Ms Michèle Burnier > Pestalozzi > Geneva, Switzerland > Lawyer Profile

‘Highly professional’ Pestalozzi utilises its international network to advise on issues such as merger controls and numerous other transactions, bolstered by the firm’s move to a new Zurich office in July 2023. Christoph Lang leads the practice with his corporate and antitrust capabilities, while Michèle Burnier contributes IP expertise to the team. Fabian Martens is another name to note in the practice.

The practice at Pestalozzi is known for providing legal advice and representation to leading domestic and international clients in various TMT areas such as IT services, online distribution and advertising, outsourcing, privacy, e-commerce, and e-discovery. The expanding team is headed by Lara Dorigo, whose practice focuses on IP enforcement and defence, technology transfer, new technologies, e-commerce, entertainment law, advertising, licensing, personality rights issues, and branding strategies. IP experts Michèle Burnier and Thomas Legler both represent clients before the Swiss courts and in arbitral proceedings, respectively.

Acting for international and national blue chip and service companies, Pestalozzi’s wide-ranging expertise is comprised of disputes involving data protection issues, cyber criminality issues and use of digital data on ICT platforms. The team increasingly handles legal issues arising from digital medical data and their relevance for research and development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Michèle Burnier leads the practice and is prominent within the Swiss civil and criminal courts. Arbitration expert Thomas Legler and Sarah Drukarch, who specialises in both life sciences and corporate areas, bolster the practice. Markus Winkler is another name to note.

Accomplished in a broad array of industries that includes life sciences, beverages and cosmetics, Pestalozzi‘s expansive practice encompasses the enforcement of IP rights, technology transfer agreements and portfolio management, alongside a host of other issues. The team is noted for being ‘adept at understanding client needs and delivering targeted solutions that exceed expectations’. ‘Exceptional’ and ‘client driven’ practice head Lara Dorigo is well regarded for her skills in advising clients on pharma, biologics and med tech patent litigation. IP arbitration expert Thomas Legler and Michèle Burnier are also recommended.