At the forefront of Austria’s IT law landscape, DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH is an ‘exceptional’ team offering end-to-end legal support across technology, media and telecoms matters. The firm is distinguished by its ability to anticipate and shape the legal aspects of new tech developments, from GDPR and blockchain to AI, contributing to national discourse on the deployment of AI technologies and offering comprehensive expertise in outsourcing, licensing and IT litigation. It also provides cybersecurity and regulatory advice under key directives and regulations, such as NIS2 and DORA. Practice head Axel Anderl is a pioneer in IT law, focusing on cloudsourcing and NIS Directive compliance. Other key members of the team include the ’excellent’ Nino Tlapak, a data protection expert, Alexandra Ciarnau, the key contact for AI and blockchain issues, and cybersecurity specialist Corina Kruesz.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
IT Law, Media Law
Position
Principal Associate
Career
Alexandra Ciarnau, co-head of the Digital Industries Group and head of Metaverse, has been with DORDA's IP/IT and data protection team since 2016. Her particular focus is on new technologies, IT, IP, data protection and consumer protection. She advises national and international clients on innovative digitalisation projects in the fields of artificial intelligence and blockchain and provides support in the implementation of B2B/B2C platforms. Alexandra is also a member of the interdisciplinary DORDA Sustainability Practice Group, editor of ailex, the first interdisciplinary journal for AI law and technology published by Manz-Verlag, and president of Women in AI Austria.
In addition to her legal work, she is the author of numerous specialist articles and a regular guest lecturer at universities.
Languages
German, English
Memberships
Austrian Bar Association
President of Women in AI Austria
Advisor of the Circular Economy Forum Austria
Founding member of the interdisciplinary consultant network ESG Experts Austria
Education
Alexandra Ciarnau studied law at the University of Vienna (Mag iur 2015)
Content supplied by DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Axel Anderl is the absolute superstar of tech law, including related commercial and IP issues. He always goes the extra mile for his clients, is very responsive, finds creative solutions where others struggle, and has an excellent network in Austria and Europe.'
‘DORDA’s TMT practice combines deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, client-oriented approach. The team is highly responsive, collaborative across disciplines, and able to translate complex issues into clear and actionable advice. Compared to other firms, their innovative use of technology and inclusive culture make them stand out as a trusted partner for clients in fast-moving sectors.’
‘Axel Anderl is an outstanding partner: highly knowledgeable, pragmatic, and always focused on delivering business-oriented solutions. He leads a strong and reliable team that is responsive, precise, and consistently ahead of the curve compared to competitors. Working with Axel and his team means having true experts who combine technical excellence with practical advice.’
'What makes this practice truly unique is the outstanding responsiveness and reliability of the team. Working with Axel Anderl, Ida Woltran, Corina Kruesz, Alexandra Ciarnau and Nino Tlapak, I consistently receive answers within just a few hours, no matter the day or time. This speed and accessibility go far beyond what most firms can provide, ensuring that urgent matters are handled without delay.'
‘DORDA's TMT group, led by Axel Anderl, is exceptionally responsive, sharp and practical. Their legal advice is concise, business-oriented and always on point. The team is at the forefront of technological developments and their legal implications. Axel and his team are our number one choice for all matters relating to technology, IT/IP, and telecoms.’
'Axel Anderl is the head of this highly successful practice group. He is not only an exceptional lawyer but also an inspiring leader, as demonstrated by the steady growth of his team and strong talent retention. I really want to highlight how extremely reliable Axel is. When working with Axel, I can be certain that matters are not only expertly managed but also promptly delivered.'
'Nino Tlapak is an excellent lawyer who combines deep technical expertise with a personable and approachable style. Not your typical boring lawyer, in a good way. Nino brings energy and creativity to his work, proving that a lawyer can be both highly skilled and engaging to work with. Nino stands out for making complex legal issues accessible without losing analytical depth.' 'Alexandra Ciarnau provides consistently outstanding legal advice while staying on top of complex matters. She never loses sight of the broader strategic picture. She excels at distilling complexity into actionable guidance, ensuring clients receive both technical precision and practical solutions.'
Key clients
- Erste Bank Erste Digital Erste Group Huawei Technologies Austria Umdasch Group Xund Solutions Österreichisches Rotes Kreuz, Section Vienna Wiener Privatklinik Holding AG UNIQA Group twinformatics Alpega Group Roche Austria GmbH A. Menarini Pharma MANZ'sche Verlags- und Universitätsbuchhandlung GmbH delfortgroup AG Doka Österreich neoom group gmbh Bayer Austria GmbH Österreichische Post Hofer Natterbox GTT Communiations Ooma NTT Group AIRCALL LogMeIn inContact Cisco Institute of Science and Technology Austria Canal+ VAMED care Österreich Gruppe LexisNexis Verlag ARD Orac Merkur Versicherung UniCredit Bank Austria Addiko Bank TeamBank Österreich PriceHubble Austria Grazer Wechselseitige Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft ASFINAG Energie Steiermark VIG - Vienna Insurance Group BYD EUROPE B.V Mastercard Europe SA Helvetia Versicherungen AG Wiener Konzerthaus Otto Immobilien AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals GmbH "J-IT" IT-Dienstleistunbgs GesmbH Prodata GmbH delfortgroup AG Verbund AG Aniplex Inc. Nintendo Allianz Wüstenrot Discord Inc. Discord Netherlands B.V. Widex A/S Bitpanda GmbH FirmenABC Marketing GmbH
Work highlights
Aided HFO Health Facility Operations Services GmbH with the structuring and negotiation of a cross-border IT outsourcing project across Austria, Germany and Switzerland.