Dispute Resolution: Austria

Christian Dorda's transactional background makes him an in-demand arbitrator, in particular for M&A disputes. A "courteous and pleasant" arbitrator, he remains prominent in international proceedings.

Felix Hörlsberger has a sharp focus on insurance litigation, recently representing Chubb Insurance Company of Europe in a EUR117 million insurance dispute with Notartreuhandbank.

Florian Kremslehner is noted for his international outlook and focus on financial litigation. He also has a niche in white-collar crime.

"Ambitious and always well prepared," Christoph Stippl has a growing reputation in arbitration. He is praised for his analytical, diligent, and efficient manner. 

Günther Horvath is "clearly a heavyweight in ICC and Vienna rules arbitration," and is praised for his level-headed approach and good understanding of clients' needs. His practice focuses on construction, industrial engineering, corporate, and energy disputes.

Thomas Kustor does not get lost in details, say sources, but focuses on reaching the best outcome for his clients. He is recognised as a leading litigator and acknowledged for his excellent negotiation skills.

Jenny Power is prominent in international arbitration. “She is highly experienced and has a thorough approach,” says a source.

Gerold Zeiler is in demand both as an arbitrator and as counsel.

Lisa Beisteiner makes her debut in the rankings as a promising associate, having impressed clients with her diligence and skill.

Arbitration head Christoph Liebscher is “technically skilled and highly effective in tribunals,” according to clients. He acts both as counsel and as an arbitrator.

Andreas Theiss is “an exceptional litigator" who “exudes confidence.” He has more than three decades' experience in the field.

Bettina Knötzl is singled out for her legal acumen, strong rapport with clients, and good relationships with the authorities. Her practice encompasses commercial litigation and white-collar crime.

Florian Haugeneder is recognised for his arbitration practice, focusing primarily on commercial and investment arbitration. He has special expertise in the life sciences sector.

Clemens Trauttenberg is admired for his business-oriented approach. One client describes him as “a true strategic partner in addressing and resolving our legal and business needs.”

Holger Bielesz is building his dispute resolution practice, covering commercial litigation, civil law proceedings, and white-collar crime.

Stefan Riegler is praised by clients for his commercial nous, accessibility, and quick response times. His practice focuses on arbitration.

Alexander Petsche handles both litigation and arbitration and is considered an ambitious, assertive lawyer. He is also increasingly known for compliance and anti-corruption work.  

Michael Kutschera impresses clients with his legal knowledge and ability to forge strong relationships. He is particularly active as an arbitrator, and also advises on M&A.

Christian Klausegger focuses on litigation and adopts an “analytical approach in going through a file, asking questions that are to the point,” according to clients. 

Peter Vcelouch specialises in construction cases, but is also active in other types of litigation and arbitration. He recently won a long-running dispute for Austrian National Bank against Riegerbank, with the court rejecting all EUR23 million in claims.

Benedikt Spiegelfeld “always looks for a solution for the client” and splits his time between counsel work and appointments as an arbitrator.

Department head Irene Welser remains an esteemed name, especially for construction and insurance litigation. Sources admire the careful and analytical way in which she tackles her cases.  

Rudolf Fiebinger is praised as an experienced, pragmatic arbitrator with a clear, to-the-point communication style. He heads the department and is also highly regarded for his work as arbitration counsel.

Peter Polak splits his time between contentious and corporate/M&A work. One interviewee says: “I would recommend him to clients who are looking for a knowledgeable and articulate advocate.”

Alexander Klauser is admired for his consumer protection work and also maintains a focus on insolvency litigation.

One client describes Johannes Reich-Rohrwig as “a master in litigation who knows every trick.” His expertise in corporate law is considered a great asset.

With a practice spanning litigation and arbitration and corporate law, Daniela Karollus-Bruner is well regarded in the field. She is best known for her litigation work, and has a focus on the energy, media, financial services, and insurance sectors.

Nikolaus Pitkowitz leads the international arbitration practice group. He acts as counsel and is also in demand as an arbitrator. His international experience includes work in a number of CEE jurisdictions.

Werner Melis is a highly regarded figure, vastly experienced in the field of arbitration.

Anton Baier is a “well respected arbitrator” focusing on the infrastructure and construction sectors. He is also qualified to practise in Germany.

Peter Csoklich is considered an excellent choice for disputes regarding private trusts, insurance, and tax. He is best known as a litigator but his practice also covers arbitration.

Raimund Bollenberger, a specialist in banking and insolvency litigation, is noted for his ability to handle the most complex of cases.  

Georg Karasek is highly regarded as a construction litigator, representing major companies in the sector.

Thomas Frad's practice covers insolvency litigation and construction disputes.