Our Pro Bono Policy

Based on a clearly defined pro bono policy that was approved by the General Meeting in December 2019 and with the regular support of the Pro Bono Committee, CERHA HEMPEL has provided pro bono advice that has been "of particular relevance to charitable, non-profit, social, environmental, labour and human rights issues" between January 2024 and November 2024, to the extent outlined below:

  • Radio Maria Österreich (an Austrian radio station based in Vienna, owned by the aforementioned association): CERHA HEMPEL advised Radio Maria, a Catholic radio station, in connection with an internal audit. We spent 6 hours and 50 minutes advising the client in 2024.

  • Austrian-American Society (registered association): CERHA HEMPEL revised and updated the association's statutes and register entries, participated in the general assembly of the association, and provided ad hoc legal advice. One of the partners at CERHA HEMPEL acted as a board member in two associations. In 2024, we spent approximately 22 hours and 10 minutes advising the client.

  • Advising a private individual, including on tenancy law matters: A private individual was advised in 2024 on tenancy and heating cost issues, as well as in a licensing procedure against a neighbouring restaurant. In 2024, we spent approximately 20 hours and 10 minutes advising the client.

  • Catholic University ITI (International Theological Institute), Trumau: CERHA HEMPEL advised this ecclesiastical theological faculty, headed by Archbishop Cardinal Christoph Schönborn as Grand Chancellor, on internal accounting matters, participated in board meetings, assisted the institution with asset management, and provided advice on employment law issues. In 2024, we spent approximately 30 hours and 15 minutes advising the client.

  • Tech2people GmbH: In 2024, we spent approximately 35 hours advising this company, which operates a centre for robotic neurotherapy, on corporate and civil law matters.

  • MyAbility Social Enterprise GmbH: This company provides corporate consulting services with a social mission to promote a barrier-free and equitable society. CERHA HEMPEL spent approximately 20 hours advising the company on corporate and civil law matters in 2024.

  • House on Sonntagberg (spiritual seminar centre for retreats and weekend gatherings): The non-profit operating company of this facility was advised in relation to the termination of a legal relationship with another non-profit organization. We spent approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes advising the client.

  • RHI-Magnesita – HELP! (Association): CERHA HEMPEL assisted in the founding of “RHI Magnesita HELP – Association for the Support of Employees in Emergency Situations.” A managing partner of CERHA HEMPEL became vice-chairman of the association’s board. The association provides financial support to individuals and their families affected by work-related accidents, covering long-term medical expenses, reintegration assistance, specialized equipment, and educational opportunities. Additionally, initiatives aimed at preventing workplace accidents are financially supported. The beneficiaries include not only employees and suppliers but all victims of workplace accidents and their families. Donations can be made directly via the RHI Magnesita HELP iRaiser page, a fundraising platform operating in multiple languages and currencies. The association was launched on 19 August 2024. By the end of the third quarter of 2024, we had spent approximately 150 hours advising the client.

  • "Nachbarinnen" Association: CERHA HEMPEL advised the "Nachbarinnen" association on data protection compliance. The association aims to help women from marginalized families engage in self-determined employment by working with personal networks and by taking community-oriented approaches. Assistance is provided through case management, home visits, coaching while walking, self-organization support, parent groups, accompanying the person on official appointments, community orientation, and the use of a "work suitcase." The association is funded by grants, service agreements with Vienna's child and youth services, income from a sewing workshop it operates, and small and larger donations and sponsorships. In 2024, we spent three hours advising the client.

  • Advising and representing a borrower and legal heir: CERHA HEMPEL supported an intermediary in dealings with a building society lender and in asserting a compulsory portion supplement claim against a compulsory heir recipient, in the Ybbsitz area. In 2024, we spent 213 working hours advising and representing the client.

  • Ukrainian nationals (private individuals): In September 2024, Ukrainian private individuals were advised in legal proceedings concerning the revocation of social assistance benefits. We spent approximately five hours advising the client.

  • Dorfgemeinschaften Wienerwald gGmbH (non-profit limited liability company): CERHA HEMPEL advised the non-profit limited liability company that was founded in 2023 on adjusting the content of the land register, including the pertaining register´s construction law entry. The scope of services comprised around 15 working hours.

 

Apart from the core activities described above for 2024, CERHA HEMPEL provided sponsoring and other support services to organisations active in social and cultural sectors, such as VinziRast. Finally, CERHA HEMPEL renders volunteer work at highly reduced hourly rates for ecclesiastical organisations and non-profit associations that are linked to existing clients. 

The last two activities mentioned are also subject to the law firm’s Pro Bono Policy and supervision by its Pro Bono Committee.