Employment in Switzerland

Bär & Karrer Ltd.

Bär & Karrer Ltd. has expertise in employment litigation, social security, pension due diligence and audits, mass dismissals, and HR investigations. In Zurich, Laura Widmer and Ruth Bloch-Riemer jointly lead the team, whilst Thomas Stoltz heads the Zug-based team. Widmer, who is a gender equality law expert, advises Swiss and foreign individuals and entities on dismissals, reorganisations, and compensation plans. Stoltz advises domestic and international clients on all aspects of employment and immigration law, with a special focus on group companies opening Swiss offices. Bloch-Riemer has extensive expertise in social security and pension law. Aurélie Conrad Hari and Matthew Reiter handle employment litigation.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Stoltz; Laura Widmer; Ruth Bloch-Riemer


Other key lawyers:

Aurélie Conrad Hari; Matthew Reiter; Cinzia Catelli; Sandra Schaffner; Özden Omürcan; Manuel Schmid; Luljeta Morina; Marco Weiss


Testimonials

‘Laura Widmer’ has very strong employment law-related experience.’

‘Bär & Karrer is a highly professional and very knowledgeable team. They are always supportive.’

‘They are always reacting fast in difficult, urgent cases, and provide excellent support.’

Key clients

UBS Group AG


Blesi & Papa

Employment law boutique Blesi & Papa has ‘solid know-how and professional expertise’ in individual and collective employment law, pensions and social security, data protection and related areas, work permits for key employees, non-contentious and contentious matters, including litigation in court and representation of clients before arbitral tribunals and administrative agencies. Alfred Blesi, who has a special focus on executive termination agreements and employment and pension litigation, and Roberta Papa, who specialises in global mobility and cross-border employment, secondments, and staff leasing, are founding partners. The firm benefits from litigation experts Thomas Pietruszak and René Hirsiger. At the associate level, the ‘very responsive and highly knowledgeable’ Nina Rabaeus is another key contact in the group.

Other key lawyers:

Alfred Blesi; Roberta Papa; Thomas Pietruszak; René Hirsiger; Nina Rabaeus; Olivia Biehal


Testimonials

‘Small but highly specialised and competent law firm for labour and employment law. Renders most practical and solution-oriented advice. Has a large and solid know-how and professional expertise in the field of labour law, including social security matters.’

‘Alfred Blesi has a long-standing and highest professional expertise and experience. He is a trusted, valuable and reliable adviser in labour law matters and litigation.’

‘Roberta Papa offers expert, yet pragmatic legal and strategic advice.’

‘Alfred Blesi is a seasoned lawyer in his area of expertise, who shows an insight that is critical yet practical. He demonstrates dedication and commitment to his clients and their needs by being, inter alia, readily available, and responsive.’

‘René Hirsiger and Nina Rabaeus are both responsive and highly knowledgeable. Their advice is always to the point and delivered in the most cost-efficient way possible.’

‘A team with top expertise on all employment and social security law. Super responsive.’

‘René Hirsiger is exceptionally responsive and always to the point. Gives a very clear recommendation which is the best option to respond to lawsuits.’

‘Roberta Papa is an outstanding employment law specialist, who is always giving balanced, risk-assessed advice.’

Key clients

UBS


Credit Suisse


Syngenta


Rockwell Automation


Oracle


Homburger

Homburger’s interdisciplinary team advises national and international blue-chip clients on complex employment matters such as litigation, investigations, bonus schemes, executive renumeration, and mass dismissals. The team is co-headed by Balz Gross, who is the ‘go-to’ contact when it comes to management compensation, employee participation plans, and abuse of information, and Andreas Müller, who advises companies, boards of directors and compensation/nomination committees on top executive transitions and related employment law matters. Gregor Bühler focuses on the intersection of employment to IP and IT law, whilst Gabrielle Nater-Bass focuses on litigation cases and Claude Lambert designs participation plans and handles corporate governance matters on “say on pay”. Jeremy Reichlin supports clients with mass dismissals and the employment-related aspect of restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Balz Gross; Andreas Müller


Other key lawyers:

Gregor Bühler; Gabrielle Nater-Bass; Claude Lambert; Jeremy Reichlin


Testimonials

‘Experts in their field, but also very responsive and commercial.’

‘Balz Gross is our go-to person. A fantastic lawyer who is great with clients.’

‘The team gives comprehensive background information, but also provides practical guidance and recommendations.’

‘Homburger provides outstanding legal services. Excellent expertise, combined with pragmatism, experience and insights.’

‘Strong-minded and strategic, Claude Lambert is extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and practical.’

‘The team is highly skilled, very accessible with the exceptional way of extracting practical, usable advice from complicated legal rules. A great team with exceptional people professionally and personally.’

‘They are very competent and deliver great work, always on time.’

‘Balz Gross is not only highly knowledgeable and a quick thinker, but also always available. He is down to earth and working with him is a pleasure.’

Key clients

ABB


Dufry


AMF Medical


GAM


Migros


U.S. Cotton


OC Oerlikon


Implenia


PHOENIX Pharma


Solenis


Scaled Agile


Affective Advisory


Baker Hughes


Bristol-Myers Squibb


Clariant


Kering


SAP


VectivBio


wefox


Ahlström Capital


ASML Netherlands


Work highlights


  • Advised Dufry on employment matters in its EUR 5.5bn strategic combination with Autogrill.
  • Advised VectivBio on employment matters in its USD 1bn public cash tender offer from Ironwood Pharmaceuticals.
  • Advised AMF Medical and its shareholders on employment matters in the sale of AMF Medical to Tandem Diabetes Care.

Kellerhals Carrard

Kellerhals Carrard advises clients on various employment issues, such as gender discrimination, internal investigations, mass redundancies, drafting of internal regulations, and compensation claims. The team prides itself on its longstanding relationships with high-level clients, as well as its ability to continuously expand its clientele across various industries including consumer goods and retail, healthcare, life science, and pharma. Team co-head Christoph Zimmerli has extensive expertise in collective labour law, permit law, and occupational benefits. Urs Marti, who also co-heads the team, is a specialist in all issues of employment law from individual and collective employment law to public employment law. The team also benefits from the expertise of employment specialists Daniel Alder and Jonathan Bernasconi .

