The team at Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) is adept at handling the full spectrum of matters relating to public law, projects and environment, public procurement and technology regulation. Under the leadership of Bernd Rajal, the group also excels in multijurisdictional matters, drawing on a network of offices throughout the CEE region. Rajal caters to public institutions as well as high-profile companies in a range of public and administrative law issues. Christian Schmelz spearheads the firm’s planning and environmental offering and also has expertise in technology regulation. Günther Leissler leads the data protection and privacy team, while Christoph Cudlik is well-regarded for his knowledge of environmental and climate change law. Johannes Stalzer and Christoph Jirak are also recommended; Stalzer specialises in public procurement law, while Jirak is a key contact for renewable energy matters. Both were promoted to partner in February 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Christoph Jirak is an excellent partner with great understanding of the various permitting authorities and submission requirements. He has been a tireless support to our team.'
- 'Sarah Wolf communicates well and is very quick to respond to requests without jeopardizing the quality of work and diligence.'
- 'Christian Schmelz and Christian Holzer are both are experts in providing legal advice for major infrastructure proceedings.'
- ‘By far the most experienced team in Austria. They start where others stop.’
- ‘Christoph Jirak is extremely motivated and pleasant to work with. The product and added value for the client are always at the forefront.'
- 'Schoenherr certainly has an impressive public law practice group, which is well known as the market leader. They attract the most prominent clients and the most complex mandates with their extremely high levels of service and forward-looking view.'
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 the international organisation for the flood regulation on the Rhine on an international treaty between Austria and Switzerland.
Advised TIWAG on a multitude of large Tyrolean hydro powerplant projects.
Advised a number of Austrian and international wind energy producers with regard to the permitting, zoning, spatial planning, construction, operation, sale or acquisition of wind power plants.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Bernd Rajal
Other key lawyers
Christian Schmelz; Christoph Cudlik; Christoph Jirak; Günther Leissler; Johannes Stalzer; Sarah Wolf; Christian Holzer