Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Private client

Offices of Stephanie A. Jarrett is founded by Stephanie Jarrett who has more than two decades of experience advising high-net worth families on succession planning and asset protection, among other matters.
Fabian Teichmann leads the team at Teichmann International, which is noted for its particular capabilities in white-collar crime mandates.

Private client in Switzerland

Bär & Karrer Ltd.

Bär & Karrer Ltd. continues to prove itself as a leading firm for private clients needing guidance on wealth and succession planning, inheritance disputes, and international tax, among other matters. Described as ‘a force of nature and one of the most eminent private client lawyers in Switzerland’, Tina Wüstemann heads the private client practice with nearly three decades of experience. Leading the team alongside her, Daniel Bader is a tax expert that regularly handles cross-border matters. Daniel Leu is a further standout member of the team, who advises on foundations and trusts, art law, and residency.

Practice head(s):

Tina Wüstemann; Daniel Bader


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Leu; Daniel Hochstrasser; Ruth Bloch-Riemer


Testimonials

‘B&K is one of Switzerland’s largest and most prestigious law firms, especially in the private client world.’

‘They are very good at what they do. They have a vast amount of experience and a large array of international cases. They absolutely have the stature and experience to take on any matter.’

‘Tina Wüstemann is a force of nature and one of the most eminent private client lawyers in Switzerland and potentially in the world. She has a huge network and knows everyone and everything. You surely want to have her in your court.’

‘Daniel Leu is a great strategic mind and a fixture in the Switzerland private client dispute resolution world. I can’t recommend him enough.’

‘Tina Wüstemann, Daniel Leu, and Daniel Bader are all highly skilled and very experienced. They are excellent lawyers.’

‘Tina Wüstemann is one of the top trusts and estates litigators in Switzerland with extensive experience in the largest and most complex international trust disputes. She has excellent judgement and strategic litigation skills. She is a delightful person to work with.’

‘Daniel Leu is an impressive trust litigator and tax planner. He is widely recognized as one of the leading international private client lawyers in Switzerland with an extraordinary cross-border practice of clients from around the world. He is a great pleasure to work with.’

‘Daniel Bader is a top private client lawyer with deep expertise in cross-border planning.’

Work highlights


Lenz & Staehelin

Hailed as ‘one of the great law firms of Switzerland’, Lenz & Staehelin handles a wide range of matters for private clients such as investment portfolios, distressed assets, estate planning, artwork, and trusts. The team is co-led by Lucien Masmejan and Heini Rüdisühli. With his extensive experience advising on tax-related matters, Daniel Schafer is an excellent source of advice within the team. Further key members of the practice include Mark Barmes, Alexander Greter, and Géraldine Auberson. In particular, Barmes is noted for his expertise assisting both local and international clients with wealth planning.

Practice head(s):

Lucien Masmejan; Heini Rüdisühli


Other key lawyers:

Mark Barmes; Géraldine Auberson; Frédéric Neukomm; Alexander Greter; Alexandra Hirt; Daniel Schafer


Testimonials

‘Lenz & Stähelin is one of the great law firms of Switzerland. They have vast resources and knowledge. Their experience and international footprint allow them to handle the most complex and largest of cases. Their private client team is amazing.’

‘The practice has wide-ranging experience in dealing with international private clients and their businesses. The advice given is therefore both commercial and personal, a combination which clients value as it allows for both good governance and decision-making.’

‘Lucien Masmejan is hugely experienced with private clients. He’s both practical and commercial. Géraldine Auberson is highly organised and knowledgeable.’

‘Mark Barmes is widely recognized as one of the leading international private client lawyers in Switzerland, with an extraordinary cross-border practice of clients from around the world. He is a great pleasure to work with, very bright, thoughtful, and deeply experienced.’

‘Heini Ruedisuehli is calm, thoughtful and knowledgeable. His response time is excellent, and it is a pleasure working with him.’

‘Alexandra Hirt is an experienced lawyer and has a great footprint in the academic world. She is intellectually strong and gets to the core of legal issues quickly.’

