer and negotiator who is always available on short notice if needed.’

‘Broad knowledge in diverse areas, reliable, far-sighted, realistic, high legal competence.’

Key clients

VI Engineers


FPF Immobilien


Österreichisches Siedlungswerk


Mativ Construction


KIR Group


SFL Group


Ryanair


Notaries


Handler Group


Implenia Group


AY-KA Bau


ATP


Heidenbauer Group


WIEHAG Group


WertInvest Group


Family branch of a noble family


Aircraft manufacturer with production plants in Austria, Canada and China


Joint Venture KMP Ingenieure and Marc Mimram Architectes Paris


Work highlights


  • Representing a well-known family in a lawsuit against another branch of the family for the release of a valuable painting of historical significance.
  • Representing a general contractor in two lawsuits against a developer for termination of the contract due to an alleged delay.
  • Representing SFL Group (under insolvency administration) in various disputes, including representation of a consortium and assertion of warranty and damage claims.

Lansky, Ganzger + Partner (LGP)

Lansky, Ganzger + Partner (LGP) handles commercial disputes on behalf of a broad spectrum of national and international clients, including banks, construction companies, betting companies, publishing houses, telecoms and internet providers, state institutions, and private individuals. The practice is jointly headed by Julia Andras, Valentin Neuser, Gerald Ganzger and Gabriel Lansky.

Practice head(s):

Julia Andras; Valentin Neuser; Gerald Ganzger; Gabriel Lansky


Testimonials

‘The legal advice and representation provided by the commercial litigation team is always highly focused and goal oriented. They follow a flexible, situation-appropriate approach to legal disputes, which is exactly what we need, and which makes them our first choice for all proceedings.’

‘Some of the team’s key strengths are that they have a strong network, offer pragmatic solutions – which I appreciate very much – and another very important strength, quick reaction time.

‘The team has an irreplaceable detailed knowledge of the often very complex and specific corporate processes.’

Key clients

AUSTRO CONTROL Österreichische Gesellschaft für Zivilluftfahrt mbH


BAWAG


Casinos Austria AG


Energie Burgenland


Hollitzer Baustoffwerke GesmbH


VGN Medien Holding GmbH


petsche pollak attorneys at law

petsche pollak attorneys at law typically represents national and international corporations, most notably from the construction and pharmaceutical industries, as well as from the banking and insurance sector. Practice heads Simone Petsche-Demmel and Andreas Pollak are experienced in representing their clients in corporate disputes at the intersection of commercial and white-collar cases.

Practice head(s):

Simone Petsche-Demmel; Andreas Pollak


Testimonials

‘Walk the walk as well as talking the talk; listen to the clients’ issues and provide tailor made solutions.’

‘Andres Pollak has in-depth knowledge paired with excellent business understanding and strives for pragmatic solutions.’

‘Simone Petsche-Demmel is a sharp and quick-thinking negotiator, thoughtful and prescient, handling complex cases with care. She gives hands-on and clear advice and offers the firm‘s clients comfort and trust, even when they are in delicate situations.’

Key clients

KAEFER


Octapharma


Sheikh Mohammed bin Issa Al Jaber


EUROSILICONE


GC Aesthetics


Healthcare


proPellets Austria


LABAU


FS First Skinlab


SGS Privatstiftung


JJW Hotels & Resorts group


Work highlights


  • Representing a major construction player in a dispute regarding cost overruns.
  • Representing a major international producer of pharmaceuticals in disputes arising out of construction and turnkey projects around the globe.
  • Representing a major manufacturer of medical devices in proceedings related to product liability.

PHH Rechtsanwälte GmbH

PHH Rechtsanwält:innen GmbH's wide-ranging practice spans M&A and real estate disputes, insurance, and international enforcement matters across multiple jurisdictions. Practice head Sebastian Mahr specialises in corporate disputes, liability claims, insurance litigation and international enforcement.

Practice head(s):

Sebastian Mahr


Testimonials

‘I can highlight PHH’s promptness, professionalism, focus on goals and results, and good leadership. They do their work efficiently and they go out of their way to help.’

‘Sebastian Mahr is very effective and dependable, and is interested in understanding the client’s wishes.’

‘Sebastian Mahr is noted for his friendliness and competence, always acting in the interest of the client.’

Key clients

Sberbank Europe AG


Uniqa Group


Raiffeisen Versicherung AG


Iveco Austria Gesellschaft m.b.H.


Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH


R+V Versicherung AG


UniCredit Global Leasing Export GmbH


HYPO NOE Gruppe Bank AG


Österreichische Kontrollbank AG


WIENER LINIEN GmbH & Co KG


Jensen Group / Jensen Österreich GmbH


Intelligent Apps GmbH (FreeNow)


PF Media International Ltd


Work highlights


  • Acting for Austrian companies and a private client in an international post-M&A dispute against a Middle Eastern contracting party.
  • Representing an international insurance company in a claim for indemnity coverage of over €100 million.
  • Advising a German legal entity on the termination of an aircraft purchase agreement due to breach of contract.

Pitkowitz & Partners

Since its spin-off in 2021, Pitkowitz & Partners has expanded its portfolio, representing national and international clients in a broad spectrum of contentious matters, including class-action litigation arising in the construction, energy, real estate, technology, and media sectors. The practice is headed by Nikolaus Pitkowitz and Roxanne De Jesus.

Practice head(s):

Nikolaus Pitkowitz; Roxanne de Jesus


Testimonials

‘This is a great and diverse team under the leadership of Nikolaus Pitkowitz, who is a really good and sensible lawyer, and a charming person.’

‘Nikolaus Pitkowitz is a great team leader, a role model to younger colleagues and also shows a great deal of entrepreneurship. He is a really good lawyer.’

‘Nikolaus Pitkowitz loves details and is a reliable source of knowledge. A very gifted organiser of various events. Always well prepared.’

‘Simply the best disputes practice in Austria, bar none. Unrivalled expertise and dedication to the cause.’

‘A team that is highly experienced in dealing with heavy and complex commercial litigation. The team is very well led and works very well and smoothly. They are highly knowledgeable and will leave no stone unturned in pursuing their client’s best interests whilst also exercising careful judgment as to how best to present their client’s case. A top team.’

‘I would highly recommend Nikolaus Pitkowitz for his extensive experience as a commercial litigator. I would also highly recommend Roxanne de Jesus who is a very bright and capable lawyer. She is a master of detail which puts her client in the driving seat.’

Key clients

Calunius Capital LLP.


Integral-Montage Anlagen- und Rohrtechnik GmbH


Alperton Capital


German manufacturer of plastic composites


General Dynamics


Kinve Solar Power


McArthurGlen


Tyson Foods


Facebook Ireland Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Calunius Capital, a third party funder, on the financing of a class-action on behalf of thousands of Austrian claimants relating to the Volkswagen emissions scandal.
  • Representing Alperton and its shareholders in a cross-border dispute regarding (i) the client’s shares in companies owning drill ships, (ii) reorganisation proceedings in Brazil, (iii) ancillary corporate disputes in the BVI and (iv) Chapter XV proceedings in New York.

Taylor Wessing enwc Rechtsanwälte GmbH

Due to its strong cross-border presence, most notably in the CEE and SEE regions, Taylor Wessing enwc Rechtsanwälte GmbH is well placed to handle a wide range of multi-jurisdictional commercial and corporate cases. Headed by Wolfgang Kapek, the practice predominantly represents clients in disputes relating to banking and finance, IP, real estate and restructuring issues.

Practice head(s):

Wolfgang Kapek


Other key lawyers:

Dieter Natlacen; Ivo Deskovic; Stefan Turic; Martin Prohaska-Marchried; Susanne Fruhstorfer


Key clients

The Change Group Wechselstuben GmbH


MABA Fertighaus GmbH


Stroili Stone GmbH


Realbesitz – Gesellschaft m.b.H.


Slovenska sporitelna a.s


HD Consulting & Communications GmbH


Debitos GmbH


AAB Bank (former Meinl Bank)


NADA National Anti-Doping Agency


Pirelli Tyre S.p.a


A1 Telekom Austria Aktiengesellschaft


Nestlé/Nespresso


Lafarge Perlmooser GmbH (part of LafargeHolcim)


Erste Bank der österreichischen Sparkassen AG


Ceskoslovenska obchodná banka, a.s


City of Banská Bystrica


EISMANN


ANEXIA (part of ANX Holding)


Vorwerk


Pisek Vitli Krpan d.o.o.


Eternit Werke Ludwig Hatschek GmbH


Work highlights


  • Representing clients who had deposited funds with Commerzialbank Mattersburg im Burgenland, which was officially closed and declared insolvent in 2020 due to fraud.