Employment — Austria

Basic facts about the department
- Heads of department: Bernhard Hainz and Christoph Wolf
- 3 partners
- 8 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Market-leading practice providing expert advice on all aspects of individual and collective labour law. Has particular know-how in the area of pension law, as well as social plans, mass actions and restructuring-related employment issues including redundancies. Offers niche expertise in the representation of academic institutions. Active in employment litigation and negotiations with works councils and trade unions. Acts for clients on a wide range of sectors including financial services, technology and telecommunications.

Strengths Clients say: "CMS provides high-quality legal advice. You can find a contact for each legal problem."

Sources praise the team's "high level of professionality, strict adherence to deadlines and creativity."

Work highlights Supported Österreichische Post in mass actions concerning working hours and rest periods.

Assisted VAMED with a variety of individual and collective labour law issues including collective agreements.

Significant clients Burgtheater, Wiener Stadtwerke Holding, A1 Telekom, University of Vienna.

Notable practitioners  

"Seasoned partner" Bernhard Hainz is described by clients as "a specialist in employment and pension law" doing "extremely good" work. He offers expert advice on a range of employment issues, and is a particular asset when it comes to social plans and restructuring-related queries. He assisted Siemens and Siemens Pensionskasse with a variety of matters including a class action surrounding underperforming pension funds.

Christoph Wolf is recognised by the market as "one of the leading practitioners" in employment law, and earns a rise to the top band this year following his outstanding progress in the field. Clients value him as a "very flexible and experienced" partner and "an incredibly reliable adviser" who is "very good in negotiations." He advised clients such as Otis and the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration on employment matters including court representation.

Jens Winter continues to develop his promising employment practice, with one client commenting: "He is extremely forceful in obtaining our goals and doesn't make mistakes when it comes to assessing a situation." Collective agreements, class actions, redundancy programmes and working hours arrangements all fall within his areas of expertise. His clients include prominent domestic and international corporations in the healthcare, transportation and telecoms sectors.

Basic facts about the department
- Heads of department: Georg Schima and Birgit Vogt-Majarek
- 3 partners
- 9 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Top-tier employment offering noted for high-profile litigation work. Represents both employers and high-ranking employees, as well as works councils. Advises on the full range of labour and pensions matters, including reorganisations, working hours, bonus schemes and compliance. Also assists with sensitive topics such as anti-discrimination and workplace bullying.

Strengths "Organising appointments was straightforward, the discussions were constructive and the memos were a dream to read," declares one source.

The lawyers are "very responsive and very flexible, especially on time-critical issues," assert clients, who also praise the "high level of technical competence and personal advice" offered by the team.

Work highlights Acted for Austrian Airlines on approximately 120 court cases relating to salary reductions of pilots and other personnel, worth approximately EUR2.5 million.

Represented the Social Security Agency for the Public Sector in a number of discrimination cases brought against them by current and former employees.

Significant clients Johnson & Johnson, Wien Energie, ÖBB, Canon, Rheinmetall.

Notable practitioners  

Market sources say Georg Schima is "someone who is really good at what he does," and who is "honest, straightforward and fast." Highlighted for his representation of employers, he also represents high-ranking employees such as board members and directors, with a focus on contentious cases. He represented Ernest Gabmann, former executive board member of Vienna International Airport, in compensation claims worth over EUR1 million against his former employer.

Basic facts about the department
- Head of department: Ralf Peschek
- 2 partners
- 7 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Excellent employment law department renowned for its cross-border work. Many offices in the CEE region facilitate the seamless handling of multi-jurisdictional mandates. Particularly strong in transactional and restructuring-related employment advice, including collective bargaining agreements. Acts for a diverse range of clientele spanning the financial services, construction, retail and pharmaceutical sectors.

Strengths Clients admire the "combination of technical competence in employment matters and its application to our particular case," adding: "They really supported me and were very reachable."

"They are very fast and efficient, and are able to know what kind of answers we need," observes one client.

Work highlights Advised BTV Bank on a contentious pension scheme issue involving discrimination litigation brought against it by several former employees.

Assisted FACC with the employment law aspects of the fake president fraud case, worth EUR54 million.