‘Alexander Greter is a devoted lawyer and trusted adviser. He manages complex affairs and co-ordinates international advice with great skill.’

‘Lucien Masmejan is a superb litigator with excellent judgement and creative strategic litigation skills. He is extremely bright and a delightful person with whom to work.’

Work highlights


Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

With in-depth experience handling estate and inheritance disputes for high-profile international clients, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd presents itself as a go-to firm for families needing advice on wealth structuring and preservation. The team is headed by Andrea Dorjee-Good and David Wallace Wilson. Dorjee-Good stands out for her expertise in estate and succession planning, while Wilson often handles inheritance disputes. With decades of experience navigating the private banking landscape, Bernard Vischer is recommended for matters related to corporate and banking regulations. Other key individuals include Guillaume Grisel, who regularly advises on international tax matters, as well as Caroline Lopez Nagai.

Testimonials

‘They have a large team of specialists all with great knowledge.’

‘Andrea Dorjee-Good is a fantastic asset to her clients. She combines her in-depth knowledge of Swiss succession law with strong problem-solving skills, which enables her to find pragmatic solutions in the complex world of cross-border estate planning.’

‘Guillaume Grisel has great depth of cross-border private client knowledge, particularly between the UK and Switzerland. Guillaume has impressive language skills and is always a pleasure to work with.’

‘The dedication they provide in their level of work to their clients is impressive. They provide a dedicated and professional service.’

‘The Schellenberg Wittmer private client team’s standing in the market in terms of technical expertise is second to none. This is reflected in the central role that the firm has played regarding the development of Swiss trust law.’

‘The team combine their technical expertise with great commercial acumen, ensuring that clients receive pragmatic advice. They are international in their outlook, which is critical given the amount of private client work which involves a cross-border element.’

‘Bernard Vischer and David Wallace Wilson are both exceptional professionals as well as first class advisors in Switzerland.’

‘Lopez-Nagai is very knowledgeable, responsive, reliable and above all favours practical solutions for her clients.’

Key clients

Rhone Trust


NBK Banque Privée (Suisse) SA


Work highlights


  • Representing one of several heirs in a very complex cross-border trust and estate dispute involving complex trust structures in various jurisdictions holding a major family-owned business.
  • Representing two heirs in a complex Swiss estate litigation, involving claims against the stepfather and the executor who is challenging substantial lifetime gifts to the clients.
  • Advising a UHNWI with a Swiss background on his global estate planning.

Walder Wyss Ltd.

The ‘extremely knowledgeable team’ at Walder Wyss Ltd. is co-headed by Kinga Weiss and Philippe Pulfer. Weiss has experience advising on a broad range of issues such as anti-money laundering, inheritance law, estate planning, and tax. Praised by clients as ‘the number one private client professional in Switzerland’, Pulfer is a go-to advisor for clients seeking guidance for trusts and foundations. Robert Desax is recommended for wealth planning and offers his services in French, German, and English. Other essential members of the team include Olivier Sigg, Ayesha Curmally, and Fouad Sayegh.

Practice head(s):

Kinga Weiss; Philippe Pulfer


Other key lawyers:

Olivier Sigg; Robert Desax; Fouad Sayegh; Philippe Kohler; Ayesha Curmally


Testimonials

‘My experience of Walder Wyss is that it’s truly world-class, with a very international outlook. The quality of their work is second to none.’

‘Philippe Pulfer is the number one private client professional in Switzerland. He’s impeccable in all aspects.’

‘They have an extremely knowledgeable team.’

‘Kinga Weiss is very experienced, easy to work with and extremely good with clients.’

‘The art law team at Walder Wyss have an excellent reputation amongst the private client community.’

‘Robert Desax is an excellent tax lawyer with focus on private clients, and Kinga Weiss is an excellent trust and estates planning lawyer.’

‘The people at Walder Wyss Ltd. are very knowledgeable in the field of high-net-worth individuals, and they always come up with high-level and practical solutions.’

‘Kinga Weiss is the go-to succession law expert in cross-border estate planning. She’s always very pragmatic in the way she approaches matters.’

