Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd > Geneva, Switzerland > Firm Profile

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
5bis, rue des Alpes
P.O. Box 2088
1211 Geneva 1
Switzerland

Switzerland > Banking and finance: Geneva Tier 1

With demonstrable expertise across both transactional and regulatory mandates, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd‘s arsenal of skills is known to encompass licensing of financial institutions, structuring of capital transactions, and regulatory change projects. Other strengths of the team involve aspects of fintech, investment management and market abuse legislation issues. Tarek Houdrouge and Grégoire Wuest jointly lead the team; Houdrouge excels in advising clients on the sales of regulated financial institutions, various finance transactions, and regulatory matters, while Wuest is a highly experienced practitioner in relation to multi-jurisdictional transactions. Caroline Clemetson is immersed in handling insurance mandates alongside the implementation of ESG investment policies. Also recommended is Grégoire Tribolet, who is entrusted with regulatory and corporate governance matters, and Christoph Vonlanthen, who harnesses his wide-ranging experience to handle buy-outs, rights offerings, and exchange offers.

Practice head(s):

Tarek Houdrouge; Grégoire Wuest

Other key lawyers:

Caroline Clemetson; Grégoire Tribolet; Christoph Vonlanthen; Joane Etienne; Luc Thévenoz; Edmond Kohler

Testimonials

‘Excellence of service, sophistication of the clients and position on the market.’

‘The team can anticipate the key challenges we could face so that we can manage them proactively. Also, I feel they demonstrate a very strong sense of integrity.’

‘They are also very helpful in shaping our communication with the regulators in some strategic projects – which show that they are also used to dealing with regulatory authorities on a regular basis and has have strong business acumen and strategic vision.’

‘I particularly enjoy working with Tarek Houdrouge. His key strength is that he demonstrates both a very strong in-depth legal knowledge in each specific banking topic I addressed with him, and very good communication / strategy skills.’

‘In all my interactions with Tarek Houdrouge, he has demonstrated both strong inter-personal skills and in-depth knowledge, which I feel is very rare. It makes it extremely efficient and pleasant working with him.’

‘Grégoire Wuest has technical knowledge that is second to none and is a lawyer you would want on your side.’

‘Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd stands out for its innovative approach and deep knowledge of the banking and finance sector. Their strength lies in their ability to combine sharp legal expertise with a keen understanding of commercial and regulatory challenges.’

‘Potential clients would particularly appreciate their responsiveness and ability to provide tailored solutions, adapted to the specific challenges of both local and international markets. The team has implemented innovative collaborative processes, using cutting-edge technological tools to optimize the management of complex cases.’

Key clients

UBS

BNP Paribas

Raiffeisen Switzerland

Credit Suisse

Crypto Fund AG

Nord Anglia Education

Emeram

Bank Julius Baer

Futures Industry Association

Swiss Bankers Association

China Construction Bank

Reuss Private Group AG

Helvetische Bank AG

Bank Itau (Suisse) SA

Banco Santander

Banque Thaler

Bank Vontobel

Deutsche Bank SA

Diamond Capital Management (Switzerland) Ltd

EFG Bank

Mirabaud & Cie SA

UBP

Reichmuth Investment Management AG

CACEIS

Landolt Investment SICAV

Procimmo SA

Oxford Finance LLC

e-GTSA S. A

Standard Chartered

Leonteq

Barclays Bank PLC

International Swaps and Derivatives Association

Schroder & Co Bank

Pierer Mobility AG

Alpian SA

Lennox International

Computershare

Equatex

Aldo Group

LokRoll3 AG

Arsenal Capital Partners

CAT Financial Products Ltd.

1875 Finance

Norican A/S

Skullcandy, Inc.

Carne

AXA Investment Managers Schweiz AG

Work highlights

  • Advising AXA on the merger of its three real estate funds.
  • Advising Carne on the transfer of the third-party Fund Management Services from GAM.
  • Advised cleantech venture capital pioneer Emerald Technology Ventures on obtaining its FINMA license as asset manager of collective assets with the Swiss Financial Supervisory Authority.

