Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution: arbitration

Gabriel Arbitration AG, established in 2012, is a dispute resolution boutique led by Simon Gabriel and Axel Buhr, handling domestic and cross-border work from its base in Zurich.
Established in late 2020, Rothorn Legal AG specialises in international dispute resolution and fields highly regarded practitioners in Natalie Voser, Eliane Fischer and James Menz.
Blum & Grob Attorneys at Law Ltd has been strengthened with the arrival of new team lead Hans-Ulrich Kupsch in 2022.

Firms in the Spotlight Dispute resolution: arbitration

VISCHER

VISCHER logo

VISCHER is a leading Swiss law firm with over 120 fee earners. The firm provides solution-oriented support in all aspects of commercial, tax, and regulatory law. Their experts are organized in more than 20 practice teams, each led by experienced partners.

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Gabriel Arbitration AG

Gabriel Arbitration AG logo

Gabriel Arbitration is an independent dispute resolution boutique law firm specialising in international arbitration with its office in Zurich, Switzerland. Clients benefit from first-class dispute resolution services, fewer conflicts of interest and competitive pricing.

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Dispute resolution: arbitration in Switzerland

Bär & Karrer Ltd.

Bär & Karrer Ltd.‘s team brings ‘exceptional know-how and expertise’ to institutional and ad hoc arbitrations under both Swiss and foreign law, with expertise across a diverse range of arbitration mandates. The Zurich group is led by Nadja Jaisli Kull, whose particular areas of focus are the banking and finance, pharmaceuticals and transportation industries. Cesare Jermini regularly acts as party counsel before state courts and the federal tribunal, while litigation group head Matthew Reiter contributes additional experience in domestic and international commercial disputes. Aurélie Conrad Hari covers shareholder and employment disputes, as well as asset recovery mandates. Former Geneva practice head Pierre-Yves Gunter, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the field of international arbitration, left to found his own boutique firm Gunter Arbitration in April 2023.

Practice head(s):

Nadja Jaisli Kull


Testimonials

‘Bär & Karrer is a truly international arbitration firm. Their skills handling multi-jurisdiction cases, coordinating and working with several legal systems and teams is remarkable.’

‘Nadja Jaisli Kull: highly professional, to the point, persuasive and assertive but not unnecessarily aggressive.’

‘Compared to other firms, Bär & Karrer’s partners are heavily engaged in their cases and in very close contact with the clients. They are very hands-on and in control of the process and do not let juniors run the show, which helps greatly in winning cases.’

‘Matthew Reiter is an outstanding litigation and arbitration specialist with a rare talent to be able to examine the dispute from the perspective of the business as well as legal consequences.’

‘The team is very diverse and comprises everything from senior spokespersons to the next generation of arbitration leaders. The quality of work and the communication are outstanding. The team boasts exceptional know-how and expertise regarding arbitration and specific industry sectors.’

‘They are very responsive, provide excellent quality of work and adhere to a pleasant and professional style of communication. Nadja Jaisli Kull is always on top of things and extremely responsive.’

‘Nadja Jaisli Kull is THE top shot in the Swiss market.’

Key clients

Huntsman Tekstil


National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC)


Work highlights


  • Represented a Turkish subsidiary of Huntsman Corp. in an arbitration relating to an equity joint venture in Turkey. The arbitration was administered by the Swiss Arbitration Centre (former SCAI) but Turkish law was applicable on the merits.
  • Acted as co-counsel in a multi-billion USD ICC Arbitration Case between Turkmengas (claimant) and NIGC (respondent) arising from a gas supply contract and relating to outstanding payments (claim) and damages claim relating to the quantity and quality of gas delivered (counterclaim).

Homburger

Homburger fields a team of ‘outstanding practitioners’ with a track record for representing high-profile clients in complex international disputes. The group has a particular focus on regulated industries, including the banking and insurance, life sciences, energy, and telecoms sectors. Balz Gross is the team lead, and specialises in proceedings related to M&A transactions, long-term supply contracts, distribution contracts and joint ventures. Key team members include Mariella Orelli, who focuses on energy and financial services work, and Gabrielle Nater-Bass, who was formerly president of the Arbitration Court of the Swiss Chambers’ Arbitration Association. Stefanie Pfisterer, who made partner in 2021, specialises in disputes arising out of corporate matters. Former team lead Felix Dasser also contributes to the group, and Dilber Devitre is the key name at the associate level.

Practice head(s):

Balz Gross


Testimonials

‘Ability to think outside of the box and see around corners. Super well connected to the Swiss legal landscape.’

‘Homburger is exceptional in that they exactly know their clients’ industry and business needs. Thanks to great team efforts, they would get the full picture very quickly. Due to their very good qualifications, the whole team is even stronger together.’

‘Mariella Orelli has some of the best story-telling capabilities that can be found within international law firms. She manages to break down complex matters to their legal core in a very logical and absolutely convincing manner. Her approach is creative and her thinking is out of the box.’

