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Firms in the Spotlight Private client

HSP Rechtsanwälte GmbH

HSP Rechtsanwälte GmbH logo

HSP Rechtsanwälte GmbH is one of the leading international law firms in Austria with a strong focus on immigration law and more than twenty years of experience in this field. We provide consulting services to companies and their employees and also to private persons when it comes to obtaining an Austrian domicile, immigration, as well …

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Private client in Austria

Binder Grösswang

Tying together expertise from across the firm’s tax, corporate and M&A, financing, employment, regulatory, real estate, and IP teams, Binder Grösswang‘s private client practice offers entrepreneurs, their families and foundations comprehensive advice on cross-border estate planning, international tax structuring, succession planning and international relocation, as well as assisting with litigation. The core team is led by Andreas Hable, who specialises in international estate and tax planning, and Thomas Schirmer, who focuses on M&A and real estate transactions. Christian Zwick offers further support on M&A, while Mona Holzgruber is the primary contact for change of residency, citizenship and immigration issues. Investments expert Bernd Schneiderbauer left the firm in February 2023.

Practice head(s):

Andreas Hable; Thomas Schirmer


Other key lawyers:

Christian Zwick; Mona Holzgruber


Testimonials

‘Good knowledge of the ins and outs of Austrian residence and work permits.’

‘Mona Holzgruber is knowledgeable, competant, and very easy to work with. I would strongly recommend her to anyone else with residence or work permit issues.’

‘Very well organised, fast responding, great knowledge and super friendly.’

‘Binder Grösswang has an excellent private client practice, very smart and very responsive.’

Work highlights


  • Advising an UHNW family on the purchase of a prominent Viennese cultural institution.

bpv Hügel

Staying true to its exceptional market reputation, bpv Hügel‘s private client and wealth management practice integrates a full-service tax advice component in assisting HNWIs, family-owned enterprises, and foundations with matters of succession planning, asset structuring and estate planning, reorganisations, and the drafting of wills and marital agreements. Practice head Florian Plattner‘s focus on private foundations goes hand-in-hand with his experience in business succession, and private and art investments. Gerald Schachner leads the firm’s tax team and is instrumental in advising HNWIs and foundations on all elements of corporate tax law, including tax restructuring and tax controversy.

Practice head(s):

Florian Plattner


Other key lawyers:

Gerald Schachner


Testimonials

‘bpv Hügel has a well-known HNWI practice.’

‘Gerald Schachner is an important part of the team. He has a lot of experience with family businesses. It’s not always just professional skills that are needed, but also social competence.’

‘The team is rather small, but very selected. Short paths lead to great experience and expertise. The advice is goal-oriented and pragmatic. The consultants are very friendly and straightforward.’

‘The figurehead is Gerald Schachner. He has extensive experience with HNWI and is very good with clients.’

‘What makes Gerald Schachner unique is the combination of (domestic and international) expertise in tax, corporate and HNWI and 23 years of experience, with his personality, which focuses on understanding the clients’ needs and providing practical solutions. This is of utmost importance when it comes to HNWI and family businesses.’

‘bpv Hügel is well known in Austria for its private client practice.’

‘Gerald Schachner stands out from the team. Of course he has great technical skills and experience. His greatest strength is that he is particularly good with people. He is empathetic and can lead teams as well as clients in an outstanding way. This leads to a very high level of satisfaction among clients.’

‘The ability to understand or find out what clients really want is, in my opinion, the most important skill for a HNWI lawyer. Gerald Schachner can’t be beaten at that.’

Work highlights


  • Advised a family office on the establishment of Austria’s first multi-family office structures in the form of an Austrian umbrella fund for investments to private equity funds and structures for making and holding venture capital investments.
  • Advised an Austrian individual on the set of an Austrian private foundation for the purposes of transferring its shareholding in an Austrian company to the newly established foundation, which in turn will sell a substantial share in the Austrian company valued at €200m.
  • Advised the shareholders of a multinational enterprise in the healthcare sector on the tax structuring and reorganisation of the entire group involving the transfer of several shares directly and indirectly cross-border to a new Austrian holding company.

Schindler Attorneys

Schindler Attorneys counts among its client portfolio HNWI, families, family offices, family-owned businesses and private foundations, who regularly retain the team for advice on questions of corporate, tax and real estate law, as well as art, family, inheritance and private foundation law. Cross-border interactions with Germany are aided by several team members being admitted there, and the firm also has experience in the CEE/SEE, UK and Brazilian markets. Leadership is split between founding partner and tax expert Clemens Schindler, inheritance, family and corporate law specialist Philipp Hoyos, and Martin Picherer, who focuses on real estate and succession planning. Katharina Schindler, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, is sought after for her experience in art law.

Practice head(s):

Clemens Schindler; Philipp Hoyos; Martin Picherer


Other key lawyers:

Katharina Schindler


Testimonials

‘Lots of commercial experience which makes sure that recommendations are practical and really make a difference for the client.’

‘Clemens Schindler is a rare combination of big picture and technical brilliance.’

‘Schindler Attorneys provides an in-house combination of legal and tax advice and they have a focus on private client work which is not very common in Austrian firms. They have long experience in international matters. Their responsiveness is quick and they are solution-oriented. Their billing is reasonable.’

‘Philipp Hoyos’ strength is his understanding of his clients’ needs and legal options. His solution-oriented approach reflects in friendly but focused communication and efficient guidance of his clients.’

‘Individual service, client-oriented and providing their clients excellent expertise and solutions.’

‘Katharina Schindler helped us on art law. Clemens Schindler assisted on estate planning and tax matters including a will relating to assets in multiple jurisdictions as well as trust law. Notable is their experience in real estate consulting.’

‘Schindler Attorneys blends traditional legal expertise with deep sector knowledge, ensuring that their clients receive best-in-class legal advice in an efficient manner.’

‘Even though our last project with Clemens Schindler was a few years ago, its impact remains evident today. His strategic foresight and unique approach back then continue to provide value.’

Key clients

Hypo Alpe Adria Mitarbeiter Privatstiftung


Work highlights


  • Advised Hypo Alpe Adria Mitarbeiter Privatstiftung on private foundation law and against claims raised by former beneficiaries.
  • Advised the famous Latvian mezzo-soprano singer Elina Garanca on tax, real estate and residence matters.
  • Advising the renowned haute cuisine chef Toni Mörwald on real estate matters and estate planning.

Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG

The CEE/SEE region is the heartland of Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG, with both domestic and international HNWIs and their families seeking out the team for legal and tax-related services covering the range of cross-border estate planning, real estate investments, international planning, advice on family-owned businesses, immigration, marriage and divorce matters, and private and charitable foundations. Tax expert Niklas Schmidt boasts specialised knowledge of cryptocurrency and blockchain assets, and leads the team alongside real estate and wealth-management heavyweight Karl Binder. Eva Stadler supports on international tax law and tax planning. Carolin Ziegler  left the firm in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Niklas Schmidt; Karl Binder


Other key lawyers:

Eva Stadler


Testimonials

‘The Wolf Theiss team are the go-to firm for Austria and Eastern Europe.’

‘Niklas Schmidt is an established leader in his field (international cross-border tax and estates).’

‘I have recently started working with Eva Stadler and have been very impressed with her technical cross-border tax knowledge and responsiveness.’

‘Top team in private clients.’

‘Niklas Schmidt is a true star.’

Eva Stadler is well regarded and respected for her hands-on approach.’

Cerha Hempel

With a strong basis in corporate law, Cerha Hempel guides UHNWI, funds and trusts in an array of matters related to foundations and businesses, estate and wealth management, and succession planning. In addition to heading the firm’s takeovers and antitrust team, Albert Birkner is firmly placed in the private client practice through numerous seats on the supervisory boards of major Austrian foundations. Head of the contentious business team Irene Welser brings to the table exceptional expertise in probate, succession, and estate disputes. Corporate lawyer Heinrich Foglar-Deinhardstein specialises in reorganisations, takeovers, and succession, while tax expert Benjamin Twardosz focuses on estate and tax planning, as well as advising on fiscal criminal law.

