Europe Austria Employment

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, whereby the firm leverages its excellent international office coverage. Its strength in employment litigation as well as new working from home regulations and other issues following the COVID-19 pandemic further complements the 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 manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and transportation on all relevant labour law issues. The team led by excellent practitioner Georg Schima 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.

The law firm 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 technology, software and manufacturing companies as well as 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 board members, managing directors and management teams. Its prowess in handling social plans, works council matters and discrimination cases further complements the 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 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 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. Additionally, the team offers prowess in handling terminations of managing directors and employee disputes and employee relocations. It also has experience in the implications of data gathering in labour and employment law. Its client roster comprises well-known players from the services, 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 chemicals, 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 firm offers expertise in handling pension systems and business transfers. 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 firm remains a trusted adviser to clients regarding home office and flexible working issues.

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 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 and automotive sectors.