Work highlights


Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG

Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG excels at advising on cross-border wealth management matters for private individuals, families, trust companies, and investment advisors, among others. The firm is also particularly skilled at handling various international taxation matters across numerous jurisdictions, including the UK and the US. The team’s experience ranges from asset-disclosure regulations and inheritance tax to investigations and audits. The team is co-led by Marnin Michaels, Lyubomir Georgiev, and Elliott Murray. Other standout members of the team include Gregory Walsh who regularly advises on tax compliance matters.

Practice head(s):

Marnin Michaels; Lyubomir Georgiev; Elliott Murray


Other key lawyers:

Gregory Walsh; Jacopo Crivellaro


Testimonials

‘Marnin Michaels and Lyubomir Georgiev are two outstanding individuals. They are client-minded, solution-oriented and responsive, with expertise in cross-border wealth and estate planning for the US and UK.’

‘Baker McKenzie has been outstanding in providing first class advice in complicated cross border tax transactions. In particular, Baker McKenzie has proven to be excellent in explaining complicated tax matters.’

‘The team’s level of service is outstanding! Marnin Michael’s has a unique way of strategic thinking that benefits every even most complicated case.’

Work highlights


Charles Russell Speechlys AG

With its ‘deep expertise in cross-border planning’, the private client team at Charles Russell Speechlys AG is well-placed to advise on private wealth disputes, immigration, property acquisition, tax, and wealth structuring. The firm houses a diverse client portfolio that includes individuals, wealth managers, trustees, and beneficiaries in Switzerland and the UK as well as other jurisdictions. The team is co-headed by Michael Wells-Greco and Mark Summers. With his experience assisting with the estates of high-net worth clients, Grégoire Uldry is another prominent individual within the team.

Practice head(s):

Michael Wells-Greco; Mark Summers


Other key lawyers:

Dharshi Wijetunga; Grégoire Uldry; Sirin Yüce


Testimonials

‘The team consists of highly proficient lawyers with a deep expertise in cross-border planning. They are able to craft practical solutions for the client’s needs.’

‘The team is highly responsive and has proven cross-border experience. The team works collaboratively across practice areas and jurisdictions.’

‘Michael Wells-Greco has encyclopedic knowledge of cross-border family and succession matters. He is the go-to lawyer for Anglo-Swiss private client matters.’

‘Mark Summers is exceptionally knowledgeable in advising clients on cross-border matters, particularly when families that have a US connection.’

‘Mark Summer’s multijurisdictional knowledge is exceptional, especially regarding the UK and the US.’

‘They are very good family lawyers with a deep knowledge of the specific laws and their application.’

‘The team is very responsive and is always available.’

‘Grégoire Uldry is very proactive. He’s a focused problem solver.’

Work highlights


CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.

The private client team at CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. focusses on domestic and international estate planning and litigation, and regularly caters to high-net worth individuals, families, and banks. Co-leading the team is Tobias Somary, who has extensive experience advising on prenuptial agreements, trusts, and succession planning. Pierre Ducret heads the team alongside him and is particularly skilled at navigating litigation with a cross-border element. Considered ‘a go-to practitioner for complex inheritance matters’, Louise Lutz Sciamanna also comes highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Tobias Somary; Pierre Ducret


Other key lawyers:

Louise Lutz Sciamanna; David Hürlimann; Tanja Schaub; Sarah Busca Bonvin


Testimonials

‘Tobias Somary certainly stands out with his experience. He is a very good solution-oriented lawyer.’

‘Tobias Somary in Zurich is a first-rate cross-border practitioner with excellent technical abilities and a bedside manner to match.’

‘They have a great team with excellent experts.’

‘Louise Lutz Sciamanna is a go-to partitioner for complex inheritance matters. He also has great interpersonal skills.’

‘Louise Lutz Sciamanna and Tobias Somary both have extensive experience in cross-border estate planning.’

‘CMS is very impressive.’

‘Tobias Somary is superb. I would not hesitate to recommend him.’

