Noted for its ‘exceptional legal expertise and deep understanding’ in a wide range of white-collar crime matters, BRANDL TALOS Rechtsanwält:innen GmbH leads on criminal and internal investigations, criminal defense matters, and fraud and embezzlement cases. The firm is particularly active in the banking, real estate, and hospitality sectors for directors, CEOs, and corporate clients. Christopher Schrank and Alexander Stücklberger jointly lead the practice group; Schrank has led on high-profile white-collar criminal proceedings and investigations in the financial sector, and Stücklberger has acted in fraud and asset recovery proceedings for a wide range of clients.
Dispute resolution: white-collar crime (including fraud) in Austria
BRANDL TALOS Rechtsanwält:innen GmbH
Praxisleiter:
Christopher Schrank; Alexander Stücklberger
Referenzen
‘Brandl Talos stands out in white-collar crime law through its exceptional legal expertise and deep understanding of the human and business impact of criminal proceedings. Their team is uniquely positioned to advise and defend clients, whether companies, executives or employees, facing allegations or damages related to corruption, fraud, internal investigations or dawn raids.’
‘Christopher Schrank stands out as a leading expert in white-collar crime, particularly in representing companies and executives in complex criminal proceedings and related corporate disputes. His ability to lead internal investigations and provide preventive advice makes him a trusted advisor in high-stakes situations.’
‘Alexander Stücklberger is an exceptional white-collar crime expert who has earned an outstanding recognition at a remarkably young age. Appointed partner early in his career, he has become a trusted advisor in some of the most complex and high-profile investigations in Austria.’
Kernmandanten
Johann Graf
Former member of the executive board of SIGNA Prime Selection AG and SIGNA Development Selection AG
Former CEO of one of Austria’s largest housing companies and part of the senior management of one of Austria’s largest investment companies
Austrian Airlines AG
Several leading employees of STRABAG SE
Swiss International Air Lines Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Defended Johann Graf in criminal proceedings regarding alleged bribery of members of the Austrian cabinet to receive gaming licenses in Austria, as well as alleged tax evasion.
- Prepared a former member of the executive board of SIGNA Prime Selection AG and SIGNA Development Selection AG for criminal proceedings and civil actions.
- Defended the former CEO of Austria’s largest social housing companies on accusations of embezzlement.
Cerha Hempel
Cerha Hempel has been praised for having ‘one of the best white-collar crime defence teams in the Austrian market’, and the firm is notably strong on the advisory front in this sector, where it is retained as counsel by major construction, infrastructure and energy clients for criminal, sanctions and compliance advice. The group has also led on high-profile fraud cases and on criminal appeals before the Supreme Court. An ‘absolute authority when it comes to white-collar criminal law’, Peter Lewisch is well versed in overseeing multi-jurisdictional proceedings. He heads the team alongside Hans Kristoferitsch, who focuses his practice on regulatory and business law matters, and Stefan Huber, who leads on sanctions and export control cases.
Praxisleiter:
Peter Lewisch; Hans Kristoferitsch; Stefan Huber
Referenzen
‘Stefan Huber has impressive experience in criminal law. He has an exceptional ability to focus on the details while keeping the overall picture in mind.’
‘CERHA HEMPEL is undoubtedly the leading firm in Austria regarding white-collar crime matters. We have collaborated with them for many years and have consistently been very satisfied with the quality of their legal advice. They excel in handling complex legal issues, especially those with cross-border implications, thanks to their strong connections with authorities and academia.’
‘Hans Kristoferitsch is an outstanding lawyer who has provided invaluable assistance to our company for many years. He has been instrumental in both internal investigations and complex cross-border criminal proceedings. Working with him is a pleasure, as he possesses a remarkable ability to explain intricate legal matters clearly to both management and employees.’
Kernmandanten
Karl-Heinz Grasser
Gas Connect
GATX Austria
Wirtschaftsbund Vorarlberg
STRABAG SE
SPAR Warenhandels-AG
RHI
Wien Energie GmbH
Wiener Stadtwerke
Sunpor
Illwerke vkw
Bloch 3
APG
3P GmbH
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented the former Austrian Minister of Finance Karl-Heinz Grasser in the BUWOG trial.