Practice head(s):

Irene Welser; Albert Birkner; Heinrich Foglar-Deinhardstein; Benjamin Twardosz


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Trettnak; Johannes Aehrenthal


Testimonials

‘Seamless work between team members with easy onboarding of new members if necessary.’

‘Irene Welser is an outstanding lawyer, fully motivated and enthusiastic about fighting for a client.’

Key clients

Kwizda


Karl Wlaschek Privatstiftung (KWPS)


Pichler Privatstiftung


ITI – International Theological Institute


Batthyany-Strattmann


St Johanns Club


Ronald McDonald Kinderhilfe (Children Charities)


Souveräner Malteser Ritterorden


Alex Schütz Familienstiftung (C-Quadrat)


Dr. Pscheidl Privatstiftung


Work highlights


  • Advised the Karl Wlaschek Group on a regular basis on all corporate, M&A and real estate related issues, including recently proceedings against a well-known coffee house operator in Vienna regarding unpaid rent due to lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH is well-known in the private client sphere for its services in aid of HNWIs, their families and businesses, private foundations, and trusts, who seek out the team for the spectrum of asset, inheritance and succession planning matters, including dispute settlement and corporate law elements. Johannes Reich-Rohrwig is the face of the team, with extensive experience in contentious trusts and probate law, encompassing expertise in private and corporate wealth succession, foundations, trusts, gifts, and wills. Arno Zimmermann assists with estate planning, inheritance, and dispute resolution, while Lukas Peissl acts for domestic and international HNWIs at the interface of wealth management and inheritance.

Practice head(s):

Johannes Reich-Rohrwig


Other key lawyers:

Arno Zimmermann; Lukas Peissl


DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH

UHNW families and entrepreneurs rely on DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH for comprehensive legal and tax advice on international tax structuring and estate planning, relocation and immigration, as well as contentious family and inheritance disputes. Tax law expert Paul Doralt leads the team and focuses his practice on trust law and structured financing. Katharina Binder advises private trusts, foundations, and international corporations in matters of trust law, succession planning, restructurings, and cross-border tax issues. Stanislav Nekrasov also specialises in tax and fiscal criminal law.

Practice head(s):

Paul Doralt


Other key lawyers:

Katharina Binder; Stanislav Nekrasov


Testimonials

‘Extremely experienced and well-connected team with a superb client base. Capable of advising and representing private clients in their most important and complex matters. Clear communication, plain language, ability to describe complex matters in simple terms. Excellent client handling.

‘Without a doubt, Paul Doralt is one of the best private client specialists in Austria.

‘DORDA’s private client practice is one of the key advisers of the Austrian establishment, with the breadth of covering all relevant areas (corporate, trust, tax, accounting).

‘Paul Doralt is one of the most prominent Austrian tax and trust lawyers. He is the head of the board of our family trust and has helped us a lot, also in critical situations.’

‘Katharina Binder is probably one of the best private client lawyers of the younger generation.’

Key clients

Schmidt-Chiari Family


Stephanie Privatstiftung


Croma-Pharma


Work highlights


  • Advised the shareholder-family of Croma-Pharma on their personal tax consequences of the first De-SPAC transaction in Austria.

GRAF ISOLA

Private foundations in particular benefit from the extensive experience of the team at GRAF ISOLA, which provides support on wealth management and restructuring, and also assists HNWIs with succession law and estate planning, inheritance claims, and related tax matters. Practice head Armenak Utudjian doubles up his well-known expertise in foundation law and succession planning with his duties as the President of the Austrian Bar Association, while head of the commercial and M&A team Ferdinand Graf supports on matters at the intersection of international trade and sanctions law.

Practice head(s):

Armenak Utudjian


Other key lawyers:

Ferdinand Graf


Testimonials

‘Trust, more than only legal advice, speed.’

