Dispute Resolution: Austria

THE FIRM This team of accomplished lawyers remains a first choice for international arbitration and complex litigation. Clients are particularly pleased with the personal service and note the depth of resources the team can draw on for support in tough cases. Lawyers in the arbitration team are well versed in acting as arbitration counsel, arbitrator and chair. Recent work has included insurance disputes, as well as several international arbitration proceedings. Clients come from a range of sectors, including the financial services industry.

Sources say: "Combines great international experience with a strong Vienna base." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christian Dorda's long experience in corporate and M&A is an asset to his international arbitration practice. He is widely recognised as one of the most important players in the market, and highly regarded as an arbitrator. Florian Kremslehner is "a fantastic litigator who's convincing in settlement negotiations and also in court," report clients. His practice includes both litigation and arbitration, and peers note his formidable strength in banking litigation in particular. Christoph Stippl often acts as sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator or chairman in proceedings in Austria and abroad. He specialises in claims concerning M&A matters and construction projects. Felix Hörlsberger has been involved in several insurance disputes of late, including representing Chubb Group in a case brought by Notartreuhandbank and the Austrian Notaries Association.

THE FIRM Investment disputes and energy, construction and industrial engineering cases are particular strengths of this firm's arbitration team, as are post-M&A arbitrations. It is in great demand by international clients, particularly for disputes involving the CEE and SEE regions. The team acted for a gas import and distribution company against a European gas exporter in two ICC proceedings over gas delivery prices. The team is equally highly esteemed for litigation, with recent work including corporate and commercial litigation, insolvency-related disputes, antitrust cases and class actions.

Sources say: "They always do the most high-profile disputes." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers identify Günther Horvath as an excellent arbitrator and admire his gravitas and wide range of expertise. "He has a certain calmness and seniority about him; he's impressive," says a source. Thomas Kustor focuses on litigation, particularly in the areas of commercial law, construction and product liability. He is praised as a strategic, level-headed litigator, who "always makes sure he has his facts straight and completely understands the case." Jenny Power is a well-known name in Austrian legal circles. She represents clients in arbitration proceedings and also acts as an arbitrator.

THE FIRM This firm has an internationally acclaimed dispute resolution practice, covering litigation, arbitration and white-collar crime. Sources are full of praise for the consistent quality of the work, and note the high-flying arbitration team in particular. The lawyers recently represented Republika Srpska in ICC arbitration proceedings concerning an energy investment in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Another highlight was acting for RWE in a Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) arbitration over the transportation of gas through CEE. On the litigation side, the team defended Deutsche Bank against a EUR613 million claim by Austrian railways ÖBB. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gerold Zeiler specialises in international commercial arbitration and investment disputes. He often sits as an arbitrator and acts as counsel in arbitration proceedings. He also handles litigation. Peers consider him "one of the best arbitrators in Austria" and say they would not hesitate to refer work to him. One source said: "He is assertive concerning the substance of the case, but on a personal level he is very likeable." Andreas Natterer is a "bright and skilled litigator" focusing on the food and pharmaceutical industries. He has much experience in product liability and damages claims, as well as distribution agreements.

THE FIRM Set apart by sheer size coupled with its degree of specialisation, this team sits at the pinnacle of the Austrian market. It offers support in litigation, international arbitration and mediation, and has a growing white-collar crime practice. Recent litigation work has included complex cases regarding professional liability and investor fraud. It is particularly known for its strength in banking litigation. The firm has also handled several arbitrations of late, including ICC and UNCITRAL proceedings.

Sources say: "We've worked with the firm for years and never felt the need to look elsewhere; we haven't lost a single case with Wolf Theiss on our side."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bettina Knötzl speaks the language of the client and is a pleasure to work with, say interviewees. Her practice includes commercial litigation, banking and insurance law, white-collar crime and inheritance disputes. "She has been highly successful in setting up a strong litigation practice. Every brief I have seen from her or her team has been perfect," says a source. Christoph Liebscher receives rave reviews for his arbitration work, both as counsel and as arbitrator. "He's experienced and always well prepared – he's reliably good," a peer says. Andreas Theiss is "an exceptional litigator" whose gravitas and long experience are indispensable to clients. Florian Haugeneder is building a reputation, say sources, who applaud his "business acumen" and his "ability to take a difficult case and translate it into key points; he is good at explaining matters." Holger Bielesz is a promising litigator with a growing practice in asset-tracing cases. He has valuable experience of practising in Brussels. Clients also recommend Clemens Trauttenberg, praising his balanced mix of technical legal rigour and commercial awareness.

