Team size: with me my team has 9 lawyers and 4 assistants

What are the most significant cases, projects, or transactions that you and your legal team have recently been involved in?

One of the most significant matters for our legal team has been the Austrian cartel proceedings initiated by the Austrian Federal Competition Authority (BWB), which are expected to conclude in March 2026. Related criminal investigations are still ongoing, and we are working to avoid litigation in relation to cartel damages claims. We have made good progress towards reaching out-of-court settlements with the most important affected public contracting authorities.

Another major challenge has been the crisis affecting property developers in Austria following changes in interest rates. Over the past three years, issues such as payment defaults, contract cancellations and related disputes have kept us particularly busy and required extensive legal support.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

During periods of crisis, we need to work even more closely with our operational units, providing clear frameworks, structured decision-making pathways and maintaining a disciplined approach to risk management. Our legal guidance must be clear, practical and delivered in a timely manner. We gained valuable experience through managing the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on the construction industry.

General counsel often speak of the need to be strategic to reach the pinnacle of the profession. What does being strategic mean to you?

We have to focus on the needs and challenges of our operational units and act in close partnership with them, always thinking in a commercially minded and solution-oriented way.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

The construction industry is still male-dominated, and I am often the only woman in many meetings. It is therefore a continuous learning process to represent one’s point of view, communicate clearly and set boundaries when necessary. A competent, straightforward manner and a sense of humour have helped me greatly throughout my career.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

A hands-on mentality, the ability to provide clear, risk-based legal advice, and a solution-oriented, pragmatic approach are essential. Equally important are commercial awareness, creativity and the ability to think outside the box, while embracing the latest legal technologies and tools to deliver efficient and effective outcomes.