Work highlights


Fischer Ramp Buchmann

Fischer Ramp Buchmann is a boutique private client firm that is home to ‘tax experts of outstanding quality’ who regularly assist with complex cross-border matters. Founding partners Michael Fischer and Samuel Ramp both have considerable experience advising national and international clients. Their combined expertise includes tax planning and litigation, wealth structuring, and real estate matters across various jurisdictions. Marc Buchmann and Manuel Frei are also noted for their work on some of the firm’s most complex cases.

Practice head(s):

Michael Fischer; Samuel Ramp; Marc Buchmann


Other key lawyers:

Manuel Frei; Tendon Dahortsang


Testimonials

‘The practice has a team of lawyers and tax experts of outstanding quality.’

‘Michael Fischer is very knowledgeable in Swiss tax law applicable to private clients. He is easy to reach and can think out of the box.’

‘Michael Fischer, Samuel Ramp and Marc Buchmann are outstanding and great to work with. They excel in complex cross-border matters including both legal and tax aspects.’

‘I’m absolutely thrilled with Fischer Ramp Buchmann! Their deep understanding of both domestic and international tax landscapes is unmatched. What sets them apart is their genuine dedication to clients.’

‘They offer an excellent client service and outstanding quality of work. All partners are attorneys and tax experts. They are efficient and able to represent private clients in their most important and complex matters.’

‘The team has a particular expertise in international trust and estate matters as well as in cross-border tax structuring. They are a great firm.’

‘Samuel Ramp is uniquely knowledgeable in real estate matters. He’s also a reliable advisor.’

‘The firm has fantastic international connections and delivers its advice on time. They are an excellent firm with an excellent team.’

Work highlights


  • Advising an UHNW entrepreneur couple on their relocation from UK to Switzerland and on cross-border tax structuring related to their trust.
  • Advising two UHNW entrepreneurs active in high frequency trading on restructuring their fund business as well as their relocation to Switzerland.
  • Advising two UHNW entrepreneurs on cross-border wealth and tax structuring matters.

Homburger

Homburger draws from specialists across the firm to offer comprehensive advice to its private clients regarding matters relating to tax, dispute resolution, real estate, and financing. With its ‘extensive knowledge of international law’, the team regularly navigates cross-border mandates between multiple jurisdictions across Europe. Leading the team, Claudia Suter has in-depth experience advising on estate planning and tax structuring. Gabrielle Nater-Bass is another outstanding individual that frequently handles international trust and estate litigation. Tobias Kaufmann and Anja Korradi are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Claudia Suter


Other key lawyers:

Tobias Kaufmann; Anja Korradi; Gabrielle Nater-Bass; Harold Grüninger; Stefanie Pfisterer


Testimonials

‘The partners and associates are remarkable. They have consistently demonstrated outstanding qualities such as innovation, teamwork, and an unyielding drive to achieve results.’

‘The team has extensive knowledge on international law. They are fast, responsive, and detail oriented.’

‘Gabrielle Nater-Bass always follows up with the developments and available whenever needed. She is quick to act and has excellent communication skills.’ 

‘The quality of the team is truly impressive.’

‘Homburger is one of the top firms in Switzerland when it comes to multi-jurisdictional advice to very demanding private clients.’

‘Claudia Suter is the go-to lawyer when it comes to cross-border advice to private clients. She is very experienced and also very committed and empathetic.’

‘They are the best private clients practice in Switzerland. They have a unique combination of legal skills and business minded approach.’

‘The team is sensible, practical, and client focused.’

Work highlights


MLL Legal

With Patricia Guerra and Serge Calame leading the team, MLL Legal continues to be a go-to firm for private clients needing advice on relocation, real estate acquisitions, inheritance disputes, and tax planning. Maud Udry-Alhanko specialises in family law and often handles cross-border divorce and estate matters. Julien Tron is another exceptional member of the team with experience in wealth planning. Catherine Kavadze is also noted for her experience advising high-net worth individuals on various matters.

Practice head(s):

Patricia Guerra; Serge Calame


Other key lawyers:

Dmitry Pentsov; Julie Wynne; Bernard Lachenal; Julien Tron; Maud Udry-Alhanko; Catherine Kavadze


Testimonials

‘The private client team at MLL offers one-stop shop service for all needs with wide-ranging expertise. They have a dynamic team approach to effectively handle complex international matters.’