‘Homburger has a great dispute resolution practice. Deep industry experience and impressive advocacy skills. Mariella Orelli and Balz Gross stand out.’

‘Homburger impresses clients and colleagues with its considerable experience and in-depth knowledge of its dispute resolution team including in the arbitration area. Arbitration team has a particularly strong track record and is often sought by clients. They are also well known for their strategic advice and practical solutions for the case at hand, tailor-made for the characteristics of the matter.’

‘Gabrielle Nater-Bass stands out as a seasoned counsel and arbitrator as she has exceedingly considerable skill, knowledge and experience of market practice and the law. She has excellent judgement and understanding, and grasps complex issues very quickly and accurately too. Gabrielle is also a very nice person to work with, very friendly and warm.’

‘The team has excellent practitioners highly committed to delivering optimal outcomes. They are first-rate practitioners with expertise and great advocacy skills.’

‘Balz Gross (Partner) and Stefanie Pfisterer (Partner) are outstanding practitioners who are enormously effective as counsel and advocate. They are responsive, highly intelligent individuals with impeccable legal expertise and professional commitment. I would recommend them as go-to counsel for complex cross-border disputes and international arbitrations.’

Key clients

Solvay


A company of the Palestinian Investment Fund


Alpiq


Pawlowski


Work highlights


  • Representing Solvay against Edison in appeal proceedings in a €90m post-M&A arbitration.
  • Representing Alpiq in a $450m international arbitration against Romania regarding the termination of long-term electricity supply agreements.
  • Representing a company of the Palestinian Investment Fund against a $1.6bn claim.

LALIVE

LALIVE operates on a worldwide basis, and represents individuals, multinationals, states and state entities in the full range of disputes, with notable sector expertise in the construction and infrastructure, energy, mining, and pharmaceuticals industries. Matthias Scherer co-leads the team with Joachim Knoll; Knoll has expertise in disputes arising from commercial transactions, while Scherer is a prominent name for investor-state arbitrations. Founding partners Michael Schneider and Teresa Giovannini have expertise in complex commercial disputes, with Schneider focusing particularly on the energy and construction sectors, and Giovanni covering infrastructure, technology, pharmaceuticals, and aviation matters. Also key are investor-state dispute specialist Veijo Heiskanen, energy sector expert Marc Veit, and Melissa Magliana.

Testimonials

‘Lalive has extensive experience in both international investment law and dispute resolution. Lalive was always willing to help and gave our needs full attention. The legal firm’s partners were constantly accessible and provided their undivided attention. Lalive always lays forth the legal course of action with exceptional simplicity and clarity. They simplify and condense complex situations, putting the focus on what matters.’

‘Veijo Heiskenen and Joachim Knoll, together with other colleagues from Lalive, built an outstanding team, who are highly professional lawyers and very nice people too. Their personalities are what allow them to complete even the most challenging tasks with a smile.’

Key clients

Romania


Gate gourmet


Prairie Mining


Switzerland


Ukrenergo


Mauritius


DSG Yapi San Tic A.S.


Republic of Latvia


Indiana Resources and Winshear Gold Corporation


Lupaka Gold Corporation


Work highlights


  • Representing Romania in an $2.1bn ICSID dispute with Swedish investors relating to tax enforcement measures in the food and beverage industry.
  • Representing four related Australian and UK entities in an UNCITRAL arbitration invoking the Australian/Poland BIT and arising out of a mine and hard coking coal project in Poland.
  • Representing a global airline services provider in a $1.75bn ICC arbitration over the interpretation and enforcement of a 30-year services agreement.

Lenz & Staehelin

Praised as ‘one of the best law firms in Europe for international arbitration’, Lenz & Staehelin  handles disputes under the rules of all major institutions, as well as ad-hoc arbitration proceedings. The group fields practitioners qualified in a range of foreign jurisdictions, and has experience in a diverse range of sectors, including the pharmaceuticals industry, state contracts, and construction and engineering projects. Construction and M&A dispute specialist Harold Frey co-leads the practice alongside ‘fabulous arbitrator’ and president of the Arbitration Court of the Swiss Arbitration Centre Xavier Favre-Bulle. Other key team members include commercial dispute expert Martin Burkhardt, IP specialist Thierry Calame, and counsel Martin Aebi. Counsel Hanno Wehland has expertise in commercial and investment treaty arbitration proceedings.

Testimonials

‘One of the best law firms in Europe for international arbitration.’

‘Xavier Favre-Bulle is a fabulous arbitrator.’

‘Xavier Favre-Bulle and Hanno Wehland – they are both excellent attorneys; very deep knowledge of Swiss procedural and substantive law; excellent at clearly explaining complicated legal points and at identifying and recommending a strategy going forward; extremely responsive; excellent writers and strategic thinkers; and they get results!’

‘The team is very knowledgeable across the generations and provides legal advice that is in the best interest of the clients. Tradition and integrity are their strength.’