Practice head(s):

Christoph Zimmerli; Urs Marti


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Bernasconi; Daniel Alder; Melanie Huber; Sabine Wyss; Cendrine Rouvinez


Testimonials

‘Urs Marti and his team of associates are excellent. They are dedicated, engaged and understand our employer’s perspective. We are very pleased with Urs and his team.’

‘Urs Marti has a very deep knowledge and expertise in employment and social security matters. He is a very pragmatic lawyer, fast thinker, and his work is always of high value and quality.’

Key clients

CSL Behring AG and CSL Behring Lengnau AG


H&M Hennes & Mauritz AG


L’Oréal Suisse SA (L’Oréal Group)


Zegna Group (Consitex SA, Coti Service, Ermenegildo Zegna, Z Zegna, Agnona


VF International Sagl (VANS, The North Face, Timberland, Dickies, Altra, Bulwark FR, Eagle Creek, Eastpak, Icebreaker, Jansport, Kipling and Napapijri)


Swiss National Radio and Television Company


Swisscom Directories AG


Mayr-Melnhof Karton Aktiengesellschaft


Staar Surgical Company


Siegfried AG


AMG Group


International School of Berne AG


Securitas AG


Gebaeudeversicherung Bern (GVB)


Work highlights


  • Advising CSL Behring AG and CSL Behring Lengnau AG Swiss subsidiaries on a transfer of business/outsourcing project, as well as the setting-up of a social security plan, a working time scheme regulation, various lawsuits and non-judicial disputes involving C-Level employees.
  • Advising Swiss National Radio and Television Company in employment and labour law-related matters, including a dispute against a trade union regarding a parallel collective labour agreement.
  • Acting as counsel to H&M regarding the implementation of a social plan in connection with the restructuring of its stores throughout Switzerland, the collaboration with the employee representative committee (ERC), drafting of internal regulation and various civil lawsuits (bonus disputes, alleged abusive dismissals).

Niederer Kraft Frey AG

Niederer Kraft Frey AG has ‘strong expertise’ in all aspects of employment law including compensation plans, working time recording, and employee transfers. The team is also very active in employment litigation cases before the Swiss courts, in particular with regard to wrongful termination claims and bonuses. The team is headed by Catherine Grun Meyer, who advises clients on employment law matters in M&A transactions and on personnel lending and temporary staffing regulations, and Valerie Meyer Bahar, whose expertise include drafting of employment agreements and related documents, compensation matters, terminations, and intra-group personnel hiring. Andreas Casutt specialises in executive compensation and incentive schemes whilst Nicolas Kuonen, who joined from Tavernier Tschanz in January 2023, and Thomas Sprecher are dispute resolution specialists. Livia Keller, who impresses clients with her ‘responsiveness and quick turnaround time’, advises clients on corporate employment law and compensation.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Grun Meyer; Valerie Meyer Bahar


Other key lawyers:

Andreas Casutt; Nicolas Kuonen; Thomas Sprecher; Livia Keller


Testimonials

‘The team provide sound advice and practical solutions when we have sought legal advice and do so in a very timely fashion.’

‘Valerie Meyer Bahar and Livia Keller are responsive, transparent with legal fees and truly understand the commercial sensitivities when working with us to find a solution to a dispute/challenge we may be facing.’

‘Outstanding performance by all individuals.’

‘Strong expertise in the employment practice, very pragmatic and solution-oriented.’

‘Impressive responsiveness and quick turnaround time from Livia Keller.’

‘Very quick feedback, experienced and always come up with suggestions and solutions to problem solving.’

‘Good blend and adequate coverage for diversified topics, in addition to being familiar with the best practices.’

‘Diligent professionals, detail-oriented and available.’

Key clients

Capvis Equity Partners AG


Coop


Globegarden


Global Blue and Silverlake


Klopman AG


PriceWaterhouseCoopers AG


Swiss Steel Holding AG


HCM International Ltd


Pestalozzi

Pestalozzi are a ‘top-level firm’, advising on senior executive disputes and agreements, working time regulations for white- and blue-collar employees, termination of employment agreements, mass redundancies, employee transfers resulting from corporate restructurings, say-on-pay rules for Swiss listed companies, and partial liquidation of pension funds in connection with spin-offs. Department co-head Martin L. Mueller supports clients with the M&A employment aspects, board level disputes, discrimination, whistleblowing, and collective consultation. Christian Roos, who also co-heads the team, has expertise in mass dismissals, social plan negotiations, and restrictive covenants. Andreas Lienhard regularly litigates before labour courts for claims such as summary dismissals, unfair dismissals, bonuses, and gender equality.

Practice head(s):

Martin L. Mueller; Christian Roos


Other key lawyers:

Andreas Lienhard; Martina Herzog


Testimonials

‘The team quickly came up-to-speed on the matter and immediately offered practical and actionable interventions.’

‘Andreas Lienhard was fully engaged throughout the process, and I always felt he was fully engaged in helping me find a reasonable and balanced solution. Throughout the process he was readily available, professional, engaged and I felt I had a strong ‘partner’ in my corner.’

‘Provide pragmatic, implementable advice without legal jargon. They engender confidence that they really understand issues from the client’s perspective and seek to provide legally robust but practical solutions which are easy to understand for the non-lawyer and easy to implement successfully.’

‘Christian Roos and Andreas Lienhard are very responsive. Both are clearly very experienced and give confidence that the advice provided is legally sound and would be defensible it was to be tested in court.’

‘A senior team, with deep expertise and a straightforward communication style.’

‘This is a top-level firm for employment work.’

‘The firm and the partnership have very high ethical and professional standards.’

‘Martin Mueller is committed to the assigned tasks and highly responsive whenever needed.’

