Interview with: Immanuel Gerstner, Partner

What do you see as the main points that differentiate SAXINGER from your competitors?

SAXINGER is one of Austria’s leading law firms with a strong footprint across Central and Eastern Europe. Building on a long-standing tradition, the firm combines deep local roots with an international outlook, enabling it to provide comprehensive legal advice across all key areas of domestic and cross-border business law.

What truly differentiates SAXINGER is its client-centric approach. The firm places great emphasis on understanding each client’s business model, industry dynamics, and strategic objectives. This allows its lawyers not only to identify legal risks, but also to deliver pragmatic, business-oriented solutions tailored to individual needs.

In addition, SAXINGER benefits from a strong team culture, entrepreneurial thinking, and a commitment to excellence. Clients value not only the firm’s legal expertise, but also its responsiveness, clarity in communication, and ability to navigate complex matters efficiently.

The combination of strong regional presence and cross-border capabilities—particularly through international cooperation—positions SAXINGER as a trusted advisor for both domestic and international clients.

 

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

In today’s environment, several practice areas are expected to see continued growth.

Corporate/M&A remains a core driver, particularly in the context of market consolidation, strategic investments, and cross-border transactions. Even in times of economic uncertainty, well-prepared companies continue to pursue growth opportunities.

Regulatory, compliance, and ESG-related advisory work is also gaining importance. Increasing regulatory complexity, sustainability requirements, and stakeholder expectations are pushing companies to seek more integrated legal guidance.

Another key growth area is technology-related law, including data protection, cybersecurity, and digital business models. As companies continue to digitalize, legal questions around data usage, AI, and platform economies are becoming increasingly relevant.

Finally, restructuring and insolvency-related work may also increase depending on macroeconomic developments, requiring law firms to support clients through challenging transitions.

 

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

A major focus in recent years has been strengthening international collaboration and interdisciplinary expertise. Through its network and long-standing cooperation with international partners, SAXINGER is well positioned to support clients seamlessly across jurisdictions.

Equally important has been the firm’s investment in talent development and specialization. By continuously expanding expertise in key practice areas and industries, the firm ensures that clients receive high-quality, up-to-date advice.

Another key development is the increasing integration of digital tools and more efficient internal processes, enabling faster turnaround times and enhanced client service.

 

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Technology has fundamentally changed how law firms interact with clients and deliver services. Communication has become faster, more flexible, and more transparent through digital channels such as video conferencing, secure data rooms, and collaborative platforms.

At the same time, legal tech solutions and automation tools are helping to increase efficiency, particularly in standardized processes and large-scale transactions. This allows lawyers to focus more on strategic and value-added advisory work.

Moreover, developments in areas such as artificial intelligence and data analytics are beginning to shape how legal services are delivered, creating new opportunities to enhance quality, speed, and predictability.

Despite these advancements, personal interaction and trust remain at the core of the client relationship. Technology is therefore seen as an enabler rather than a replacement.

 

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

The firm’s approach is always to combine legal excellence with commercial understanding. This means not only identifying risks, but also actively contributing to a client’s success.

For example, in cross-border transactions, clients benefit from a coordinated “one-stop-shop” approach, where legal advice across multiple jurisdictions is seamlessly aligned. This reduces complexity, saves time, and ensures consistency.

More broadly, SAXINGER supports clients throughout their entire lifecycle—from early-stage ventures to established international businesses—helping them navigate legal challenges, seize opportunities, and grow sustainably.

 

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

In an increasingly complex and fast-changing world, clients are indeed looking for stability, reliability, and strategic guidance from their legal advisors.

SAXINGER’s goal is to continue evolving alongside its clients, maintaining its position as a leading full-service law firm in Austria and the CEE region. This includes ongoing investment in talent, innovation, and international collaboration.

Over the next few years, the firm is likely to further strengthen its core practice areas, expand its cross-border capabilities, and continue to integrate digital solutions into its service offering.

Ultimately, the focus remains on delivering high-quality, forward-looking legal advice and building long-term client relationships based on trust and shared success.