A conversation with Binder Grösswang
Over six decades Binder Grösswang has built its reputation as one of Austria’s leading law firms through a culture of loyalty, excellence, and long-term commitment. In this second instalment of a two-part series in conversation with the firm, we sat down with three of its partners.
Stefan Albiez, Ingeborg Edel, and Christian Klausegger discuss their career journeys, the evolution of the firm, and what it takes to thrive in today’s legal landscape. From their personal highlights to advice for aspiring/emerging lawyers, and insights on navigating industry shifts, the trio provide a compelling look into life at Binder Grösswang.
Could you tell us about your background before joining Binder Grösswang and what drew you to the firm?
Ingeborg Edel: I’ve always worked in law, but my career began in Paris at a Franco-Germanic law firm. After my return to Austria I joined Binder Grösswang. I enjoyed my start as junior associate and – after some years as a partner - I am still happy here.
Stefan Albiez: For me, it was always law. I decided at 13 or 14 that I wanted to become an attorney. At university, I became interested in commercial law and sought out the best firm to join upon graduation, which led me to Binder Grösswang.
Christian Klausegger: After some work in the IT-industry I started my legal career with Binder Grösswang. We value loyalty and long-term commitment. Around 90% of our partners started their careers here. We don’t aim to grow through lateral hires; we focus on nurturing talent internally.
How do you maintain that culture of loyalty and support?
Ingeborg Edel: Lots of partner attention and support for lawyers as they develop. We provide guidance, room for discussion, and even a safety net for mistakes. Additionally, as a mother of two, I have been supported throughout my career at the firm and promoted while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Stefan Albiez: Recruitment is key. We don’t just look at grades or credentials – we also consider whether candidates fit our team culture and have a collaborative mindset. Building strong, cohesive teams has been essential to our growth.
Christian Klausegger: It’s about mutual appreciation. We make sure young talent feels valued and part of the team.
How has Binder Grösswang changed during your time here?
Ingeborg Edel: The firm has grown and become more technically sophisticated. For example, remote working and virtual client calls are now accepted norms and cater for a wider range of working styles. But crucially our strong team spirit and focus on the common good remain unchanged.
Stefan Albiez: Flexibility has increased, but expectations have too. When I started, there were no mobile phones or Blackberries – workflows were completely different. Today, everything moves faster, and younger lawyers have different perspectives and approaches to the job.
Christian Klausegger: A lot had changed but delivering high-quality work is still a fundamental part of our DNA. To do this we ensure new lawyers are properly integrated into our standards and we openly discuss where they can improve. I am very proud to say that in 60 years, we’ve never had a case where we became liable to a client.
What has been your greatest personal success at the firm?
Ingeborg Edel: A landmark decision on cash pooling in Austria. I represented a new major client, an international bank, in a complex, multi-instance case and won. Another highlight was securing an injunction within 24 hours to keep a client’s production running – a major success under intense pressure.
Stefan Albiez: My personal highlight is a test case I worked on from 2009 until early 2025 where we recently concluded with a Supreme Court victory. This case has required ample stamina and building relationship across not merely months but years and even decades. It involved representing a bank in a bond issue challenged by a class action. Winning that case led to all related claims being dismissed.
What challenges have you encountered along the way, and how did you address them?
Ingeborg Edel: Balancing small children with tight deadlines was tough, especially when unexpected issues arose – but it was doable because I got the right support.
Stefan Albiez: Managing team changes – colleagues on long leave for exams, secondments, or illness – has been challenging, but we rebuilt and stayed efficient through that collaborative spirit and open communication.
Christian Klausegger: Attracting young talent is always a challenge. Not everyone can become a partner, but creating an environment that appeals to students and junior lawyers is key. Specifically in dispute resolution work, 90% of what you do is transpiration, 10% is inspiration and this is as true for partners as for associates. It is important to be a role model to your colleagues to inspire your team to go the extra mile and achieve a successful outcome for the client.
What major changes have you seen in your sectors and how do you expect each of them evolve over time?
Ingeborg Edel: Technology has transformed how we work – no more library visits or stacks of paper. Within automotive law players and technologies are changing but the practice remains strong. I now focus a lot on competition and compliance work, breaches now lead to huge fines. Electric vehicles have changed distribution networks, increased ESG work, and reduced warranty claims and expect this trend to only grow.
Stefan Albiez: Collective redress instruments have grown significantly, driven by EU directives. Cases are more complex, requiring reconciliation between Austrian courts and the ECJ. Expect standardisation of collective actions across the EU is going to change how things operate in all EU nation states. With 24 states implementing the directive, proceedings will become both more challenging and allow for new innovations.
What advice would you give young aspiring lawyers starting out today?
Ingeborg Edel: Choose your first law firm wisely. Culture matters – you’ll spend a lot of time at work, and a supportive team makes all the difference.
Stefan Albiez: Be flexible about specialisation. I would highlight that all 3 of us did not start out in the areas we now focus on. Adaptability opens doors.
Christian Klausegger: Find your niche early. Even junior lawyers can stand out by becoming the go-to person in a specific area. However, in saying junior lawyers should always stay flexible to client needs and take the opportunities that come your way.
