Litigation and Arbitration
Nicolas Bracher
Nicolas Bracher is a civil litigator. He represents national and international clients in all types of civil proceedings in the field of commercial and business law. The focus of his forensic and advisory activities is on financial services and the law of foundation and succession.
Nicolas Bracher is co-head of the Dispute Resolution and Private Clients practice group at Wenger Vieli Ltd. He has authored several academic publications on litigation law and liability issues in financial services law. He is also a member of the boards of trustees of several foundations.
“I have worked for courts and an administrative judicial authority for over seven years and therefore know the processes and functioning of the judiciary well from my own experience. This helps me to efficiently represent the interests of my clients.“
Roman Heiz
Roman Heiz is a partner at Wenger Vieli and Head of the Construction and Real Estate Law Team. He advises on real estate law, private and public construction law, and tenancy law. His main focus is on real estate transactions (M&A, bidding processes, property purchase contracts, sale and lease back), work contracts, full service general contractor contracts, general contractor contracts, general planning contracts, architects contracts, specialist planning contracts, business leases and supply contracts (plant construction). He represents his clients in all legal and administrative disputes in these specialist areas.
“Guiding the client to success with experience, passion and personal commitment - that is what I very much like about being a lawyer.”
Michael Huber
Michael Huber advises as a certified specialist of the Swiss Bar Association in inheritance law for many years private clients on estate planning (wills, inheritance contracts) and corporate succession planning. He acts as an executor, administrator, and trustee. Michael Huber also sits on the board of directors of various companies of the financial industry.
He also regularly litigates in (inheritance law) proceedings.
“As a hunter, I know that the first shot is of critical importance - a rapid analysis of the situation and decisive action are characteristic of my professional work too.”
Michael Mráz
Michael Mráz defends individuals and companies in criminal and investigative proceedings. He also advises companies on investigating and preventing criminal or disciplinary violations. In civil and arbitration proceedings, Michael Mráz represents parties in the enforcement or defense of claims.
“Criminal trials and disputes in court are often burdensome for the parties involved. Keeping a clear head in such situations and working towards a successful solution is the challenge that I appreciate most about my job.”
Marco Cereghetti
Marco Cereghetti is an experienced litigator who is active before state courts, as well as arbitration tribunals. Furthermore, he advises private individuals and entrepreneurs on commercial and private legal matters, for example in relation to drafting contracts or estate planning.
“The legal profession is a very demanding one, so you should be happy if – like me – you are able to recharge your batteries with the help of family and friends.”
Lorenz Droese
Lorenz Droese is a professor of civil proceedings and the Swiss Code of Obligations. He works with Wenger Vieli as a consult-ant. Before entering academia, he worked as a lawyer at our Zurich firm.
“Most things have more than one side – that's what makes them interesting. This is particularly evident in cases of conflict – it is important to include all sides in the deliberations: party and counterparty, what is said and what is not said. My job gives me the opportunity to do that.”
Peter Hafner
Peter Hafner specializes in civil and commercial litigation. His work focuses on representing companies from the finance and trade sectors in proceedings before state courts and arbitration tribunals, as well as advising and safeguarding the employer's interests in contentious disputes between companies and their employees.
Peter Hafner is ranked among the leading litigation lawyers in Switzerland by Chambers, The Legal 500, and Who's Who Legal.
"The effective representation of a party in contentious cases requires good communication, knowledge of the facts of the case, prudent litigation management, and strong negotiation skills. Therefore, the role of a litigator is extremely diverse and exciting."
Sophia Hartwig
Sophia Hartwig works in the Construction and Real Estate Law Team and advises and represents clients primarily in the areas of construction and real estate law, real estate transactions, work contract law, and tenancy law.
“With my degrees in journalism and law, I have found my calling in the communication-heavy legal profession. In my free time, too, I really enjoy having interesting conversations, mainly with family and friends. However, I also enjoy the occasional peace and quiet I get when walking my dogs or playing sports.“
Yannic Lütolf
Yannic Lütolf works primarily in the areas of construction and real estate law, real estate transactions, work contract law, and tenancy law. He advises clients and represents them in administrative and judicial proceedings.
Yannic Lütolf was admitted to the bar in 2018.
“In addition to my work as a lawyer, I enjoy spending time outdoors. There I can recharge my batteries, so that I can give 100% on behalf of my clients.”
Sabine Taxer
Sabine Taxer works in the areas of labor and immigration law, litigation, general corporate and trade law, and M&A. She sets the highest quality standards for the development of individually tailored, timely, and efficient solutions for her clients.
“A delicious meal with friends, a nice glass of wine at the bar, or some sports round off my workday. In particular, riding my horses presents me with new challenges on a daily basis and, at the same time, gets me moving and spending time outdoors.”
Nadine Zanetti
Nadine Zanetti advises and represents national and international companies and private individuals in the fields of construction and real estate law, particularly in relation to private and public construction law, planning and work contracts, real estate transactions, tenancy law, and public procurement law. Nadine Zanetti is a Certified Specialist SBA Construction and Real Estate Law.