‘The firm has one of the most outstanding, leading arbitration lawyer teams in Switzerland.’

‘Harold Frey and Xavier Favre-Bulle are exceptionally well-prepared, fast thinking and highly diligent arbitrators with an excellent sense for productive and value-added solutions.’

‘THE Swiss law firm to advise on international arbitral disputes. Well-organised, great availability and friendly demeanour.’

‘Harold Frey gives succinct, well-considered and researched yet commercially balanced advice. Frey is a pleasure to work with and always delivers quality advice on time. Frey’s vast experience with international litigation is a major plus in any dispute resolution.’

Key clients

thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions AG


State of Palestine


thyssenkrupp Marine Systems GmbH


World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)


Clorox


Work highlights


  • Representing thyssenkrupp in a case brought by the Hellenic Republic under Greek law and with the seat of arbitration in Greece.
  • Represented the State of Palestine in a dispute concerning a private investment.
  • Represented the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in all setting-aside proceedings before the Court, which also involved the Fédération internationale de natation (FINA).

Pestalozzi

Pestalozzi represents states and state-owned entities, multinational corporations, SMEs, and private clients in civil, criminal and regulatory disputes at both the national and international levels. The group is active in all sectors of the economy, and has particular expertise in commodities and banking related disputes. Laurent Killias and Thomas Legler co-lead the department; Killias specialises in disputes arising from contracts regarding construction, civil engineering, and distribution issues, while Legler covers disputes relating to IP, IT and data protection matters. Michael Kramer has expertise in national and international commercial disputes, Thomas Rohner handles asset tracing, enforcement and inheritance law matters, and Tanja Planinic focuses on matters relating to the international sale of goods. Alexandra C. Johnson joined from Bär & Karrer Ltd. in September 2022, and Lukas Rusch is singled out by clients as ‘outstanding‘.

Practice head(s):

Laurent Killias; Thomas Legler


Testimonials

‘The team is very well-prepared to support you, very responsive and reactive and is attentive to your comments and strategy.’

‘Laurent Killias – great reasoning, flexible, strategist.’

‘Lukas Rusch is outstanding.’

‘They like to win and are willing to put the necessary work into it.’

‘Michael Kramer stands out for his creative mind and problem solving.’

‘Thomas Rohner is very diligent and responsive, and is flexible in terms of due dates and budgetary restraints.’

‘A highly competent team and super pleasant to work with! They are a top choice for arbitration.’

‘Pestalozzi has numerous excellent arbitration practitioners. I worked closely with Thomas Legler and was highly impressed by his work. He is very bright, knows how to most effectively present a case to his client‘s benefit and never loses sight of the big picture which makes him a strong strategist as well.’

Key clients

Bank of America Merrill Lynch


Bouygues Construction


DHL


Glencore


Johnson & Johnson


Swiss Life AG


Turkmengaz


Work highlights


  • Represented Turkmengas in a high-value ICC gas arbitration dispute between Turkmenistan’s national gas company, Turkmengas, and its Iranian counterpart, the National Iranian Gas Company.

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd‘s ‘knowledgeable and responsive‘ team has experience in commercial arbitration, investment arbitration, sports arbitration, and setting aside proceedings before the Swiss Supreme Court. The department has diverse sector expertise, with notable experience in disputes relating to the construction, life sciences, and energy sectors. Elliott Geisinger is global chair of the team, while Philippe Bärtsch and Christopher Boog provide support as vice-chairs of the group. Stefan Leimgruber covers commercial disputes and sports law matters, while Anya George and Anna Kozmenko focus on complex commercial and investment arbitrations. Counsel Anne-Carole Cremades acts in a broad range of disputes involving oil and gas contracts. Benjamin Gottlieb made partner in January 2023.

Testimonials

‘The team was very professional. They always presented a few options and anticipated how the other party may react to each. The team was able to analyse the strengths/weaknesses of the case. The entire process was made clear to me.’

‘Christopher Boog is an excellent arbitrator.’

‘Excellent international arbitration team. Highly knowledgeable and responsive.’

‘Philippe Bärtsch (Partner), is very knowledgeable, and Anne-Carole Cremades (Counsel) impressed.’

‘Excellent arbitration team – easily among the best in Switzerland.’

‘Katherine Bell is a very capable young partner. Benjamin Gottlieb is a future partner of the firm and probably one of the best legal minds in our generation.’

‘Philippe Bärtsch – excellent in all accounts. Excellent written submissions, excellent oral pleadings, excellent way to address the arbitral tribunal. Knows his file perfectly.’

‘Christopher Boog: excellent cross examination and oral pleadings. Knows how to bring his point in a gentle and efficient manner.’

Key clients

Alpiq


BASF


Catalent Pharma Solutions


Celgene Corporation


Chubb


GUPC SA


Ingersoll Rand Group


Johnson & Johnson


MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Plc.