- Acted for Wirtschaftsbund in a trial for alleged bribery to the benefit of the former Vice Governor of Vorarlberg.
- Advised Wien Energie GmbH on all criminal law and general compliance matters.
KOLLMANN, WOLM RECHTSANWÄLTE
KOLLMANN, WOLM RECHTSANWÄLTE has been acclaimed for its ‘proactive thinking and great strategic advice’, and the firm has experience acting in a range of courts as defence counsel high-profile white-collar criminal proceedings, with complex financial crime cases a specialty of the practice. An ‘outstanding defence lawyer’, Lukas Kollmann acts for notable political and corporate clients in fraud, embezzlement and corruption cases, and Philipp Wolm has experience in criminal procedural matters as well as compliance questions and internal investigations. Miriam Astl is another recommended individual in the practice.
Praxisleiter:
Lukas Kollmann; Philipp Wolm
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Miriam Astl
Referenzen
‘Proactive thinking, great strategic advice, good relationship with law enforcement authorities.’
‘Lukas Kollmann is an outstanding defence lawyer, very responsive.’
‘Kollmann Wolm is the only law firm in Austria that specialises in criminal law and commercial criminal law in this form. It is also the largest law firm in Austria in this field. There is virtually no major case in which the firm is not involved.’
Kernmandanten
Bettina Glatz-Kremsner
Miladin Peković
Sophie Karmasin
Florian Teichtmeister
RAF Camora
Gottfried Waldhäusl
Former CFO in the BUWOG trial
FFG
Highlight-Mandate
- Defended a CEO of numerous companies in connection with the SIGNA bankruptcy.
- Defended an accused CFO in the BUWOG trial.
- Represented the family members of the alleged shaman who is accused of fraud amounting to tens of millions of euros.
petsche pollak attorneys at law
petsche pollak attorneys at law‘s ‘very experienced and responsive’ white-collar practice represents individual clients in criminal proceedings and investigations, ranging from prominent political figures, corporate managers, directors and officers, as well as investors and entrepreneurs. The firm is also active in the construction and manufacturing sectors on criminal investigations and compliance mandates. Simone Petsche-Demmel is known for her ‘good presence in front of the court’ and acts on a range of white-collar and business law matters, and Andreas Pollak specialises in criminal investigations and corruption cases.
Praxisleiter:
Simone Petsche-Demmel; Andreas Pollak
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Christoph Trafoier
Referenzen
‘At petsche pollak, we are looked after by the partners. This ensures that their expertise results in shorter explanations and a shorter overall process time from the very first meeting. Even in cases where partners are supported by their employees, their expertise and targeted approach are impressive.’
‘All partners and their employees impress with their high level of expertise. It doesn’t take long to receive feedback on the problem discussed. This goal-oriented approach is often lacking at other law firms.’
‘Very experienced and responsive, excellent team consisting of Simone Petsche-Demmel and Christoph Trafoier; good network, very organised.’
Kernmandanten
STRABAG Group
Siegfried Stieglitz
Austrian Development Agency
Highlight-Mandate
- Defended STRABAG in criminal investigations by the Public Prosecutor’s Office against Corruption in the alleged construction cartel.
- Defendied a Liechtenstein private trust in criminal investigation proceedings following the SIGNA bankruptcy.
- Represented Siegfried Stieglitz in criminal proceedings in connection with the Ibiza Affair, following investigations by the Austrian Public Prosecution for Economic Crimes and Corruption against the accusation of bribery.
Wess Kux Kispert & Eckert Rechtsanwalts GmbH
Wess Kux Kispert & Eckert Rechtsanwalts GmbH boasts ‘a lot of experience and a great track record’ on white-collar crime matters, with core areas focus for the practice being defences of fraud, corruption and negligence allegations, and the firm also provides ongoing legal support and compliance counsel to officers and management boards of international companies. ‘A very experienced and reliable lawyer’, Felix Ruhmannseder leads on criminal cases and is qualified in Austria and Germany, while Norbert Wess guides clients through preliminary investigations and subsequent proceedings.
