About

Provided by CMS

We are not only Austria’s largest, but also the leading law firm in all fields of individual and collective labour law. Our areas of expertise include, in particular, the works constitution and all matters related to collective regulations as well as European labour law. Moreover, we specialise in pension fund law and the special labour regulations applicable to former state-owned companies.

We have been active in labour law for over 30 years, not only providing our clients with legal advice but also representing them in court (including the CJEU) and before public authorities. We also advise and support you in negotiations with unions and works councils. Our expertise in labour law extends far beyond Austria’s borders and encompasses a wide variety of different sectors. We provide guidance and support to banks, insurance companies and businesses in the industrial, telecommunications and service sectors as well as to health institutions and universities.

The main focus of our activities is on advising clients on the establishment and termination of employment contracts, on negotiating and concluding collective bargaining agreements and works agreements between employers and works councils, and on providing advice on labour law issues related to changes in working conditions and all aspects of employee data protection law. We also advise you on all labour law aspects of business transactions, restructurings and reorganisations.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Employment - Austria
1
Band 1
What the team is known for

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.

Work Highlights

Provided by CMS
  • CMS represented Siemens in over 200 legal disputes before Austrian courts in connection with company pensions and terminations.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Bernhard Hainz
S
Bernhard Hainz
S
Senior Statespeople

Bernhard Hainz is considered one of Austria's most experienced lawyers, capable of advising across the full spectrum of employment law including terminations, working time agreements and compensation issues. He also assists with restructuring mandates and is particularly active in the art and culture sector.

Christoph Wolf
1
Christoph Wolf
1
Band 1

Christoph Wolf caters to a prestigious clientele from the TMT, retail and education sectors. He handles contentious as well as non-contentious employment matters ranging from dismissal proceedings and collective agreements to remuneration schemes and data protection issues.

"The close and excellent cooperation with Christoph Wolf has created a relationship of trust that makes the work easier."

"His expertise is of the utmost importance to our company and his advice is of the highest level."

"Christoph Wolf provides support in complex employment law issues with excellent expertise. He has a lot of experience in representing clients in court."

Jens Winter
2
Jens Winter
2
Band 2

Advancing in the rankings this year is Jens Winter, who regularly advises on all employment law issues, including the negotiation of works council agreements, employee and pension transfers connected to restructurings, and working time models. He also represents companies in employment disputes, such as those concerning company pensions and terminations.

"He has been around for a long time and has a good portfolio of clients."

Ranked Lawyers at
CMS

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Austria

Employment

Bernhard Hainz
S
Bernhard Hainz
S
Senior Statespeople
Christoph Wolf
1
Christoph Wolf
1
Band 1
Jens Winter
2
Jens Winter
2
Band 2

Members

Provided by CMS

Andrea Potz

Daniela Krömer

Miriam Mitschka

Clients

Provided by CMS

A1 Telekom Austria

Amgen

Burgtheater GmbH

Entire Austrian credit sector

General Motors

Johnson & Johnson

Otis

Siemens AG

University of Vienna

Vamed

Wiener Stadtwerke Holding AG

ÖBB (Austrian Railway Association)

Österreichische Post AG

Industries

Provided by CMS

Aviation

Banks

Consumer products

Education

Energy

Financial institutions

Government

Health Care

Insurance

Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences

Retail

Software & Computer Services

Sports

Technology, Hardware & Electronics

Telecommunications

Transportation