39 Olympic Athletes


PEB Steel Asia


Procter & Gamble


PV Investors


Republic of Hungary


Samsung


SMS Group


TAKRAF GmbH


Tetra Pak


Work highlights


  • Representing a German client active in the metals industry in an arbitration under the ICC Rules seated in Paris over the engineering and construction of a metal processing plant.
  • Represented investors in the Spanish renewable energy sector before the Swiss Supreme Court.
  • Representing a German company in ICC arbitration against a Kazakh company in a dispute under a series of supply and engineering contracts related to a large-scale ferroalloy processing plant.

Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler

Geneva-based arbitration boutique Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler acts for clients in both arbitration and court disputes, with notable strength in complex and international matters. The firm places emphasis on sports law, and draws in high-profile clients including FIFA, UEFA and the IOC. Founding partners Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler and Laurent Lévy co-lead the team alongside Sébastien Besson and Antonio Rigozzi. Also key are Michele Potestà, who specialises in international commercial and investment arbitration proceedings, and counsel Silja Schaffstein, who is active in the banking and finance, insurance, and pharmaceuticals industries. Nina Lauber-Thommesen, who was promoted to counsel in 2021, is also noted.

Testimonials

‘Antonio Rigozzi is one of the leading sports arbitration lawyers in the world. His knowledge and advocacy are second to none.’

‘Sebastien Besson and Silja Schaffstein work seamlessly together to deliver a top product, and Silja deserves to be recognised also in her own right.’

‘Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler is a boutique, though large, law firm which has opted, since it was created, to focus exclusively on arbitration. The team is extremely strong and I would go as far as saying that it is probably the best one worldwide.’

Key clients

International Olympic Committee (IOC)


Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)


Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)


Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA)


Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)


Confederation of African Football (CAF)


Olympique de Marseille


Spezia FC


Work highlights


  • Acting for leading global shipbuilder Privinvest in a large, multi-party, multi-contract and multi-jurisdictional dispute involving a State and several State-owned entities.
  • Acting for UHNWIs in a dispute against a foreign trust structure and its directors in relation to the alleged fraudulent misappropriation of assets.
  • Acting for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in an ICC arbitration arising from a long-term media and marketing rights agreement between CAF and French sports marketing agency Lagardère (now Sportfive EMEA).

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP acts for high-profile companies and institutions in complex arbitrations, with particular strength in international matters due to the firm’s offices worldwide. Charles Adams, former US ambassador extraordinary to Finland, leads the Geneva team, and is global co-head of the firm’s international arbitration practice group. Vanessa Liborio covers matters related to infrastructure projects, joint venture agreements, and manufacturing issues, while James Hargrove specialises in banking and financial services, real estate, and construction mandates. Rena Scott and senior associate Ali Al Khasawneh are also key.

Practice head(s):

Charles Adams


Testimonials

‘Charles Adams and Vanessa Liborio. Two excellent arbitration practitioners.’

‘Excellent firm with outstanding team in Geneva. Very experienced partners.’

‘Orrick’s Geneva international arbitration team is spectacular in many respects. The lawyers in the team are very client oriented, responsive, dedicated and extremely competent.’

‘Charles Adams, Rena Scott and Vanessa Liborio are excellent lawyers. They have very impressive arbitration skills. They always deliver very high-quality legal services, are very responsive, always think about the best strategy for the client.’

‘James Hargrove is an incredible lawyer, very quick thinking and solution focused, very easy to get in touch with, always available for clients. It is very easy and nice to work with him.’

‘Vanessa Liborio: very strong lawyer with a good balance between technical and soft skills. Rena Scott: strong advocate with magnificent drafting skills. Ali Al-Khasawneh: upcoming arbitration star.’

‘James Hargrove – commercial approach, practical, able to explain the matters in layman language, substance knowledge, good approachability, good availability.’

‘Extremely fast responses, with highly qualified team members, which are directly approachable. Orrick understands how to make use of their vast in-house network of experienced lawyers so that clients get tailor-made support.’

Key clients

Louis Dreyfus Company


King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)


Litasco (a subsidiary of Lukoil)


Grupo TSK


Tecnicas Reunidas


EspeRare Foundation


Hobart Group


Work highlights


  • Obtained time-sensitive, anti-suit injunctive relief, damages and indemnity costs on behalf of longstanding client Louis Dreyfus, thus blocking the International Bank of St. Petersburg (IBSP) from bringing a lawsuit against the client in St. Petersburg and obliging the pursuit of international arbitration.

Walder Wyss Ltd.

Walder Wyss Ltd.‘s ‘excellent on all accounts’ arbitration group fields a sizeable team of lawyers, with expertise in construction, plant and equipment engineering disputes, as well as disputes arising from distribution and joint venture agreements, and post-M&A issues. ‘Excellent and efficient’ commercial dispute specialist Dieter Hofmann leads the team, which includes the ‘exceptional’ Micha Bühler, who focuses on construction, distribution, and post-M&A disputes, and ‘outstanding’ commercial and investment arbitrator Michael Feit. The ‘impressive’ Diana Akikol and the ‘pragmatic’ Andrea Meier focus on cases arising from post-M&A disputes and large construction projects.