Praxisleiter:
Felix Ruhmannseder; Norbert Wess
Referenzen
‘Fantastic team with a lot of experience and a great track record.’
‘Our key contact is Felix Ruhmannseder, a very experienced and reliable lawyer. Always a please to work with him’
‘A law firm which has a very good reputation in Austria.’
Kernmandanten
René Benko
Karl-Heinz Grasser
Sophie Karmasin
Ronny Pecik
Erwin Soravia
Telekom Austria AG
Banco Santander S.A.
VAMED AG
Kathrein Privatbank AG
Florian Fritsch
Highlight-Mandate
- Defended René Benko against charges brought following an investigation by the Central Public Prosecutor’s Office for Economic Crime and Corruption, stemming from the collapse of SIGNA.
- Represented Karl-Heinz Grasser in his appeal against a conviction before the Supreme Court, stemming from the BUWOG affair.
- Acted for Sophie Karmasin in relation to her alleged involvement in the Beinschab-Austria-Tool case.
Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG
Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG specialises in complex financial crime proceedings, representing defendants and victims in cross-border fraud, money laundering, breaches of fiduciary duty and embezzlement cases. Employment cases with white-collar elements are another area of focus, and clients include CEOs, investors and funds. Nikolous Loudon has been highlighted for his ‘deep understanding of the complexities of commercial criminal law’ and represents individuals and corporate clients with strengths in internal investigations and asset recovery, and leads the group with Clemens Trauttenberg, who is experienced in international financial criminal cases and is also noted for his private client work. Valerie Hohenberg specialises in asset tracing and enforcements.
Praxisleiter:
Nikolaus Loudon; Clemens Trauttenberg
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Valerie Hohenburg
Referenzen
‘Wolf Theiss impresses with its outstanding expertise and commitment in criminal law cases. The firm is characterised by dedicated client support and the greatest care in handling each individual case. Wolf Theiss always strives to find the best solution for its clients.’
‘I can highly recommend working with Nikolaus Loudon. Clients can rely on his comprehensive expertise and tireless commitment. With his deep understanding of the complexities of commercial criminal law and his precise approach, he provides excellent support.’
‘Highly regarded law firm in Vienna with a stellar reputation in dispute resolution and white collar crime. Strong knowledge of local practises – frankly the law firm to go to. Very good understanding of cross-border issues. Pragmatic but detailed. A delight to work with.’
Kernmandanten
Aggregate Holdings
Cevdet Caner
PORR
FACC
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented a real estate investor in a multi-jurisdictional case who, after being acquitted in Austrian criminal proceedings, became the target of a short seller attack in autumn 2021, together with his company, Aggregate Holdings.
- Conducted an internal investigation for a major construction company in CEE on the suspicion that numerous employees have been involved in price rigging related to a three-digit number of construction projects.
Binder Grösswang
Binder Grösswang‘s ‘outstanding’ white-collar crime practice represents international banking and finance clients, corporate directors and officers, as well as prominent private clients in matters spanning fraud investigations, market manipulation cases and tax proceedings. The group is particularly strong at the intersection of criminal and civil law. Stefan Albiez and the ‘very efficient’ Thomas Hartl co-lead the group and act in the financial services sector and on corporate criminal law matters respectively, while Christian Klausegger leads on internal investigations.
Praxisleiter:
Stefan Albiez; Thomas Hartl
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Christian Klausegger
Referenzen
‘Thomas Hartl is very visible in the market and the main driver of the practice. The team is well-established and they are one of the larger firms in Austria with a true white-collar crime practice.’
‘Thomas Hartl is outstanding – he always delivers on time, is very efficient and a good communicator on high-pressure engagements. He is extremely easy to work with and well connected in the market with all relevant key players, which we find extremely helpful.’
‚Know-how, availability.‘
Kernmandanten
Oberalp Austria GmbH
adapa Holding GesmbH
Dussmann Austria GmbH
Highlight-Mandate
- Defended the Oberalp Group as international lead counsel in criminal proceedings.
- Represented the adapa Group in multi-level criminal investigations against former management.
