Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution: arbitration

Vitaliy Kozachenko and Xavier-Romain Rahm lead the arbitration practice at Fortior Law, which is particularly active in international trade, shipping, and finance disputes.
Wehland Arbitration was launched in 2023 by Hanno Wehland, who has experience of handling international commercial and investment arbitration proceedings.

Dispute resolution: arbitration in Switzerland

Bär & Karrer Ltd.

An arbitration tour-de-force, the ‘impressive’ team at Bär & Karrer Ltd. demonstrates excellence across cases surrounding joint ventures, technology transfers, and financing mandates. The practice is jointly led by Nadja Jaisli Kull and Pascal Hachem; the former is particularly well-versed in the sectors of banking and finance, pharmaceuticals, and construction, and the latter is an expert in commercial arbitration, with particular regard to insurance. Cesare Jermini maintains a varied practice that spans company law, transport and inheritance law, while Aurélie Conrad Hari deploys her considerable experience in shareholder and employment disputes to strengthen the firm’s offering. Other names to note include Michele Bernasconi, who retains a broad client roster that extends across media, sports and energy fields, and Cinzia Catelli, who possesses a strong grounding in international commercial arbitration. Matthew Reiter specialises in criminal investigations and white-collar crimes.


Responsables de la pratique:

Nadja Jaisli Kull; Pascal Hachem


Autres avocats clés:

Cesare Jermini; Aurélie Conrad Hari; Michele Bernasconi; Cinzia Catelli; Matthew Reiter


Les références

‘Their practice is unique not only because their partners have an amazing sector experience in finance, corporate, energy, and construction matters, but also because of their impressive hard work, skills, and endless dedication to their cases and clients.’

‘The clients get full access to the partners and delegate to associates only to the extent necessary and when it is beneficial for the client.’

‘Matthew Reiter is skilled at seeing the big picture, has an amazing understanding of the client needs not just in terms of legal issues but also the business side.’

Principaux dossiers


Homburger

Counting an array of blue-chip corporations among its key client roster, the ‘world-class’ arbitration practice at Homburger is fully immersed within regulated industries, from nutrition and life sciences to banking and telecoms. Balz Gross, whose arsenal of skills encompass M&A, long-term supply contracts, and joint ventures, and Mariella Orelli, who is highly knowledgeable in the energy and financial services sectors, spearhead the practice. Gabrielle Nater-Bass employs her skills in handling pharmaceutical contracts, distribution contracts, and shareholder agreements, while Felix Dasser is a strong choice for international conglomerates. Stefanie Pfisterer routinely assists clients with disputes arising out of joint ventures, international sales contracts, and agency, with Dilber Devitre also being recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Balz Gross; Mariella Orelli


Autres avocats clés:

Gabrielle Nater-Bass; Felix Dasser; Stefanie Pfisterer; Dilber Devitre


Les références

‘The team is experienced, professional and dedicated.’

‘Mariella Orelli is outstanding. She has the ability to understand the key issues and communicates clearly.’

‘Homburger team are distinguished experts.’

Principaux clients

Google


FIFA


Pure Gym


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Google on Ambush Marketing during Olympics 2024.
  • Advised European gym operator PureGym on its senior secured notes offering and its new credit facility.
  • Represented international sporting goods company in a $300m cross-border dispute related to a distribution agreement with a global sports shoes producer.

LALIVE

Demonstrating notable strengths in the energy, construction, and mining sectors, ‘go-to firm’ LALIVE capitalises on its deep bench strength to handle multi-jurisdictional arbitrations for a diverse array of blue-chip clients. The practice is jointly led by seasoned practitioner Domitille Baizeau, who is fully immersed in the energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, and technology sectors, and Melissa Magliana, who operates for a litany of clients in relation to construction and engineering disputes. Other names to note include Matthias Scherer, who is well-versed in joint ventures and M&A disputes, and . Marc Veit contributes his knowledge across energy, telecoms, and the life sciences fields, and Catherine Anne Kunz is notably adept in relation to construction contracts, shareholder, and joint venture agreement disputes. Joachim Knoll also contributes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Melissa Magliana; Domitille Baizeau


Autres avocats clés:

Matthias Scherer; Marc Veit; Catherine Anne Kunz; Joachim Knoll


Les références

‘LALIVE’s team is absolutely responsive and understanding of customer needs. Their advice is tailored to the risk profile of the company.’