Significant clients Beiersdorf, C.A.T. oil, ÖBB Postbus, Banco do Brasil, OSRAM.

Notable practitioners  

Ralf Peschek does "a swift job with good quality," according to clients, with one stating: "He always has an initial assessment, he doesn't have to look everything up first - he can give you an immediate opinion." He offers a comprehensive range of employment services, with particular experience in labour law matters relating to corporate restructurings. His clients include international financial service providers and companies in the construction materials field.

Matthias Unterrieder is recognised for his expertise in immigration law, and one client values his "knowledge of immigration law and understanding of the political impact." He climbs a band this year, having garnered respect for his contribution to the employment field. He was instructed by Raiffeisen Centrobank on working hours and contract issues relating to the amendment of Austrian overtime legislation. He is also knowledgeable in works council issues including working hours and salary queries.

Walter Pöschl earns a mention this year as a prominent team member, supporting clients in numerous transactional employment mandates, as well as salary-dumping and bonus scheme issues. His patrons include major banks and retailers. Clients identify him as "a good assistant" in employment matters.

Basic facts about the department
- Heads of department: Horst Lukanec and Angelika Pallwein-Prettner
- 2 partners
- 5 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Established employment team notable for its strong client base in the retail sector, as well as in energy, utilities, metal and paper. Acts on a range of restructuring and transactional matters, in particular in conjunction with its prominent M&A team. Extensive experience advising on dismissals and pension schemes, as well as employment agreements and works council topics. Well versed in cross-border matters and contentious claims.

Strengths "They reply quickly, are very competent and collaborative and solve all our problems," asserts one source.

Multiple clients remark on the firm's speed and responsiveness, with one stating that the team was "very efficient and always worked very fast."

Work highlights Assisted Eaton Austria with labour law matters surrounding the closure of a plant, including mass dismissals and social plan negotiations.

Advised Crocs Europe on employment matters surrounding the acquisition of several local stores, including transfer of undertakings and collective bargaining agreements.

Significant clients Xerox, Starbucks, Varner Group, Energie Burgenland, MAN Truck & Bus.

Notable practitioners

Horst Lukanec is described as "very client-oriented, very competent and unbureaucratic" by market sources, who also value him as a partner who "doesn't make it overly complicated and never writes too much." He supported Big Bus Vienna in the appointment of a works council, and advised on terminations and sexual harassment issues. He also acts as counsel to various clients on employee poaching, pension funds and transactions.

Angelika Pallwein-Prettner stands out for her court representation, and one client notes that "she makes a very professional impression." She is particularly well informed when it comes to pensions, dismissals and data protection issues. She acted for Brioni on a complex dismissal case resulting from aggravated assault including ensuing compensation and overtime claims.

What the team is known for Prestigious boutique firm with an excellent reputation for litigation. Has a loyal following of international and domestic employers and also represents employees. Highly recommended for its representation of executives and top-level management. Has a diverse clientele drawn from sectors including financial services, pharmaceuticals and telecoms.

Strengths Market commentators assert that "Burgstaller & Preyer does a good job as an employment law boutique."

Notable practitioners  

Gerald Burgstaller is a prominent name in the domestic employment arena and has long been synonymous with first-class employment law advice. Market experts say: "He does a very good job, he gets very good client feedback and he is mentioned very often." He is regularly seen assisting high-profile clients.

Commentators state that working with Helmut Preyer is "a very pleasant experience," adding: "He is very reliable and you can really trust what he says." He is widely respected for his representation of managing directors and senior employees in cases of conflict of interest, and sources remark: "That is something he is really good at."

What the team is known for Specialised boutique advising on all aspects of national and European labour law. Particularly recognised for litigation work on behalf of SMEs, representing clients before courts and governmental authorities, as well as handling ongoing advisory employment mandates including working hours, social security and pensions questions. Stands out for its representation of senior management and high-ranking employees.

Strengths Market commentators depict MOSATI as a team of "excellent lawyers" who are "very good at what they do."

Notable practitioners  

Known for handling sensitive, high-stakes employment cases, Andreas Tinhofer is recognised by sources as "a very good lawyer" in the field. He is a respected authority in social law, with particular knowledge of pension issues as well as salary-dumping and termination questions.