Switzerland > Competition Tier 1

The team at Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd is praised for its ‘excellent collaborators’, and it is especially noted for its dominance and distribution case capabilities, also demonstrating an established presence across the fields of telecoms, pharmaceuticals, and retail. Steering the department is the ‘excellent and impressive’ David Mamane, who excels at handling national and international merger control issues and routinely operates for a broad selection of clients. Amalie Wijesundera is another key contact at the firm, contributing her multi-faceted experience that extends across cartel investigations, dawn raids and leniency procedures. Peter Georg Picht and Frank Bremer, LL.M. are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

David Mamane

Other key lawyers:

Amalie Wijesundera; Peter Georg Picht; Frank Bremer

Testimonials

‘The Schellenberg team are excellent collaborators and can be relied upon to handle difficult cross-border matters.’

‘David Mamane and Amalie Wijesundera are very responsive and personable.’

‘They are one of the best teams not only in Switzerland but in the EU as well. Always on top of the law and the facts, nice and easy to work with, concise and correct, and demonstrate good personal skills.’

‘Working with David Mamane’s team in complex antitrust investigation is a pleasure as you have the true experts on your side, receive high quality advice and the collaboration is seamless and very pleasant.’

‘David Mamane has great expertise, knows the Swiss competition authority extremely well, is very hard working and a great colleague to partner with. He is very collaborative and always puts the clients interest first. He has a true can-do and service attitude.’

‘Peter Georg Picht adds value with his vast knowledge of competition law and is able to draft and word arguments in a very compelling way. He is also very familiar with the Swiss competition authority and a great asset on the team.’

‘Broad and well-founded specialist knowledge, fast comprehension of complicated facts and extremely reliable.’

‘David Mamane as partner is an excellent and impressive expert in Swiss competition/antitrust law. Apart from that, I was impressed by his and his team members – Frank Bremer and Amalie Wijesundera – and their ability to present complex legal analysis in a format which is understandable.’

Key clients

UBS/Credit Suisse

Swiss Post

SIX Interbank Clearing

Novartis

Globe Chemicals

Pistor

Swiss Marketplace Group

On

Volkswagen Financial Services

Samsung Electronics

Uber

CSL Behring AG

Apax

Energie Wasser Luzern

Miele

Lonza Ltd

Olympus

Rheinmetal Air Defence

Lafarge Holcim

Mammut

Procter & Gamble

Dacoso

dormakaba

Skoda

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Michelin

Bucher Landtechnik

AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG

Ringier

LaLiga

Vifor

Orpha Swiss

Work highlights

  • Advising Novartis on the procedure initiated by the Swiss competition authorities regarding an alleged abuse of a dominant position based on the use of its patents in infringement procedures against a third party.
  • Advising Symrise on the procedure initiated by the Swiss competition authorities regarding an alleged cartel with its competitors.
  • Advising Pistor on the ongoing large-scale cartel investigation by the Swiss ComCo regarding allegedly unlawful horizontal agreements in the context of payment transaction services provided by the company MARKANT.

Switzerland > Construction Tier 1

The ‘versatile’ and ‘very knowledgeable’ Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd‘s core stream of work encompasses commercial, residential and development sites, providing its clients with particular knowledge in regard to the hotel industry. The team is able to excel on both the contentious and non-contentious sides of the sphere. Three key players steer the group: Geneva’s Yves Jeanrenaud, who deploys his trilingual capabilities to advise on contractual and contentious issues, Zurich’s Josef Caleff, and Katherine Bell, who is equipped to handle a host of complex construction, engineering and infrastructure projects. Other key players in the practice include Elliott Geisinger, Philippe Bärtsch and Christopher Boog, who strengthen the firm’s offering with their extensive disputes expertise.

Practice head(s):

Yves Jeanrenaud; Josef Caleff; Katherine Bell

Testimonials

‘The team is knowledgeable about the topic.’

