Corporate and Commercial Law
Michael Baier
Michael Baier is Partner and a passionate venture capital and start-up lawyer. He leads the Start-up Desk and supports tech-based start-ups through all of their growth stages, in particular in relation to spin-offs, financing rounds, exit transactions, and the structuring of employee incentive programs. Michael Baier also advises investors on equity investments in Swiss start-ups and has extensive experience with M&A transactions.
“With our Start-up Desk, I strive not only to provide legal counsel, but to contribute to the positive and sustainable development of the Swiss start-up ecosystem.”
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.”
Pascal Honold
Thanks to his long-standing experience, Pascal Honold has extensive expertise in the field of corporate law, in general, and M&A practice, in particular. He prefers to advise on national and international business transactions in the areas of M&A, private equity, and venture capital, as well as corporate restructuring and financing rounds. His clients include nationally and internationally active medium-sized companies, corporations and start-ups, entrepreneurs, and investors, as well as investment funds and family offices. Pascal Honold is recognized and registered as representative of the SIX Swiss Exchange.
“Empathy, teamwork, and staying focused on the goal – this life lesson learned from sports has today become the guiding principle of my professional career.”
Andreas Hünerwadel
Andreas Hünerwadel works in contract and banking law, as well as in corporate and foundation law. He advises legal entities and natural persons, in the latter case with a special focus on structuring their financial situation and estate planning.
Andreas Hünerwadel is a member of the executive committee of a global industrial group. He is also involved in various roles in start-up companies and as a board member for charitable foundations.
“What I find particularly fascinating about the legal profession is that I have contact with interesting people from all over the world on a daily basis and am involved in very different domains of business, life, and culture. I have a long history of collaborative partnerships with many of my clients, and often of friendship as well. The personal relationship of trust with my clients is the icing on the cake for me.”
Stefan Müller
Stefan Müller specializes in migration and labor law, as well as general corporate law and M&A. His focus is on labor law consultancy, supporting applications for residence and work permits and advising clients on venture capital and private equity financing.
“Despite, or perhaps because of, my belief that the legal profession was monotonous and boring, I decided to study law – luckily! What I appreciate about my job today is the endless variety in my role advising and providing personal support to clients – it’s neither monotonous nor boring.”
Daniel P Oehri
Daniel Oehri’s practice focuses on general corporate and contract law, restructuring and bankruptcy law, as well as capital markets and stock exchange law. He thus regularly advises clients in connection with debt and equity financings, restructurings, (distressed) M&A transactions, joint ventures and takeover offers, and further legal issues surrounding the clients’ daily business activities. Daniel Oehri also represents his clients before courts, state authorities, and self-governing bodies.
“What I cherish most about my profession is that I always have the opportunity to work with interesting personalities from a wide variety of industries, on very different and exciting projects.”
Bignia Vieli
With many years of experience, Bignia Vieli has acquired extensive expertise in the field of financial market law. She predominantly advises and represents banks and financial service providers in supervisory and civil law matters. Bignia Vieli also works in the field of capital market law, as well as corporate and trade law. Another focus of her work involves advising and representing private clients in all aspects of estate planning and inheritance law.
“Even after many years of legal practice, the breadth and variety of this profession still fills me with enthusiasm. I love having personal contact with my clients, and I always look forward to the challenge – even in difficult situations – of finding solutions for them that are persuasive, durable, and move things forward.”
Marc Walter
Marc Walter specializes in the areas of international and national M&A and private equity transactions, venture capital, and corporate restructuring, as well as general corporate and commercial law. He provides support to his clients in particular with respect to corporate succession planning and all phases of the life cycle of private equity and venture capital investments.
“Total commitment to my clients gives me inner peace to spend quality time with my family, on the tennis court, or playing the piano, which in turn provides me with the energy to focus on my clients’ needs.”
Beat Walti
Beat Walti primarily advises his clients on matters of commercial and corporate law and governance issues, drawing on his broad practical experience, including as an active board member and trustee. Thanks to his seat in the Swiss Parliament, he has a thorough knowledge of regulatory developments.