Basic facts about the department
- Head of department: Philipp Maier
- 2 partners
- 2 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Global firm particularly known for handling the employment aspects of corporate restructurings and post-merger integrations. Also highly active in employment litigation, frequently representing employers in disputes over contract terminations. Acts on large-scale projects and benefits from collaboration with the firm's strong corporate and banking teams. Also advises on compliance, working hours, social and bonus plans, and collective bargaining agreements. Expertise in establishing, amending and terminating employment contracts.

Strengths "We get very fast answers to urgent matters," says one client, adding: "They keep to deadlines, they are competent, and there's not yet been a legal question that we haven't had a very helpful and comprehensive answer to."

The team is described as "helpful, detailed and friendly," with further sources stating: "They are very supportive and very good, and at the same time very hands-on."

Work highlights Assisted Lam Research with collective dismissal and post-restructuring litigation.

Advised BRF on a range of labour law matters including terminations, contract drafting, working hours, benefits and compliance issues, including two litigation instances worth EUR1.5 million.

Significant clients Emerson Network Power Systems, Galderma Pharma, SAP.

Notable practitioners  

"It is very pleasant to work with Philipp Maier, as he is very responsive, and delivers fast and practical advice," says one client, adding: "He is also a brilliant negotiator, and really knows which buttons to push in order to bring legal cases to a successful end." Recent projects include handling the employment issues arising from bx Alpha's CEE-wide restructuring. He is widely respected for his work on the employment aspects of large-scale transactions and restructurings, earning a rise to Band 3 for his outstanding recent activity.

Simone Liebmann-Slatin is active across a variety of employment areas, covering high-stakes employment litigation and the establishment and termination of employee relations and social plans. She assisted BOP Immodevelopment with employment contracts and terminations, as well as litigation brought against it by a former employee. Clients praise her for her "good knowledge" and her "precise and concise" delivery of results.

Basic facts about the department
- Head of department: Julian Feichtinger
- 6 partners
- 6 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Well-regarded practice advising on all aspects of individual and collective labour law matters. Noted for its experience in negotiating collective bargaining agreements, in particular in the context of corporate restructurings. Also strong in litigation and M&A-related employment mandates. Maintains an enviable client roster of domestic and international companies. Expertise also encompasses outsourcing, data protection and compliance issues, in addition to pension and salary schemes, social plans and working hours arrangements.

Strengths "It is a real pleasure to work with them," states one client. "They have done a very good job and they are reliable." 

Clients value the team's "business-driven" approach, saying: "They don't tell you why something is impossible, but how to make it possible."

Work highlights Acted for Flughafen Wien on a variety of employment cases including collective bargaining negotiations, structuring of outsourcing and litigation regarding unfair dismissal charges.

Assisted Booking.com with the formulation of a new bilingual standard employment contract, alongside compliance advice and representation in a contentious employee action.

Significant clients ASFINAG, Philip Morris, SPAR, Primark, Global Blue.

Notable practitioners  

Julian Feichtinger is a trusted employment adviser, valued by clients for his redoubtable litigation skills. He is also highly capable of handling restructuring and transactional employment queries. He recently acted as counsel to Unibail-Rodamco Austria Management on its restructuring, which covered working hours, compliance and termination issues as well as collective bargaining agreements. Clients describe him as "a good listener" who "has a helicopter view" and "always follows client expectations."

What the team is known for Solid department offering a comprehensive range of contentious and non-contentious employment law services. Best known for its employer representation, while also representing senior executives and management. Assists with contract drafting, mass dismissals, incentive schemes and pensions, alongside working hours, social plans and collective bargaining topics.

Notable practitioners  

Thomas Angermair is recognised for his representation of high-profile clients, and is known by market sources for his "hands-on style" and ability to find mutual solutions to contentious issues. Clients highlight his "quick grasp of situations, good business perspective and very good advice," adding that he "makes time for his clients."

What the team is known for Highly focused boutique representing both employers and employees. Also advises management boards on labour law queries. Active on behalf of clients from a wide spectrum of industries on a range of contentious and non-contentious mandates. Expertise covers collective and public labour law including pensions and social security matters. Handles employment issues arising from spin-offs and company reorganisations, including staff transfers and contract amendments.

