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Corporate law & commercial law

Company formation
Consultation of managing directors
Business registration
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Company formation

It all starts with an idea. But before it can become a successful business, it needs the right legal foundation. The corporate law concept is a decisive factor in determining whether your project is built on sand or on solid ground.

Whether it's a one-person limited company, a family partnership or a start-up with financially strong investors – every type of company has its own specific strengths and risks. We support you in choosing the right legal form, drafting shareholder agreements with foresight and clearly regulating the relationship between the shareholders – so that you can concentrate on what really drives you: your business.

With a rock-solid foundation in company law, the hurdles that every living company faces can be overcome more easily and quickly – whether it's a share transfer, a shareholder dispute or the question of what happens in the event of a partner's death. Those who take precautions in good time save themselves nerve-wracking and costly restructuring measures later on – just like a house that has been built with care from the outset.

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Consultation of managing directors

Those who steer the fortunes of a company stand on an imaginary bridge, the helm in their hands, navigating their business through calm and rough waters – basking in the glow of success when all goes well, but also bearing considerable risks if the course is not right.
The liability of managing directors is one of the most sensitive areas of company law. An overlooked deadline, an inadequately documented resolution, a delayed insolvency filing: all of these can lead to personal liability for the management body. We support managing directors in making legally compliant and transparent decisions, complying with documentation requirements and minimising their own liability risks. If you have been sued as a managing director, we will help you defend yourself against unjustified claims by third parties and protect your rights, like a life jacket that protects you if you do capsize.
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Business registration

Many entrepreneurs dread bureaucratic hurdles – and anyone familiar with red tape in German-speaking countries knows why.
The Austrian Trade Regulation Act ("Gewerbeordnung") and numerous special laws, such as those for freelancers, form the public law framework for your business activities. We accompany you on the way to obtaining your trade licence: from selecting the right trade to proving your qualifications to handling the entire process before the trade authority. We also represent your interests in special cases, such as when you wish to provide cross-border services or in the event of a surprise trade ban.
Think of us as your navigation system in the thicket of the bureaucratic jungle: when your company is in the starting blocks, we show you the way and help you reach your goal as quickly as possible.
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Reasons for Schmelz lawfirm

With over 20 years of professional experience – both in renowned commercial law firms and as freelancers – we know how different the needs of entrepreneurs can be.

We speak the language of start-ups and young entrepreneurs as well as that of sole traders, SMEs and international corporations, and have experience in advising micro-enterprises and large corporations alike. All of this is accompanied by theoretical knowledge, which we have been able to illustrate as (co-)authors of numerous books and specialist articles on commercial law issues. Together with our network partners, we offer one-stop-shop solutions: you describe your concerns to us, and we deliver a complete solution package – pragmatic, efficient and to the point.

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