Key clients

Kay Horstmann Privatstiftung


Peter Lisec Privatstiftung


Motycka Privatstiftung


Talent Privatstiftung


Medem Privatstiftung


Work highlights


  • Advised a family foundation in defending against claims worth millions of euro in an ongoing arbitration proceeding before the Austrian courts.
  • Appointed to the board of directors of the Peter Lisec Foundation and in this capacity advised on the administration of the foundation’s assets, including the subsidiary Lisec group of companies, real estate and financial assets.
  • Advised a renowned Group of Austrian foundations and their subsidiaries on a wide range of legal topics, including defending them against legal claims in an Austrian court.

Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners Rechtsanwälte GmbH (SCWP Schindhelm)

A robust offering in family and probate law underpins Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners Rechtsanwälte GmbH (SCWP Schindhelm)‘s private client team, which advises UHNWI and HNWI on post-marital claims involving shareholdings and assets, child custody issues, inheritance claims, as well as on corporate law questions of asset structuring, succession, and wealth management. The team is jointly led by Gerald Schmidsberger, who works on corporate succession, investments and trusts, and Birgit Leb, who is primarily engaged in contentious family and inheritance proceedings. Corporate and M&A-focused Bernhard Gonaus specialises in shareholder disputes and was promoted to partner in October 2023.

Practice head(s):

Gerald Schmidsberger; Birgit Leb


Other key lawyers:

Bernhard Gonaus


Testimonials

‘The team are excellent at treating complex and sophisticated matters. They have uncomplicated, simple and understandable procedures. The breadth of their team, their service level and their responsiveness are outstanding.’

‘SCWP have a perfect network and specialists in all sectors.’

Key clients

Greiner AG


Work highlights


  • Assisted the Greiner Group with a range of private client issues, including inheritance, charity and power of attorney matters, arising from the restructuring of the family office.

DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH

A strategic focus on advising domestic entrepreneurial families on asset structuring and management sees DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH frequently engaged in complex cross-border structures and succession planning. International HNWI with private foundations in Austria also seek out practice head Christoph Mager for assistance with multi-jurisdictional asset structuring and the execution of wills, while Elisabeth Stichmann is recognised for her extensive knowledge of foundations law. Dimitar Hristov supports on tax matters, particularly in relation to the CEE/SEE and Brazilian markets.

Practice head(s):

Christoph Mager


Other key lawyers:

Elisabeth Stichmann; Dimitar Hristov


Testimonials

‘Best understanding of clients’ needs.’

‘Christoph Mager is a great team leader and problem solver.’

‘Very efficient and good approach to the relevant problem.’

‘Very good negotiators.’

‘The law firm works very professionally. They work reliably and transparently. Both online calls and personal conversations are well prepared and run smoothly. ’

‘We always work with Elisabeth Stichmann. You can always rely on her. She works in great detail and explains things well to us. She develops different options and shows us alternative paths.’

Key clients

H.M.Z. Privatstiftung


Nowikov Family


Continuatio Privatstiftung


JN Privatstiftung


Avinos Privatstiftung


HSP Rechtsanwälte GmbH

Carving out a niche in the CIS region, HSP Rechtsanwälte GmbH supports HNWI with real estate investments, corporate structuring and acquisition, tax planning and structuring, and fiscal penal law. Between them, practice heads Jörg Winkler and Nikolaus Becker assist clients with rights of domicile, asset management, and succession planning.

Practice head(s):

Jörg Winkler; Nikolaus Becker


Testimonials

‘HSP works with a very professional and international team in an extremely client-oriented manner. Legal know-how paired with a very expeditious way of working enable a very efficient cooperation.’

‘Nikolaus Becker and his entire highly professional team are active in the field of residence law at the highest level. Their expertise is impressive due to many years of professional competence and the cooperation with them is characterised by profound knowledge and implementation quality at the highest level.’

‘HSP’s precision and reliability in handling legal issues are truly exemplary. HSP is a modern law firm that is technically up-to-date.’

‘The private clients department at HSP consistently meets our requests to the fullest extent of our satisfaction. What distinguishes HSP from other law firms as well is that our communication takes place in a very personal way and we always feel welcome when contacting Nikolaus Becker.’

