Chambers Global Guide 2018: 15 Top Rankings for Binder Grösswang
As in previous years, Binder Groesswang was again ranked among the leading law firms of Austria in the Chambers Global Guide 2018.
Top Team Rankings
The current Chambers Global Guide has rated Austrian law firms in five areas of expertise: Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution and IP. Binder Grösswang was recommended in all areas. Moreover, Binder Grösswang kept its leading position in the three categories Banking & Finance, Corporate/M&A and Dispute Resolution.
“We are very happy to see our top performance reflected in the most recent rankings of Chambers & Partners. This is yet another proof of our position among the top law firms of Austria”, Managing Partner Michael Kutschera said.
Top Lawyer Rankings
In total, 15 attorneys working at Binder Grösswang are listed in top positions. Three improved their rankings over those of the previous year and one earned his first mention.
Chambers & Partners is a London-based publisher which has analysed the legal markets of more than 180 countries since 1999, identifying the leading lawyers and law firms world-wide. The ratings are based on careful research into extensive submissions by law firms, and first and foremost, on in-depth interviews with clients, attorneys and their colleagues in the law firms.
Stefan Tiefenthaler is a distinguished financing expert, especially well known for his experience in corporate financing and project finance transactions. A client describes him as "obliging and reliable as well as having profound knowledge." He recently advised a consortium of EIB and Erste Bank Austria on their EUR70 million financing of the Hof/Seibersdorf wind farm project.
Tibor Fabian is a reputable practitioner advising clients on a broad scope of financing transactions. Clients value him for his high level of experience in advising on large-scale and challenging transactions.
Emanuel Welten is a notable banking and finance lawyer, active in project and acquisition finance as well as refinancing. A client describes him as "incredibly solution-oriented." He recently advised J.P. Morgan on contributing to the financing of Lone Star's acquisition of Centrice Real Estate from HETA.
Corporate M&A
Michael Kutschera is a highly established figure in the Austrian market and is recognised as a senior M&A practitioner with solid experience in cross-border transactions. His extensive practical knowledge extends to such sectors as energy and consumer goods. "He is very reasonable, trying to find solutions," a source says, also praising his hands-on approach. Kutschera is also a widely respected arbitrator.
Thomas Schirmer is a well-recognised M&A lawyer experienced in advising on cross-border transactions, such as his recent assistance to Greenbriar Equity Group with its acquisition of Frauscher Sensortechnik. He often handles transactions in such industries as financial services, life sciences and IT. A peer describes him as somebody who is "good to work with."
Florian Khol focuses on public M&A transactions with experience extending across a broad selection of industry sectors. He recently advised Insight Venture Partners on acquiring a stake in Tricentis. Sources note his pragmatic approach.
Dispute Resolution
Christian Klausegger is an impressive disputes lawyer with a particularly strong reputation in litigation and also active in arbitration. He handles high-profile cases related to financial services, construction and IT conflicts. He recently represented a global IT company in the Austrian Supreme Court in relation to a multi-jurisdictional litigation concerning a customer complaint. A source praises his negotiation skills and strategy, saying that he "played through various scenarios in building a chain of argumentation." Another source adds: "I am impressed by the kind of strategy he proposes." He has also been appointed president of the Austrian Arbitration Association.
Stefan Albiez advances in the rankings as a result of positive feedback and his visibility on the firm's key cases. He recently led the team representing the City of Vienna and a number of other large real estate owners before the Austrian Supreme Court in private enforcement proceedings, claiming large damages as a result of the lift and escalator cartel. Interviewees praise his preparation, court style and strong people skills. "You just feel well cared for," a source reports.
