Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) possesses ‘in-depth expertise and extensive experience’ in large-scale and cross-border energy and infrastructure projects. Bernd Rajal leads the regulatory team and is an expert in complex domestic and cross-border regulatory, public law, project development, and commercial matters in the wind and solar power segments. Concerning the realisation of major projects, key contacts include Christian Schmelz, who specialises in construction mandates and environmental approval processes for large-scale energy and infrastructure projects, and Christoph Jirak, who is adept regarding the construction and operation of major renewable energy and social infrastructure facilities. On administrative and public law matters, the firm draws upon the strength of Christoph Cudlik, who is an expert in technical environmental law matters concerning renewable energy facilities, and Christian Holzer, who brings further competence in public law, environmental, and permitting matters concerning infrastructure assets.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
- Social
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Schoenherr has in-depth expertise and extensive experience in the industry.'
- ‘By far the team with the most experience and the largest mandates. Here, the client's problems are solved and no unnecessary steps are taken. The good atmosphere in the team is omnipresent.’
‘The team demonstrates a deep commitment to its goals, projects, partners and customers. They are always ready to face challenges flexibly and proactively. The team is committed to finding and implementing solutions even under high pressure or short time requirements in order to exceed our expectations.’
‘Always ahead of competitors, offers outstanding knowledge and great teamwork, and always delivers solutions.’
‘The team at Schoenherr is goal- and solution-oriented. We appreciate that we always have the same expertise and competence from the team.’
‘Bernd Rajal is an incredibly versatile energy lawyer. He gives very concise advice on how to deal with very complex regulatory issues.’
‘Christian Schmelz is and remains the doyen of public law in Austria. He seems to be able to call on his profound expertise effortlessly at any time, ready to go.'
- 'Christoph Jirak is developing into a strong advisor for matters relating to strategic environmental assessment and environmental impact assessments.’
Key clients
- Abbott Medical Group
- Allianz Capital Partners
- Alpiq
- Austrian Chamber of Commerce
- Austrian Association of Pharmacists
- Austrian Medical Association
- Autobahnen- u Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-AG (ASFINAG)
- BASF SE
- Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft m.b.H. (BIG)
- City of Graz
Work highlights
- Advised the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on the development, design, and implementation of RES capacity auctions intended for wind and photovoltaic projects with combined battery storage systems.
- Assisted ÖPAGon in the deployment of self-consumption solar PV projects and business modelling with regard to excess electricity (including the provision of market entry advice).
- Acted for TIWAG on a multitude of large Tyrolean hydro power plant (HPPs) projects (including the biggest hydropower projects in Austria in decades, of over 1,500 MW).
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; Christian Holzer; Christoph Jirak