‘Nikolaus Becker’s advice is result-oriented and always meets and even exceeds our expectations. He consistently sets a high standard with his work, demonstrating accuracy, precision and speed. Furthermore, our communication with him is consistently remarkable.’

‘An extremely committed team with specialists in various legal areas.’

‘Specialisation in settlement permits in Austria. Prompt availability of colleagues, consultation in Russian.’

‘HSP consistently offered outstanding guidance, and I was profoundly impressed by the international expertise of Nikolaus Becker and Jörg Winkler.’

Work highlights


  • Advised the Jewish Russian-speaking Community Vienna, which consists of approximately 10,000 members, on a number of legal matters.

Jank Weiler Operenyi

Drawing on the combined strength of the firm’s tax advisors, auditors, consultants and financial advisory and risk advisory experts, Jank Weiler Operenyi offers international family offices, foundations and HNWI a one-stop-shop for wealth and private asset management. Founding partner Maximilian Weiler heads the team, focusing on the structuring and execution of strategic investments, while Gabriele Etzl supports on real estate and real estate finance transactions in Austria and the wider CEE/SEE region.

Practice head(s):

Maximilian Weiler


Other key lawyers:

Gabriele Etzl


Testimonials

‘Outstanding and highly reputable practice integrated in seamless one-stop-shop together with tax experts, thus biggest fully integrated practice in Austria.’

‘Maximilian Weiler’s difference from competitors is his approach: there is always a solution.’

‘Maximilian Weiler offers an extraordinary commitment to his clients.’

Key clients

Liechtenstein Group


Stiftung Fürst Liechtenstein


Neue Wege Privatstiftung


Esterhazy Family Office


Rauch Group


M. Müller Privatstiftung


Wolschner Privatstiftung


Veit Sorger


Frauscher Group


Paulaner Group


Betha Zwerenz Krause GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised Stiftung Fürst Liechtenstein, the foundation established by the Prince of Liechtenstein, in connection with its international asset management entity and its subsidiaries with focus on the investment and the management of real estate, agriculture, forestry and renewable energy projects.
  • Advised Wolschner Privatstiftung and its subsidiaries on asset management and general corporate matters.
  • Advised Neue Wege Privatstiftung in its establishment and the establishment of a structure with regard to various business ventures.

Müller Partner Rechtsanwälte

Müller Partner Rechtsanwälte primarily acts as adviser to founders, beneficiaries and board members on the establishment and management of foundations, with additional competencies in testamentary dispositions and succession planning. Private foundations, corporate and estate law expert Katharina Müller heads the team alongside Martin Melzer, who supports clients in the development, organisation and implementation of charitable projects.

Practice head(s):

Katharina Müller; Martin Melzer


Testimonials

‘Profound knowledge of private client matters.’

‘Outstanding experience in the field from Katharina Müller and Martin Melzer.’

‘Very good knowledge, excellent combination of legal and economic education and approach specially for private foundations. Good availability.’

PwC Legal Austria-oehner & partner

Interdisciplinary advice on corporate, foundation, succession and private law frames PwC Legal Austria-oehner & partner‘s practice which acts for UHNWI, private foundations and family businesses in their transitions to next generations, M&A transactions, and restructuring processes. Christian Öhner heads the team, harnessing extensive corporate experience in advising on restructurings, and financial and strategic investments. Michael Lind is retained by private foundations, trusts, and HNI in corporate transactions and joint ventures.

Practice head(s):

Christian Oehner


Other key lawyers:

Michael Lind


Key clients

W.A.C.M. Privatstiftung


Founder of Dedicaid GmbH


JS North Asia Investments Limited forming part of the JS Group


Atomos


Owner Miraculix Business Beteiligungs GmbH


Schachinger


JCL


fangocur GmbH


Grüner Handels & Projekt GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised W.A.C.M. Privatstiftung on the sale of Walter Mauser GmbH in an auction procedure to the Finnish Fortaco Group.
  • Advised on the exit of AI software developer Dedicaid GmbH to Telix Pharmaceuticals headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
  • Advised JS, a financial services investment company based in Pakistan, on its acquisition of a substantial equity interest in Austrian-based crypto start-up Blockbase Group.