Key clients

Actelion Pharmaceuticals GmbH


Agilent Technologies


Amazon


AXA XL


Barry Callebaut


Covagen


EcoHub


Froneri International Limited


Glencore


Johnson & Johnson


Maars Holding BV


Medos International SA


Shire International LLC


Synthes GmbH, Synthes Produktions GmbH


Takeda Pharmaceuticals


TripleLift Inc


Vista Equtiy Partners


Zimmer Biomet


Work highlights


  • Advises TripleLift on the design and the implementation of the remuneration system for the key employees of the target company, 1plusX AG.
  • Advised Medos International on all aspects of employment law (mass dismissal procedure, retention agreement, exit agreements), the negotiations with the state authorities and all dealings with the unions.

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd advises on mandates concerning labour law, as well as employment matters relating to high-end transactions and major disputes. The team has expertise in immigration, data protection, social security, litigation, and employment law matters concerning international and domestic M&A transactions and set-ups. Department head Vincent Carron has extensive experience drafting and reviewing employment documentation and unilateral and collective dismissals. Catherine Weniger, who has particular know-how in restrictive covenant issues and termination agreements, is a key contact in Geneva, whilst Michael Hess, whose practice covers bonus schemes and international employee transfers, is Zurich’s key contact.

Practice head(s):

Vincent Carron


Other key lawyers:

Catherine Weniger; Michael Hess; Christine Beusch-Liggenstorfer


Testimonials

‘Excellent, commercial and responsive advice.’

‘Michael Hess is a true pleasure to work with. Commercial, pragmatic and responsive. He is excellent. When Michael is involved, client service is exceptional.’

‘The team was pleasant to work with. High level of knowledge and aware of the process we were going through.’

‘Highly competent in their field of practice, always available, accurate and spot-on, timely responses. Great teamwork.’

Key clients

Credit Suisse


OTB Ventures


Orange Cyberdefense


Cardinal Health


Bouygues Construction


Procter & Gamble


Schroder Bank AG


Magnit Global Switzerland GmbH


ams-Osram AG


Work highlights


  • Advised Credit Suisse in its investment as lead investor in Taurus SA Serie B investment round, including the employment and social security aspects linked to this investment.
  • Advised OTB Ventures, a leading European venture capital firm, in Series A financing of the in-orbit servicing and space debris removal company ClearSpace, including the employment and social security aspects of the investment.
  • Advised Cyberdefense, the cybersecurity subsidiary of France-based Orange, with regard to all employment and social insurance aspects of the acquisition of Telsys and SCRT, in particular due diligence review and assistance in any employment issue throughout the negotiations.

VISCHER

VISCHER’s employment team supports clients on issues such as work permits, executive compensation, data protection, staffing, social security, and pension. The team also has particular expertise in internal investigations on harassment and discrimination. The team is headed by Marc Ph. Prinz, who has strong expertise in labour and employment law issues in the context of reorganisations, restructurings (mass dismissals), and transactions. Jeannine Dehmelt and Anela Lucic’s practice covers both contentious and non-contentious matters. Florian Schaub supports on lease of staff and recruiting issues, whilst Gian Geel has expertise in employment litigation.

Practice head(s):

Marc Ph. Prinz


Other key lawyers:

Jeannine Dehmelt; Florian Schaub; Anela Lucic; Gian Geel


Testimonials

‘Marc Ph. Prinz has always been extremely responsive and very helpful. He takes a very collaborative approach to working with other lawyers.’

‘Marc Ph. Prinz has a very precise sense of the advice required in this field. He is target driven and efficient.’

‘Great expertise in employment law and investigation matters, putting human beings in the heart of their legal expertise, thus making a difference from a legal standpoint and risk management.’

‘Marc Ph. Prinz, Partner at Vischer AG, provided very strong support to our firm; his understanding of issues and situations and fine legal advice and assessment of facts was greatly appreciated.’

‘Marc Ph. Prinz has outstanding knowledge and expertise in his practice and is a leading lawyer in his field in Switzerland, which makes the client feeling at ease at any times in walking together in solving and delivering on any projects.’

‘A highly differentiating factor is the speed of delivery, the quality of the delivery, the commitment to us as a client, regardless of if we are dealing with a small or large project.’

‘Marc Ph. Prinz is very responsive and always suggests workable, outcome orientated solutions.’

Key clients

Amcor


Invacare Corporation


Labcorp (Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings)


Jet Aviation


Thermo Fisher Scientific


Clariant


Nobel Biocare


Hyundai Electric Switzerland Ltd.


Robeco Switzerland Ltd.


Helsinn Ltd.


Hays plc


DWS Switzerland Ltd


Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advised Amcor in implementing restrictive covenants for global employment contracts and are advising Amcor in various employment litigation counsel.
  • Assist Hays (Switzerland) as regards all matters involving the highly regulated staffing business (placement and staff leasing).
  • Advised Clariant in the overhaul of its short-term incentive structure and drafted the relevant global bonus plans.

Walder Wyss Ltd.

Walder Wyss Ltd. provides a full employment service to clients including support with litigation, negotiations and conflicts resolution, executive compensation, mass dismissals, international assignments of employees, and governmental support schemes. Basel practice head Philippe Nordmann supports companies and executive employees with setting up compensation schemes, employment contracts, and employee regulations. In Zurich, Irène Suter-Sieber, regularly represents clients in employment-related civil proceedings, and Simone Wetzstein, whose has extensive expertise in questions relating to employers of record and migration matters. Rayan Houdrouge, who advises Swiss and multinational companies, including disruptive technology companies, and international organisations on all employment-related matters, heads the Geneva office.

Practice head(s):

Philippe Nordmann; Simone Wetzstein; Irène Suter-Sieber; Rayan Houdrouge


Other key lawyers:

Stefano Fornara; Fabian Looser; Sandrine Kreiner; Joy Malka


Testimonials

‘They are very responsive and know how to deal in a commercial manner, which is very important to the client. Also, they are very fluent in English, which is essential.’

‘Super-fast in answering phone calls and emails. Always 100% reliable.’