‘The team is versatile in terms of experience but with great expertise.’

‘Their advice is clear, straightforward and client oriented, properly structured to what the client’s needs are.’

‘Elliot Geisinger is approachable and sharp. He understands very well what are the key aspects to be taken into account and proposes practical solutions. He is quite capable of grounding theoretical law principles in practical advice.’

Key clients

International Labour Organisation

Bouygues Construction / Losinger Marazzi

BMS – Bristol Myers Squibb

Credit Suisse AG

Procimmo AG

Christie’s

Hotel Beaulac, Neuchatel

Implenia (Suisse) SA

Société Privée de Gérance

Patrizia AG

SV Group AG

SPGI

Vantage Data Center

Barry Callebaut AG

Celgene International II Sarl

CBRE

HIG Capital

IDUN Industries

Bank Julius Bär

IFF

Colt Data Center Cervices

Holmes Place AG

Royalp SA

Atlantic Financial Group

Foundation for industrial land of Geneva (FTI)

AXA Insurance Group

NBK Private Bank (Switzerland)

Work highlights

  • Advised Vantage Data Centers group on all Swiss aspects of a €2.5bn investment partnership with a consortium of investors led by MEAG and Infranity, along with funds affiliated with the investment management platform of DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
  • Advised Vantage Data Centers group on all Swiss aspects of AustralianSuper’s €1.5bn investment in Vantage’s EMEA platform.
  • Advised a client on the sale of a 4-star business hotel in Geneva to the Swiss Fassbind Hotels Group at a price over CHF 30m.

Switzerland > Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 1

Accomplished at both a domestic and international level, the ‘strategic, commercial, technically excellent’ practice at Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd has core streams of work including commercial, investment, and sport-related disputes. The practice is helmed by Elliott Geisinger, whose strengths lie in commercial arbitration and investor-state disputes, Christopher Boog, who is well-versed in disputes arising from engineering, commodities and investment issues, and Philippe Bärtsch, who maintains a broad practice that spans M&A, infrastructure and licence disputes. Anya George is entrusted by a consortium of clients, such as states, state-owned entities and private companies, with a range of insurance, commodities and manufacturing mandates, while Stefan Leimgruber holds a wealth of experience in international joint ventures, share purchase agreements and construction contract issues. Philipp Groz is also recommended. Greg Lourie joined the team at the beginning of 2025 with expertise in investment arbitration proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Elliott Geisinger; Christopher Boog; Philippe Bärtsch

Other key lawyers:

Anya George; Stefan Leimgruber; Philipp Groz; Greg Lourie

Testimonials

‘Schellenberg Wittmer’s international arbitration practice is second to none in the Swiss market. Strategic, commercial, technically excellent and boasting a team replete with fabulous written and oral advocates, clients can rest easy knowing that the firm is representing them in their international arbitration matters.’

‘Elliott Geisinger is simply the best international arbitration practitioner. His knowledge of the practice area, particularly in light of his experience as an arbitrator, is second to none – and he combines that with excellent technical skills as both a written and oral advocate, and a deep commercial awareness that is especially appreciated by clients.’

‘They have a very strong work ethic. The team is the Rolls Royce of international arbitration.’

‘They master all aspects of arbitration and are excellent strategists.’

‘Schellenberg Wittmer has a very strong arbitration team, with some of the most dynamic young partnerships in Switzerland.’

‘We worked with Christopher Boog and his team – the best external lawyers I have ever engaged. They are always available at the highest quality. It is a true pleasure to work with them.’

‘Christopher Boog knows the needs of the client and develops outstanding legal tactics and arguments. With him you are on the safe side.’

‘Outstanding team!’

Key clients

Alpiq

BASF

Bristol Myers Squibb

Catalent Pharma Solutions

Celgene Corporation

Chubb

Galderma

GUPC SA

Güriş Construction and Engineering Company

Ingersoll Rand Group

Johnson & Johnson

Large group of investors

MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Plc.

