Job Description

Associate Regulatory Public Law and Foreign Direct Investment (m/f/x)

We are looking for committed and highly qualified associates (f/m/x) with a special interest in public law and foreign direct investment to support our team in Vienna.

Your Tasks

In your future position, you will advise national and international clients on a wide range of questions, with a focus on:

Regulatory Public Law: Offering expert advice on leading national and international clients on a broad range of public and regulatory law matters with focus on cutting-edge topics including product regulation such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, mobility, digitalisation and energy law.

Foreign Direct Investment: As part of our team, you will work at the forefront of one of the most dynamic and fast-evolving areas of international law and advise a high-profile client base - including multinational corporates, private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds and other international investors - on FDI control in complex, sensitive and multi-jurisdictional projects and transactions.

Your work will include:

• Delivering ad hoc advice on complex and strategic regulatory public law matters, frequently in the context of upcoming legislative changes and evolving legal frameworks
• Supporting regulatory public law aspects of transactions across highly and less regulated industries, including trade law as well as law advice in respect of industrial facilities, water law and other sector-specific regulatory requirements
• Preparing written submissions and support litigation strategy in administrative court proceedings, and advise on product recalls and compliance with applicable product regulatory regimes
• Advising clients on FDI filing requirements and investment screening processes under the Austrian Investment Control Act (Investitionskontrollgesetz)
• Preparing and managing investment control applications in highly sensitive sectors, including defence, energy infrastructure, data centres, telecommunications, healthcare, and artificial intelligence
• Coordinating FDI filings across multiple jurisdictions to secure regulatory approvals for cross-border M&A transactions - working hand in hand with Freshfields colleagues in London, Brussels, Berlin, Paris, Washington and beyond
• Representing clients in administrative proceedings before the Federal Ministry for Economy, Labour and Tourism as well as representing and assisting clients in national and EU proceedings, including before higher administrative and constitutional courts
• Monitoring and analysing legislative developments in the regulatory public law and foreign direct investment (FDI) sector at the Austrian and EU levels.

Your Profile

You will have completed your Austrian legal studies with above-average results and have excellent English and German skills. You have an entrepreneurial mindset, attention to detail, and dedication to quality legal advice, as well as strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in regulatory, policy and geopolitical developments.

Experience abroad or specialized knowledge in these areas (e.g., through an LL.M., dissertation, internships, university / research assistant roles, or law firm experience) is advantageous but not a must.

What we offer

Be part of a market-leading internationally integrated team operating at the forefront of Austrian public law and FDI control. Work in a dynamic, international environment with direct access to Freshfields' global network of specialists. You will gain early responsibility and direct client exposure in high-profile matters.

Benefit from outstanding learning and development opportunities tailored to your growth (including internal bar exam preparation courses and soft law skills trainings).

As additional benefits, we also provide an annual public transport pass, access to an on-site gym, regular networking events, and well-being programs.

Did we get you interested? Then get in touch with us – we are looking forward to receiving your online-application: austria.freshfields.com/opportunities

Note: according to §9 GlBG: There is no collective agreement or legal minimum salary. The intended minimum basis for the salary arrangement (with the possibility of additional payment) is an annual salary (gross, all-in, 14 instalments) in the amount of 61,000 EUR.

Contact

T: +43 1 51515-0

E: recruiting.vienna@freshfields.com