‘The LALIVE team has done an excellent job providing advice on discrete questions of Swiss law.’

‘They are detail oriented, clear in their communications, and superb strategists.’

Principaux clients

Gate Gourmet


GreenX Limited


Lupaka Gold Corporation


Republic of Latvia


Romania


Ruby River Capital LLC


Winshear Gold Corp.


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Romania in a $6.7bn ICSID arbitration initiated by Canadian and UK investors concerning a gold mining project under Romania’s bilateral investment treaties with Canada and the UK.
  • Representing a European project company in the energy sector in a series of ICC arbitrations with amounts in dispute ranging from several hundred million to several billion EUR relating to a project for the construction of a power plant in Europe.
  • Represented Winshear in a CAD130m ICSID arbitration invoking the Canada-Tanzania BIT against Tanzania, following legislative reforms in the mining sector revoking mineral retention licenses.

Lenz & Staehelin

With an established presence across the sectors of pharmaceuticals, energy, and telecoms, Lenz & Staehelin is well-versed at handling high-stakes and multi-jurisdictional arbitration work and is recommended for its ‘innovative strategic thinking’. Xavier Favre-Bulle and the ‘impressive’ Harold Frey head up the firm’s offering, with Geneva-based Favre-Bulle holding more than 30 years of experience in managing disputes with elements of post M&A, licences, and luxury goods, among others, while Zurich-based Frey assists clients with all facets of construction and M&A disputes, alongside licensing and joint venture arbitration mandates. Martin Burkhardt excels in financial services, investments, and joint venture work, and Thierry Calame is well-positioned to advise a panoply of clients on IP arbitration, especially those surrounding patents. Daniel Tunik is highly knowledgeable in relation to insolvency law, white-collar crimes, and employment disputes, with Martin Aebi contributing his capabilities in IP, construction, and banking disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Xavier Favre-Bulle; Harold Frey


Autres avocats clés:

Martin Burkhardt; Thierry Calame; Daniel Tunik; Martin Aebi


Les références

‘The team stands out for its convincing, well-thought out and innovative strategic thinking in complex arbitrations. It performs incredibly well even under pressure.’

‘Harold Frey is a natural lead counsel and team leader. He’s an accomplished orator and a strategist.’

‘Martin Aebi is a great drafter. He is convincing and clear, his writing skills and legal acumen are hardly matched in Switzerland.’

Principaux clients

Clorox Spain


International Olympic Committee


State of Palestine


thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions


thyssenkrupp Marine Systems


World Anti-Doping Agency


Czech Republic


BTG Pactual


Principaux dossiers


Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler

An ‘outstanding’ and ‘all-round practice’, Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler routinely operates on an international scale and handles a myriad of mandates arising from the sports sector. Four key players operate at the forefront of the practice: Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler, Laurent Lévy, Sébastien Besson and Antonio Rigozzi. Besson employs his expertise in advising multinational companies, ultra-high-net-worth individuals and State entities in relation to a multitude of commercial disputes, while Rigozzi principally focuses on commercial, regulatory, and disciplinary disputes in the sport industry. Other key contacts at the firm include Michele Potestà, who undertakes a varied workload across the banking and finance, pharmaceuticals, and telecoms sectors, and Silja Schaffstein, an expert in the gene tech, pharmaceuticals, and automotive industries.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler; Laurent Lévy; Sébastien Besson; Antonio Rigozzi


Autres avocats clés:

Michele Potestà; Silja Schaffstein


Les références

Sébastien Besson’s expertise on Swiss arbitration law is simply unparalleled.’

‘It’s a large team that delivers the agility and responsiveness of a boutique firm, while offering the precision, rigour and adaptability required for complex cases.’

‘Great expertise in arbitration, especially in sports.’

Principaux clients

South American State


National Iranian Oil Company


Privinvest Group companies


Confederation of African Football


International Olympic Committee


International Basketball Federation


Fédération Internationale de Football Association


Union of European Football Associations


Union Cycliste Internationale


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for the National Iranian Oil Company in a $30bn+ dispute before an ad hoc international arbitral tribunal and in ancillary proceedings, including before the Swiss Supreme Court.
  • Advising the Privinvest shipbuilding group on a large multi-party, multi-contract, and multi-jurisdictional dispute involving a State and several state-owned entities.
  • Acting for the International Olympic Council in several high-profile and high-stakes international arbitrations, including in all disputes brought before the CAS Ad Hoc Division at the Paris Olympic Games.