‘We feel a great team spirit and a real coordination among all the lawyers involved in the case. This is extremely important because you see the value of working with one of the biggest employment team of Switzerland. Also, all lawyers of the team are real experts and work with the same standard of quality.’

‘Rayan Houdrouge is an amazing leader; all the members of his team are fully dedicated, and it is clear that he has been able to transmit the same solution-oriented and pragmatic approach to the entire team. Also, Rayan Houdrouge is an exceptionally smart thinker and an incredible tactician.’

‘The team at Walder Wyss are responsive and helpful, diligent, and resourceful. They provide clear and cogent advice.’

‘Simone Wetzstein is extremely supportive and clear in her advice and assistance.’

‘Walder Wyss is a highly competent law firm and advises perfectly on complex matters and has given us best strategic advice. Walder Wyss is also a pleasure to work with and the way they handle difficult matters is unique. The team has a pragmatic approach and is very responsive.’

‘Philippe Nordmann is outstanding, and I admire his legal knowledge. His commitment is second to none. Furthermore, he has a very balanced and very pleasant personality. His way of working is extremely efficient. His responses are always fast and extremely accurate. What makes him in addition to one of the top employment lawyers in my opinion is his extremely quick responsiveness and his strategic and pragmatic approach as well as his excellent social skills.’

Key clients

Credit Suisse


Bayer Pharma


Bâloise


Equinix


Migros


Lonza


Bachem


Moody’s


Inditex


Manpower


Zur Rose / DocMorris


Work highlights


  • Acted as Lead Counsel to Credit Suisse on the merger with UBS.
  • Advised Gastro Zürich, the association of all gastronomy and hotel industry in the canton of Zürich, regarding three executives who allegedly spent hundreds of thousands of francs for private purposes, in particular Walder Wyss conducted the relevant internal investigation and is representing Gastro Zürich in the ongoing civil and criminal proceedings against the executives.
  • Acts as Uber’s Swiss outside counsel with respect to a range of employment law, labour law, social security law, immigration law and other HR matters in Switzerland, and is representing Uber in the ongoing lawsuits.

Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG

International firm Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG supports multinational clients on the full spectrum of employment-related matters including employment benefits, mass dismissals, litigation, global mobility of employees, and pension funds. Team head Christoph Stutz advises and represents corporate clients on complex labour issues. Peter Reinert has a special focus on executive compensation, business transfers, and other forms of restructuring. Serge Pannatier regularly represents governmental clients and multinational companies in employment matters. At the associate level, Andreas Becker and Kaspar Projer support the team with their dispute resolution expertise.

Practice head(s):

Christoph Stutz


Other key lawyers:

Peter Reinert; Serge Pannatier; Andreas Becker; Kaspar Projer


Testimonials

‘The employment law team I worked with was exceptional in its client-centered approach. Their management and leadership were notable for prioritizing client needs and refraining from litigation unless absolutely necessary, always seeking efficient solutions. In summary, this employment law team stands out for their client-centricity, diversity, tech proficiency, and fair billing, making them a top choice for employment law needs.’

‘Christoph Stutz’s proactive and responsive nature ensures effective problem-solving and a smooth workflow. It is a pleasure to collaborate with him. Furthermore, his confidence in pushing back, when necessary, demonstrates a commitment to achieving the best outcomes. His profound expertise in employment and procedural law greatly enhances the team’s capabilities, providing a solid foundation for informed decision-making and strategic legal solutions.’

‘What sets Baker McKenzie’s Employment team (Zurich Office) apart from others in the industry is the unique combination of professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication. The attorneys I’ve worked with have shown a keen understanding of even the most complex legal matters, providing me with sound advice and strategic solutions that have consistently yielded positive results.

Key clients

Becton Dickinson


Oracle


FedEx


CLS Limited


World Meteorological Organization (WMO)


Keurig Green Mountain


BD Switzerland Sàrl


Hitachi


Vontobel


Roth Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Sika on all Swiss employment and pension aspects of the acquisition of the MBCC Group, the former construction chemical division of BASF, including the carve-out of MBCC’s Swiss admixtures business that had to be divested due to competition concerns.
  • Advised the Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund and its start-up incubator Sparrow Ventures on their investment in Swiss start-up Revendo.
  • Advised private equity firm Argos Wityu on its acquisition of the majority stake in Norline AG, a provider of outsourcing services in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing sector in Switzerland.

BianchiSchwald LLC

BianchiSchwald LLC assists companies, educational institutions, governments, health care institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and senior executives with a wide range of employment matters such as drafting of employment contracts and internal regulations, social security, business transfers, and litigation. Practice head Stephanie Fuld has extensive expertise handling complex participation plans, secondments, hiring of services, transfers, and mass dismissals. Elodie Le Guen has experience litigating cases concerning unfair or immediate dismissals, gender discrimination, post-contractual competition, and related criminal aspects.

Practice head(s):

Stéphanie Fuld


Other key lawyers:

Elodie Le Guen; Alexandra Uffer


Testimonials

‘BianchiSchwald LLC consists of extremely knowledgeable legal professionals that combine deep knowledge, experience and understanding of the Swiss law, whilst also being personal, professional and authentic in nature.’

Key clients

Julia Lundstrom


Tupperware


Geneva Call


TPG / Transports publics genevois


Le petit-fils de L.U. Chopard & Cie SA


VF International SAGL


Helvetic Payroll


ACE international SA


Dentsply Maillefer


Théâtre de l’Usine


Caroline Lacoste


Sonepar SA


Almond


Work highlights


  • Assisted Caroline Lacoste in the framework of very aggressive provisional measures which were wrongfully filed against her and which after a long negotiation were withdrawn, and a fair settlement was found.
  • Assisted Julia Lundstrom in the framework of her claim against the employer for sexual harassment, and gender discrimination.
  • Assisted Geneva Call in the framework of several demanding court cases several employees raising various claims for abusive termination and unfair treatment amongst others.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. utilises its global network to support international clients with all employment-related matters, with particular expertise in the cross-border aspects of mobile working. Practice head Christian Gersbach advises corporate clients on drafting of employment contracts, employee representation, and dismissals. Daniel Kinzer represents employees and employers in both public and private court litigation. Miryam Meile has extensive expertise in employee leasing and cross-border assignments.