Practice head(s):

Dieter Hofmann


Testimonials

‘Highly knowledgeable arbitration team. Very nice and smooth cooperation.’

‘Partner Michael Feit is an outstanding Swiss arbitration practitioner who always keeps control of the proceedings with his calm and strategic thinking.’

‘The Walder Wyss team provides a service that clients love. They are highly strategic, hugely hard working and fine advocates. They are also very good colleagues, particularly during the toughest of cases.’

‘It would be a blasphemy from me to point out someone from the team, the whole team is exceptional, however I want to point out the captain of our team, Micha Bühler, who is exceptional with his workload and exceptional thinking in critical situations, always keeps his cool intact, never allows himself or his emotions to take over the common sense.’

‘Excellent on all accounts. A rare gathering of excellent arbitration specialists.’

‘Dieter Hofmann – excellent and efficient. He knows the file perfectly. Efficient advocacy skills.’

‘Marco Stacher – excellent specialist in arbitration law. Incredibly comfortable with figures, hence damage computation.’

‘Diana Akikol – excellent arbitrator, masters the arbitration law. Impressive.’

Key clients

Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina


Actelion Ltd (part of the Johnson & Johnson group of companies)


Roche


Greiner AG


Ali Gohar & Company (Private) Limited


Sharma Fabrictors and Erectors Private Limited


AFRILAND First Group


Idorsia Ltd


White & Case S.A.

White & Case S.A. is particularly active in high-profile construction and engineering disputes, and has expertise acting for clients across Europe, the US, China, and the Middle East. The group regularly works alongside the firm’s international network of offices, drawing on support from teams in Paris, Warsaw and London, among others. Anne Véronique Schlaepfer, who leads the team, covers disputes in the construction, energy, and commercial sectors. Alexandre Mazuranic and Zelda Hunter are additional key names in the team; Mazuranic handles disputes relating to M&A, commodities trading, and pharmaceuticals issues, while Hunter has experience in the financial services and energy sectors.

Practice head(s):

Anne Véronique Schlaepfer


Testimonials

‘It is the most consolidated and tight arbitration group I’ve ever seen. Their skills, knowledge, and devotion is off the chart. Without any doubt, the best I’ve ever encountered.’

‘Anne Véronique Schlaepfer, main partner and mentor of the team is a force of nature. She breathes law and strategic thinking. Alexandre Mazuranic is a great partner, very knowledgeable as well as driven to understand the minor details that really make a difference.’

‘The most important unique aspect to me of this team’s practice is its deep knowledge of the global nuclear power industry. The attorneys were able to craft and execute a successful arbitration strategy for our small company versus one of the largest companies in the world in the nuclear power industry.’

Key clients

Republic of Mozambique


Kellerhals Carrard

Kellerhals Carrard‘s ‘excellent’ team provides the full range of arbitration services to clients, with experience in both domestic and international proceedings. Bernhard Berger co-leads the group with Olivier Mosimann, who specialises in international commercial arbitration and litigation. Martin Molina and Henry Peter are also key, as is Isabelle Romy, who joined from MLL Legal in 2021.

Testimonials

‘Excellent arbitration team in Bern, Lausanne and Lugano. Very large experience in arbitration. Great command of arbitration law and Swiss substantive law.’

‘Henry Peter: A Formula 1 arbitrator with strong expertise in post-M&A arbitration cases.’

‘Bernhard Berger: One of the best arbitration practitioners with a solid command of procedural issues.’

‘I highly recommend Olivier Mosimann and Bernhard Berger for arbitration. Olivier is one of the up-and-coming arbitration practitioners – very talented, devoted, knowledgeable and hard-working.’

‘Bernhard Berger is an excellent arbitrator. He is sharp, precise and writes very well.’

‘Very capable individuals with a broad horizon from previous in-house and academic practice.’

‘Excellent knowledge of international arbitration law and proceedings.’

‘Martin Molina – definitely a young practitioner to follow. Efficient and nice to work with.’

Key clients

International Federation of Sport Climbing


International Ski Federation (FIS)


International Olympic Committee


International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)


Ultimate Concepts Ltd.


World Anti-Doping Agency


Niederer Kraft Frey AG

Niederer Kraft Frey AG has strength in both domestic and international arbitration proceedings, and covers a broad range of sectors, including the financial, construction, and defence industries. Daniel Eisele has more than 25 years’ experience in dispute resolution, and specialises in commercial arbitration proceedings in the construction, licensing, and real estate sectors. Eisele co-leads the team alongside Tamir Livschitz, who is qualified to practice in Israel and the State of New York, in addition to Switzerland. Valerie Meyer Bahar, and Anja Vogt, who made partner in January 2023, are also key names.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Eisele; Tamir Livschitz


Other key lawyers:

Valerie Meyer Bahar; Anja Vogt


Testimonials

‘Daniel Eisele is very experienced and tactically agile, with very good judgement and excellent legal skills. Tamir Livschitz is very responsive and drafts convincing submissions, an efficient and very internationally minded counsel. Anja Vogt is also a very talented arbitration counsel with great expertise in challenging arbitration cases. She is well organized and extremely responsive.’