- Defended the Dussmann Group in criminal investigations concerning tax and subsidies fraud.
DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH
DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s work spans serious fraud cases and criminal investigations as well as internal corruption, sanctions and AML compliance and due diligence advice. The firm also offers white-collar crime counsel as part of a full-service offering for major domestic and international clients. Practice leader Georg Krakow, who has been praised as ‘outstanding in his performance and in his public standing’, advises on legal proceedings and regulatory compliance, and he is assisted by a team including Szymon Świderski and Jasmin Zareie. Isaak Schnarrer joined the firm in February 2025 from Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte), adding increased strength in depth to the firm’s white-collar crime offering.
Praxisleiter:
Georg Krakow
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Szymon Świderski; Jasmin Zareie; Isaak Schnarrer
Referenzen
‘Extremely competent activities, brilliant strategies, extremely quick responses, absolutely top performance.’
‘Georg Krakow is outstanding in his performance and in his public standing.’
Haslinger / Nagele Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Haslinger / Nagele Rechtsanwälte GmbH has one of Austria’s ‘most experienced and agile teams in business-related criminal law’, and the firm acts in post-insolvency proceedings, for corporate clients in fraud and embezzlement cases against employees, and in a range of criminal and internal investigations into financial wrongdoing. The practice is helmed by René Haumer, who has acted in financial crime proceeding and on criminal matters in a number of the public affairs and investigations in Austria, and Bernd Wiesinger, noted for his ‘profound expertise and analytical precision’ on a range of investigatory matters.
Praxisleiter:
René Haumer; Bernd Wiesinger
Referenzen
‘Well-known and excellent team with a lot of experience, always a pleasure to work with.’
‘We mostly work with Bernd Wiesinger, a leading white collar crime lawyer. He is excellent and has a hands-on approach.’
‘Haslinger / Nagele’s white-collar crime unit is one of Austria’s most experienced and agile teams in business-related criminal law. We highly appreciate them for combining substantial legal expertise with courtroom strength as well as a deep understanding of regulatory and corporate environments.’
Kernmandanten
Ganahl AG
Highlight-Mandate
- Defend the lobbyist who is accused of being the link between politicians and industrialists in the so-called Casinos Austria affair.
KNOETZL HAUGENEDER NETAL Rechtsanwaelte GmbH
Dispute resolution boutique KNOETZL HAUGENEDER NETAL Rechtsanwaelte GmbH has a group of ‘exceptional lawyers’ on white-collar criminal matters, and the practice leads on criminal investigations concerning fraud, money laundering and competition disputes and high-profile criminal defence cases, as well as on cross-border asset tracing and sanctions matters. Practice head Thomas Voppichler leads on domestic and cross-border proceedings, including investigations and enforcements, while Bettina Knoetzl is experienced in both asset tracing and criminal proceedings. ‘Highly intelligent, pragmatic and quick to grasp complex situations’, Felix Eggenburg is also recommended.
Praxisleiter:
Thomas Voppichler
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Bettina Knoetzl; Felix Eggenburg
Referenzen
‘Felix Eggennburg is highly committed and thinks outside of the box – he fully understands the commercial implications of the legal disputes and, knowing the mentality of the white-collar criminals, he is able to foresee their moves and acts accordingly.’
‘Unique is the approach that whole firm focuses almost only on dispute resolution, be it litigation or white-collar crime. Exceptional lawyers, each with highly skilled backgrounds make the firm shining on the market.’
‘If it came to entrusting someone with my own representation, the list of lawyers I would rely on is exceedingly short. Felix Eggenburg is at the very top of that list. His rare combination of profound legal knowledge, sound judgment and genuine dedication gives me absolute confidence that I am in the best possible hands.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Defended a real estate investment fund, formerly known as Meinl European Land Bank, in criminal investigations that lasted from 2007 to 2024, when the matter was dropped.
- Represented several former directors of Austrian subsidiaries of international corporations in pending criminal proceedings against accusations brought in the context of Austrian bankruptcy proceedings.
- Defended several HNWIs against criminal allegations of sanctions violations and potential asset freezes.