“I engage myself on behalf of our clients with a passion for the cause. I am driven by my enthusiasm for our area of specialization, which is shared by our whole team. I find strength and balance in nature, especially in my home valley Valposchiavo in Graubünden.”
Lukas Groth
Lukas Groth has been admitted to the bar since 2022 and practices primarily in the area of litigation before the state courts and arbitral tribunals. Prior to his admission to the bar, he completed internships at Wenger Vieli and at a trial court.
“What I particularly value about the legal profession is its diversity. Depending on the situation, it may require a detailed examination, a constructive solution, or strong advocacy for the client's stance. This spectrum of activities enriches the everyday work.“
Loris Baumgartner
As an attorney, Loris Baumgartner represents and advises individuals and companies in proceedings before judicial and regulatory authorities. As a criminal defence lawyer, he focuses in particular on representing clients in front of criminal prosecution authorities. In addition, Loris Baumgartner regularly advises clients on the preparation, implementation and evaluation of internal and regulatory investigations. Loris Baumgartner is currently writing a doctoral thesis in the area of bribery of private individuals. “I became a lawyer out of pure idealism, with the fervent hope of being able to do my part to create a better and fairer world. In the end, I became a criminal defense lawyer – and could not have realized my dream in a better way.”
Fabienne Häusermann
Fabienne Häusermann is a lawyer in the Private Clients and Estate Planning team. She advises and represents clients in the areas of estate planning, matrimonial property and inheritance law as well as foundation law.
“As a lawyer, I appreciate the direct contact with people and the versatility of my profession. In my free time, I like to keep fit, go hiking and enjoy traveling to foreign countries.“
Nadine Grüter
Nadine Grüter advises and represents national and international companies and individuals in construction and real estate law, particularly in private and public construction law, in planner and contractor agreements, in real estate transactions, in tenancy law, and in legal disputes.
“What fascinates me about my work as a lawyer is the constant personal interaction with clients and the challenge of addressing their individual needs and concerns. I enjoy working together with them to develop the best solutions. In my free time, I have been passionately playing golf for over 20 years. I also enjoy spending time in the mountains and with friends and family.“
Una Paunovic
Una Paunovic represents and advises individuals and corporations in proceedings before courts and regulatory authorities. As a criminal defense lawyer, she particularly specializes in representing clients in front of criminal prosecution authorities. Furthermore, she regularly counsels clients on the preparation, implementation, and analysis of internal and regulatory investigations.
“As a lawyer, I consider it my foremost duty to listen and comprehend how I can assist effectively. To me, this encompasses attentiveness, trust, and empathy.“
Frank Schmid
Frank Schmid is an associate at Wenger Vieli and specializes in national and international litigation before state courts and arbitration tribunals. Frank Schmid had already been a junior lawyer at Wenger Vieli and was later able to sharpen and develop his litigation skills during three years working as a court clerk at the Meilen District Court.
“Combining competence and professionalism and paying attention to the human element in the entire picture, I strive to achieve the best possible result for our clients.“
Manuela Staudenmann
Manuela Staudenmann primarily works in the field of litigation, dealing with complex national and international disputes. Before her role at Wenger Vieli, she worked at a court of first instance and in a large Zurich-based commercial law firm.
“What excites me about my work as a litigation attorney is the focus on strategy and problem-solving. I love recognizing the nuances of each individual case, identifying the key arguments and counterarguments, and thereby developing the best approach to dispute resolution.”
Dario Schönbächler
Dario Schönbächler is a lawyer specialized in advising start-ups and investors on corporate and contractual law issues, particularly in the areas of venture capital and private equity. As a member of the Start-up Desk, he supports young companies from their foundation through the implementation of financing rounds and the structuring of employee participation programs to the exit. He also supports his clients in the structuring of investments and complex M&A transactions. In addition, he represents companies and investors in corporate law disputes before Swiss courts and international arbitration tribunals. As a licensed notary in the Canton of Zug, he also provides notarial services.
"I have always been equally fascinated by law and business. A legal solution must always be economically viable - and vice versa. I therefore develop pragmatic solutions for my clients that are both economically viable and legally sound. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends in the mountains or exploring new cultures, countries and cities."
Team Services
The area of dispute resolution has a long tradition with us. In addition to tactical litigation skills, our team specializing in litigation has in-depth knowledge of all areas of law relevant to business and financial issues and the related fields of law.
We advise and represent individuals and companies of all industries competently and effectively in national and international matters before all instances of state courts as well as before national and international arbitral tribunals.
Our expertise covers in particular:
- Advice and representation in legal disputes before state cantonal courts and before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court
- Representation in matters of injunctive relief, including attachment of assets
- Enforcement of domestic and foreign judgments
- Representation before arbitral tribunals under all major institutional arbitration rules (such as ICC Rules, Swiss Rules, DIS Rules, VIAC Rules) as well as in ad hoc arbitration proceedings (including under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules)
- Serving as arbitrators or mediators