MSC

PEB Steel Asia

Procter & Gamble

Republic of Hungary

Republic of India

Salinen Austria AG

Samsung

Sanofi

SMS Group

TAKRAF GmbH

Tetra Pak

Webuild S.p.A.

Zafer Taahüt, Inşaat ve Ticaret A.S.

Zhonghuan

Work highlights

  • Represented EDF Energies Renouvelables in setting aside proceedings before the Swiss Supreme Court.
  • Represented P&G in a high-stake arbitration, with a successful result.
  • Advised StakeHound SA on Swiss arbitration proceedings concerning a crypto issue and on the relevant interfaces to Swiss law in the parallel proceedings.

Switzerland > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 1

Counting a plethora of international banks and notable companies within its client roster, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd is esteemed for its capabilities in managing post-M&A disputes, the enforcement of foreign judgments, and regulatory enforcement proceedings. Jointly leading the practice is Peter Burckhardt, who is well-positioned to advise on criminal investigations and shareholder disputes, Louis Burrus, whose capabilities include cross-border banking and finance disputes, and Clara Poglia, who is noted for her knowledge regarding white-collar crime, alongside a host of regulatory and compliance issues. Stefan Leimgruber primarily focuses on banking, post-M&A and corporate litigation, while Urs Hoffmann-Nowotny is well-versed in insurance and post-M&A disputes. Another name to note is Katherine Bell, who frequently handles matters pertaining to construction, engineering, and infrastructure issues. Endri Gega and Magdalena Heyder joined the team at the beginning of 2025, the former with previous expertise as a judge and a prosecutor, and the latter boasting significant experience in corporate investigations. Simone Nadelhofer was a new arrival in 2024.

Practice head(s):

Peter Burckhardt; Louis Burrus; Clara Poglia

Testimonials

‘They have a very strong team both in terms of quantity and quality.’

‘They are particularly experienced in the field of banking litigation.’

‘Stefan Leimgruber is an outstanding lawyer with a strong instinct for a case’s crucial points.’

Key clients

Credit Suisse AG

UBS AG

Gunvor

Doosan Heavy Industries

Fondazione Enasarco

Hetronic International Inc.

Quark Pharmaceuticals

Odebrecht & Braskem

Work highlights

  • Acted for a client as as Swiss counsel in relation to a shareholder class action filed in New York.
  • Acted as lead counsel to Sunrise Communications AG in the first large civil cartel damages case in Switzerland which arose from an abuse of a dominant market position by former monopolist Swisscom in the ADSL broadband internet market between 2002 and 2007.
  • Represented a foreign trading company as a private claimant in criminal proceedings for fraud and misappropriation against a former trustee.

Switzerland > Employment Tier 1

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd’s employment team is renowned for advising clients across several labour law issues, as well as on employment matters relating to high-end transactions and major disputes. It has a particularly strong reputation in the employment litigation arena. Notable individual Vincent Carron has extensive experience of representing clients before the labour courts and advising them on all employment law matters including the drafting and reviewing of employment documentation. Michael Hess advises domestic and foreign clients on employment law matters such as international employee transfers.

Practice head(s):

Vincent Carron; Catherine Weniger; Michael Hess

Testimonials

‘The employment team at Schellenberg Wittmer is highly qualified and very experienced in labour law matters. The team members are very responsive and solution-oriented, with excellent quality services provided to clients.’

‘Vincent Carron is an outstanding employment law specialist, with an exceptional capacity to apply his in-depth knowledge of all labour law matters to any concrete employment case with a strategic, pragmatic and solution-oriented approach.’

‘I use Michael Hess for employment work and he is extremely responsive and commercial.’

‘SW are true partners to us, not just service providers. The long-term relationship we have with them allows for a true collaboration, with in-depth understanding of issues at stake and our style.’

‘We collaborate a lot with Vincent Carron, who is simply the best in his field (pension plans) in Switzerland. Mr Carron not only delivers outstanding services to us, but brings creativity and different points of view that we would not have thought of ourselves.’