‘Daniel Eisele is an immensely experienced and brilliant tactician; his strategic instincts are second to none. Daniel really fights hard for his clients and always gets straight to the heart of the matter. He has a fantastic manner with clients and colleagues alike and is a real team player.’

‘I was always impressed with the NKF team and find them to be outstandingly skilful, exceptionally experienced, very precise, efficient and responsive. They show total dedication to their cases and clients and really do the absolute best for their clients. Their advice is always legally incisive, precise, solution-oriented and concrete.’

‘Tamir Livschitz is an extremely bright arbitration practitioner, with extensive experience in the fields of international arbitration. He is razor-sharp, focused and unflappable. Tamir has superb judgement and an excellent grasp of the law, and is very thorough in his approach. For Anja Vogt: Anja is a very bright and switched on practitioner with a meticulous attention to detail.’

‘The team consists of very skilful, highly capable and impressively bright practitioners with extensive experience in handling the most complex arbitrations. I always valued their thought-through, pragmatic and straightforward advice. NKF’s practitioners are exceptionally dedicated, energetic, hard-working and truly collaborative.’

‘Daniel Eisele is an extraordinarily creative and immensely experienced legal mind. He is a brilliant strategic thinker and capable of developing compelling arguments when others might simply have given up. I always found that Daniel displays unparalleled commitment, energy, and commitment. What always impressed me is his measured advocacy and his ability to disarm the opponent in a calm and polite way. Daniel is simply great to work with.’

‘They have a very profound understanding of the law, are very client-focused and have an impressive ability to present the most complex case in a convincing and comprehensible manner. The NKF team members have a true fighting spirit and always provide concrete and straightforward advice. In addition, they are very friendly and down-to-earth. In my opinion, NKF has an outstanding arbitration practice.’

‘NKF has an excellent ability to represent clients in large arbitration cases. Tactically savvy and good commercial awareness for the client’s needs. NKF’s lawyers are very responsive. They are easy to work with and have a great commitment to advising the client in the best possible way.’

Peter & Kim

Peter & Kim is a dedicated arbitration firm with a network of offices across Switzerland, South Korea, Australia, and Singapore. As such, the firm has key strength in acting for multinational clients and handling complex, cross-border matters. Wolfgang Peter, whose broad practice includes disputes relating to the oil and gas, construction, and pharmaceuticals sectors, leads the group. Christoph Brunner, who heads up the Bern office, and public and investment arbitration expert Konstantin Christie are core team members, while Flavio Peter has key expertise in general trade and contract law.

Practice head(s):

Wolfgang Peter


Testimonials

‘They seemed to be even more dedicated to the case than the client is.’

‘P&K make a perfect team with the client, and you can be 100% sure that your case will be treated as a top priority for the firm. They go very deep into details and brilliantly use them to help your case.’

‘The firm has one of the most outstanding, leading arbitration lawyer teams in Switzerland.’

‘Wolfgang Peter, Christoph Brunner and Flavio Peter are exceptionally well-prepared, fast thinking and highly diligent arbitrators and counsel with an excellent sense for productive and value-added solutions.’

‘They have an outstanding arbitration team. In case of arbitration under ICC rules when the venue is Zurich and the applicable material law is Swiss, I always recommend them. Precise elaboration of the details and strategic thinking is their strength.’

‘Peter & Kim is one of the most successful international firms in international arbitration and dispute management. They have an outstanding reputation and highly qualified partners and associates.’

‘Wolfgang Peter, experienced and well-prepared counsel and arbitrator in complex international arbitration cases. He has an outstanding knowledge of the commercial and financial aspects of complex situations and structures. Christoph Brunner is one of the most efficient chairpersons I have experienced in international arbitration. He has an outstanding analytical mind and an excellent knowledge of contract law.’

‘I have worked closely with Wolfgang Peter as an arbitrator. His background in business gives him good experience of the needs of corporate parties. He is also an excellent lawyer.’

Key clients

Dogus


ENGIE


Eurasian Resources Group


OMV Group


Work highlights


  • Acting for Dogus Construction (a major Turkish construction conglomerate) for a number of years in commercial arbitrations stemming from two separate construction projects.
  • Acting for ENGIE for a number of years, in contentious matters in respect of long-term energy supply contracts under the auspices of the ICC and Swiss Arbitration Centre.
  • Representing Eurasian Resources Group in a couple of contentious matters since 2017, related to its mining and smelting activities in Kazakhstan.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan (Schweiz) GmbH

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan (Schweiz) GmbH‘s global network helps the firm achieve notable strength in cross-border arbitration work, and draws in a prestigious client list from a diverse range of industries. The group has experience in high-stakes and complex international commercial, investor-state, state versus state and domestic arbitrations. Philippe Pinsolle, who is chair of the firm’s international arbitration practice for continental Europe, co-leads the Swiss team with investment and commercial arbitration specialist Simon Vorburger. Managing partner Thomas Werlen is an expert in finance disputes, and represents both plaintiffs and defendants in state court and arbitration proceedings.

