Cerha Hempel has been praised for having ‘one of the best white-collar crime defence teams in the Austrian market’, and the firm is notably strong on the advisory front in this sector, where it is retained as counsel by major construction, infrastructure and energy clients for criminal, sanctions and compliance advice. The group has also led on high-profile fraud cases and on criminal appeals before the Supreme Court. An ’absolute authority when it comes to white-collar criminal law’, Peter Lewisch is well versed in overseeing multi-jurisdictional proceedings. He heads the team alongside Hans Kristoferitsch, who focuses his practice on regulatory and business law matters, and Stefan Huber, who leads on sanctions and export control cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Stefan Huber has impressive experience in criminal law. He has an exceptional ability to focus on the details while keeping the overall picture in mind.’
- ‘CERHA HEMPEL is undoubtedly the leading firm in Austria regarding white-collar crime matters. We have collaborated with them for many years and have consistently been very satisfied with the quality of their legal advice. They excel in handling complex legal issues, especially those with cross-border implications, thanks to their strong connections with authorities and academia.’
- ‘Hans Kristoferitsch is an outstanding lawyer who has provided invaluable assistance to our company for many years. He has been instrumental in both internal investigations and complex cross-border criminal proceedings. Working with him is a pleasure, as he possesses a remarkable ability to explain intricate legal matters clearly to both management and employees.’
- ‘Clearly one of the best white-collar crime defence teams in the Austrian market. Their approach to combine in-depth knowledge of the law with practical experience is second to none.’
- ‘Peter Lewisch is an absolute authority when it comes to white-collar criminal law. His knowledge and way of thinking are truly impressive. Stefan Huber is extremely intelligent and a great team player with a wealth of experience.’
- ‘Cerha Hempel has a very practical approach to cover the client most efficiently. Although the lawyers are excellent in their expertise, they do not show off, which leads to the client getting very efficiently to the bottom of the issue and working together on the solution. They are equally good in structuring and process descriptions in order to avoid violations, as they are excellent in defending a client, once a violation has been alleged by the authorities.’
Key clients
- Karl-Heinz Grasser
- Gas Connect
- GATX Austria
- Wirtschaftsbund Vorarlberg
- STRABAG SE
- SPAR Warenhandels-AG
- RHI
- Wien Energie GmbH
- Wiener Stadtwerke
- Sunpor
- Illwerke vkw
- Bloch 3
Work highlights
Represented the former Austrian Minister of Finance Karl-Heinz Grasser in the BUWOG trial.
Acted for Wirtschaftsbund in a trial for alleged bribery to the benefit of the former Vice Governor of Vorarlberg.
Advised Wien Energie GmbH on all criminal law and general compliance matters.
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Practice head
Peter Lewisch; Hans Kristoferitsch; Stefan Huber