Strengths Sources note that the team is "doing a very good job." 

Notable practitioners  

Helmut Engelbrecht remains a prominent market figure with a strong reputation for his employment work. Sources recognise him as "a very smart colleague" and "a very experienced lawyer" who "is very much to the point and detects the relevant issues quite clearly." He is particularly visible in his role as counsel to employers in contentious cases.

What the team is known for Esteemed domestic offering with a respected market presence and a focus on employee representation, acting on behalf of both individuals and unions. Active in employment litigation in addition to advisory employment law mandates. Additionally well versed in social law topics.

Strengths Market sources acknowledge it as "a very well-known firm" with a long-standing reputation for its work on behalf of employees.

Notable practitioners  

"One of the leading lawyers for trade unions," Alois Obereder enjoys unparalleled recognition for his employee-side support. He is frequently seen in litigation proceedings, as well as providing out-of-court advice covering both individual and collective issues. He is "a very experienced lawyer who really knows what's going on" and is "always pleasant to work with," assert sources.

Basic facts about the department
- Head of department: Stefan Köck
- 1 partner
- 5 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Globally integrated practice known for its international client base and cross-border work. Recognised for handling the employment law aspects of transactions in collaboration with its top-tier M&A department. Frequently tackled issues include pension plans, social security and employment contracts as well as mass redundancies and terminations. Offers non-contentious employment advice as well as support in litigation proceedings. Regularly represents multinational corporations in the financial services and the oil and gas sectors, as well as retail and industrial clients.

Strengths Sources acknowledge the firm's "very strong employment department."

Work highlights Acted for UniCredit on all aspects of the restructuring of its pension plan from a direct plan to a state pension scheme.

Significant clients BP Europe.

Notable practitioners  

Stefan Köck is described by clients as "practical, with the necessary expertise and not too academic, someone who can make their expertise comprehensible." He is renowned for his expert knowledge of restructuring scenarios, as well as contract drafting, social plan advice and mass redundancies. He is also a highly competent representative in employment litigation.

Karin Buzanich-Sommeregger assists with a range of labour law topics, covering pension and benefit schemes, framework contracts and the implementation of whistle-blowing systems. She covers both individual and collective queries, and has additional experience in contentious matters.

Basic facts about the department
- Head of department: Stefan Kühteubl
- 1 partner
- 4 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Respected practice noted for its work in the context of corporate transactions and restructurings. Often seen acting on cross-border matters in conjunction with its offices across the CEE region. Also assists with standalone employment mandates. Regularly instructed by educational institutions and medical service providers. Notable fields of experience include establishing works councils, social and salary dumping issues, contracts and social security law.

Strengths Clients recognise the lawyers as "very reliable, high-quality, client-oriented and friendly" advisers who are "very profound in terms of the content of the work."

Clients praise the team's to-the-point advice, noting: "The texts they write are succinct. They are very fast and very precise."

Work highlights Advised Allgemeines Krankenhaus Wien on all employment matters, including both public and private employment aspects.

Assisted the Rockefeller University with a variety of cross-border employment, social security and tax matters.

Significant clients Magna, Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Österreichs, Medtronic, Deutsche Bank, Patheon.

Notable practitioners  

Stefan Kühteubl is up to date with all the current case law and doesn't have to spend a long time researching things – he is a walking encyclopaedia!" He assists with contracts, co-operation agreements, collective bargaining agreements and court representation. He advised adidas on the employment aspects of its acquisition of all remaining shares in Runtastic, worth EUR220 million.

Basic facts about the department
- Head of department: Clemens Egermann
- 1 partner
- 3 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Acts for both employers and high-ranking employees on a variety of labour law mandates. Frequently seen representing senior executives in complex and high-profile litigation cases. Also represents clients in non-contentious contexts, including contract drafting and amendments and working hours issues.

Strengths Clients appreciate the "well founded and well organised" team that "you can easily get in touch with."

"They are quick and to the point" and have "incredibly fast reaction times," declare clients.

Work highlights Acted for Microsoft Austria on a range of employment matters.