Key clients

Aabar


ABB


Accenture


Aryzta AG


Asia League


Comosa


FC Basel


Fédération Internatione de Football Association


Highlight Communications


Highlight Event and Entertainment


Lion Point


Lonza Ltd


McCormick


Mercuria


NMC Healthcare


Oro Negro


Oschadbank


Partners Group


Privatbank


Renault


Salt SA


Schenker-Winkler Holding


SIG Combibloc Group


Solvay


Sonatrach S.pA.


STA Travel Holding AG


Stadler Rail Group


Swarowski


Swatch


Total


Trafigura


United Media Network AG / United Group B.V.


Viasat


World Boxing Super Series AG


Work highlights


  • Representing Swiss-based Mercuria Energy Trading SA and Mercuria Capital Partners Limited in a dispute against World Natural Resources Limited and World Natural Resources Congo S.A.U.
  • Representing an individual and companies controlled by her in two arbitrations under the US-Vietnam Trade Agreement pursuant to the 1976 UNCITRAL Rules.
  • Representating a global satellite company in a high-stakes dispute concerning the operation of a joint venture.

Archipel

Archipel fields a diverse team that is highly experienced in working in foreign jurisdictions. Co-leading the group are Guillaume Tattevin, Giulio Palermo, and Laurence Ponty; Tattevin focuses on international contracts, and has niche expertise in sales and art law, while Palermo covers joint ventures, post-M&A disputes and sports law, and Ponty specialises in asset recovery and enforcement proceedings. Associate Panagiotis Kyriakou is also noted.

Other key lawyers:

Panagiotis Kyriakou


Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG

Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG‘s Swiss team operates as part of the firm’s European international arbitration practice, and has expertise in the infrastructure, financial and energy sectors. Urs Zenhäusern, who is praised for his ‘excellent advocacy’, co-leads the department alongside Luca Beffa, who has experience acting as both counsel and arbitrator. Joachim Frick covers corporate, insurance and M&A disputes.

Practice head(s):

Urs Zenhäusern; Luca Beffa


Other key lawyers:

Joachim Frick; Franz Schenker


Testimonials

‘Luca Beffa is a highly recommended specialist in arbitration.’

‘Urs Zehnhäusern of Baker McKenzie Zurich stands out for his excellent advocacy and the persuasiveness of the presented arguments.’

‘The firm offers a wide range of services in the area of business law, litigation, and arbitration. They are known for their international background and for their sound approach to complex issues.’

Work highlights


  • Representing the Swiss subsidiary of multinational leading producers of production goods in the healthcare sector and related areas against its former Moroccan distributor in a Swiss Arbitration Centre arbitration concerning payments for indemnities and damages.
  • Representing a German manufacturer of furniture in claims against its distributor in China in an arbitration under the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration before an arbitral tribunal seated in Singapore.
  • Representing an IT and entertainment provider in an arbitration under the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration against an international sports association.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. fields an arbitration team with experience in corporate, contract and commercial matters, in addition to broad sector-based expertise. Philipp Dickenmann works as counsel, chairman, sole arbitrator and co-arbitrator, and co-leads the department alongside Christian Lüscher. Sports matters are covered by Pierre Ducret and Olivier Carrard, while Niklaus Zaugg handles banking, construction and supply disputes, and Jodok Wicki focuses on insurance law, tort issues, and product liability claims.

Testimonials

‘Jodok Wicki – excellent arbitrator.’

‘We have an exceptional working relationship with Niklaus Zaugg as he supported us already in various arbitration cases. Very pragmatic and solution oriented approach. Work products always are of very high quality.’

‘The arbitration team lead by Niklaus Zaugg is always to the point and extremely responsive.’

‘Niklaus Zaugg is a very bright, yet down to earth practitioner who always understands the client’s needs. He is very good at coming up with viable, well-founded and at the same time pragmatic solutions for complex problems. Niklaus has always provided services of very high quality within short time limits.’

Key clients

China Development Bank


Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)


Insolvency administrator regarding the assets of South 1 EPC Engineering Gesellschaft


PharmaEssentia


Thyssenkrupp Presta


United Medical Supply A/S


Work highlights


  • Representing PharmaEssentia – a global biopharmaceutical company – in connection with issues arising out of attempts by AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG to enforce an ICC award rendered in Germany in which it was awarded €142m.
  • Conducting arbitration and enforcement proceedings on behalf of United Medical Supply against a supplier of pharmaceuticals products which failed to deliver products.
  • Represented an Egyptian world-class horse rider in an anti-doping appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sports.

