Associate Regulatory Public Law and Foreign Direct Investment

About the role

Freshfields is looking for committed and highly qualified associates (f/m/x) with a special interest in public law and foreign direct investment to join its team in Vienna. The role advises national and international clients on regulatory public law and FDI control, with early responsibility and direct client exposure in high-profile matters.

Key responsibilities

• Advise clients on regulatory public law, including product regulation for food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, mobility, digitalisation and energy law
• Support regulatory public law aspects of transactions across highly and less regulated industries, including trade law, industrial facilities and water law
• Prepare written submissions, support litigation strategy in administrative court proceedings and advise on product recalls and product regulatory compliance
• Advise on FDI filing requirements and investment screening under the Austrian Investment Control Act
• Prepare and manage investment control applications in sensitive sectors such as defence, energy infrastructure, data centres, telecommunications, healthcare and artificial intelligence
• Coordinate FDI filings across multiple jurisdictions for cross-border M&A transactions with colleagues in London, Brussels, Berlin, Paris and Washington
• Represent clients in administrative proceedings before the Federal Ministry for Economy, Labour and Tourism and in national and EU proceedings, including before higher administrative and constitutional courts
• Monitor and analyse legislative developments in regulatory public law and FDI at Austrian and EU level

Required profile

• Austrian legal studies completed with above-average results
• Excellent English and German skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset, attention to detail, dedication to quality legal advice, strong analytical skills and interest in regulatory, policy and geopolitical developments
• Experience abroad or specialised knowledge (e.g. LL.M., dissertation, internships, research assistant roles, law firm experience) is advantageous but not required

What we offer

• Work in an international team with direct access to Freshfields' global network of specialists
• Learning and development opportunities, including internal bar exam preparation courses and soft law skills training
• Annual public transport pass, on-site gym, networking events and well-being programs
• Stated minimum gross annual salary of 61,000 EUR (14 instalments)