With ‘huge experience’ in handling complex projects, Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) is frequently instructed on energy generation projects requiring special permits and environmental impact assessments, having assisted with such matters in connection with several major renewable energy projects. The team also advises clients on applying for project tenders and represents clients in appeals following unsuccessful bids, while acting for successful bidders in procurement matters. Leading the team is the trio of Bernd Rajal, who assists with administrative, energy and environmental law issues, planning and environmental specialist Christian Schmelz, and Johannes Stalzer, who focuses on public procurement matters. Christoph Cudlik is noted for his administrative and constitutional law work, with a particular niche in climate change and planning law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Highly specialised people, best performers in all areas.'
'Huge experience, well-connected with decision makers, strong reputation as authors.'
'Excellent know-how and engagement.'
'Bernd Rajal is exceptionally smart & great to work with.'
'Christian Schmelz is for sure the leading expert in his field. He is setting the standards of high quality in regulatory work in Austria and he is the no. 1 you rely on when it comes to highly complex matters.'
'Benjamin Schlatter and Christoph Cudlik are among the strongest lawyers in environmental law in Austria.'
'Christian Schmelz is always very accessible and extremely reliable for us. Topics are dealt with in a factually sound manner and briefly summarized in memos.'
'The team is very committed and has a very high level of knowledge in the field we need. We can expect a satisfactory response to our inquiries at any time and are very well and professionally supported in the relevant areas of law.'

Key clients

Abbott Medical Group
Allianz Capital Partners
Alpiq
Austrian Chamber of Commerce
Austrian Association of Pharmacists
Austrian Medical Association
ASFINAG
BASF SE
Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft m.b.H.
Contour Global
EBG MedAustron
Ecoplus Alpin
Energie Steiermark
Energiepark Bruck/Leitha
Energiewerkstatt
ENWA
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
European Commission
Essity Austria
EVN AG
EXAA Energy Exchange
Federal Minister of Energy of Austria
Flixbus
Gas Connect
Gewista
Grand Hotel Semmering
ImWind
Infoscreen (GEWISTA)
Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe
Internationale Rheinregulierung
JCDecaux
Kals municipality
Klinik Ottakring
Klinik Wiener Neustadt
Laakirchen Papier AG
Lime
Monier Group
Netz Niederösterreich
Neue Heimat Tirol
Ökoenergie
OMV AG (E&P)
Österreichische Bundesbahn (ÖBB)
Österreichische Bundesforste (ÖBF)
Österreichische Post AG
Püspök
Prezero
Red Bull
Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy
Sony
SpaceX/Starlink
Stadt Wien
Thales Austria GmbH
TINETZ-Tiroler Netze GmbH
TIWAG Tiroler Wasserkraft
Trans Austria
UBER
UniCredit
Ventureal
VERBUND
Vienna International Airport
Vienna Technical Museum
WEB Windenegie AG
Wien Energie
Wien IT GmbH
Wiener Linien GmbH & Co KG
Wiener Lokalbahnen
Wiener Netze
Wiener Stadtwerke Holding
Windkraft Simonsfeld
Windlandkraft
WIPARK
Zellstoff Pöls AG

Work highlights

Advised the City of Vienna and Wien Energie on all legal and regulatory aspects concerning the decarbonisation of the entire city.
Assisted TIWAG with several Tyrolean hydropower plant including the Kaunertal Expansion Project.
Acted for the International Organisation for the flood regulation the river Rhine in relation to project "Rhesi," one of the largest flood protection and EIA projects in Austria and Switzerland.