Austria 2024

An Unforgettable Legal Journey to Austria During the Christmas Season

There’s something inherently magical about Austria—especially during the Christmas season. The twinkling lights, snow-dusted rooftops, and world-renowned Christmas markets filled with handcrafted goods, festive music, and the comforting aroma of mulled wine create an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. It was against this enchanting backdrop that our U.S. Legal Delegation embarked on a remarkable journey in December 2024.

While the allure of Austrian holiday traditions drew many of us in, our primary purpose was rooted in professional growth and international exchange. We traveled not just as tourists, but as legal professionals eager to engage with Austrian counterparts, explore the country’s legal framework, and reflect on the shared values underpinning the rule of law.

Each member of our delegation came to Austria with unique motivations and left with personal reflections and lasting memories. Yet what united us all was the profound impact of those eight days—an experience that was as intellectually enriching as it was culturally unforgettable.

From in-depth discussions with Austrian legal experts to visits at historic institutions and landmarks, our time in Austria offered more than insight into a different legal system. It gave us perspective on how deeply law, history, and culture intertwine to shape justice in any society—and how much we can learn from those intersections.

Professional Meetings

While in Vienna, we met with the President of the Austria Regional Court, Mag. Friedrich Forsthuber, who gave us an interactive tour of the facilities and was gracious enough to spend 2 hours with our group. We learned that the memories and emotions are still very much alive and deep regarding the Nazi occupation of Austria during WW II. Mag. Forsthuber was eager to tell us this history and told us about the authoritarianism that is sweeping through Europe and warned us not to let it happen in America as he saw the signs in our country.  It was serious and chilling when he described. He told us of over 64,000 Austrian Jews executed by the Nazis, many of them in the room we were in. He related that Hitler told the judges to forget the law. We were in the Room of Remembrance where not only Jews, but also resistance fighters were executed. I will never forget that room and walking across the street to the Wall of Names Memorial, which had the names of these that were murdered inscribed on the wall.

Also, in Vienna we met with Dr. Michael Waibel a professor of international law at the University of Vienna. He is highly credentialed and accomplished and spoke to us of the Austrian laws schools and how they are similar and different from those in America. It was refreshing to meet with Professor Waibel and encouraging to learn more about their Rule of Law. We discussed the education and training for lawyers and judges in Austria, and the courts and judicial system.

One of the highlights of our trip was a Vienna local holocaust survivor, Dr. Thomas Lachs. He spoke to us about his experiences during WW II. He was born in Vienna into Jewish family and fled with his parents and lived with his parents in different countries. He told stories of his father working as Comptroller of Vienna, his mother being a school principal. , and his brother being murdered in a Nazi concentration camp. His grandparents both died in Nazi concentration camps. .  He and his family kept running from the Nazis.  Dr. Lachs received a Fulbright Scholarship, and worked in the equivalent to the Federal Reserve in Austria after the war.  Like

Mag. Friedrich Forsthuber, Dr. Lachs warned us about an authoritarian takeover in our country and urged a resistance and a fight for democracy. He is living proof of what can happen.

More Culture

From a cultural standpoint, we became enveloped in the magic which is Austria at Christmas time. While in Salzburg where had a walking tour of the city center and learned about Mozart’s life in Salzburg. Of course, there were many other cultural events and highlights. To close out our trip to close out our trip we enjoyed a farewell dinner and an advent and Christmas concert at the renown Hohensalzburg Fortress. I can honestly say, the trip was successful and memorable to all.