Lustenberger + Partners

Lustenberger + Partners specialises in representing corporate clients, financial institutions, states, and state entities in major commercial arbitrations and state court litigation, both in Switzerland and in other jurisdictions. Claudius Triebold co-leads the group alongside Michael Lazopoulos. Monika McQuillen focuses on commodities trading, pharmaceuticals and industrial engineering mandates. Tobias Zuberbühler left the firm to open up his own practice in April 2023.

Other key lawyers:

Monika McQuillen


Testimonials

‘As chair, Michael Lazopoulos was always well-prepared and interested in the views of the co arbitrators prior to expressing his own opinion. He prepared the first drafts of two awards in an excellent manner.’

‘Claudius Triebold – excellent lawyer, fantastic with clients.’

‘Our satisfaction with the quality of their service are very high. The lawyers consistently provide timely, practical, and specific advice. Additionally, they often propose innovative solutions to complex issues and problems in a variety of matter types.’

‘Responsiveness, quality of work and ability to understand complex issues makes them different from their competitors. I consider the firm’s lawyers to be valuable business partners in Switzerland, and they are my and my team’s go-to firm in Switzerland.’

MLL Meyerlustenberger Lachenal Froriep Ltd

MLL Legal brings ‘custom-made strategies and out of the box thinking’ to commercial, sports, and investment arbitration proceedings. Jean Marguerat and Marcel Steinegger lead the Geneva and Zurich offices respectively. Urs Boller, whose focus is on disputes regarding the sale of goods, construction projects, and joint ventures, and Jean-Marie Vulliemin, who has more than 30 years’ experience in dispute resolution, are core team members.

Testimonials

‘Extremely involved in the case, even as co-counsel, very reactive.’

‘MLL Legal is unique when it comes to offering high-quality legal services. They are characterised by custom-made strategies and out of the box thinking. They move confidently in global circles.’

‘Each lawyer we have worked with is very client-oriented, creative, and capable of offering outstanding solutions in several languages within an appropriate time of response. It is our opinion that MLL Legal stands out as a reliable and efficient team.’

‘Very diligent and detailed work combined with suitable strategy in dispute resolution.’

‘Jean Marguerat – excellent counsel and excellent chair of arbitral tribunal. Easy to work with. He conducts the proceedings smoothly and efficiently.’

‘Jean-Marie Vulliemin – excellent specialist in arbitration law.’

Key clients

FCC Construcción


The Kingdom of Spain


Nater Dallafior Rechtsanwälte AG

Nater Dallafior Rechtsanwälte AG focuses exclusively on contentious matters, with strength across arbitration, litigation, and administrative proceedings. The arbitration practice focuses on international commercial arbitration and sports arbitration mandates. Roberto Dallafior heads up the department, and has experience serving as arbitrator under the ICC rules, the Swiss Rules and in ad hoc proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Roberto Dallafior


Other key lawyers:

Benjamin Schumacher


Testimonials

‘Dedicated, experienced and well established team.’

‘Roberto Dallafior is one of the big names in disputes.’

‘Roberto Dallafior is an experienced arbitrator.’

Patocchi & Marzolini

Boutique firm Patocchi & Marzolini handles cross-border arbitration proceedings and litigation for a client list of multinational companies and financial institutions. Founding partners Paolo Michele Patocchi and Paolo Marzolini head up the department. Daniel Durante, who made partner in 2021, is a key name.

Other key lawyers:

Daniel Durante


Testimonials

‘Excellent knowledge of the matter, vision in terms of strategy and very fair approach.’

‘Attitude, competence and availability.’

VISCHER

VISCHER‘s ‘outstanding’ arbitration team acts as both counsel and arbitrator in a range of mandates, and is particularly experienced in construction and service disputes. Daniele Favalli, Christian Oetiker and Gerald Virleux co-lead the department, which includes Thomas Weibel, who specialises in the financial services, defence, and aviation sectors, and Karin Graf.

Other key lawyers:

Thomas Weibel; Karin Graf


Testimonials

‘Daniel Favalli is a thoughtful and commercially-minded arbitrator.’

‘The firm has an outstanding, leading arbitration lawyer team.’

‘Christian Oetiker and Karin Graf are well-prepared, diligent arbitrators and counsel with a good sense for productive and value-added solutions.’

‘Tightly-knit team with very clear and efficient assignment of responsibilities. Associates perform the brunt of the work, but partner keeps a keen eye on things and is on top of the matter at all times.’

‘Very responsive, reliable and thorough. Open to feedback from client. Strategic approach is adopted at an early stage and pursued with a lot of commitment. Client is being held up to date at all times.’

Key clients

MCH Group, Art Basel Hong Kong / Art Basel Miami Beach


AIG


EBT swiss engineering AG


Huntsman


KSL AG (Kolmar Group)


Pirelli


PricewaterhouseCoopers


Sakto Corporation


Telekom Srbija a.d.


T-Systems