For many years, Univ. Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Bergthaler, a well-known partner at Haslinger / Nagele Rechtsanwälte Ltd. and a long-standing professor for environmental law at the JKU, has played a decisive role in shaping environmental law in Austria. He focuses on environmental proceedings involving industrial and infrastructure facilities as well as provides comprehensive legal counsel in the field of public commercial law, ranging from product law and energy law to liability law. Bergthaler is also well-known for his scholarly activities that include numerous publications as an editor, and recognition for his international publications. As part of the International Bar Association, he serves as "co-chair" of the "Environmental, Health and Safety Law Committee".

Commenting on his appointment as Dean at the JKU’s Faculty of Law, Bergthaler remarked: "Location-wise, law at the JKU has a unique advantage. The interdisciplinary environment allows one to experience many legal dimensions, such as an instrument to resolve conflicts, as well as address the social, technological, ecological, and economic challenges we now face. Even as a practicing attorney, I’ve always been happy to turn to the JKU when it comes to not only analyzing legal issues, but also thinking ahead in a more constructive way. I am honored to teach here as a professor and to serve as dean. I look forward to working for the faculty as a team together with Deputy Deans David Leeb and Martina Schickmair."