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.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Bernd Rajal, Christian Schmelz, Johannes Stalzer

Other key lawyers

Benjamin Schlatter, Christoph Cudlik