Practice head(s):

Christian Gersbach


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Kinzer; Miryam Meile


Testimonials

‘The firm were very good at grasping our challenges quickly and were efficient in serving us.’

‘The individuals I engaged with were quick, flexible and were very easy to work with. I only had to give minimal instruction and they picked things up very quickly, and the turnaround was always within my expectations. I always felt in safe hands.’

‘The practice is unique as it swiftly and effectively addresses company’s legal queries and also gives comprehensive guidance around specific legal areas.’

‘The team works swiftly and effectively, with the highest level of legal professionalism. A specific mention to Christian Gersbach for prompt and professional responses.’

‘Personal, efficient and competent.’

‘Excellent partner and team providing excellent advice.’

Key clients

Nike, Inc.


Accenture AG


Denner AG


Corning Inc.


ISS


AON


Nissan


St. Gobain


WSP Global


Novelis


Work highlights


  • Assisting the international giant sports clothing manufacturer Nike with regard to a wide range of Swiss employment matters.
  • Advised Accenture AG with regard to a range of often very complex specific employment matters, such as on the employment aspects of M&A transactions (including post-merger integration aspects), and post-contractual non-compete clauses.
  • Advising Denner AG on all areas of employment law, including dismissals, termination agreements, the implementation of new expense regulations, employee representation matters, data protection issues, etc.

Eversheds Sutherland AG

Eversheds Sutherland AG advises on the full range of labour and employment law contentious and non-contentious issues, including immigration and data protection law. The team is co-headed by Olivier Dunant, who has vast experience in drafting regulations, incentive plans, and internal investigations, and Peter Haas, who handles national and international litigation and arbitration. Sarah Leutwiler supports clients with employment contracts and HR policies, whilst Carol Tissot has extensive knowledge of internal investigations.

Practice head(s):

Olivier Dunant; Peter Haas


Other key lawyers:

Renate Bigler; Sarah Leutwiler; Carol Tissot; Ursula Engel; Michael Lepper; Michael Pötzi


Testimonials

‘Excellent experts in employment law matters and trends globally.’

‘Peter Haas provides excellent legal advice and support. I am thankful for his partnership, outstanding support and availability.’

‘Eversheds Sutherland offers excellent legal advice and service with the highest quality. International law practice, global provider of services, operating in various countries with a great network.’

Key clients

Fédération des Entreprises Romandes, FER Genève


Lenz & Staehelin

Lenz & Staehelin advises and represents employers and senior employees in a range of contentious and non-contentious matters including executive compensation, immigration, and transfer of undertakings. In Zurich, Dominique Müller and Matthias Oertle head the team, whilst Sara Rousselle-Ruffieux and Daniel Tunik lead the Geneva team. Rousselle-Ruffieux has expertise in both individual employment relationships, such as company regulations, secondments, and bonus plans, and collective labour relations, namely hiring of services and business transfers. White-collar experts Müller and Tunik support in employment litigation matters, whilst Oertle advises on cross-border restructurings, business transfers and the compensation of executives in public and private companies. Anja Affolter Marino assists and represents clients in such matters in proceedings before Swiss courts and administrative authorities.

Practice head(s):

Dominique Müller; Matthias Oertle; Sara Rousselle-Ruffieux; Daniel Tunik


Other key lawyers:

Anja Affolter Marino; Jacomo Restellini


Testimonials

‘The practice is unique because it combines the expertise of different individuals in offering exhaustive services in Swiss employment law and ancillary, but complex matters such as Swiss pension funds regulations.’

‘Rousselle-Ruffieux has contributed her remarkable legal expertise to the many and diverse challenges we have been confronted with. Equally important, and on numerous occasions, she has helped us improve our managerial decisions and capabilities through her discretion, emotional intelligence, and tact.’

‘The practice has a strong team focused on delivering high quality and value advice to its customers. Each situation is thoroughly analysed, and the available options clearly presented. The team is sensitive to inclusivity issues and always close to its customers, making sure difficult legal journeys proceed in a supportive and active way.’

‘Lenz & Staehelin offers services in all legal areas and has a well-established international network of corresponding law firms.’

‘Anja Affolter Marino is a pleasure to work with; responsive and commercially-focused on the end result.’

‘Our main point of contact is Sara Rousselle-Rouffieux and it is a pleasure to work with her. She is clearly an experienced professional and I trust her advice completely. We often have quite complex cases and set-ups, and her know-how and pragmatic approach are a real asset.’

‘Broad-based, highly professional and in-depth knowledge of executive employment and compensation matters.’

‘Friendly people with very good expertise and counselling skills. Good pragmatism and able to give good recommendations.’

Key clients

Autoliv – Automobile Industry


Bain Capital/Cinven – Private Equity – Pharmaceuticals


Bristol – Myers Squibb – Pharmaceuticals


CACEIS – Bank


Carlo Gavazzi Holding AG – Electronic


Elanco – Animal Health


FIVE Group – Hospitality


Gyrus and DuPont Sustainable Solutions (DSS) – Consulting services


Hyundai Motor Company – Automobiles


Insight Partners – Financial services


Nomad Foods Ltd. – Food Industry


NovImmune – Pharmaceuticals


Pfizer – Pharmaceuticals


Roca Sanitario – Bathroom Space Products


Salt – Telecommunications


Sika AG – Specific Products for Construction


SoftwareONE – Consulting services


Sunrise – Telecommunications


Swiss Prime Site AG – Real Estate


Tetra Pak – Food Packaging


Unilabs, Laboratoire d’analyses médicales SA


Work highlights


  • Advised CACEIS on bonus plans and other incentive matters, re-characterising agency contracts as employment contracts as well as social security and pension matters.
  • Advised Emergent BioSolutions on employment topics in this transaction included incentive matters as well as social security and pension matters.
  • Advised Schaeffler on employment matters in this transaction, including as to compensation and related topics.