‘Julien Tron is extremely responsive, technical, and empathetic. He’s a go-to lawyer in Geneva.’

‘Serge Calame, Julien Tron and Maud Udry-Alhanko operate as a seamless team. They provide expert advice and support whilst being extremely personable. They have excellent language skills.’

‘Patricia Guerra is absolutely fabulous. She has impeccable judgement and a vast amount of legal knowledge. She goes above and beyond for her clients. I could not recommend her more highly.’

‘The MLL team provides an excellent client service in a timely and efficient manner. Their cross-border expertise is extremely valuable to international high-net worth clients.’

‘Serge Calame is a great lawyer. He’s very sharp and receptive to the needs of the clients. He is an excellent professional regarding estate planning and settlement of inheritance with cross border issues.’

‘Maud Udry-Alhanko combines her legal expertise with strategic thinking and compassion for the client. I would not hesitate to recommend her.’

‘They are always responsive and pertinent when advising on complex cross-border multigenerational matters.’

Work highlights


Niederer Kraft Frey AG

As a full-service law firm, Niederer Kraft Frey AG advises its private clients on the full spectrum of matters, including investments, estate planning, relocation, divorce, and inheritance law. The team is headed by Catherine Grun Meyer, who has an expertise in succession planning of family businesses. Leading the team alongside her, Thomas Graf is recommended for tax matters within the sports industry. Daniel Antognini and Thomas Hochstrasser are also notable members of the team.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Grun Meyer; Thomas Graf


Other key lawyers:

Michaela Zehnder; Daniel Antognini; Thomas Hochstrasser; Mirjam Vögeli


Testimonials

‘The team has extremely experienced lawyers.’

‘They are very responsive and strong on the technical side. They’re a pleasure to work with.’

‘Catherine Grun and Thomas Graf are very experienced on cross-border matters and a pleasure to work with.’

‘NKF has a strong historical private client practice and is very well established in the market.’

‘Mirjam Vögeli has become a very prominent figure in Zurich’s private client sphere. She has vast capabilities in the fields of charities and succession planning.’

‘Mirjam Vögeli is a specialised private client lawyer that advises on inheritance, foundational, matrimonial and contract law. Mirjam is a highly professional and strives for excellence while still maintaining a pragmatic approach.’

‘Niederer Kraft Frey and their lawyers have extensive knowledge in both the local law and cross-border matters. In the international terrain, they move with an incredible security that always gives us peace of mind. Niederer Kraft Frey is a one-stop shop.’

‘Catherine Grun has outstanding legal skills in the private client field. The response times to enquiries are incredibly short, and the answers always impress us with their level of detail.’

Work highlights


Pestalozzi

The team at Pestalozzi is co-led by Oliver Widmer, Thomas Rohner, and Christophe Emonet. Widmer regularly advises financial institutions and wealth managers on matters relating to banking and capital markets. Rohener is recommended for litigation arising from inheritance disputes, trusts, and estate law. Emonet is skilled at navigating international investigations; he specialises in financial fraud cases and other white-collar crime matters. Jonas Sigrist is another key individual who is an expert at handling domestic and cross-border tax matters.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Widmer; Thomas Rohner; Christophe Emonet


Other key lawyers:

Jonas Sigrist; Michael Lips


Testimonials

‘They are quick and well-organised. The team is very good for all Swiss tax topics.’

‘Jonas Sigrist is very good for all direct and indirect tax issues.’

‘I am very happy with the Pestalozzi team. I have had good experiences with them, especially with the tax team. Their availability, communication, and follow-up are excellent.’

‘Thomas Rohner is an absolute pleasure to work with.’

‘Michael Lips is good at advising on residential real estate purchase and alternatives to trust ownership in Switzerland. He is very helpful and communicates quickly and efficiently.’