“The law provides a secure framework for personal development and entrepreneurship. The evolution of the law reflects social and economic dynamics both within Switzerland and at a global level – I consider it a privilege to be able to engage with it on a number of different fronts.”
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.”
Wolfgang Zürcher
Wolfgang Zürcher works in the areas of venture capital, private equity, and M&A. He supports entrepreneurs in the structuring of investment vehicles, in the financing of these vehicles, and in the acquisition and sale of target companies. He is on the governing board of private equity managers and of other listed and unlisted companies.
“For me, professional success comes down to two main aspects: Internally, I want my employees to develop into successful partners. When dealing with clients, I appreciate it when impressive, charismatic entrepreneurs consider me an experienced specialist and trusted lawyer.”
Christoph Schmid
Christoph Schmid advises companies and entrepreneurs on contractual, corporate, and inheritance law issues, with a focus on M&A, corporate governance, and succession planning. Christoph Schmid is also a board member for companies in a range of industries, and a board member for several charitable foundations.
“I consider it a great privilege to be able to work as an independent lawyer for a long-established clientele, with whom I have built up a relationship of trust, and to be able to think like an entrepreneur.”
Urs Landolf
Urs Landolf specializes in national and cross-border tax advice for companies and private individuals. He prefers to advise family-run companies and their owners on tax and succession issues. He also acts as a will executor and is an active member of several boards of trustees and boards of directors.
“As an entrepreneurial person, I enjoy being engaged also beyond the technical consulting work – be that as a sparring partner for clients, as a coach for start-ups, or as a mentor for the next generation.”
Orlando Battaglia
Orlando Battaglia advises financial market participants on legal and regulatory issues, compliance matters, as well as FinTech business models, and represents them before authorities. Furthermore, he specializes in corporate and contract law.
“The intersection of business, law, and technology is a source of fascination and motivation for me in my daily work. My personal dedication, enthusiasm for intricate legal and regulatory matters, and a deep affinity for emerging technologies all contribute to the basis for crafting legal solutions that also align with entrepreneurial perspectives.“
Michèle Joho-Menotti
As a lawyer and notary, Michèle Joho-Menotti has extensive expertise in the field of trade and business law. Her clients include mainly start-ups, SMEs, listed companies, investors, and entrepreneurs. She supports them with foundings, financing, company acquisitions, IPOs, joint ventures, and restructuring.
“Even as a teenager, I knew that I wanted to become a lawyer one day. This passion has remained with me ever since. In order to find a balance, I like exploring the Swiss mountains in the sun and snow in my free time.”
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.”
Dominique Mattmann
Dominique Mattmann is a passionate attorney specializing in venture capital and start-ups. As co-founder of our Start-up Desk, she assists technology-based startups in all stages of growth, from incorporation through financing rounds to exit transactions, including the structuring of spin-offs and the implementation of employee incentive programs. Additionally, Dominique advises investors on investments in Swiss start-ups and has substantial experience in M&A transactions.
“The fascinating world of start-ups captivates me with its constant change and innovation. As an attorney, I have the unique opportunity to support this dynamic industry by building long-term partnerships and contributing to turning visionary ideas into successful realities.”
Andrea Christen
Andrea Christen's practice focuses on notarial services, commercial and corporate law, and estate planning.
“What fascinates me about my profession is the varied and multifaceted nature of my work. It gives me great pleasure to work with clients to define and legally implement their ideas and goals. I enjoy spending my free time on the tennis court or in nature, together with friends and family.“
Andrea Frey
Already as a junior lawyer at Wenger Vieli, Andrea Frey gained practical experience. Since his admission to the bar in 2022, he has been mainly practicing in the areas of M&A, venture capital, private equity as well as labor and employment law. In his capacity as a civil law notary of the Canton of Zug, he also provides notarial services.
