In memory of Dr. Paul Doralt, emeritus attorney-at-law

We are deeply saddened to share the news of Paul Doralt’s passing this past weekend.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Admitted to the bar in 1965, Paul Doralt initially continued the practice of attorney Fellerer. Later, in a joint office with Univ. Prof. Dr. Peter Avancini, he moved the firm to the address that remains home to our firm to this day. His exceptional legal knowledge, sound judgment, and negotiation skills quickly made him one of Austria’s leading business lawyers. He advised numerous major public and private companies and represented them in landmark court proceedings, particularly in banking and avoidance law. Among other roles, he served for many years as the principal legal advisor to Creditanstalt-Bankverein and its group companies. Unforgettable also was his representation—together with Prof. Avancini—of the Austrian banking consortium in connection with the ultimately realized development of the “Donauplatte,” initially conceived in the context of a proposed (and later rejected by referendum) World Expo in Vienna.

In addition to his legal practice, Paul Doralt authored numerous scholarly articles marked by exceptional academic precision and intellectual clarity. His work continues to resonate today and is still cited in leading commentaries on banking and insolvency law.

Despite his many professional successes, Paul Doralt remained humble and was always willing to help people with legal issues—regardless of whether his work would be adequately compensated. He understood the legal profession as a responsibility to stand up against injustice.

For our firm, Paul Doralt was not only a founding partner—he was a teacher and mentor to many of us. His name, personality, and achievements have shaped the reputation of DSC, and even after his retirement, he remained a valued voice thanks to his vast experience and humanistic worldview. His legacy and spirit are inseparable from our identity.

With Paul Doralt, we have lost an exceptional lawyer, a brilliant advocate, and a deeply respected human being whose impact extends far beyond his professional accomplishments.

Paul, we thank you—you will be missed.