CMS Austria is translating strategy into action. Following an in-depth analysis of evolving client needs, market developments and growth potential, the firm is strengthening its capabilities in areas expected to shape the business agenda in the years ahead. Targeted lateral hires, internal promotions and the development of diverse talent form the core of this future-facing approach.
The analysis focused both on current market demand and on the challenges that companies will face in an increasingly complex economic, technological and regulatory environment. In particular, the energy transition, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, cyber security and data regulation, strategic transactions and business succession, as well as the close interconnection between tax and regulatory issues, were identified as key areas for investment and growth.
“Being future-ready means anticipating where our clients will need us next. Our strategic analysis provided a clear view of the areas in which market demand, regulatory complexity and transformation are converging,” says Managing Partner Günther Hanslik.
Strategic hires target identified growth opportunities
The strategic analysis confirmed the need to further expand CMS Austria’s capabilities in selected areas. The resulting appointments of new partners are therefore not isolated personnel decisions, but part of a coordinated investment in practices that are central to the firm’s long-term positioning.
Valentina Eigner joined CMS from DLA Piper in June as a partner in the Energy & Climate Change team. She advises national and international clients on renewable energy, energy trading and related regulatory matters, including power purchase agreements, battery storage, biogas, renewable hydrogen and carbon markets. By combining regulatory, project and transactional expertise, she strengthens the firm’s ability to support clients throughout the energy transition and in developing new energy-related business models.
Erik Steiner joined CMS from Taylor Wessing in July as a partner in the Technology, Media & Communications practice. His work covers cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence, open-source software and emerging technologies, with an additional focus on video game law. His previous experience as a software developer enables him to combine legal analysis with technical understanding, further enhancing CMS’s advice on digital transformation, technology agreements, regulatory requirements and complex technology projects.
Michael Marschall joined CMS from Schoenherr in September as a partner in the Corporate/M&A practice. He advises corporates, investors and entrepreneurs on private M&A, joint ventures, strategic alliances, corporate reorganisations, business succession, buy-and-build projects and carve-out transactions. With substantial experience in complex and cross-border matters across the energy, technology and consumer sectors, he will strengthen CMS’s ability to support clients throughout the full lifecycle of strategic transactions and partnerships.
Karin Spindler-Simader will join CMS from Wolf Theiss in late autumn and assume leadership of the firm’s Tax team following the mutual departure from Sibylle Novak. She is a qualified tax adviser and specialises in corporate tax law, tax aspects of reorganisations, international tax planning and complex cross-border M&A transactions. Her appointment strengthens the connection between CMS’s tax, transactional and international advisory capabilities at a time when tax considerations are becoming increasingly integral to strategic business decisions.
Internal talent as a pillar of future growth
CMS Austria’s future-facing strategy extends beyond external recruitment. Building sustainable expertise also requires clear career paths, early responsibility and the systematic development of the next generation of leaders. CMS Austria is therefore combining targeted lateral hires with significant internal promotions.
In September, Thomas Liegl (Corporate/M&A) was promoted to solicitor, followed by Livia Landskron (Corporate/M&A) in mid-September and Isabella Redl (Intellectual Property) in October.
Earlier this year, Maximilian Uidl was promoted to attorney-at-law in the Real Estate & Construction practice. Cornelia Kreuth (Corporate/M&A) and Wolfgang Hellsberg (Banking & Finance) were promoted to partner, and Jia Schulz-Cao (IP) and Marie-Christine Lidl (Corporate/M&A) were promoted to counsel in spring.
“External expertise brings new perspectives and additional skills, whilst the targeted development of our own talent ensures continuity and builds a strong next generation of leaders. Both are essential for sustainable growth and advice of the highest standard,” says Managing Partner Johannes Juranek.
Diversity as a key to better decisions and stronger client advice
Diversity is an integral part of CMS Austria’s approach to talent development and leadership. The firm is convinced that bringing together different experiences, professional backgrounds, generations and perspectives leads to better decision-making, more innovative solutions and stronger client service.
By combining experienced external recruitment with the targeted development of its own talent at various career stages and across different practice areas, CMS Austria creates an environment in which people can develop their individual strengths to the full. This variety of expertise not only strengthens the firm’s innovative capacity but also its ability to provide clients with long-term support in a constantly changing environment.