Key clients

Bank IHAG


Bank Maerki Baumann


Bank Reichmuth


Bank Rothschild


Bank Vontobel


Banque Cantonale de Genève


CERN, European Organization for Nuclear Research


Cofra Holding AG


Credit Agricole


Deutsche Bank Private Banking


Fahad Al-Rajaan


Fleming Family & Partners (Suisse) AG


Hauck und Auhäuser


Maerki Baumann & CO


Marcuard


Merrill Lynch Trust Services


Private Clients Partner


Société Générale


Stonehage (Zürich) AG


Zulauf Family


Work highlights


Bratschi Ltd

Bratschi Ltd offers tax and general legal advice to private businesses and private banking. Hailed for its ‘great experience in international taxation and estate planning’, the team also regularly advises on financial regulations, inheritance law, succession planning, and relocation. Ingmar JM Snijders heads the team with more than two decades of experience.

Practice head(s):

Ingmar JM Snijders


Other key lawyers:

Michael Suter; Roland Böhi


Testimonials

‘The team has great experience in international taxation and estate planning.’

‘Ingmar Snijders is professional and is always willing to look for a solution. He’s one of a kind, and it’s always great to work with him.’

‘The team are always ready to assist. They are friendly, creative and professional.’

‘Ingmar Snijders clearly stands out as an experienced private client practitioner with a range of UHWI clients who trust his advice in regard to all kind of legal issues.’

‘The team offers practical and professional advice.’ 

‘Ingmar Snijders stands out for providing extremely thorough and sound advice.’

Work highlights


FBT Attorneys-at-Law

In addition to advising high-net worth individuals and families, FBT Attorneys-at-Law caters to a broad range of clients, including trustees, banking institutions, asset managers, and charitable foundations. The team has experience advising on inheritance disputes, private banking, and international successions, among other matters. Jean-Luc Bochatay is a tax expert who frequently handles cross-border matters. Located in Paris, Pascale Cano focusses on estate planning and other family-related mandates.

Practice head(s):

Jean-Luc Bochatay; Pascal Cano


Other key lawyers:

Frederique Bensahel; Michel Abt


Testimonials

‘The FBT are reliable and competent. They react quickly and efficiently to all our questions and requests.’

‘Jean-Luc Bochatay and his colleagues give very good advice in timely and professional manner.’

Work highlights


  • Advised on a complex and high-stake cross-border tax and estate planning matter.
  • Advised on the transmission of assets to the heirs of several marriages domiciled in different countries.
  • Advised a founder and principal shareholder on the sale of a company active in the new digital economy.

Staiger Attorneys at Law Ltd

Located in Zurich, Staiger Attorneys at Law Ltd is sought after for its expertise in inheritance and estate planning. Spearheaded by Georgia Fotiou and Andreas Von Erlach, the team regularly advises on trust and foundation law, succession planning, tax matters, and relocation. Fotiou is particularly skilled at advising private clients from South Africa, while Von Erlach is recommended for his experience handling matters for family-owned businesses. Michael Hamm is another integral part of the team.

Practice head(s):

Georgia Fotiou; Andreas von Erlach


Other key lawyers:

Michael Hamm


Testimonials

‘Staiger attorneys is a modern company with experienced experts in the legal field. ‘

‘The level of professionalism, dedication to law, and the outstanding team makes Staiger a leader in the field. The team consists of skilled, competent, and capable law experts.’

‘Georgia Fotiou is a top specialist in her field and an outstanding attorney.’

Key clients

Nesinco Group Ltd.


Andritz Soutec Ltd.


L.A.M. Les Arts Mécaniques SA


New Energy Horizons Ltd.


Private Capital Partners Ltd.


Hegeler Carus Foundation


Work highlights


  • Representing a family trust as international lead counsel in global restructuring of Les Arts Mécaniques.
  • Advising an UHNW family on family governance and the structuring their business affairs.

Wenger Vieli Ltd

Spearheaded by Bruno Bächli and Michael Huber, the private client team at Wenger Vieli Ltd handles a broad range of matters, including tax and estate planning, execution of wills, and inheritance contracts. The team is also skilled at litigation arising out of disputes of succession and divisions of the estate. Dominik Bürgy and Joël Doswald are noted for their experience advising on cross-border tax structuring.