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH has a ‘highly distinctive practice group‘ in the field of white-collar crime, and the group acts on criminal allegations and corporate investigations in the industrials, technology and construction sectors, also leading for private clients in criminal investigations. Regularly employing expertise from across the firm on mandates, criminal lawyers in the practice include the ‘diligent, meticulous and professional’ Philipp Stadtegger, Stephan Steinhofer, and Florian Kremslehner.
Praxisleiter:
Florian Kremslehner; Stephan Steinhofer; Philipp Stadtegger
Referenzen
‘The team has a deep understanding of our business, a business continuously subject to legal challenges, technological development and regulatory scrutiny. They make us feel important as clients, and they are also always available. No such dynamism on the Austrian legal market.’
‘Stephan Steinhofer is an outstanding lawyer and great person. Every interaction with him is meaningful.’
Philipp Stadtegger is diligent, meticulous and professional. A pleasure to work with him.’
Kernmandanten
IMMOFINANZ
Pharmacy Scheifling
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented IMMOFINANZ in a criminal trial against the former Minister of Finance Karl-Heinz Grasser and other defendants, securing an award of damages against the perpetrators.
fokus Rechtsanwälte GmbH
A boutique dispute resolution firm acclaimed for its ‘reliable, extremely knowledgeable’ white-collar practice, fokus Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s workload spans fraud and money-laundering investigations, cross-border sanctions disputes, and follow-on damages litigation in the wake of insolvencies and bankruptcies. A ‘strong strategic thinker’, Klara Kiehl leads on complex criminal proceedings and investigations with a background in civil matters, and she is joined by Clemens Stegner, who acts on an array of disputes and criminal cases.
Praxisleiter:
Klara Kiehl; Clemens Stegner
Referenzen
‘The team is excellent; they are easily accessible, meet deadlines reliably, and handle short-term requests efficiently. They are highly competent, work at eye level and consistently act in the best interest of the client. Additionally, they bring creative ideas to the table and think proactively.’
‘The support provided by the team is very personal and tailored to individual needs. It is in fact not routine-based, but rather adapted to each individual and personal situation. The team works proactively, very quickly and with great precision. Their adherence to given deadlines is particularly noteworthy.’
‘Klara Kiehl is truly top-notch: sharp, solution-driven, deeply knowledgeable and always focused on what really matters for her clients. She consistently delivers outstanding legal advice.’
KINDL.trusted
KINDL.trusted‘s white-collar offering is led by Caroline Toifl, praised for her ‘ability to deliver clear, solution-oriented advice’, and the practice tackles fraud and corruption investigations, contentious tax proceedings and compliance matters connected to criminal cases. Toifl is supported by former public prosecutor Marc Julian Mayerhöfer, who was made partner in January 2026 and brings a wealth of experience on financial criminal proceedings. Sarah Hofler is a further key name.
Praxisleiter:
Caroline Toifl
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Marc Julian Mayerhöfer; Sarah Hofler
Referenzen
‘KINDL is a specialised high end law firm that focuses on white collar and financial crime, not only from the view point of criminal law but also taking into account tax, commercial and corporate law, as well as auditing aspects. The firm is very well organised, has grown over the years and is now a very respectable and well known address for different kinds of clients, national as well as international. The knowledge and thoughtfulness you can find here is way above average criminal law and also white collar law firms.’
‘Caroline Toifl and team display outstanding experience in tax advice and forensic accounting. Excellent advice and can explain complex tax matters understandably.’
‘Caroline Toifl is the go-to person for crisis management in Austria; Marc Julian Mayerhöfer is a super-experienced former prosecutor and a great addition to the firm.’
Kernmandanten
Johann Georg Schelling
Hartwig Löger
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Johann Georg Schelling, the former Austrian Minister of Finance, in the ongoing criminal investigation into corruption allegations and in his role as a witness in other criminal proceedings.
- Advised a private equity firm in connection with compliance issues as a buyer of shares and in claims for damages following criminal behaviour by the managers of the company sold.
- Represented an Austrian restaurant chain in ongoing financial criminal law proceedings stemming from tax evasion allegations.
