Civil law and civil procedure

Civil law – also known as private law – regulates the legal relationships between natural and legal persons. The basis of these legal relationships is the General Civil Code (ABGB) and a great number of other special laws. A great number of legal disputes are connected with the law on damages and – if there are special reasons (“grounds for attribution”) – there should be a passing on of the damage.

In addition, there are laws for individual groups that regulate their relations. For example, the Consumer Protection Act regulates the relationship between businesses and consumers and offers consumers more extensive protection than the ABGB. Traffic law, on the other hand, is made up of different legal provisions and in this area, it is (also) necessary to understand all legal provisions in an interconnected manner.

We regularly achieve the best possible outcome for our clients by conducting short but tough and intensive out-of-court negotiations. In the event that the other party (despite all our efforts) refuses to settle, we will take legal action. Here, too, success and efficiency are our top priorities.

Our network is also helpful in court proceedings, especially since in complex proceedings (private) experts have to be consulted in a preparatory and/or supportive capacity. For example, in litigation concerning construction defects, expert opinions usually have to be obtained.

The course of most court proceedings is laid down in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO). The hearings take place orally and (mostly) in public, and the parties to the dispute are given the opportunity to express their legal point of view. We support our clients in obtaining and preparing the evidence and prepare them for their testimony in court. Since most clients have no court experience, optimally preparing them for the unfamiliar situation is essential for us to achieve the best possible outcome.