Practice head(s):

Bruno Bächli; Michael Huber


Other key lawyers:

Peter Altorfer; Dominik Bürgy; Joël Doswald


Testimonials

‘They are efficient and precise in their analysis.’

‘Michael Huber and his team are always reachable.’

‘The team stands out for the quality of its work as well as its reliability.’

Work highlights


Kellerhals Carrard

Ingrid Iselin and Annette Spycher co-head the private client team at Kellerhals Carrard. Spycher is skilled at navigating complex cross-border family-related matters, and frequently advises on divorce proceedings, prenuptial agreements, and inheritance law. Iselin has more than two decades of experience advising on estate planning, international relocation, and trust litigation. Frédérique Flournoy and Jean-Christophe Hocke are also seasoned members of the team.

Practice head(s):

Ingrid Iselin; Annette Spycher


Other key lawyers:

Frédérique Flournoy; Jean-Christophe Hocke


Testimonials

‘Annette Spycher is extremely competent. Her ability to think strategically and take a proactive approach is most impressive.’

‘Annette was a pleasure to work with. She provided excellent and timely advice. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone needing advice in Switzerland.’

‘The team is extremely responsive and knowledgeable.’

‘They are experienced in contentious estates and trusts as well as capacity issues, which is sometimes lacking in other Swiss private client teams.’

‘The practice is composed of very highly qualified individuals with a good team spirit. They are very client oriented.’

‘The private client practice is not only focused on tax advice but also on cross-border estate planning, administration of estates, and trusts. You can rely on them to bring a practical approach to client matters.’

‘Ingris Iselin is one of the few SBA certified specialists for inheritance law that speaks French and English. She is an outstanding team leader. She’s very flexible and always accurate.’

‘Annette Spycher is one of the foremost matrimonial partners for Swiss family law. She’s the go-to lawyer if you have a case with Swiss elements.’

Work highlights


LALIVE

The private client practice at LALIVE stands out for the ‘exceptional abilities of its individual team members’. The team has extensive experience handling domestic and international litigation. Leading the group are Werner Jahnel, Alexander Troller, Sandrine Giroud, and Simone Nadelhofer. Their combined expertise includes advising on art law, asset recovery, inheritance and trust disputes, and the freezing of assets.

Practice head(s):

Werner Jahnel; Alexander Troller; Sandrine Giroud; Simone Nadelhofer


Testimonials

‘They stand out for their efficiency, responsiveness, and competence. They have a very useful network of specialists.’

‘Alexander Troller has an intimate knowledge of financial services. He is equally at ease in multi-jurisdictional matters of wealth planning and litigation areas. He’s definitely a go-to adviser.’

‘The prowess of this law firm lies in the exceptional abilities of its individual team members. Each lawyer brings a unique set of skills and a deep reservoir of legal knowledge to the table. Their expertise covers a broad spectrum of practice areas, allowing them to offer tailored solutions for even the most intricate legal matters.’

‘They are very efficient in all aspects and areas. They are very keen to find solutions without delays.’

‘Werner Jahnel is excellent. His areas of expertise include arbitration law and inheritance law. He speaks several languages, he’s hard-working, and he cares greatly for his clients.’ 

‘They have a very experienced and dedicated team.’

‘The exceptional services of LALIVE are a testament to the remarkable skills and dedication of its team of lawyers. These legal professionals consistently set a high standard in the industry, demonstrating unwavering professionalism and expertise.’

‘With a commitment to achieving favourable outcomes for their clients, this team’s attention to detail and dedication to client success make them a trusted partner for individuals and businesses across various practice areas. Their collective professionalism and exceptional services highlight their excellence in the legal field.’

Work highlights


  • Representing a UHNWI and related entities in a large art fraud case.
  • Advising a HNWI domiciled in Switzerland in relation to inheritance and asset structuring issues.
  • Advising an heiress in a complex cross-border litigious succession over real estate and other assets located in Switzerland, Europe and North Africa.