“Contrary to a widespread perception, working as a lawyer is definitely very creative. I therefore appreciate the challenge of finding the best possible solution for each individual case in close cooperation with clients.”
Nathalie Germann
Nathalie Germann has been working as a lawyer at Wenger Vieli since 2020, advising both companies and private individuals, primarily in the areas of migration and labor law.
“It was the television series ‘Suits’ that finally set me on the path to becoming a lawyer – and now here I am! My job is exciting and at the same time challenging, so I find balance in my passion for world travel and discovering foreign countries. But I also enjoy trying out new cooking and baking recipes, and then sharing the results with my loved ones.“
Bruno Mahler
Bruno Mahler is primarily active in contract, corporate, and commercial law. He assists clients with transactions in the areas of M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital. As a civil law notary of the Canton of Zug, he also provides notarial services.
“Getting to the bottom of things, separating the essential from the non-essential, and thus working out the optimal solution for each client continually fascinate me anew.“
Patrick Kern
Patrick Kern's practice focuses on corporate and commercial law, M&A, contract law and financial services.
Before joining Wenger Vieli Ltd. as a lawyer, Patrick Kern gained practical experience in the legal department of a major Swiss bank, as a law clerk at the District Court of Affoltern, as a junior lawyer at a medium-sized business law firm in Zurich and in an international industrial group.
Patrick Kern completed his law studies at the University of St. Gallen (M.A. HSG in Law). Prior to that, he also graduated from the University of St. Gallen with an M.A. HSG in Accounting & Finance.
“Not only am I passionate about legal issues, but I also enjoy exploring historical sites around the world and scenic landscapes while hiking in the mountains. I also have a great weakness for pastries of all kinds, which I not only love to eat but also bake myself on occasion.“
Elisha Odenheimer
Elisha Odenheimer primarily operates in the areas of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Private Equity, Start-ups/Venture Capital, as well as in general commercial, corporate, and economic law.
“As an enthusiastic football and tennis fan, I have learned that success is born out of teamwork and personal commitment. These values of collaboration and dedication are reflected in my work as a lawyer, where I passionately strive to find the best solutions for our clients.“
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.“
Fabienne Nufer
Fabienne Nufer, in her capacity as an attorney at law and a member of the Transactions practice group, focuses on national and international M&A transactions, venture capital, private equity as well as corporate and commercial law. In addition she provides notarial services in her capacity as a licensed civil law notary of the Canton of Zug.
“In addition to the daily challenges, which are indeed varied, I specifically appreciate the exchange with the most diverse personalities that I get to meet in my profession. I truly enjoy learning more about their plans and supporting them by providing our services.“
Dominik Rietiker
Dominik Rietiker is a member of the Transactions Team and primarily advises on national and international M&A transactions (buy- and sell-side), corporate succession planning, and general corporate and contract law. In these areas of expertise, he advises national and international corporations, family-owned businesses, start-ups, shareholders, investors, and private individuals. His specialization as an advisor lies in private equity and venture capital financing. As a licensed notary, he also provides notarial services.
“Being in the right is always a question of reasoning and perspective. Working out new solutions for our clients requires creative thinking and a certain tenacity. This variety and the contact with the most diverse personalities make the legal profession so interesting for me.”
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.“
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."
Janica Wyss
Janica Wyss' practice focuses on corporate and commercial law, contract law, and M&A.
“As an attorney, my goal is to always find the best possible solutions and to meet challenges with curiosity and commitment. The multifaceted nature of this profession fascinates me. In addition to my professional activities, I love to cook for my friends and family or enjoy traveling to foreign countries.“
Team Services
We provide comprehensive services in the following areas:
- Formation of companies and starting business activities in Switzerland
- Drafting and negotiating contracts in all areas of traditional commercial and corporate law
- Corporate acquisitions, buy-outs and restructurings
- Financing, cooperation projects and sales organizations
- Business activities subject to supplementary regulations
- Internal structuring of business processes (corporate governance)