Sonja Otenhajmer
“I am excited to join the VIAC CAN initiative and act as ambassador for Serbia, a country showing great potential for further development in the area of international arbitration. I am confident that we can strengthen and further develop our international network of professionals and by working together, continue raising awareness of the potential of arbitration proceedings in the region and the role of VIAC as a renowned, geographically close and in my experience highly approachable arbitration institution and make an impact on the development of efficient dispute avoidance and resolution in the region."
Sonja Otenhajmer is attorney-at-law specialised in dispute resolution, with a particular focus on international arbitration. She has extensive experience advising and representing clients in arbitration proceedings under various sets of rules and on ad hoc basis, including highly complex cases. Her work also includes advising foreign and national parties in drafting of complex contracts, negotiations and arbitration-related litigation proceedings before the Austrian state courts.
Sonja completed her legal and business studies at Universities of Vienna, Bologna and Belgrade. In addition to her strong academic background as assistant lecturer and researcher at the Institute for Civil Procedure Law at the University of Vienna, she gained experience with alternative dispute resolution during her work for international law firms in Vienna and Madrid. She held lectures and is author of expert articles in the field of dispute resolution, including international arbitration and negotiations. Sonja is admitted to the bar in Austria.
Sonja speaks English, German, Serbian/Bosnian/Croatian and Spanish and has a basic command of Italian. Together with her international background, she combines extensive knowledge and experience in CEE/SEE jurisdictions and advises clients in various languages.