Employment | Europe

The market-leading employment law practice at CMS boasts an impressive bench strength that is highly sought after by clients from sectors including TMT, life sciences, education and financial services. The team regularly advises on remuneration schemes, working time arrangements and data protection issues, as well as contract revisions. Additionally, the law firm demonstrates prowess in handling M&A-related employment mandates, restructurings and social plans pertaining to mass redundancies as well as cross-border business and employee transfers, where the law firm leverages its excellent international office coverage. Its strength in employment litigation as well as working-from-home regulations further complements the law firm's holistic services.

Held in high esteem as one of Austria's leading employment law firms, SCHIMA MAYER STARLINGER advises prestigious companies as well as executive-level individuals from sectors including TMT, retail, pharmaceuticals and transportation on all relevant labour law issues. The team is active in both advisory and disputes, covering working time arrangements, salary system implementation and business transfers, as well as relocations and terminations. Additionally, the law firm houses strong capabilities in restructuring and insolvency-related mandates, working-from-home regulations and parental leave disputes, as well as cross-border employee transfers. While mostly active for employers, SCHIMA MAYER STARLINGER also acts for employees and works councils.

Wolf Theiss boasts an excellent employment practice which demonstrates strong cross-border capabilities, making it a primary choice for large-scale mandates across the CEE region. The team is often consulted due to its expertise in complex dismissals including of senior management and damages claims for wrongful termination, with ample experience in litigation before court as well as out-of-court settlements. Furthermore, the law firm evidences strength in handling works council issues, working time arrangements and large restructuring projects requiring comprehensive employment law advice. Its client roster comprises well-known TMT, food and manufacturing companies, as well as construction firms and financial institutions.

The law firm BINDER GRÖSSWANG boasts a well-respected employment practice often advising clients from the financial, technology, manufacturing and retail sectors. The team is particularly active on M&A transactions, restructurings and transfers of business, assisting with all respective employment law issues leveraging its excellent M&A department. Furthermore, the law firm is visible in complex terminations of large groups of employees and senior members of management. Its prowess in handling works council matters and discrimination cases further complements the law firm's excellent services.

The international law firm Baker McKenzie operates a well-reputed employment law practice in Austria. The team is particularly appreciated for comprehensively advising on all labour law aspects pertaining to M&A transactions and restructurings. Additionally, the law firm assists with working time arrangements, business transfers and employee relocation as well as social security law issues. The team also demonstrates prowess in handling contentious terminations of employees, pension claims and home office guidelines. Baker McKenzie is frequently sought after by clients from the consumer goods, food, technology and retail as well as life sciences sectors.

A well-known Austrian law firm, CERHA HEMPEL advises on the full spectrum of employment law with particular expertise in M&A and restructuring projects, including outsourcing and downsizing mandates. The law firm also assists with issues such as salary system conversions, collective bargaining agreements and social plans. It has further experience in the implications of data gathering in labour and employment law. Its client roster comprises recognised players from the aviation, technology, retail and manufacturing sectors.

The law firm DORDA houses a strong employment team, capable of handling complex employment litigation as well as advisory work. The team is visible in the Austrian market due to its strong work in labour law disputes pertaining to terminations of managing directors, severance payments and non-compete clauses. Furthermore, the law firm assists with all employment issues regarding large M&A and restructuring projects. DORDA is also increasingly active in digitalisation mandates, advising on the introduction of new personnel data systems and working-from-home guidelines. Its prominent clientele from the retail, pharmaceutical and technology sectors further illustrates the law firm's standing.

The law firm Schoenherr houses a well-respected employment law practice, often advising clients from the energy, finance, healthcare and education sectors on the full spectrum of labour law questions. The team is particularly visible in proceedings in and out of court pertaining to terminations and bonus disputes. Additionally, the law firm offers expertise in handling works council matters. With its excellent M&A department, Schoenherr is equally well placed to assist with acquisitions and investment-related employment mandates. In the wake of COVID-19, the law firm remains a trusted adviser to clients regarding home office and flexible working issues.

E+H enters the rankings this year on the back of positive market feedback. The law firm advises corporate clients on an extensive range of employment law mandates, including working time arrangements, dismissals, remuneration schemes and labour mobility issues. The team is also well equipped to represent clients before Austrian courts in relation to contentious employment proceedings. Employers from the manufacturing, transportation and financial services industries regularly turn to the law firm for advice.

The international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer houses a solid Vienna-based employment law team. The team is particularly active on all labour law issues pertaining to M&A transactions including strategic acquisitions and facility closures, aided by its top M&A department. Additionally, the team assists with remuneration schemes, compensation and bonus disputes, as well as working time arrangements. Furthermore, the law firm advises on employee transfers and mass redundancies. Most appreciated for its strength in advisory mandates, the team also acts for clients in court proceedings. Its clientele comprises players from the financial, chemical, technology, pharmaceutical and automotive sectors.

GERLACH is a highly specialised and dedicated boutique law firm led by the pre-eminent practitioner Roland Gerlach. The law firm regularly assists with collective and individual employment matters ranging from contract reviews and negotiations to restructurings and works council issues. Furthermore, the law firm has capabilities in data protection-related mandates and is particularly well placed to handle employment litigation across various court levels. Its prowess in flexible working arrangements and M&A-related labour law mandates completes the law firm's offering.

Taylor Wessing enters the rankings this year with strong market support. The law firm is involved in international and national employment law cases, notably in relation to cross-border workforce deployments, working time arrangements and employee terminations. The team is additionally adept at advising on contractual mandates and the employment aspects of M&A transactions, as well as compliance-related issues. The practice is regularly sought out by employers from the TMT, retail, financial services and transportation sectors.