Public Law: General | Europe

The law firm Schoenherr enjoys an enviable market standing in the public law area. The team is highly active on constitutional and administrative challenges including compensation for COVID-19 restrictions and politically sensitive cases. Further expertise lies in the handling of pharmaceutical, energy and broadcasting regulation mandates as well as product labelling law. Furthermore, the firm is highly acclaimed for its strong expertise in environmental and planning law, with a particular focus on often cross-border EIAs for large infrastructure and energy construction projects as well as commercial property expansions. Equally, the team advises on planning procedures for the construction of energy plants, including photovoltaic and wind energy, and assists with nationwide hydrogen distribution systems. Waste management also falls within the firm's expertise.

The law firm bpv Huegel houses an excellent public law department in Austria, often advising municipal and state agencies as well as energy providers. The team has expertise in the full spectrum of energy law, providing comprehensive advice as well as representation in court proceedings on issues including tariffs and renewable energy support schemes. Furthermore, the firm is noted for its work on tobacco regulations as well as the constitutionality of market access regimes for pharmacies and hospital law. Clients equally benefit from bpv Huegel's prowess in handling proceedings in the highest administrative courts regarding public law issues pertaining to tax, environmental and procurement law.

DORDA is well established in the Austrian market, often assisting on a variety of public law mandates. The team has been particularly active on COVID-19-related mandates including the constitutionality of restrictions and measures. Other areas of expertise are gambling, energy and pharmaceutical regulations, with further strength in labelling and product liability mandates. FDI and sanctions regimes, regulatory aspects of medical devices and holiday rental restrictions are also handled by the firm, as are M&A transactions requiring in-depth regulatory expertise. DORDA complements its robust offering with its prowess in handling administrative proceedings in front of the Federal Administrative Court concerning unfair competition, investment and environmental disputes. Prominent players from the healthcare, pharmaceutical and financial sectors as well as public entities belong to DORDA's roster of well-known clients.

The international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is well placed to handle a broad array of public law mandates. The team is regularly sought after for its strong expertise in product recalls and labelling law as well as the introduction of new regulations in the technology platforms, automotive and aviation sectors. Sanctions, foreign direct investment control and trade regulations also fall within the firm's expertise. Besides its strength in advisory work, the team is also experienced in handling administrative proceedings in front of Austria's highest courts in relation to new legislation and consumer protection. Furthermore, Freshfields is recognised for its expertise in procurement mandates, including tender procedures for large IT outsourcings and waste management. Its clientele comprises prestigious car manufacturers and technology companies as well as public entities.

Wolf Theiss houses an excellent public law department with expertise across procurement, planning and environmental as well as constitutional and administrative law. The team is renowned for its strength in large-scale nationwide procurements and tender procedures, especially in relation to the transportation, infrastructure and healthcare sectors. Tender framework agreements and review proceedings are also handled by the firm. Furthermore, Wolf Theiss offers strength in energy, telecommunications and gambling regulations with a particular skill set in mandates across CEE. Similarly, the firm advises on constitutional and administrative proceedings and handles FDI restrictions. Clients further benefit from Wolf Theiss's strength in planning and environmental mandates including planning approval and permit procedures for construction and energy development projects. EIAs and mining and nature conservation law also fall within the firm's comprehensive offering.

The law firm BINDER GRÖSSWANG houses a respected public law department in Vienna. The team is particularly known for its advisory work on FDI and COVID-19 implications. In addition, the firm is experienced in tender procedures and procurements while also representing clients in review proceedings. EIAs and product launches also fall within the firm's expertise. Furthermore, clients benefit from the team's strength in proceedings in front of Austria's highest administrative courts. Its clientele comprises well-known technology, automotive and railway companies as well as investment funds and state entities.

The law firm CERHA HEMPEL advises on a plethora of administrative and regulatory issues, and is regularly sought after by energy and life science clients. The team assists with a wide range of mandates in relation to aviation, health and energy regulations as well as Austrian and EU trade law. In addition, the firm shows strength in higher education law, procurement and waste law. Furthermore, clients benefit from the team's experience in the nationwide rollout of smart meters, the implementation of EU directives, especially in the transportation sector, and planning as well as construction-related mandates. CERHA HEMPEL also enjoys a good reputation for representing private clients and public authorities in contentious court and authority proceedings.

The law firm CMS enjoys a strong standing in the Austrian procurement world. The team is highly active in procurement mandates pertaining to large infrastructure and building constructions, and telecommunications and healthcare projects. Tender and award procedures as well as PPP projects are also handled by the firm. Its diverse client roster includes national and international market leaders from the construction, technology and energy sectors. CMS is also well placed to handle cross-border mandates, enabled by its international office network.

The law firm Herbst Kinsky houses an experienced public law department with strength in constitutional and administrative law. The team assists with a broad range of mandates including telecommunications law, traffic law and tendering procedures. In addition, the firm assists with foreign direct investment restrictions as well as telecommunications and energy regulations and planning procedures. Besides its strength in advisory work, Herbst Kinsky also acts for clients on administrative and constitutional proceedings in front of the nation's highest courts and the European Commission. Its diverse client roster includes public authorities and Austrian market leaders from a wide range of sectors.