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

Accomplished at both a domestic and international level, the ‘strategic, commercial, technically excellent’ practice at Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd has core streams of work including commercial, investment, and sport-related disputes. The practice is helmed by Elliott Geisinger, whose strengths lie in commercial arbitration and investor-state disputes, Christopher Boog, who is well-versed in disputes arising from engineering, commodities and investment issues, and Philippe Bärtsch, who maintains a broad practice that spans M&A, infrastructure and licence disputes. Anya George is entrusted by a consortium of clients, such as states, state-owned entities and private companies, with a range of insurance, commodities and manufacturing mandates, while Stefan Leimgruber holds a wealth of experience in international joint ventures, share purchase agreements and construction contract issues. Philipp Groz is also recommended. Greg Lourie joined the team at the beginning of 2025 with expertise in investment arbitration proceedings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Elliott Geisinger; Christopher Boog; Philippe Bärtsch


Autres avocats clés:

Anya George; Stefan Leimgruber; Philipp Groz; Greg Lourie


Les références

‘Schellenberg Wittmer’s international arbitration practice is second to none in the Swiss market. Strategic, commercial, technically excellent and boasting a team replete with fabulous written and oral advocates, clients can rest easy knowing that the firm is representing them in their international arbitration matters.’

‘Elliott Geisinger is simply the best international arbitration practitioner. His knowledge of the practice area, particularly in light of his experience as an arbitrator, is second to none – and he combines that with excellent technical skills as both a written and oral advocate, and a deep commercial awareness that is especially appreciated by clients.’

‘They have a very strong work ethic. The team is the Rolls Royce of international arbitration.’

Principaux clients

Alpiq


BASF


Bristol Myers Squibb


Catalent Pharma Solutions


Celgene Corporation


Chubb


Galderma


GUPC SA


Güriş Construction and Engineering Company


Ingersoll Rand Group


Johnson & Johnson


Large group of investors


MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Plc.


MSC


PEB Steel Asia


Procter & Gamble


Republic of Hungary


Republic of India


Salinen Austria AG


Samsung


Sanofi


SMS Group


TAKRAF GmbH


Tetra Pak


Webuild S.p.A.


Zafer Taahüt, Inşaat ve Ticaret A.S.


Zhonghuan


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented EDF Energies Renouvelables in setting aside proceedings before the Swiss Supreme Court.
  • Represented P&G in a high-stake arbitration, with a successful result.
  • Advised StakeHound SA on Swiss arbitration proceedings concerning a crypto issue and on the relevant interfaces to Swiss law in the parallel proceedings.

Pestalozzi

The ‘very diligent and high-quality’ arbitration practice at Pestalozzi is highly capable of representing a plethora of clients with regard to commodities and banking-related disputes and is notably active in a wide range of sectors, from telecoms and pharmaceuticals, to financial services and energy. Key contact Florian Mohs is well positioned to handle counsel work in international arbitrations. Michael Kramer‘s broad range of expertise includes banking, commodities, and white-collar crime disputes, while Thomas Rohner is frequently engaged by clients for assistance with commercial disputes, asset tracing, and inheritance law matters. Alexandra Johnson covers the full array of oil and gas, engineering, and sport disputes, with Lukas Rusch bolstering the practice with his strengths in energy, post-M&A, and state-investor disputes.

Autres avocats clés:

Michael Kramer; Thomas Rohner; Alexandra Johnson; Lukas Rusch; Florian Mohs


Les références

‘Lukas Rusch and his team are very pleasant to work with – very responsive, smart and with a great eye for details.’

‘Lukas Rusch is outstanding. Smart, great at spotting the relevant issues of the case and very reliable.’

‘Alexandra Johnson is an outstanding arbitration lawyer with a deep understanding of complex cross-border disputes. Her strategic thinking, combined with an exceptional ability to present clear, persuasive arguments, makes her a formidable advocate. Alexandra brings a calm demeanour to even the most challenging cases, consistently delivering excellent results for her clients.’

Principaux clients

Bouygues Construction


DHL


Glencore


Johnson & Johnson


Republic of India


Swiss Life AG


Turkmengaz


Principaux dossiers


Walder Wyss Ltd.

While demonstrating considerable strengths in relation to construction and equipment engineering disputes, ‘top international service’ firm Walder Wyss Ltd. is also highly adept at managing complex private client, trust, and pharmaceutical-related disputes. Dieter Hofmann spearheads the practice, primarily focusing on construction, joint venture, and post-M&A disputes, while Micha Bühler is regularly engaged by clients for assistance with institutional proceedings and ad hoc arbitrations. Michael Feit‘s expertise extends across pharmaceuticals, telecoms, and renewable energy disputes, and Andrea Meier is well-positioned to advise on industrial and infrastructure projects. Another name to note in the practice is Diana Akikol, who employs her experience in post-M&A disputes and sizeable construction projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dieter Hofmann


Autres avocats clés:

Micha Bühler; Michael Feit; Diana Akikol; Andrea Meier; Michael Cartier


Les références

‘Excellent teams covering all regions of Switzerland.’

‘Very deep and wide bench. Top international service.’

‘Andrea Meier is a superstar International Arbitration lawyer – my first choice.’

Principaux clients

Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina


Roche


Greiner AG


Ali Gohar & Company (Private) Limited


Sharma Fabrictors and Erectors Private Limited


AFRILAND First Group


Idorsia Ltd


Sabbagh Wholesale Druggist


Principaux dossiers


Kellerhals Carrard

Bernhard Berger and Olivier Mosimann co-lead the ‘very active and innovative’ practice at Kellerhals Carrard, counting clients active in the chemical, IT, and financial services sectors among its roster and utilising its knowledge in sport, commercial, and investment arbitration proceedings to handle a range of high-stakes mandates. Berger strengthens the practice with his wide-ranging experience in distribution, M&A, industrial projects, and oil and gas, and Mosimann maintains a varied skillset that spans joint ventures, IT, and competition disputes. Martin Molina, an expert in med-tech, high-tech, and energy disputes, and Henry Peter, who focuses on company law issues, are also recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bernhard Berger; Olivier Mosimann


Autres avocats clés:

Martin Molina; Henry Peter


Les références

‘Very active and innovative firm in the field of arbitration.’

‘Martin Molina is a very diligent, yet steadfast arbitrator.’

‘Bernhard Berger is a standout arbitration practitioner. Berger is fair, rigorous, hard-working and well prepared.’

Principaux clients

International Association of Athletics Federations


International Federation of Sport Climbing


International Olympic Committee


Ultimate Concepts Ltd.


World Anti-Doping Agency


Principaux dossiers


Nater Dallafior Rechtsanwälte AG

Praised as ‘very smart, responsive and reliable’, Nater Dallafior Rechtsanwälte AG brings a wealth of experience to the arbitration table, encompassing corporate, competition, asset protection, and white-collar crime disputes. Four key players lead the practice: the ‘very experienced’ Roberto Dallafior, who routinely handles commercial, M&A, and contract disputes, ‘creative’ insurance and reinsurance expert Benjamin Schumacher, the ‘extremely smart’ Mladen Stojiljković, who is well-positioned to advise on commercial and investment arbitration, and Nino Sievi, whose diverse capabilities span post M&A, technology, and construction disputes, among others.

Responsables de la pratique:

Roberto Dallafior; Benjamin Schumacher; Mladen Stojiljković; Nino Sievi


Les références

‘Mladen Stojiljković is experienced (despite his young age), extremely smart and a great lawyer. More importantly, he has integrity, which is the most important in an arbitrator. He has a bright future ahead.’

‘The Nater Dallafior team is very knowledgeable about Swiss law as well as Swiss court and arbitral procedures.’

‘We’ve worked mostly with Roberto Dallafior and Benjamin Schumacher. Both are responsive, knowledgeable, intelligent, skilled lawyers who are a pleasure to work with.’

Principaux clients

AB BANKAS SNORAS


Principaux dossiers


Niederer Kraft Frey AG

Handling a diverse array of factual and legal disputes, Niederer Kraft Frey AG maintains a presence in the fields of media, sport, and infrastructure, to name a few. ‘Smart and experienced’ seasoned practitioner Daniel Eisele, who handles multi-faceted sport, banking, and insurance disputes, among others, for a diverse variety of blue-chip clients, and ‘pragmatic’ veteran Frank Spoorenberg, who possesses considerable experience representing clients before the Swiss Supreme Court, jointly steer the firm’s arbitration department. ‘Dedicated’ Boris Vittoz is noted for his commercial dispute capabilities, while Valerie Meyer Bahar is well regarded for her post-M&A and contractual dispute expertise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniel Eisele; Frank Spoorenberg


Autres avocats clés:

Boris Vittoz; Valerie Meyer Bahar


Les références

‘Frank Spoorenberg is a very pragmatic professional who, thanks to his tremendous experience in his field, devises simple but very efficient legal strategies. He is always very objective, easy to access and expects to be challenged while paying great attention to details. We highly recommend Frank.’

‘Frank Spoorenberg is an outstanding lawyer (excellent legal skills), business-oriented and pragmatic.’

‘Boris Vittoz is dedicated and provides solid advice.’

Principaux dossiers


Peter & Kim

With considerable experience in international commercial and investment treaty arbitration, Peter & Kim is capable of advising a multitude of clients that are active across the luxury goods, energy, and transport sectors, to name a few, and draws upon its office network that encompasses Geneva, Zurich, Seoul, Sydney and Singapore to do so. The practice is jointly steered by Geneva’s Wolfgang Peter, who maintains a broad practice that encompasses M&A, joint ventures, and construction and pharmaceutical-related disputes, and Konstantin Christie, who principally focuses on international public and investment arbitration, alongside Zurich-based Flavio Peter, who is noted for his construction, sales contracts, and gas supply dispute experience. Alexis Schoeb is another name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Wolfgang Peter; Konstantin Christie; Flavio Peter


Autres avocats clés:

Alexis Schoeb


Principaux clients

NIOC


Mr. Goh Chin Soon


Eurasian Resources Group


Government of Viet Nam


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Dogus Construction (a major Turkish construction conglomerate) in commercial arbitrations stemming from two separate construction projects.
  • Acted for OMV in contentious matters in respect of long-term energy supply contracts under the auspices of the ICC.
  • Represented Vietnam in an investor-state arbitration against Chinese claimants, stemming from a construction project.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan (Schweiz) GmbH

‘Renowned for its skilled lawyers’, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan (Schweiz) GmbH is well-versed in an array of arbitration matters, notably within the energy, sports, and manufacturing industries. Three key players lead the practice: in Geneva, Philippe Pinsolle maintains a varied arbitration practice that spans power, oil and gas, and construction, and in Zurich, Simon Vorburger is well-positioned to advise on international commercial arbitration and investment treaty claims, while Thomas Werlen is highly experienced in the banking and finance arbitration realm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Philippe Pinsolle; Simon Vorburger; Thomas Werlen


Autres avocats clés:

Pierre-Yves Marro


Les références

‘Very professional team. Good diversity in the team with complementary skills.’

‘Quinn Emanuel Zurich’s arbitration team is renowned for its skilled lawyers, that deliver outstanding results in complex international disputes.’

‘Their focus on strategic, assertive advocacy and thorough preparation makes them the most formidable arbitration practice in Switzerland. The team knows all major arbitration rules and excels in both representing clients and serving as arbitrators.’

Principaux clients

Uniper Global Commodities


Bondholders of Credit Suisse Additional Tier 1 bonds


Mercuria Energy Trading


United Media Network AG


Lonza


Naturgy


Viasat


World Boxing Super Series


Bucherer


McCormick


Swatch


Sonatrach


ABB


Renault


Accenture


Dr. Maya Dangelas and companies


Asia League


Lion Point


NMC Healthcare


Oro Negro


Oschadbank


Partners Group


Privatbank


Schenker-Winkler Holding


SIG Combibloc Group


STA Travel Holding


Stadler Rail Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Uniper Global Commodities in a $14bn dispute against Gazprom Export LLC based on long-term gas delivery contracts between the two parties.
  • Represented Dr. Maya Dangelas and companies controlled by her in two arbitrations under the US-Vietnam Trade Agreement pursuant to the 1976 UNCITRAL Rules.
  • Represented Swiss-based Mercuria Energy Trading SA and Mercuria Capital Partners Limited in an arbitration against World Natural Resources Limited and World Natural Resources Congo S.A.U. and also involving Energy Complex DMCC under a sale and purchase and cooperation agreement.

5Gambit Disputes Ltd

5Gambit Disputes Ltd‘s arbitration department is led by Tamir Livschitz, who harnesses his strengths in banking, construction, and crypto to advise a range of domestic and international clients. The team continues to build upon its emerging presence within the sectors of commodities, engineering, and mining, routinely assisting clients on a stable of post M&A and sports-related disputes. Another key contact at the practice is Elena Sevila Sánchez who is praised for her ‘extraordinary advocacy skills’ and ‘deep knowledge and experience’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tamir Livschitz


Autres avocats clés:

Elena Sevila Sánchez


Les références

‘Impressive team with high-quality lawyers and an extraordinary ability to simplify highly complex matters.’

‘5Gambit Disputes stands out for its in-depth knowledge of the case, attention to the detail and hard work.’

‘Elena Sevila Sánchez has extraordinary advocacy skills. She leaves no issue unexplored and is relentless in fighting for her clients, consistently achieving outstanding results. She gets on top of the issues quickly and has a great understanding of complex international arbitration issues.’

Principaux dossiers


Archipel

The ‘tenacious’ group at Archipel demonstrates particular proficiencies in the areas of commercial, sports, and investment arbitration, routinely assisting an array of multinational companies, state entities, and high-net-worth individuals. Guillaume Tattevin, who is well-versed international arbitration, cross-border disputes, and international contracts, Giulio Palermo, a sports arbitration expert, and Laurence Ponty, who handles matters for a litany of clients immersed in construction, telecoms, and real estate, jointly lead the practice. Panagiotis Kyriakou is another name to note in the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Guillaume Tattevin; Giulio Palermo; Laurence Ponty


Autres avocats clés:

Panagiotis Kiriakou


Les références

‘They are tenacious.’

‘Guillaume Tattevin was excellent.’

‘Very dynamic and committed team. Many of them come from big law firms and bring in the know-how and quality standards from the big firms, but with a more client-focused mindset. It is a very diverse team with diverse profiles and strengths.’

Principaux dossiers


Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG

Active across the fields of construction, telecoms, and trading, the ‘very dedicated’ Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG team retains a varied offering that spans post M&A, energy, and sports-related mandates, to name a few, utilising its global office network to do so. Three key players lead the group: Urs Zenhäusern, who employs his strengths in commercial, finance, and healthcare disputes to operate for global clients, the ‘excellent’ Luca Beffa, who is well-positioned to advise on banking, M&A, and healthcare arbitration issues, and Joachim Frick, a notable expert in relation to corporate, insurance, and M&A arbitration.

Responsables de la pratique:

Urs Zenhäusern; Luca Beffa; Joachim Frick


Les références

‘Excellent quality.’

‘I have notably recommended Luca Beffa as a party-appointed arbitrator.’

‘Luca Beffa proved to be an excellent arbitrator.’

Principaux dossiers


CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.

While demonstrating particular capabilities in the construction remit, CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. also maintains a broad practice that spans insurance, competition, real estate, and employment. The practice is jointly led by Zurich-based Philipp Dickenmann and Geneva-based Daniel Kinzer; other key contacts in the team include Niklaus Zaugg, who is notably well-versed in matters arising from the automotive, banking, and pharmaceutical sectors, and Olivier Carrard, who possesses a strong grounding in sports law. Pierre Ducret and Jodok Wicki are also recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Philipp Dickenmann; Daniel Kinzer


Autres avocats clés:

Niklaus Zaugg; Olivier Carrard; Pierre Ducret; Jodok Wicki


Les références

‘Niklaus Zaugg and his team were very persuasive in presenting their client’s case in the written submissions. The case was very complex. The CMS team convinced with the excellent quality of their work.’

‘As a client of the team, you always have the feeling of being very well looked after and receiving an excellent basis for decision-making.’

‘The team works very transparently and, especially in matters with deadlines, with perfect time planning that prevents any hectic rush.’

Principaux clients

Thyssenkrupp Presta Aktiengesellschaft


thyssenkrupp Steering Changzhou Co., Ltd.


Court of Arbitration for Sport


Insolvency administrator regarding the assets of South 1 EPC Engineering Gesellschaft


Forced administrator over Novatek Green Energy Sp. z o.o.


Mr. Abdallah El Said


Mr Mohamed Talaat


UMS Nordic A/S


China Development Bank


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Christian Holzmann in his capacity as insolvency administrator regarding the assets of South 1 EPC Engineering Gesellschaft (formerly MMEC Mannesmann) on an ICC claim over an abandoned multibillion-dollar pipeline project to transport gas from Iran to Europe.
  • Represented thyssenkrupp in a high-stakes international arbitration proceeding conducted under the Swiss Rules relating to the delivery of defective components by one of its suppliers.
  • Defended the Polish administrator over the sanctioned Polish company Novatek Green Energy Sp. z o.o. in the defence against the enforcement of an alleged arbitral award issued against Novatek by a Moscow based “arbitral tribunal”.

Eversheds Sutherland AG

Noted for its pharmaceutical, construction, and energy industry expertise, Eversheds Sutherland AG is more than capable of advising a host of clients on license and supply agreements, and sale and purchase contracts, among other issues. The ‘excellent’ and ‘well established’ Manuel Arroyo, who utilises his language skills to handle complex international scale arbitrations, and Patrick Eberhardt, who bolsters the practice with his considerable experience on the international trade and trade finance side, jointly steer the practice. Another name to note is Peter Haas, who is geared to handle tort, employment and insurance disputes, among others, and is routinely entrusted by a wide range of insurers.

Responsables de la pratique:

Manuel Arroyo; Patrick Eberhardt


Autres avocats clés:

Peter Haas; Tigran Serobyan


Les références

‘Manuel Arroyo enjoys an excellent reputation as arbitration specialist; his publications in the field are outstanding.’

‘Manuel Arroyo is a well-established arbitrator.’

‘The practice has recognised expertise in construction, oil & gas, and pharma disputes.’

Principaux clients

Ferrexpo AG


B8 Esports


Online Gamers Foundation


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Ferrexpo on Swiss law issues within a multimillion ad hoc arbitration with follow-up advice on enforcement of the rendered award.
  • Advised Online Gamers Foundation on the establishment of an internal arbitration body within a certification programme for safe gaming.
  • Advised a MENA-based telecoms company on an arbitration concerning the payment of roaming fees in connection with the US sanctions regime.

Gabriel Arbitration AG

The ‘experienced and dedicated’ team at Gabriel Arbitration AG enjoys a well-rounded practice that spans energy-related cases, post-M&A, and joint venture arbitration, alongside technology and commodity issues. The practice is spearheaded by Simon Gabriel, who is regarded for his ‘sharp intellect’ and skills in relation to consortia, international sales contracts, and licensing contracts, and the ‘outstanding’ Axel Buhr, who possesses a wealth of experience across construction, engineering, and agency agreement issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Simon Gabriel; Axel Buhr


Les références

‘Experienced and dedicated team of excellent arbitration lawyers.’

‘Gabriel Arbitration is a very efficient and nimble operation. They get the big picture, they are very strong tactically, and they have an excellent command of the procedural landscape. The representation that they offer is unquestionably top notch, and they offer it at a reasonable cost.’

‘Simon Gabriel is outstanding as an advocate. His hearing room performance is spectacular. He is very well prepared, thinks exceptionally well on his feet, and he delivers his argument in a simple, straightforward manner which leads to a clarity of presentation that few can match.’

Principaux clients

Naftogaz of Ukraine


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted as co-counsel for Naftogaz (Ukraine) in an ICC arbitration Naftogaz initiated in September 2022 against Gazprom (Russia).

Lustenberger + Partners

Counting a range of domestic and international clients in its roster, the ‘excellent’ and ‘strategic’ team at Lustenberger + Partners is routinely entrusted for assistance with employment-related arbitration in telecoms, pharmaceuticals, and defence sectors. The group is helmed by the ‘very clever’ Claudius Triebold, Monika McQuillen, an expert in commercial and employment arbitration, and the ‘very collaborative’ Michael Lazopoulos. Another name to note is Beat Gino Koenig, who deploys his capabilities in relation to construction and infrastructure arbitration to advise a range of clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

Claudius Triebold; Monika McQuillen; Michael Lazopoulos


Autres avocats clés:

Beat Gino Koenig


Les références

‘Michael Lazopoulos was a strong lead and was very collaborative.’

‘Strong communication skills and good strategic approach.’

‘Highly committed arbitration boutique law firm, not only with knowledge of the legal part of international arbitration cases, but also with experience of the practical business requirements and consequences of the case, resulting in a good understanding of the quantum part of the case.’

Principaux dossiers


MLL Legal

Fielding a broad client base that includes pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and construction companies, the ‘sharp’ practice at MLL Legal is regularly engaged by such clients for assistance with commercial, sports, and investment arbitrations. The practice is co-led by Jean Marguerat, who maintains a varied practice that spans marine work, corporate transactions, and sale of goods issues, and Urs Boller, who is highly experienced on the commercial and enforcement side. Dmitry A Pentsov and Léonard Stoyanov, who handles a multitude of contractual and corporate law arbitration, further strengthen the firm’s offering.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jean Marguerat; Urs Boller


Autres avocats clés:

Dmitry A Pentsov; Léonard Stoyanov


Les références

‘An expanded team now with full-service offering.’

‘Jean Marguerat is very knowledgeable and accessible.’

‘The team has always demonstrated being uniformly aware of the main issues of the arbitral procedure, and always discussed policy and strategy openly with me, which led to a creative environment of exchanges of ideas.’

Principaux clients

FCC Construcción


Kingdom of Spain


MAN Energy Solutions SE


Adecco Group AG


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented MAN Energy Solutions SE in a highly complex construction arbitration.
  • Represented the Kingdom of Spain in an investment arbitration.
  • Represented Adecco Group in arbitration proceedings regarding a trademark license agreement.

Patocchi & Marzolini

‘Outstanding’ and ‘powerful arbitration boutique’ Patocchi & Marzolini is headed up by the ‘exceptional’ Paolo Michele Patocchi and ‘brilliant legal mind’ Paolo Marzolini, and is highly active on both the arbitration and litigation sides. The team operates for a variety of multinational companies and top-tier financial institutions in cross-border arbitration proceedings. Daniel Durante is also recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paolo Michele Patocchi; Paolo Marzolini


Autres avocats clés:

Daniel Durante


Les références

‘Patocchi is an outstanding arbitration team. The two partners are able to work in four or five languages, are very experienced and very smart.’

‘I have an experience as an arbitrator with Paolo Michele Patocchi. He is brilliant, works hard, is totally independent and impartial and he is one of the cleverest people I have worked with. He speaks and works in 5 languages and is an exceptional lawyer.’

‘I have worked with Paolo Marzolini as counsel: he works hard and is very accurate. I think that he is an excellent lawyer and has a very good feeling of what is the best for has client.’

Principaux dossiers


Sidley Austin LLP

Steered by David P Roney, Sidley Austin LLP is highly capable of advising on a range of high stakes investment arbitrations across an array of sectors and is regarded for its ‘speed, accuracy and thoughtfulness’. Seasoned practitioner Roney is adept at managing project disputes in the energy and engineering sectors, while Tanya Landon actively handles the full gamut of multi-jurisdictional disputes, including cross-examination, enforcement, and execution. Marc S Palay is also recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Roney


Autres avocats clés:

Tanya Landan; Marc S Palay


Les références

‘Speed, accuracy and thoughtfulness are the 3 qualities that I think stand out.’

‘I highly recommend Sidley’s dispute resolution team for their exceptional expertise, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to achieving a successful outcome in a complex case.’

‘Marc Palay is an excellent litigator and exactly the trusted ally you need to resolve complex arbitration disputes.’

Principaux clients

beIN Media Group


TC Energy Corporation


Silimed Industria de Implantes Ltda


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented global sports and entertainment broadcaster beIN Media Group in its investment treaty arbitration against Saudi Arabia.
  • Advised Calgary-based TC Energy on a $15bn investment arbitration against the United States government after the Biden administration revoked its Presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline project.
  • Represented Silimed in a confidential ICC arbitration against Polytech Health and Aesthetics GmbH, involving claims for breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets under German law, with the seat of arbitration in Rio de Janeiro.

VISCHER

Spearheaded by Daniele Favalli, Christian Oetiker, and Gérald Virleux, the ‘excellent and pragmatic’ team at VISCHER possesses a strong grounding in construction, aviation, transportation, and insurance-related arbitration proceedings. Favalli is highly experienced on the commercial dispute side, Oetiker is well-versed in financial services, defence, and aviation mandates, and Virleux maintains a broad ranging practice that includes commercial and employment arbitrations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniele Favalli; Christian Oetiker; Gérald Virleux


Les références

‘Excellent and pragmatic team.’

‘Strong team with excellent knowledge and trial skills’

‘VISCHER is well known in the international arbitration scene. Also, they are well-connected in the U.S.’

Principaux clients

MCH Group, Art Basel Hong Kong


Art Basel Miami Beach


AIG


EBT swiss engineering AG


Pirelli


PricewaterhouseCoopers


Sakto Corporation


T-Systems


Principaux dossiers