Represented Professor Friedrich Wurst in court proceedings against a federal province.

Significant clients Avcon Jet, asa Hydraulik.

Notable practitioners  

Clemens Egermann "provides clear advice. He is always well prepared for a court hearing," asserts one source. He represents both individual employees and corporations as employers on advisory and litigious proceedings. He acted as counsel to Gazprom Neft Trading in various employment matters, and advises further clients in the banking, transportation and energy industries.

Basic facts about the department
- Head of department: Jakob Widner
- 2 partners
- 2 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Noted for representing large employers across a variety of industries in matters relating to M&A and corporate reorganisations. Additionally instructed by high-level employees. Regularly assists with contract termination proceedings, including those affecting protected employees, as well as contested dismissals and discrimination cases. Also advises on pensions and salary schemes, as well as the drafting of contracts and temporary staffing issues.

Strengths "Their professionalism is outstanding and their responsiveness, even when it comes to complex legal issues, is unparalleled," a client comments.

"For me as a client, I have 100% trust in what they do and what they recommend," says one source.

Value for money Clients appreciate the firm's "reasonable" fees, which are "aligned with the value of the case."

Notable practitioners  

Jakob Widner "has great analytical skills and legal knowledge, and always gives down-to-earth, comprehensible advice with practical solutions," declares one client. His employment law offering covers pension schemes, discrimination litigation, transactional advice, management changes and new contractual frameworks. He boasts a wide base of clients in the media, publishing and cultural spheres, as well as in oil and gas, logistics and heavy industry.

Basic facts about the department
- Head of department: Silva Palzer
- 3 partners
- 4 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Extensive global network and significant international client base. Specialised in employer representation, but also seen assisting senior individuals with court proceedings. Frequently mandated in contentious contract termination cases, as well as employment issues arising from restructurings and M&A. Also advises on contract checking and negotiations, working hours, data protection and workplace bullying.

Strengths The team is praised for its "very swift handling of issues" and its "fast, knowledgeable and punctual" service.

"They are always very competent, and the communication always runs smoothly," observes one client, adding: "I feel we have been well advised and that we are in good hands."

Work highlights Assisted MH Power Systems Europe with corporate and employment law matters relating to its merger with Austrian MH Power Systems Engineering Vienna.

Significant clients DS Smith, Forever 21, Tyco, Parker Hannifin, Wolford.

Notable practitioners  

Silva Palzer "is everything I expect from a lawyer: businesslike, technically competent, punctual in all projects, always keeps to deadlines and explains all the different possible approaches," states one client. She excels in handling sensitive termination proceedings, as well as day-to-day employment matters including contracts, data privacy and working hours. She represents a range of clients spanning the technology, medical device manufacturing, and oil and gas sectors.

Basic facts about the department
- Heads of department: Hans Georg Laimer and Martin Huger
- 2 partners
- 3 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for Enters the rankings this year with a strong offering in employment advice and litigation, including social law matters. Regularly represents employers in contentious issues including discrimination cases and bonus disputes. Well versed in employment matters relating to transactions, joint ventures and reorganisations, including transfer of undertakings. Also experienced in negotiations with works councils including collective bargaining agreements and working hours models. Additional expertise covers contract terminations, pensions, employment contracts and company guidelines.

Strengths "We are very happy. They are very well organised and have very fast communications," remarks one client.

"I always get an answer straight away," one source states, adding: "If they tell me they will look it up and get back to me, they always do. It's very comprehensive."

Work highlights Acted for Bell Schweiz on employment aspects of its acquisition of Huber Group.

Notable practitioners  

Martin Huger "responds quickly. He provides sound advice of high quality in a pleasant and professional relationship," states one client. Recent mandates include advising Bell Schweiz on labour law aspects during its acquisition of Huber Group. He also assists with contracts, pension matters and works council agreements, predominantly representing employers.

Hans Georg Laimer is highly active in contentious employment proceedings, representing major employers in discrimination, bonus schemes and working hours cases and contested dismissals. Clients say: "He has a lot of integrity, he is very exact, he doesn't mess around and he is very solution-oriented." He acts for companies across the food retail, insurance, manufacturing and financial services sectors.