LeitnerLaw Rechtsanwälte
LeitnerLaw Rechtsanwälte is been noted for its ‘unique expertise’ in white-collar crime, and the firm leads on range of contentious mandates spanning sanctions proceedings, internal investigations into embezzlement and tax evasion. and competition law cases. Mario Schmieder co-leads the practice, and focuses his practice on financial crime proceedings. Acclaimed for her ‘practical and pragmatic approach and excellent advisory skills’, co-head Simone Tober is particularly strong in environmental criminal matters in the construction and transportation sectors.
Praxisleiter:
Mario Schmieder; Simone Tober
Referenzen
‘Simone Tober is extremely team- and detail-oriented. Hard-working and a great communicator. Mario Schmieder is the elder statesman for defence in cases of tax fraud and tax evasion. Easily one of the best tax controversy litigators in Austria.’
‘Unique expertise at the intersection of criminal law, IT and environmental issues. Strong commitment to raising awareness on social media.’
‘Both Mario Schmieder and Simone Tober are outstanding lawyers and very easy to work with. They are quick to respond and always give sound advice. We are very happy and, probably more importantly, the clients we ask them to represent in white-collar cases are equally happy with their work.’
PLCB Pauer Law & Caspar-Bures Rechtsanwalts GmbH
PLCB Pauer Law & Caspar-Bures Rechtsanwalts GmbH specialises in fraud, embezzlement and corruption proceedings and investigations for clients in the banking and real estate sectors, and the firm also counts prominent political and business figures as clients. Johann Pauer and Bettina Caspar-Bures co-lead the practice, both focusing solely on white-collar crime work.
Praxisleiter:
Johann Pauer; Bettina Caspar-Bures
Kernmandanten
Mario Kunasek
Günter Kerbler
Heinz-Christian Strache
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Mario Kunasek in his defence against embezzlement charges valued at €1.8m.
- Advised Wolfgang Jansky, managing director of one of Austria’s largest media groups, on his defence against embezzlement and bribery allegations in an advertising affair.
- Represented a board member of Commerzialbank Mattersburg in a case involving alleged embezzlement and misconduct amounting to €600m.
SAXINGER Rechtsanwalts GmbH
SAXINGER Rechtsanwalts GmbH‘s white-collar crime team advises on cross-border financial crime matters and investigations, often in tandem with major litigation and arbitration proceedings, with tax and customs cases a particular focus. The group’s efforts are spearheaded by Oliver Plöckinger, who has led on major fraud cases, proceedings stemming from industrial accidents and construction disputes. Markus P. Fellner also brings wide-ranging disputes experience to high-profile cases.
Praxisleiter:
Oliver Plöckinger
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Markus P. Fellner
Kernmandanten
HABAU Hoch- und Tiefbaugesellschaft m.b.H.
ÖSTU-STETTIN Hoch- und Tiefbaugesellschaft m.b.H.
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented an Austrian company in the criminal part of a complex dispute, with associated civil litigation and arbitration proceedings, arising from a major European industrial accident.
- Acted for the holding company of the fourth-largest Austrian construction company in the associated criminal aspects of competion proceedings, seeing 20 charges against the client dropped.
Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)
Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)‘s ‘very motivated and ambitious’ white-collar and criminal defence practice is equally capable of leading in proceedings and providing advisory assistance in regulatory and sanctions compliance matters. The group has also led on fraud and bribery cases. Oliver M. Loksa specialises in criminal proceedings, largely as a defence lawyer in corruption and fraud cases, while Christoph Haid acts on criminal and internal investigations, as well as on process reviews.
Praxisleiter:
Oliver M. Loksa; Christoph Haid
Referenzen
‘Very motivated and ambitious. They have a lot of knowledge and are still great at collaborating with other lawyers and firms.’
‘Always reachable; very motivated; have a lot of knowledge, especially regarding the representation of companies.’
‘The department is known for its quick support and creative approach to white-collar crime issues. Also, the effective collaboration with other practices in the Vienna branch and offices abroad is a definitive advantage.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented the client as a damaged party in criminal proceedings concerning major fraud by its former executive body and business partners.