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Switzerland’s principal legal centres are Geneva and Zurich, with Basel, Bern and, to a lesser extent, Lugano and Lausanne also significant hubs for the legal profession. A number of firms practise throughout the country, with offices in several cities and cantons.
The key players in the market remain the same, generally fielding larger and more well-rounded practices: these include Bär & Karrer AG, Baker & McKenzie Geneva, Homburger, Schellenberg Wittmer, Lenz & Staehelin and Niederer Kraft & Frey AG. Walder Wyss Ltd has had a successful year with many commenting on its growing strength.
Much like the country itself, the Swiss legal market is characterised by its stability and its relatively small size, and so partner movements are fewer in number. However, several firms that have been created in the past few years have established themselves, such as Lachenal & Le Fort in Geneva, which has appeared in the rankings this year along with other names such as ABELS Avocats, Burckhardt and Bill Isenegger Ackermann AG.
In January 2012, former BCCC Attorneys-at-law LLC partner Michel Jaccard founded id est attorneys LLC.
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Press releases
The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to
Legal Developments in Switzerland
Legal Developments and updates from the leading lawyers in each jurisdiction. To contribute, send an email request to
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Latest developments in planning and zoning
In Le Temps, the daily newspaper of reference of Western Switzerland, Yves de Coulon analyses the latest developments in the field of planning and zoning: Weber Initiative, Landscape Initiative, recent modifications of the Federal Law on planning and zoning, what consequences on the cantons' autonomy in the area of planning and zoning? -
Lump Sum taxation
The head of our tax practice group, partner Dominique Christin, summarises the legal requirements to obtain a lump sum taxation status in Switzerland and in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. -
Amendments to Subordination Agreements
Amendments to Subordination Agreements may become necessary after the Swiss Federal Supreme Court confirmed its practice on subordinated claims in insolvency proceedings. -
Too-Big-To-Fail: New Regulatory Capital Regime in Switzerland
In turmoil gripping numerous national economies around the world in the course of recent financial crisis has. among other issues, laid bare the threat posed by institutions having become too big to fail or, even worse, too big to save. -
"Say on Pay" in Switzerland: New Corporation Law Bill on the Finishing Line
"Say on Pay" - the shareholder approval of executive compensation - has been a hot topic around the globe for years. -
Abusive General Terms and Conditions in Switzerland: Tightening the Instruments of...
Unfair Competition Law -
Revisions to the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration
The Swiss Rules of International Arbitration have been revised to increase the speed of arbitrations and the flexibility of arbitral tribunals, while strengthening the institution of administrating the rules. -
INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW BRIEFING
The insolvency of Petroplus has increased the few debt moratorium cases by one and reminded us of its importance. -
SWISS COMPETITION LAW BRIEFING
Distribution channel management – Swiss competition law risks -
Swiss IP & Technology briefing
Competition rules for online distribution clarified
Press Releases in Switzerland
The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to
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Prof. Isabelle Romy to become a partner at Froriep Renggli
Zurich, 21 May 2012, business law firm Froriep Renggli welcomes Prof. Isabelle Romy as a new partner. She will join the firm on 1 June 2012. Isabelle Romy specializes in international litigation, arbitration and international private law. -
Bär & Karrer team assists Sandoz in successfully defending against a claim from Monsanto in an ICC
A team of Bär & Karrer consisting of Partner Daniel Hochstrasser, Senior Associate Nadja Jaisli and Junior Associate Andrea Roth-Rufener has successfully assisted Sandoz, a member of the Novartis Group, against damages claims of USD 125 Mio. brought in an ICC arbitration by Monsanto. -
Bär & Karrer team successfully represents TeliaSonera in a Swiss Federal Supreme Court case
In a judgment rendered on 30 April 2012 (4A_763/2011), the Swiss Federal Supreme Court dismissed an application of Çukurova Holding against Sonera Holding (a subsidiary of TeliaSonera, and at the same time Turkcell's biggest shareholder) for judicial review of an ICC award between the parties. -
Arbitral Tribunal Orders Respondents to Pay Advance on Costs
Gabrielle Nater-Bass and Melissa Magliana of Homburger's Litigation | Arbitration practice team recently obtained a Partial Award ordering Respondents who refused to pay their share of the advance on costs in an ICC arbitration to make immediate payment to the ICC. -
6th Intensive Seminar Mergers & Acquisitions for Practitioners (25-26 September 2012)
Christoph Neeracher , partner at Bär & Karrer, again chairs the 6th Intensive Seminar on Mergers & Acquisitions for Practitioners which will be held on 25-26 September 2012 in Lucerne under the patronage of the University of St. Gallen. -
Bär & Karrer wins Chambers Europe Award "Switzerland Law Firm of the Year"
Bär & Karrer was awarded the title "Switzerland Law Firm of the Year" at the Chambers Europe Awards for Excellence 2012 in Amsterdam. Chambers publishes one of the leading directories of the legal profession worldwide. -
Bär & Karrer wins Chambers Europe Award "Switzerland Law Firm of the Year"
Bär & Karrer was awarded the title "Switzerland Law Firm of the Year" at the Chambers Europe Awards for Excellence 2012 in Amsterdam. Chambers publishes one of the leading directories of the legal profession worldwide. -
Petroplus Enters into Agreement for the Sale of the Cressier Refinery and...
Related Swiss Marketing and Logistics Assets -
XIIIth Program of continuous education - Media
The 13th Demi-journée Marathon de formation permanente de l'ODA is a program of continuous education sponsored by the Geneva Bar. It will take place on Saturday, 28 April 2012 at the Geneva University (Uni Mail). Manuel Bianchi della Porta will discuss the latest developments In media law. -
Homburger Partner advises Swiss Government
Felix Dasser, head of Homburger's Litigation | Arbitration practice team, has been appointed by the Federal Office of Justice to advise the Swiss delegation in the current discussions with the EU concerning a recast of the Brussels I Regulation and its potential impact on the Convention on Jurisdiction and the Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters (Lugano Convention).