MLL Legal

MLL Legal advises domestic and international companies in all industry sectors with a particular focus on labour management and litigation resulting from corporate acquisition and restructuring, bonus packages, documentation in connection with lay-off procedures, and negotiations with unions and local administration. Zurich team head Thomas Kälin advises and represents clients on the full range of HR related matters, whilst Geneva team head Alain Gros specialises in cross-border employment relationships and terminations of employment.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Kälin; Alain Gros


Other key lawyers:

Polia Rusca; Hannah Cipriano-Favre; David Peter; Daisy Vacher


Testimonials

‘All members of the MLL team have worked in mutual respect and with a strong sense of commitment towards my case, superb level of expertise and drive while maintaining an appreciated empathy and understanding.’

‘Thomas Kälin developed a solid legal opinion and strategy for a very complex international pension contract dispute and spent copious time with me to ensure I understood each step of the way.’

‘Thomas Kälin is a stand-out partner. Very fast response times, very competent with special knowledge in different areas within labour law. A lot of experience, open with advice and potential solutions.’

Key clients

Avobis Group


Calida group of companies


Coca-Cola


GANT


H&H Group


Jabil Manufacturing


Jelmoli


Maisons du Monde


Nexi Group


Neurim Pharmaceuticals


PADI EMEA


RENAULT


STIHL Vertriebs AG


Swiss Export Risk Insurance


Swiss International Air Lines Ltd


Swiss Retail Federation


Switzerland for UNHCR Foundation


Tesla


Unicef


Veeam Software Group GmbH


Willis Towers Watson


Zurich Insurance Company


Work highlights


  • Supporting the traditional warehouse Jelmoli in employment law matters, including a recent negotiation of a social plan.
  • Advised Swiss International Air Lines Ltd in a major lay-off project.
  • Advised and supported the US headquartered Jabil group of companies to establish its presence Switzerland; the team continues to support the 7 Swiss sites with employment law advice and representation in litigation.

MME Legal | Tax | Compliance

MME Legal | Tax | Compliance represents employers and employees in court and arbitration proceedings, as well as advising on the full range of employment law matters, including operational restructuring, internal investigations, and compensation plans. The team is co-headed by the ‘skillful, friendly, and highly professional’ Michèle Stutz and the ‘knowledgeable, responsive, and collaborative employment expert’ Martina Aepli. Raphael Brunner has expertise in internal investigations whilst Alexandra Geiger, Alex Enzler, and Manuela Fuchs advise clients in connection with terminations and the negotiation of termination agreements. Roman Cincelli joined the firm from in-house in February 2023.

Practice head(s):

Michèle Stutz; Martina Aepli


Other key lawyers:

Raphael Brunner; Alexandra Geiger; Alex Enzler; Manuela Fuchs; Roman Cincelli


Testimonials

‘They accomplish legal objectives with a very high level of expertise, very professionally in tone and writing. MME takes balanced risks and explain these legal risks very well. One can feel that the unit really tries its best to feel out a situation and does what is right.’    

‘MME Legal’s team is outstanding and absolutely brilliant. They have a strong ability to draw reasonable and logical assumptions from limited information. They are admired for their great research, analytical, leadership, persuasive and communication skills.’

‘MME is a highly professional and knowledgeable law firm. The people I work with are all very friendly, and very competent.’

‘A brilliant firm and very collaborative.’

‘Michèle Stutz is an excellent lawyer to work with. She is extremely talented and possesses in-depth knowledge on an international level. She is an expert in the areas covering counselling and litigation in the field of labour law (public and private).’

‘Michèle Stutz is very skillful, friendly and highly professional, focused on solving problems in the interest of the client.’

‘Martina Aepli is a knowledgeable, responsive, and collaborative employment expert, excellent negotiator.’

‘I worked with Michèle Stutz and Roman Cincelli. They are very professional, give competent advice and are people of good character. They are very fast in their responses and very efficient.’

Key clients

ELRO-WERKE AG


La Prairie AG


WealthArc AG


Google AG


Auregen Biotherapeutics AG


Belron AG


Jysk GmbH


MS Amlin AG


Ponte Immobilien Schweiz AG


Sequana Medical NV, Ghent, Zweigniederlassung Zürich


Wenger Vieli Ltd

Wenger Vieli Ltd has particular strengths in advising large corporate clients on employee and executive relocation and cross-border transfer of employees as well as matters relating to immigration, visas, and work and residence permits. The team also supports clients with employee renumeration models, share ownership plans, and disciplinary and grievance issues. Practice head Stefan Müller, who ‘is very responsive and delivers great quality’, has a special focus on employment law consultancy, relocations and naturalisations, and employee transfers. Sabine Taxer advises clients on all matters relating to private and public employment law. Nathalie Germann advises companies and private individuals in the areas of migration and labour law.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Müller


Other key lawyers:

Sabine Taxer; Nathalie Germann


Testimonials

‘They are very responsive and knowledgeable. Very good value for money and good business instinct.’

‘Responsiveness and expertise. I fully trust them and know they will take care of the client like I would.’

‘Dedicated and fast.’

‘Stefan Müller is very responsive and delivers great quality.’

Key clients

EPAM Systems (Switzerland) GmbH


Work highlights


  • Acting as EPAM’s outsourced employment counsel in Switzerland.
  • Advising Executive on high-profile exit from renowned music publisher.
  • Advised the lead investor Redalpine Opportunity Fund on employment matters in Carvolution’s Series D Financing Round.

Bratschi Ltd

Bratschi Ltd offers support for the full-spectrum of employment law matters from traditional employment law advice and litigation to transaction-related work and public law advice. The firm has particular expertise in personnel regulations, employee incentive schemes, including share and stock option plans, and global mobility. The team is co-headed by Angela Hensch, who has a special focus on employment contracts, and Tobias Herren, who has extensive expertise with termination agreements. Yvo Hungerbühler handles employment related litigation and Céline Hofer supports on employment agreements.

Practice head(s):

Angela Hensch; Tobias Herren


Other key lawyers:

Yvo Hungerbühler; Céline Hofer


Testimonials

‘Tobias Herren has great competence in law and provides valuable advice.’

