Employment lawyer in Austria — for employees and for employers
Law & Beyond is a Vienna-based law firm advising on Austrian employment law from both sides of the employment relationship. We represent individual employees facing dismissal or workplace disputes, and we act as outside employment counsel for companies — from contracts and compliance to internal investigations.
Who we help
Most firms act for one side only. We have advised both employees and employers, which means we understand how the other side is likely to argue your case — and can use that to your advantage.
Employees
Facing a dismissal, a dispute at work, or unclear contract terms? See how we help employees →
Employers & HR
Need outside employment counsel, contract support, or a compliance review? See how we help employers →
Support through your employment relationship — and if it ends
We advise on the full life cycle of an employment relationship: from reviewing your contract, through disputes during employment, to contesting a termination you believe was unjust. Austrian labor law gives employees real mechanisms to challenge a dismissal — timing is often critical, so early advice matters.
Employment contracts
Reviewing a job offer or existing contract before you sign, or checking current contract documents.
Discrimination & harassment
Workplace discrimination needs to be addressed and stopped. We advise on your options and represent you if needed.
Workplace safety
Employees must be protected from harmful effects of their work. We advise where that protection has failed.
Termination & dismissal
Contesting an unjust dismissal, negotiating severance, or reviewing a termination notice for validity.
Outside employment counsel for Austrian companies
We act as an external employment law desk for companies — fast, pragmatic, and with a working understanding of your industry. Advice available in German, English and other languages on request.
Hiring & termination
Legally sound dismissals, terminations, mutual separation agreements, and bonus or all-in arrangements.
Contract drafting
Employment contracts for every level — blue-collar and white-collar staff, senior employees, managing directors and officers with signing authority.
Working time & pay
Overtime, flexitime and all-in arrangements, on-call time, home office, bonus and commission structures, equal pay and pay-transparency readiness.
Employee protection & equal treatment
Parental and care leave, discrimination and harassment (preventive and acute), and whistleblowing structures under the EU Whistleblower Directive.
Competition, IP & data protection
Non-compete clauses, employee invention agreements, training-cost repayment clauses, and GDPR-compliant HR processes.
Works council & collective agreements
Negotiating with works councils, works agreements, collective-agreement classification, and social plans for restructurings or mass layoffs.
Restructuring, M&A & transfers
Transfers of undertaking, due diligence, carve-outs, site closures, outsourcing and post-merger integration of contracts and benefits.
Authority & court representation
Representing employers before Austrian labor and social courts and authorities such as AMS, AUVA, the Financial Police and the Labour Inspectorate.
Cross-border & mobility
Postings and secondments, A1 certificates, and corporate immigration support such as Red-White-Red Cards and EU Blue Cards for key staff.
Training & policy sets
In-house training for HR, management and works councils, plus ready-to-use policy templates on working time, home office, bonuses and more.
Internal investigations for companies
Confidential. Legally grounded. Efficient. Suspected misconduct inside your company — embezzlement, corruption, harassment or a compliance breach — needs a structured, impartial response. We run internal investigations without conflicts of interest.
When an internal investigation makes sense
- Suspected internal irregularities, such as embezzlement or corruption
- Reports of sexual harassment or bullying
- GDPR or other compliance breaches
- Anonymous whistleblower reports
How it works
- A free, confidential 30-minute initial call
- A confidential proposal and timeline
- The investigation itself — on-site or remote
- A court-ready final report with clear recommendations
- Optional follow-through on any resulting employment law steps
We typically begin initial steps within 48 hours. Example project (2–4 days): from approximately EUR 6,500 net — we provide an individual quote after the initial call.
Your lawyer and his team
Mag. Patrick Onyemaechi Kainz, LL.M. (NYU/NUS)
Attorney admitted in Austria and the State of New York. Dual LL.M. from New York University and the National University of Singapore. Over 15 years of practice in Austrian employment and immigration law, having advised on both the employee and the employer side. Professional experience spanning Austria, the Netherlands, Singapore, New York and Mexico. He also lectures on legal topics.
Patrick leads every engagement personally — your initial consultation is always with him, and the entire process runs under his supervision. The team at Law & Beyond supports every stage, from document review and drafting through to representation, so nothing falls through the cracks.
The firm's partner Dr. Theresa Kamp leads the family law practice. Employment and immigration law matters are led by Patrick and his team.
Austrian employment law, explained
Watch our videos on Austrian employment law. The playlist is hosted by YouTube and loads only if you choose to activate it.
Common questions
Do you represent employees, employers, or both?
Both — on different matters. We don't act for an employee and an employer in the same dispute, and we run a conflict check before taking on any new matter, but across our practice as a whole we advise both sides. That dual experience helps us anticipate how the other side is likely to approach a case.
How much does it cost?
We work on fixed-fee packages where possible, so you know your costs before you commit. After a conflict check, we email you the consultation fee and next steps. The only exception is our internal investigations service, which includes a free, confidential 30-minute initial call. If you want ongoing representation, we send a written proposal setting out scope and fees before you decide.
How do I get started?
Send a brief email enquiry through our contact page. We carry out a conflict check, then email you an introduction and next steps. Sending an enquiry does not create a lawyer-client relationship.
I was just dismissed — is there a deadline to act?
Potentially, yes. Austrian labor law sets time limits for contesting certain types of dismissal, and these can be short. If you believe your dismissal was unjust, it's worth getting in touch promptly rather than waiting.
Can you run an investigation without anyone at the company finding out in advance?
Confidentiality is central to how we run investigations — engagements are only initiated by authorized persons within the company (management, HR or compliance), and we structure the process to protect that confidentiality throughout.
What languages do you work in?
English and German, with other languages available on request for corporate matters. Your consultation and all communication are conducted in the language you're comfortable with.
Do I need to come to Vienna?
An initial consultation can usually be held by phone or video. For investigations, work can be carried out on-site or remotely depending on what the matter requires.
Ready to start?
Tell us briefly what you need — as an employee, an employer, or HR. After a conflict check, we will email you with next steps.