Loyens & Loeff

Loyens & Loeff possesses expertise in international taxation, including matters relating to tax litigation, indirect taxes, and tax regulations. In addition to this, the team regularly assists its clients with a variety of mandates such as immigration, wills and prenuptial agreements, and business succession. With his ‘thorough knowledge of the tax system’, Beat Baumgartner heads the team and is well-placed to advise investment managers, family offices, and high-net worth individuals.

Practice head(s):

Beat Baumgartner


Testimonials

‘Beat Baumgartner’s team is experienced and highly regarded in Swiss and international tax matters.’

‘Beat Baumgartner has a thorough knowledge of the tax system and is outstanding on a technical level. He is proficient at resolving complex legal cases while remaining clear and getting to the point. He is a pleasant person to work with.’

‘The team stands out for its knowledge and the quality of advisory services provided. They have a very stable team with strong leaders who are very well known and respected within their industry.’

‘L&L is an extremely good tax firm at its core. Their hands on and one-stop shop approach makes them ideal for private clients. Private clients become more and more international and complex. L&L combine expert in-house knowledge with an excellent network to create an excellent result for the client.’

‘Beat Baumgartner has excellent technical knowledge, an outstanding network, and is very accessible. He’s a joy to work with.’

Work highlights


  • Assisted a Brazilian resident UHNWI on their relocation to Switzerland.
  • Assisted a Dutch resident UHNWI on their relocation to Switzerland.
  • Assisted a Belgian resident UHNWI on the tax efficient relocation to Switzerland.

MME Legal | Tax | Compliance

MME Legal | Tax | Compliance frequently advises high-profile clients and family businesses on a variety of issues such as succession, wealth planning, taxation, and matters relating to matrimonial law. The team consists of highly experienced individuals that include Balz Hoesly, Christoph Nater, Alexandra Geiger, Christoph Rechsteiner, and Walter Frei. In particular, Hoesly is noted for his expertise in handling international inheritance matters.

Practice head(s):

Balz Hoesly; Christoph Nater; Alexandra Geiger; Christoph Rechsteiner; Walter Frei


Key clients

Private Bank Rahn+Bodmer Co.


Stiftung Diakoniewerk Neumünster – Schweizerische Pflegerinnenschule


Foundation Frieda Locher-Hofmann


Swiss Federal Office of Justice


OFS Ombud Finance Switzerland


Work highlights


  • Advised several customers of the oldest private bank in Zürich, Rahn+Bodmer Co., on private wealth, economic and real estate matters and their international estate planning.
  • Advised on all regulatory and legal matters of the Frieda Locher Hofmann Foundation, which provides funds for medical projects supporting elderly and mentally handicapped people.
  • Assisted with the estate planning of for a former UHNWI as well as the execution of the estate, which is regulated by several contracts of succession and the will.

Wenger Plattner

In addition to offering comprehensive tax advice, Wenger Plattner also has extensive experience drafting deeds of inheritance, wills, and estate distributions. Filippo Th. Beck is at the forefront of the private client practice, and focusses on law relating to banking and financial markets. Praised as ‘a very knowledgeable and experienced professional’, Roland Bachmann is recommended for matters relating to employment law and work permits.

Practice head(s):

Filippo Th. Beck


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Gabrieli; Roland Bachmann


Testimonials

‘Roland Bachmann is a very knowledgeable and experienced professional. He’s a great listener and always available for discussions. His conflict management and negotiation skills are outstanding.’

‘Wenger Plattner is good at assisting clients with the administration of estates in Switzerland, especially when there is a cross-border element involved.’

‘Daniel Gabrieli is very approachable. He has an excellent knowledge of private client matters, which include cross-border estates, and he works efficiently regarding the administration of the estate.’

‘Daniel Garbieli is very impressive. He provides swift and very pragmatic solutions for clients, which results in excellent solutions for with limited expenses.’

‘Daniel Gabrieli is a versatile private client partner. He is very responsive and entirely on top of his matters.’

Key clients

Bosniaken Institut; Stiftung Adil Zulfikarpasic


Work highlights


  • Represented Bosniaken Institut, Stiftung Adil Zulfikarpasic in a CHF 15 million inheritance dispute over the inheritance of the late Adil Zulfikarpasic, a Bosnian politician.