Key clients

Securiton AG, Mr. Adrian Liechti (VP Sales International)


Swisspower AG, Mr. Ronny Kaufmann (CEO)


Sammelstiftung Symova, Mr. Fabian Schmid (President)


Kistag Dekopack AG, Mr. Julien Hertli (CEO)


Bernina Retail AG, Mr. Pascal Christener (CEO)


Work highlights


  • Represented Sammelstiftung Symova (Tobias Herren) to find a favourable settlement agreement with the former CEO who had to be dismissed while he was having cancer in a final stadium.
  • Advised Kistag Dekopack AG (Tobias Herren): an employee was employed for almost 30 years had to be dismissed. The employee mandated a worker union a bitter fight followed.
  • Providing ongoing employment law advice and representation as external counsel to Swiss Federal Roads Office (Tobias Herren).

Gillioz Dorsaz & Associés

Employment law is one of the main practice areas for boutique firm Gillioz Dorsaz & Associés. The firm supports both employees and employers in all stages of the employment lifecycle, from the initial contracts to dismissals and separation agreements. The team is headed by Vanessa Maraia-Rossel, who regularly assists employers in the drafting of employment contracts and of various company policies such as staff regulations, harassment and whistleblowing policies, bonus schemes, and participation plans. Maraia-Rossel also has extensive expertise in representing clients before the judicial and administrative authorities.

Practice head(s):

Vanessa Maraia-Rossel


id est avocats sàrl

id est avocats sàrl utilises its IP, IT, and corporate knowledge to support domestic and international companies with setting up incentive plans and reviewing compliance of HR information systems tools. The team is headed by Juliette Ancelle, who has extensive experience assisting entrepreneurs, employees, and employers with negotiation of their work packages, employment disputes, and HR and social law compliance matters.

Practice head(s):

Juliette Ancelle


Testimonials

‘Juliette Ancelle was remarkable in his listening skills and ability to anticipate the opposing party.

Lustenberger + Partners

Lustenberger + Partners is a growing boutique that advises and represents international corporations, domestic mid-size companies, and top executives on day-to-day employment advice as well as high-profile, complex disputes. The team is headed by Monika McQuillen, who has expertise in cross-border employment situations, as well as individual and collective employment matters. Michael Lazopoulos has extensive know-how in the employment aspects of restructuring and reorganisations, mass dismissals, and executive compensation.

Practice head(s):

Monika McQuillen


Other key lawyers:

Michael Lazopoulos; Nikola Bellofatto; Caroline Lutz; Michel Verde


Testimonials

‘Professional and friendly service.’

‘Monika McQuillen is an extremely competent lawyer and is always able to adapt to the different situations and advise us in the best possible way.’

‘The team is highly responsive and provides pragmatic and commercial advice on complex issues. They have particular experience of advising international clients and so well-placed to support us with cross-border issues.’

‘Monika McQuillen is top quality, providing clear and commercial advice. She has considerable international experience and is exceptional at advising on employment and HR issues which have a cross-border/international focus.’

‘I received very personalised and attentive advice, negotiating on my behalf calmly and decisively to get the best possible outcome.’

‘Monika McQuillen was very helpful: managing technicalities and emotions very well in a calm and reassuring manner.’

‘Monika McQuillen is business-oriented, pragmatic, always providing a good analysis of the situation and explaining risks without being too risk-averse.’

Work highlights


  • Defence of a non-profit-organization against the claims of a former employee concerning the alleged entitlement to compensation in lieu of state unemployment benefits under a treaty with the Swiss government
  • Advising a global medical devices supplier in relation to the introduction of a flex time working model, assist in the negotiation of a collective agreement, introduction of simplified work time recording.
  • Representing a shareholder and former employee against the other two shareholders and the employer in relation to the exercised purchase rights and the valuation of shares as well as an unfair dismissal claim.

Mangeat Attorneys at Law LLC

Mangeat Attorneys at Law LLC's practice covers a wide range of employment law related matters including transfer of undertakings, bonus schemes, social plans, individual and collective dismissals, and harassment disputes. The team is headed by Laurence Crittin, who regularly advises domestic and international companies and individuals on employment law-related data protection issues, immigration, termination agreements, HR practices, and dispute resolution. My-Hué Tan advises clients on the management and mitigation of their legal, business, and operational risks arising from business restructurings, labour relations, and internal investigations. Joël Chevallaz represents employees in complex litigation arising from a transfer of undertaking.

Practice head(s):

Laurence Crittin


Other key lawyers:

My-Hué Tan; Grégoire Mangeat; Joël Chevellaz


Testimonials

‘Great availability, answers rapidly, responses are accurate, relevant and professional. Very good understanding of the topic and industry.’

‘Very reliable, available, easy contact, clear information and quick.’

‘In depth practical relevant knowledge, strategic thinking “out of the box”, transparent billing, fast turnaround times.’

‘Laurence Crittin is a highly appreciated and an outstanding expert with respect to employment law and related matters. She advised in a business enabling, clear and structured way which leads to great results.’

‘Laurence Crittin is a top employment lawyer: she is client oriented and always finds a solution. She also has in-depth knowledge of other related domains such as corporate law, immigration law, and social security and therefore provides global advice taking into consideration other matters that might be affected.’

‘Laurence Crittin is THE employment law expert within the law firm.

‘Client-friendly, extremely responsive, transparent and clear in communications, solution oriented and pragmatic. Complementary team with an excellent spirit; always constructive and positive.’

‘Joël Chevellaz and Laurence Crittin are great lawyers. They are very focused, with a long-term vision and extremely efficient; they are fully dedicated to support their clients and always try to find solutions.’

Key clients

MITC Mobility SA


CMCB and PMC


Work highlights


  • Advising MITC MOBILITY SA in relation to the transfer of undertaking from UBER BV and UBER SWITZERLAND GMBH to MITC MOBILITY SA and representing MITC MOBILITY SA in front of the administration and Courts in relation to the hiring of services matters and others employment law (related) matters.
  • Representing Centre Médical à Chêne-Bourg CMCB SA in front of the State Secretariat of Economy in a matter pertaining to payment of short working time compensation during the COVID pandemic.

Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte

Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte provides support to its longstanding clients on a broad range of employment and labour matters, such as day-to-day employment concerns, complex employment strategies and questions, defending our clients’ interests in court, including ex parte injunctive reliefs, and assisting them in mass dismissals, transfer of business and work controls. The team is co-headed by Thomas Loher, who regularly advises employers and senior management staff on transfers of undertakings and compensation schemes, and Anna Neukom Chaney, who has expertise in domestic and international employment and labour litigation.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Loher; Anna Neukom Chaney


Other key lawyers:

Arlette Pfister; Markus Alder; Michael Bösch; Rolf Schuler; Marco Meier; Julien Boulter


Testimonials

‘Arlette Pfister is absolutely amazing. High professionalism, strong legal expertise, commercial orientation and a very sound common-sense judgment.’

‘Anna Neukom Chaney is our go-to person. She is very knowledgeable, approachable and just very good to work with.’

‘Thomas Loher is an excellent partner.’

‘Anna Neukom Chaney’s service quality and efficiency is outstanding.’

‘Anna Neukom Chaney is very constructive, goal-oriented and highly efficient and can advise clients extremely well because of her exhaustive experience and knowledge.’

Key clients

Kline Hill Capital Partners, Greenwich, CT USA


British Telecom Group


Mölnlycke


Wenger Plattner

The employment team at Wenger Plattner has a special focus on dispute resolution for high-profile companies and individuals, including entrepreneurs and senior management staff. The team is particularly strong in bonus disputes, employment termination litigation, and litigation relating to non-competition clauses including interim relied proceedings and arbitration. The practice is headed by Roland Bachmann, who has extensive experience litigating on separation agreements and complex bonus plans and advising clients on all issues relating to employment law. The team is supported by IP expert Damian Schai and commercial dispute specialist Yannick Hostettler.

Practice head(s):

Roland Bachmann


Key clients

Audi AG / Sauber Motorsports


Work highlights


  • Drafted and negotiated the pre-employment agreement between Audi / Sauber Motorsports and the future Chief Executive Officer for the Formula 1 Business of the Sauber Group in Switzerland.
  • Supported Nyco Flexible Packaging GmbH with all employee-related matters in the course of the restructuring proceedings.

Chabrier Avocats

Chabrier Avocats's team, headed by Hervé Crausaz and Marc Hassberger, supports clients on all employment and labour law related issues including negotiation and drafting of employment agreements, benefits and compensation, incentive/bonus plans, employee participation plans and collective labour agreements. Crausaz has extensive experience in domestic and international litigation, and dispute resolution in the employment field. Hassberger represents foreign governments and multinational clients in employment and labour law litigation.

Practice head(s):

Hervé Crausaz; Marc Hassberger


Testimonials

‘The team is very professional.’

‘Marc Hassberger is very professional, sharp, and is extremely helpful in understanding the client’s needs and he will do his best for a best solution.’

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan (Schweiz) GmbH

Litigation firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan (Schweiz) GmbH represents companies and ultra-high-net-worth individuals in all employment-related disputes, including breaches of contracts, termination agreements, disputes arising from internal investigations, and issues arising from acquisitions. Practice co-head Thomas Werlen regularly handles high-stakes employment matters, often representing board members and senior management. Remo Decurtins, who also co-heads the team, has a special focus on the representation of corporate and private clients in criminal and regulatory investigations, in particular involving employment-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Werlen; Remo Decurtins


Testimonials

‘Thomas Werlen’s legal expertise, strategic mind, commitment, professionality, and responsiveness is second to none. He is always on top of the matter, even if it is a complex matter with many workstreams, tackled issues and proactively addressed potential issues. He is a great negotiator who is continuously bringing home favourable results for his clients.’

‘Remo Decurtins assisted Thomas Werlen with employment-related aspects in this matter. He continued to impress us with his highly efficient and diligent work, and his pragmatic and creative approach to overcome the various legal issues and to find the best possible solution. Remo was always available and helpful.’

Key clients

Credit Suisse executives in relation to CCA/AT1 bonds


Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)


World Boxing Super Series AG


Vexavit SA


Monaco Increase Management Sàrl


Campos Racing S.L.


Pascal Wehrlein, Professional Race Car Driver


Asia League Limited (East Asia Super League)


Sphaira Innovation


Work highlights


  • Representing executives of Credit Suisse whose Contingent Capital Awards (CCA) were written down by FINMA on 19 March 2023 in the context of the takeover of Credit Suisse by UBS and the write down of AT1 bonds.
  • Advising a former executive of a Swiss bank in relation to a dispute in relation to her dismissal for fabricated reasons.
  • Acting for a Swiss ultra-high-net-worth family foundation in disputes with former executives over breaches of their employment contracts.

Staiger Attorneys at Law Ltd

Staiger Attorneys at Law Ltd's team offers a full-service employment practice to its clients in both an advisory and litigation capacity. The team often represents employers in SMEs in a variety of employment-related disputes, including collective bargaining agreements and immigration matters. The team head Philipp Haymann specialises in all employment matters and has a specific focus on domestic litigation and arbitration. Other key team members include Jonas Stüssi, Larissa Horat, and Rudolf von Erlach.

Practice head(s):

Phillip Haymann


Other key lawyers:

Jonas Stüssi; Larissa Horat; Rudolf von Erlach


Testimonials

‘Philipp Haymann was extremely responsive, provided practical advice and was an excellent legal partner to assist a client going through a very difficult situation with complex cross-jurisdictional aspects.’

‘The team is always available and has a straightforward way to communicate.’

‘Philipp Hayman is a standout partner, who is very creative in finding solutions no matter how complex the issue is. He is responsive in time-critical situations, and delivers very pragmatic and to-the point responses.’

‘Philipp Haymann offers practical, solution-oriented advice. We value his fast turn-around time and availability.’