THE FIRM This team has been busy with an increased workload of litigation, including a prominent private enforcement case and disputes arising from the financial crisis. Traditionally, however, it has concentrated on international arbitration, with recent work including representing several clients in energy disputes. The team often works alongside lawyers from the firm's other offices, including the Frankfurt team.

KEY INDIVIDUALS In addition to his litigation work, Alexander Petsche has built up a considerable practice in arbitration. He is also well placed to advise on compliance. Peers warmly recommend Stefan Riegler, who is rapidly establishing himself as a name in the arbitration field. He acts as counsel in proceedings under the Vienna, ICC and German Institution of Arbitration (DIS) rules, as well as in ad hoc arbitrations. He also sits as an arbitrator.

THE FIRM The team at Binder Grösswang handles complex cases for clients from a range of industries, including the public and banking sectors. It has been particularly busy with disputes arising from the financial crisis. Other work has included insurance, IT and product liability disputes. On the arbitration side, it has recently acted for clients from the energy and construction industries.

Sources say: "They make me feel like a customer worth fighting for."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christian Klausegger is one of the country's best-known experts on arbitration and also handles litigation. "He is approachable and methodological," reports a client. "He has a structured approach, which we appreciate very much." Michael Kutschera acts as chair, sole arbitrator and co-arbitrator on ICC, VIAC and ad hoc arbitrations. Sources describe him as "clever and pragmatic," and praise his strong communication skills.

THE FIRM This sizeable team has seen a steady flow of work in construction and insurance litigation, and has been involved in a number of international arbitration proceedings. It represented ASFINAG in a string of construction disputes, successfully closing several in out-of-court settlements. Highlights in arbitration have included ICC proceedings regarding the telecoms sector in CEE.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Benedikt Spiegelfeld is well respected for his experience in arbitration. He mainly acts as an arbitrator, and has been active in several ICC proceedings of late. Sources also appreciate his constructive, solution-focused attitude. Irene Welser has been busy handling construction litigation and has chaired a number of arbitrations, including VIAC and ICC proceedings. Julian Feichtinger typically handles employment disputes, and is also well versed in commercial litigation. Peter Vcelouch specialises in construction law, and often litigates in this area. He also acts as arbitration counsel.

THE FIRM This firm is small enough to ensure personal partner attention, yet big enough to handle complex disputes. The team recently represented Constantia Packaging in multiparty settlement negotiations with IMMOEAST/IMMOFINANZ; the matter spanned multiple jurisdictions, and the amount in dispute was EUR1.3 billion. Other work has included arbitration proceedings, especially in the energy sector, as well as investment and shareholder disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rudolf Fiebinger is a renowned arbitrator, acting as both counsel and chair. "He knows how to develop a case and how to bring it to a close," sources say. Clients appreciate his US-style approach: "He's a bit more casual and less formal. He is focused on efficiency and results." Peter Polak's practice includes corporate M&A as well as litigation. He recently acted for a high net worth individual in an investment dispute.

THE FIRM Compact but mighty, this firm has a strong focus on arbitration, with three partners dedicated to the practice area. It has a diverse roster of clients, many of which hail from the construction, engineering and banking sectors. Recent times have seen the lawyers acting as arbitrator, counsel or chair in several international proceedings. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anton Baier is "a true international arbitrator," in the words of peers. He has long experience in the field, with a focus on construction, public procurement and FIDIC contracts. He mainly sits as an arbitrator, and is also admitted to practice in Germany. Erhard Böhm is equally internationally minded, illustrated by a recent track record that includes proceedings governed by English, Turkish and Ukrainian law. Of counsel Werner Melis is widely respected as one of the senior statesmen in international arbitration.

Since publication, Erhard Böhm has joined Specht Böhm Rechtsanwalt GmbH

THE FIRM This team has a well-established reputation in insolvency litigation and consumer protection. It continues to represent consumer rights organisation VKI, most recently in a class action against a large financial services provider. The lawyers have also handled cross-border litigation for Teva, co-ordinating four claims and counterclaims against two of the company's competitors. It often works together with international firms, recently advising a group of institutional investors in the A-TEC insolvency, alongside Brown Rudnick LLP. 

