Biography: Arbitration

Dr Nikolaus Pitkowitz is founding partner and head of dispute resolution at Graf & Pitkowitz, Vienna. He has 25 years of experience in international arbitration with a strong focus on the CEE region. He acted as counsel and arbitrator in more than 60 international arbitrations including several high-profile disputes most notably as counsel in the largest ever pending Austrian arbitration (a multibillion telecom dispute). Nikolaus Pitkowitz frequently acts as party counsel in court proceedings, with a special focus on arbitration related proceedings and cross-border disputes. Nikolaus Pitkowitz is also qualified and active as a Certified Mediator.

Nikolaus Pitkowitz is vice-president of the International Arbitral Centre of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (VIAC). He is panel member of various arbitration institutions including HKIAC, CIETAC, KLRCA and SIAC. He frequently lectures and is author of various publications on international arbitration including a textbook on setting aside arbitral awards (published 2008). Nikolaus Pitkowitz is also co-editor of the Austrian Yearbook on International Arbitration and co-organiser of the Vienna Arbitration Days.

Graf & Pitkowitz a leading Austrian law firm that handles with a team of approximately 50 and offices in Vienna and Graz international and domestic engagements in the field of business law. The firm is particularly well known for its ability to handle complex matters and its expertise in the areas of dispute resolution, M&A, financing, real estate, insolvency and labour law. In 2011 the firm was awarded the 'Client Choice Award' by the International Law Office (ILO) and most recently shortlisted for the award of the best Austrian law firm by the international magazine The Lawyer.