Profile
Work Department
Position
Equity Partner at sms.law | Attorney-at-law
Career
Thomas Starlinger is a founding partner at Schima Mayer Starlinger Attorneys-at-Law.
Thomas advises national and international clients on all aspects of energy law. His expertise covers a wide range of regulatory and industry questions, price revisions and arbitration, as well as proceedings before national regulatory authorities and the European Commission. He also specializes in transactions and public law.
After graduating from University of Vienna School of Law in 1982, Thomas began his career as law clerk with the Austrian Supreme Administrative Court before joining the General State Attorney’s office. Thereafter, he gained 20 years of industry experience at OMV, a leading European oil and gas company. He started in central legal services, providing legal support to all national and international company divisions (e.g. in Canada and Pakistan). In the course of a reorganisation of OMV in 2001, Thomas became head of legal of its natural gas operations. From 2003 to 2007, Thomas was Chief Executive Officer of AGGM Austrian Gas Grid Management AG, the independent distribution system operator of most of Austria’s high pressure gas distribution grid, and, from 2004 until 2007, he chaired the committee on legal affairs of the Association of Gas and District Heating Supply Companies (Fachverband der Gas- und Wärmeversorgungsunternehmungen). When moving into private practice, Thomas became head of the energy law team at a leading Austrian law firm specialized in business and commercial law (2007 to 2015).
Languages
Memberships
Education
- Legal studies at University of Vienna (PhD / Dr. iur.)
Content supplied by Starlinger Mayer Rechtsanwält:innen GmbH
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The energy law team demonstrates an exceptional level of dedication and personal engagement. Their ability to consistently deliver high-quality legal opinions and documents is impressive.'
'What truly distinguishes them is their expertise and deep knowledge, enabling them to provide fresh perspectives on even the most complex matters. Additionally, their talent for making intricate legal concepts comprehensible for management is highly valued by our team.’
- ‘The team are very efficient, quick and have a clear focus on the relevant issues.’
- ‘Excellent response times, high-quality work, timely delivery, great commitment.’
- ‘A strong history with Austrian oil and gas majors means they provide valuable background knowledge.’
- ‘Thomas Starlinger is one of the founding figures of the Austrian energy market, bringing an unmatched level of knowledge and extensive experience to the table. His deep expertise and long-standing presence in the sector make him a trusted and highly respected advisor.'
- 'Laurenz Götzinger stands out for his dedication, precision, and reliability. His passion for the energy sector is contagious, driving him to consistently find fresh and creative solutions. His personal investment in every matter makes him not just dependable but a dynamic force in delivering results.'
- 'Moritz Am Ende is a tenacious lawyer who excels under pressure. His determination and focus make him a vital asset when challenges arise.’
Key clients
- AGGM Austrian Gas Grid Management AG
- Sizzle Acquisition
- Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH
- Wien Energie
- Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology