Bär & Karrer Ltd. continues to prove itself as a leading firm for private clients needing guidance on wealth and succession planning, inheritance disputes, and international tax, among other matters. Described as ‘a force of nature and one of the most eminent private client lawyers in Switzerland’, Tina Wüstemann heads the private client practice with nearly three decades of experience. Leading the team alongside her, Daniel Bader is a tax expert that regularly handles cross-border matters. Daniel Leu is a further standout member of the team, who advises on foundations and trusts, art law, and residency.
Private client in Switzerland
Bär & Karrer Ltd.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tina Wüstemann; Daniel Bader
Autres avocats clés:
Daniel Leu; Daniel Hochstrasser; Ruth Bloch-Riemer
Les références
‘B&K is one of Switzerland’s largest and most prestigious law firms, especially in the private client world.’
‘They are very good at what they do. They have a vast amount of experience and a large array of international cases. They absolutely have the stature and experience to take on any matter.’
‘Tina Wüstemann is a force of nature and one of the most eminent private client lawyers in Switzerland and potentially in the world. She has a huge network and knows everyone and everything. You surely want to have her in your court.’
Principaux dossiers
Lenz & Staehelin
Hailed as ‘one of the great law firms of Switzerland’, Lenz & Staehelin handles a wide range of matters for private clients such as investment portfolios, distressed assets, estate planning, artwork, and trusts. The team is co-led by Lucien Masmejan and Heini Rüdisühli. With his extensive experience advising on tax-related matters, Daniel Schafer is an excellent source of advice within the team. Further key members of the practice include Mark Barmes, Alexander Greter, and Géraldine Auberson. In particular, Barmes is noted for his expertise assisting both local and international clients with wealth planning.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lucien Masmejan; Heini Rüdisühli
Autres avocats clés:
Mark Barmes; Géraldine Auberson; Frédéric Neukomm; Alexander Greter; Alexandra Hirt; Daniel Schafer
Les références
‘Lenz & Stähelin is one of the great law firms of Switzerland. They have vast resources and knowledge. Their experience and international footprint allow them to handle the most complex and largest of cases. Their private client team is amazing.’
‘The practice has wide-ranging experience in dealing with international private clients and their businesses. The advice given is therefore both commercial and personal, a combination which clients value as it allows for both good governance and decision-making.’
‘Lucien Masmejan is hugely experienced with private clients. He’s both practical and commercial. Géraldine Auberson is highly organised and knowledgeable.’
Principaux dossiers
Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
With in-depth experience handling estate and inheritance disputes for high-profile international clients, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd presents itself as a go-to firm for families needing advice on wealth structuring and preservation. The team is headed by Andrea Dorjee-Good and David Wallace Wilson. Dorjee-Good stands out for her expertise in estate and succession planning, while Wilson often handles inheritance disputes. With decades of experience navigating the private banking landscape, Bernard Vischer is recommended for matters related to corporate and banking regulations. Other key individuals include Guillaume Grisel, who regularly advises on international tax matters, as well as Caroline Lopez Nagai.
Les références
‘They have a large team of specialists all with great knowledge.’
‘Andrea Dorjee-Good is a fantastic asset to her clients. She combines her in-depth knowledge of Swiss succession law with strong problem-solving skills, which enables her to find pragmatic solutions in the complex world of cross-border estate planning.’
‘Guillaume Grisel has great depth of cross-border private client knowledge, particularly between the UK and Switzerland. Guillaume has impressive language skills and is always a pleasure to work with.’
Principaux clients
Rhone Trust
NBK Banque Privée (Suisse) SA
Principaux dossiers
- Representing one of several heirs in a very complex cross-border trust and estate dispute involving complex trust structures in various jurisdictions holding a major family-owned business.
- Representing two heirs in a complex Swiss estate litigation, involving claims against the stepfather and the executor who is challenging substantial lifetime gifts to the clients.
- Advising a UHNWI with a Swiss background on his global estate planning.
Walder Wyss Ltd.
The ‘extremely knowledgeable team’ at Walder Wyss Ltd. is co-headed by Kinga Weiss and Philippe Pulfer. Weiss has experience advising on a broad range of issues such as anti-money laundering, inheritance law, estate planning, and tax. Praised by clients as ‘the number one private client professional in Switzerland’, Pulfer is a go-to advisor for clients seeking guidance for trusts and foundations. Robert Desax is recommended for wealth planning and offers his services in French, German, and English. Other essential members of the team include Olivier Sigg, Ayesha Curmally, and Fouad Sayegh.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kinga Weiss; Philippe Pulfer
Autres avocats clés:
Olivier Sigg; Robert Desax; Fouad Sayegh; Philippe Kohler; Ayesha Curmally
Les références
‘My experience of Walder Wyss is that it’s truly world-class, with a very international outlook. The quality of their work is second to none.’
‘Philippe Pulfer is the number one private client professional in Switzerland. He’s impeccable in all aspects.’
‘They have an extremely knowledgeable team.’
Principaux dossiers
Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG
Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG excels at advising on cross-border wealth management matters for private individuals, families, trust companies, and investment advisors, among others. The firm is also particularly skilled at handling various international taxation matters across numerous jurisdictions, including the UK and the US. The team’s experience ranges from asset-disclosure regulations and inheritance tax to investigations and audits. The team is co-led by Marnin Michaels, Lyubomir Georgiev, and Elliott Murray. Other standout members of the team include Gregory Walsh who regularly advises on tax compliance matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Marnin Michaels; Lyubomir Georgiev; Elliott Murray
Autres avocats clés:
Gregory Walsh; Jacopo Crivellaro
Les références
‘Marnin Michaels and Lyubomir Georgiev are two outstanding individuals. They are client-minded, solution-oriented and responsive, with expertise in cross-border wealth and estate planning for the US and UK.’
‘Baker McKenzie has been outstanding in providing first class advice in complicated cross border tax transactions. In particular, Baker McKenzie has proven to be excellent in explaining complicated tax matters.’
‘The team’s level of service is outstanding! Marnin Michael’s has a unique way of strategic thinking that benefits every even most complicated case.’
Principaux dossiers
Charles Russell Speechlys AG
With its ‘deep expertise in cross-border planning’, the private client team at Charles Russell Speechlys AG is well-placed to advise on private wealth disputes, immigration, property acquisition, tax, and wealth structuring. The firm houses a diverse client portfolio that includes individuals, wealth managers, trustees, and beneficiaries in Switzerland and the UK as well as other jurisdictions. The team is co-headed by Michael Wells-Greco and Mark Summers. With his experience assisting with the estates of high-net worth clients, Grégoire Uldry is another prominent individual within the team.
Autres avocats clés:
Dharshi Wijetunga; Grégoire Uldry; Sirin Yüce
Les références
‘The team consists of highly proficient lawyers with a deep expertise in cross-border planning. They are able to craft practical solutions for the client’s needs.’
‘The team is highly responsive and has proven cross-border experience. The team works collaboratively across practice areas and jurisdictions.’
‘Michael Wells-Greco has encyclopedic knowledge of cross-border family and succession matters. He is the go-to lawyer for Anglo-Swiss private client matters.’
Principaux dossiers
CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.
The private client team at CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. focusses on domestic and international estate planning and litigation, and regularly caters to high-net worth individuals, families, and banks. Co-leading the team is Tobias Somary, who has extensive experience advising on prenuptial agreements, trusts, and succession planning. Pierre Ducret heads the team alongside him and is particularly skilled at navigating litigation with a cross-border element. Considered ‘a go-to practitioner for complex inheritance matters’, Louise Lutz Sciamanna also comes highly recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tobias Somary; Pierre Ducret
Autres avocats clés:
Louise Lutz Sciamanna; David Hürlimann; Tanja Schaub; Sarah Busca Bonvin
Les références
‘Tobias Somary certainly stands out with his experience. He is a very good solution-oriented lawyer.’
‘Tobias Somary in Zurich is a first-rate cross-border practitioner with excellent technical abilities and a bedside manner to match.’
‘They have a great team with excellent experts.’
Principaux dossiers
Fischer Ramp Buchmann
Fischer Ramp Buchmann is a boutique private client firm that is home to ‘tax experts of outstanding quality’ who regularly assist with complex cross-border matters. Founding partners Michael Fischer and Samuel Ramp both have considerable experience advising national and international clients. Their combined expertise includes tax planning and litigation, wealth structuring, and real estate matters across various jurisdictions. Marc Buchmann and Manuel Frei are also noted for their work on some of the firm’s most complex cases.
Responsables de la pratique:
Michael Fischer; Samuel Ramp; Marc Buchmann
Autres avocats clés:
Manuel Frei; Tendon Dahortsang
Les références
‘The practice has a team of lawyers and tax experts of outstanding quality.’
‘Michael Fischer is very knowledgeable in Swiss tax law applicable to private clients. He is easy to reach and can think out of the box.’
‘Michael Fischer, Samuel Ramp and Marc Buchmann are outstanding and great to work with. They excel in complex cross-border matters including both legal and tax aspects.’
Principaux dossiers
- Advising an UHNW entrepreneur couple on their relocation from UK to Switzerland and on cross-border tax structuring related to their trust.
- Advising two UHNW entrepreneurs active in high frequency trading on restructuring their fund business as well as their relocation to Switzerland.
- Advising two UHNW entrepreneurs on cross-border wealth and tax structuring matters.
Homburger
Homburger draws from specialists across the firm to offer comprehensive advice to its private clients regarding matters relating to tax, dispute resolution, real estate, and financing. With its ‘extensive knowledge of international law’, the team regularly navigates cross-border mandates between multiple jurisdictions across Europe. Leading the team, Claudia Suter has in-depth experience advising on estate planning and tax structuring. Gabrielle Nater-Bass is another outstanding individual that frequently handles international trust and estate litigation. Tobias Kaufmann and Anja Korradi are also noted.
Responsables de la pratique:
Claudia Suter
Autres avocats clés:
Tobias Kaufmann; Anja Korradi; Gabrielle Nater-Bass; Harold Grüninger; Stefanie Pfisterer
Les références
‘The partners and associates are remarkable. They have consistently demonstrated outstanding qualities such as innovation, teamwork, and an unyielding drive to achieve results.’
‘The team has extensive knowledge on international law. They are fast, responsive, and detail oriented.’
‘Gabrielle Nater-Bass always follows up with the developments and available whenever needed. She is quick to act and has excellent communication skills.’
Principaux dossiers
MLL Legal
With Patricia Guerra and Serge Calame leading the team, MLL Legal continues to be a go-to firm for private clients needing advice on relocation, real estate acquisitions, inheritance disputes, and tax planning. Maud Udry-Alhanko specialises in family law and often handles cross-border divorce and estate matters. Julien Tron is another exceptional member of the team with experience in wealth planning. Catherine Kavadze is also noted for her experience advising high-net worth individuals on various matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Patricia Guerra; Serge Calame
Autres avocats clés:
Dmitry Pentsov; Julie Wynne; Bernard Lachenal; Julien Tron; Maud Udry-Alhanko; Catherine Kavadze
Les références
‘The private client team at MLL offers one-stop shop service for all needs with wide-ranging expertise. They have a dynamic team approach to effectively handle complex international matters.’
‘Julien Tron is extremely responsive, technical, and empathetic. He’s a go-to lawyer in Geneva.’
‘Serge Calame, Julien Tron and Maud Udry-Alhanko operate as a seamless team. They provide expert advice and support whilst being extremely personable. They have excellent language skills.’
Principaux dossiers
Niederer Kraft Frey AG
As a full-service law firm, Niederer Kraft Frey AG advises its private clients on the full spectrum of matters, including investments, estate planning, relocation, divorce, and inheritance law. The team is headed by Catherine Grun Meyer, who has an expertise in succession planning of family businesses. Leading the team alongside her, Thomas Graf is recommended for tax matters within the sports industry. Daniel Antognini and Thomas Hochstrasser are also notable members of the team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Catherine Grun Meyer; Thomas Graf
Autres avocats clés:
Michaela Zehnder; Daniel Antognini; Thomas Hochstrasser; Mirjam Vögeli
Les références
‘The team has extremely experienced lawyers.’
‘They are very responsive and strong on the technical side. They’re a pleasure to work with.’
‘Catherine Grun and Thomas Graf are very experienced on cross-border matters and a pleasure to work with.’
Principaux dossiers
Pestalozzi
The team at Pestalozzi is co-led by Oliver Widmer, Thomas Rohner, and Christophe Emonet. Widmer regularly advises financial institutions and wealth managers on matters relating to banking and capital markets. Rohener is recommended for litigation arising from inheritance disputes, trusts, and estate law. Emonet is skilled at navigating international investigations; he specialises in financial fraud cases and other white-collar crime matters. Jonas Sigrist is another key individual who is an expert at handling domestic and cross-border tax matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Oliver Widmer; Thomas Rohner; Christophe Emonet
Autres avocats clés:
Jonas Sigrist; Michael Lips
Les références
‘They are quick and well-organised. The team is very good for all Swiss tax topics.’
‘Jonas Sigrist is very good for all direct and indirect tax issues.’
‘I am very happy with the Pestalozzi team. I have had good experiences with them, especially with the tax team. Their availability, communication, and follow-up are excellent.’
Principaux clients
Bank IHAG
Bank Maerki Baumann
Bank Reichmuth
Bank Rothschild
Bank Vontobel
Banque Cantonale de Genève
CERN, European Organization for Nuclear Research
Cofra Holding AG
Credit Agricole
Deutsche Bank Private Banking
Fahad Al-Rajaan
Fleming Family & Partners (Suisse) AG
Hauck und Auhäuser
Maerki Baumann & CO
Marcuard
Merrill Lynch Trust Services
Private Clients Partner
Société Générale
Stonehage (Zürich) AG
Zulauf Family
Principaux dossiers
Bratschi Ltd
Bratschi Ltd offers tax and general legal advice to private businesses and private banking. Hailed for its ‘great experience in international taxation and estate planning’, the team also regularly advises on financial regulations, inheritance law, succession planning, and relocation. Ingmar JM Snijders heads the team with more than two decades of experience.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ingmar JM Snijders
Autres avocats clés:
Michael Suter; Roland Böhi
Les références
‘The team has great experience in international taxation and estate planning.’
‘Ingmar Snijders is professional and is always willing to look for a solution. He’s one of a kind, and it’s always great to work with him.’
‘The team are always ready to assist. They are friendly, creative and professional.’
Principaux dossiers
FBT Attorneys-at-Law
In addition to advising high-net worth individuals and families, FBT Attorneys-at-Law caters to a broad range of clients, including trustees, banking institutions, asset managers, and charitable foundations. The team has experience advising on inheritance disputes, private banking, and international successions, among other matters. Jean-Luc Bochatay is a tax expert who frequently handles cross-border matters. Located in Paris, Pascale Cano focusses on estate planning and other family-related mandates.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jean-Luc Bochatay; Pascal Cano
Autres avocats clés:
Frederique Bensahel; Michel Abt
Les références
‘The FBT are reliable and competent. They react quickly and efficiently to all our questions and requests.’
‘Jean-Luc Bochatay and his colleagues give very good advice in timely and professional manner.’
Principaux dossiers
- Advised on a complex and high-stake cross-border tax and estate planning matter.
- Advised on the transmission of assets to the heirs of several marriages domiciled in different countries.
- Advised a founder and principal shareholder on the sale of a company active in the new digital economy.
Staiger Attorneys at Law Ltd
Located in Zurich, Staiger Attorneys at Law Ltd is sought after for its expertise in inheritance and estate planning. Spearheaded by Georgia Fotiou and Andreas Von Erlach, the team regularly advises on trust and foundation law, succession planning, tax matters, and relocation. Fotiou is particularly skilled at advising private clients from South Africa, while Von Erlach is recommended for his experience handling matters for family-owned businesses. Michael Hamm is another integral part of the team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Georgia Fotiou; Andreas von Erlach
Autres avocats clés:
Michael Hamm
Les références
‘Staiger attorneys is a modern company with experienced experts in the legal field. ‘
‘The level of professionalism, dedication to law, and the outstanding team makes Staiger a leader in the field. The team consists of skilled, competent, and capable law experts.’
‘Georgia Fotiou is a top specialist in her field and an outstanding attorney.’
Principaux clients
Nesinco Group Ltd.
Andritz Soutec Ltd.
L.A.M. Les Arts Mécaniques SA
New Energy Horizons Ltd.
Private Capital Partners Ltd.
Hegeler Carus Foundation
Principaux dossiers
- Representing a family trust as international lead counsel in global restructuring of Les Arts Mécaniques.
- Advising an UHNW family on family governance and the structuring their business affairs.
Wenger Vieli Ltd
Spearheaded by Bruno Bächli and Michael Huber, the private client team at Wenger Vieli Ltd handles a broad range of matters, including tax and estate planning, execution of wills, and inheritance contracts. The team is also skilled at litigation arising out of disputes of succession and divisions of the estate. Dominik Bürgy and Joël Doswald are noted for their experience advising on cross-border tax structuring.
Les références
‘They are efficient and precise in their analysis.’
‘Michael Huber and his team are always reachable.’
‘The team stands out for the quality of its work as well as its reliability.’
Principaux dossiers
Kellerhals Carrard
Ingrid Iselin and Annette Spycher co-head the private client team at Kellerhals Carrard. Spycher is skilled at navigating complex cross-border family-related matters, and frequently advises on divorce proceedings, prenuptial agreements, and inheritance law. Iselin has more than two decades of experience advising on estate planning, international relocation, and trust litigation. Frédérique Flournoy and Jean-Christophe Hocke are also seasoned members of the team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ingrid Iselin; Annette Spycher
Autres avocats clés:
Frédérique Flournoy; Jean-Christophe Hocke
Les références
‘Annette Spycher is extremely competent. Her ability to think strategically and take a proactive approach is most impressive.’
‘Annette was a pleasure to work with. She provided excellent and timely advice. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone needing advice in Switzerland.’
‘The team is extremely responsive and knowledgeable.’
Principaux dossiers
LALIVE
The private client practice at LALIVE stands out for the ‘exceptional abilities of its individual team members’. The team has extensive experience handling domestic and international litigation. Leading the group are Werner Jahnel, Alexander Troller, and Sandrine Giroud. Their combined expertise includes advising on art law, asset recovery, inheritance and trust disputes, and the freezing of assets. Simone Nadelhofer joined Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd in September 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Werner Jahnel; Alexander Troller; Sandrine Giroud
Les références
‘They stand out for their efficiency, responsiveness, and competence. They have a very useful network of specialists.’
‘Alexander Troller has an intimate knowledge of financial services. He is equally at ease in multi-jurisdictional matters of wealth planning and litigation areas. He’s definitely a go-to adviser.’
‘The prowess of this law firm lies in the exceptional abilities of its individual team members. Each lawyer brings a unique set of skills and a deep reservoir of legal knowledge to the table. Their expertise covers a broad spectrum of practice areas, allowing them to offer tailored solutions for even the most intricate legal matters.’
Principaux dossiers
- Representing a UHNWI and related entities in a large art fraud case.
- Advising a HNWI domiciled in Switzerland in relation to inheritance and asset structuring issues.
- Advising an heiress in a complex cross-border litigious succession over real estate and other assets located in Switzerland, Europe and North Africa.
Loyens & Loeff
Loyens & Loeff possesses expertise in international taxation, including matters relating to tax litigation, indirect taxes, and tax regulations. In addition to this, the team regularly assists its clients with a variety of mandates such as immigration, wills and prenuptial agreements, and business succession. With his ‘thorough knowledge of the tax system’, Beat Baumgartner heads the team and is well-placed to advise investment managers, family offices, and high-net worth individuals.
Responsables de la pratique:
Beat Baumgartner
Les références
‘Beat Baumgartner’s team is experienced and highly regarded in Swiss and international tax matters.’
‘Beat Baumgartner has a thorough knowledge of the tax system and is outstanding on a technical level. He is proficient at resolving complex legal cases while remaining clear and getting to the point. He is a pleasant person to work with.’
‘The team stands out for its knowledge and the quality of advisory services provided. They have a very stable team with strong leaders who are very well known and respected within their industry.’
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted a Brazilian resident UHNWI on their relocation to Switzerland.
- Assisted a Dutch resident UHNWI on their relocation to Switzerland.
- Assisted a Belgian resident UHNWI on the tax efficient relocation to Switzerland.
MME Legal | Tax | Compliance
MME Legal | Tax | Compliance frequently advises high-profile clients and family businesses on a variety of issues such as succession, wealth planning, taxation, and matters relating to matrimonial law. The team consists of highly experienced individuals that include Balz Hoesly, Christoph Nater, Alexandra Geiger, Christoph Rechsteiner, and Walter Frei. In particular, Hoesly is noted for his expertise in handling international inheritance matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Balz Hoesly; Christoph Nater; Alexandra Geiger; Christoph Rechsteiner; Walter Frei
Principaux clients
Private Bank Rahn+Bodmer Co.
Stiftung Diakoniewerk Neumünster – Schweizerische Pflegerinnenschule
Foundation Frieda Locher-Hofmann
Swiss Federal Office of Justice
OFS Ombud Finance Switzerland
Principaux dossiers
- Advised several customers of the oldest private bank in Zürich, Rahn+Bodmer Co., on private wealth, economic and real estate matters and their international estate planning.
- Advised on all regulatory and legal matters of the Frieda Locher Hofmann Foundation, which provides funds for medical projects supporting elderly and mentally handicapped people.
- Assisted with the estate planning of for a former UHNWI as well as the execution of the estate, which is regulated by several contracts of succession and the will.
Wenger Plattner
In addition to offering comprehensive tax advice, Wenger Plattner also has extensive experience drafting deeds of inheritance, wills, and estate distributions. Filippo Th. Beck is at the forefront of the private client practice, and focusses on law relating to banking and financial markets. Praised as ‘a very knowledgeable and experienced professional’, Roland Bachmann is recommended for matters relating to employment law and work permits.
Les références
‘Roland Bachmann is a very knowledgeable and experienced professional. He’s a great listener and always available for discussions. His conflict management and negotiation skills are outstanding.’
‘Wenger Plattner is good at assisting clients with the administration of estates in Switzerland, especially when there is a cross-border element involved.’
‘Daniel Gabrieli is very approachable. He has an excellent knowledge of private client matters, which include cross-border estates, and he works efficiently regarding the administration of the estate.’
Principaux clients
Bosniaken Institut; Stiftung Adil Zulfikarpasic
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Bosniaken Institut, Stiftung Adil Zulfikarpasic in a CHF 15 million inheritance dispute over the inheritance of the late Adil Zulfikarpasic, a Bosnian politician.