Sources say: "The team was particularly helpful in assisting us with our litigation strategy in Austria. The lawyers have a creative approach and a good understanding of international law." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alexander Klauser "understands what international clients want and what drives them," says a source. He is well respected for his international insolvency and consumer rights protection work, and much admired as a litigator. One client said: "He's a practical, commercially astute lawyer who's easy to communicate with."

THE FIRM This team has a robust practice in corporate litigation, and also covers areas such as construction and financial disputes. It is well placed to handle work in CEE, thanks to its local offices across the region. Clients note the team's particular strength in defending companies against investor claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Johannes Reich-Rohrwig is highly regarded for his corporate litigation work. "He's a serious opponent," notes a peer. "His knowledge of corporate law is truly fantastic." Daniela Karollus-Bruner specialises in corporate and commercial litigation. Clients appreciate her efficiency and ability to quickly get to grips with different files.

THE FIRM This two-partner team has a renowned banking litigation practice, and its client portfolio includes some of Austria's leading financial institutions. It has also been busy with investor protection issues. Other areas of expertise are commercial law, insurance and transportation. The lawyers combine their busy practices with prestigious positions at the Vienna University for Economics & Business.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Csoklich focuses on corporate, transportation and insurance disputes. "He's convincing in court, and communicates well with the judge," says a source. Clients value his dedication and experience. Raimund Bollenberger is highly regarded for his banking litigation work. He specialises in defending banks against consumer claims. "We turn to him when we need high-quality advice on Austrian law," says a client.

THE FIRM Clients like the fast, cost-effective service at this firm, as well as the close partner attention they receive. The team handles a mix of arbitration and litigation work, and is particularly well regarded for the former. A recent highlight was representing a leading European telecoms company in arbitration proceedings concerning an investment of EUR2 billion. Litigation work has included energy disputes and insolvency litigation. The team is also acting for a number of investors claiming damages from Austrian financial institutions.

Sources say: "They did a great job. They were imaginative in their thinking and very persistent." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nikolaus Pitkowitz heads the dispute resolution team and is "smart and determined," say sources. "He has a creative legal mind, which is vital when you're looking at a complex case." He has a flourishing arbitration practice and is in demand as an arbitrator. He also has extensive knowledge of the CEE market.

THE FIRM Brandl & Talos' strength in the banking sector is reflected in the work of its dispute resolution team. The lawyers regularly defend financial institutions against claims from consumer protection organisations. The team is also active in capital markets litigation. Clients include UniCredit Bank Austria as well as several insurance companies. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ernst Brandl has carved out a niche in banking and capital markets litigation.

THE FIRM Best known for its high-calibre employment practice, this firm is especially recommended for litigation in that field. Sources note that it is also increasingly active in other types of litigation, including banking disputes. The firm further houses a number of arbitrators.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Georg Schima is respected for his skill in employment, banking and corporate litigation. As the representative of Meinl Bank, he has earned much admiration from peers.

THE FIRM This five-partner group has an excellent standing in construction litigation and arbitration, and also handles disputes in other sectors. Recent work has included two ICC proceedings concerning a real estate project in Poland, in which it acted for the purchaser, and representing minority shareholders against the majority shareholder of a non-listed public company.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Georg Karasek is "the number one for construction litigation," confirm peers. His outstanding reputation in this niche area is without equal in Austria. He is also the main contact for the firm's Turkey desk. Department head Thomas Frad wins warm praise from impressed peers, who note his skills in litigation. Frad specialises in construction matters. He acts as both litigator and arbitrator.

THE FIRM This arbitration boutique has a strong focus on corporate disputes. It attracts Austrian clients from a range of industries, including the lifestyle and trading sectors, as well as international players. Recent work has included representing a regional energy company as claimant in an ICC arbitration. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers hold Hellwig Torggler in high regard for his long experience in the arbitration field. He continues to be in great demand as an arbitrator in international disputes. Markus Schifferl typically acts as counsel in arbitration proceedings, and has a burgeoning practice as an arbitrator.