The regulatory team at Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) is well-regarded for its full service offering, with expertise across public law, projects and environmental issues and public procurement, as well technology regulation issues. Bernd Rajal helms the public law team and advises on a broad range of matters, including those relating to energy, the environment, foreign investment and public transport law. Leading the planning and environment practice, Christian Schmelz is a specialist in environmental, construction and energy law. Günther Leissler heads up the data protection and privacy group, while Christoph Cudlik excels in environmental and climate change law. Johannes Stalzer focuses on public procurement law and was promoted to partner in February 2025 alongside planning and environmental expert Christoph Jirak.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Bernd Rajal stood out with his expertise regarding the Austrian grid, particularly his insights into the new ElWG.’
- 'Christian Schmelz and Christoph Jirak are experts in public law. The teamwork is excellent.'
- ‘Highly specialised and very experienced lawyers. Always highly motivated and pleasant to work with.’
- ‘Bernd Rajal has an extremely good network and knows the relevant markets and contacts. He is always available and very pleasant to work with.'
Key clients
- Abbott Medical Group
- Allianz Capital Partners
- Alpiq
- Austrian Chamber of Commerce
- Austrian Association of Pharmacists
- Austrian Medical Association
- ASFINAG
- BASF SE
- Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft m.b.H.
- City of Graz
- City of Innsbruck
- Contour Global
- EBG MedAustron
- Ecoplus Alpin
- Energie Steiermark
- Energiepark Bruck/Leitha
- Energiewerkstatt
- ENWA
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
- European Commission
Work highlights
Advised ÖPAG on the implementation of its decarbonisation and energy transition strategy.
Advised a number of Austrian and international wind energy producers with regard to the permitting, zoning, spatial planning, construction, operation and sale or acquisition of wind power plants.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Bernd Rajal; Christian Schmelz; Christoph Cudlik; Christoph Jirak; Günther Leissler; Johannes Stalzer