‘Seamless experience.’

‘Very knowledgeable and well networked. Pragmatic approach.’

‘Vincent Carron and his team have deep expertise in the area of law we work together. Vincent Carron is a true expert in the field of employment law. They are reliable and what I appreciate most, besides spot-on legal counsel, is that they are always available and follow up diligently.’

Key clients

Credit Suisse

OTB Ventures

Orange Cyberdefense

Cardinal Health

Bouygues Construction

Procter & Gamble

Schroder & Co. Bank AG

Magnit Global Switzerland GmbH

ams-Osram AG

Work highlights

  • Advising Orange Cyberdefense with regard to all employment and social insurance aspects of the acquisition of Telsys and SCRT.
  • Advised a client on a cost-effective operating model leveraging resources available within the group and assisted with setting up its Swiss business and obtaining the required licences.

Switzerland > Fintech Tier 1

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd‘s blockchain technologies and fintech group is known in the market for its multidisciplinary and integrated approach, often drawing expertise from the firm’s other practice groups. The team advises clients on any legal issues in connection with the use of blockchain technology, such as the issuance or trading of digital assets. Olivier Favre is particularly recognised in the market for his expertise in derivatives, structured finance, and financial regulatory matters. Tarek Houdrouge often advises banks and financial institutions on fintech and cryptocurrency matters. Caroline Clemetson has extensive experience in banking and finance law, in particular financial regulation.

Practice head(s):

Olivier Favre; Tarek Houdrouge; Roland Mathys

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team supported us in a very efficient way, being proactive at helping us understand the business implication of legal decisions we were taking and acting as real “consultants” to the project, not only legal support. The team was extremely responsive, very approachable and able to deliver at extremely short notice, and fun to work with.’

‘I particularly enjoy working with Tarek Houdrouge. His key strength is that he demonstrates both a very strong in-depth legal knowledge in each specific banking topic I addressed with him, and very good communication/strategy skills.’

‘Always up to date and very experienced lawyers.’

‘The team at SW is prompt and responsive.’

‘Tarek Houdrouge provides exceptional services including strategic feedback.’

Key clients

Crypto Fund AG

Crypto Finance AG

Decentralised Autonomous Vehicles (DAV)

E-GTSA Limited

Alpian SA

SEBA Bank AG

iintega

ITOCHU Corporation

Leonteq Securities AG

CAT Financial Products AG

Credit Suisse

L1 Digital AG

Swiss4.0 Ltd

Shareholders of Metaco

Teylor AG

Bank Syz SA

Work highlights

  • Advised Bank Syz on the tokenisation of a piece of art, the latest expansion of Syz’s digital asset innovation.
  • Advised Zurich-based Teylor AG on its cooperation with Taurus SA regarding the issuance of privately placed structured notes to be used to finance SME private debt.
  • Advised the shareholders of Metaco, a Swiss-based provider of digital asset custody and tokenization technology, on the sale of Metaco to Ripple.

Switzerland > Insurance Tier 1

The insurance practice group at Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd has extensive experience on the dispute resolution side of insurance matters, as well as assisting clients with all issues relating to the regulation and establishment of reinsurers and reinsurance portfolios in Switzerland, and insurance intermediary activities. Key individual Olivier Favre often assists clients with regulatory requirements for inbound cross-border insurance business to the Swiss market. Tarek Houdrouge is an expert on various insurance topics including regulatory developments in this field.

Practice head(s):

Alexander von Ziegler; Olivier Favre; Tarek Houdrouge

Key clients

Uber

Baloise

Work highlights

  • Advised Switzerland’s largest health insurance provider CSS on setting up a digital health platform for patients and health service providers in a joint venture with various other players (online pharmacy, telemedicine providers etc.).
  • Providing ongoing advice to a multinational insurance company on acquisitions and capital market transactions as well as on tax compliance aspects.

Switzerland > Intellectual property Tier 1

Frequently operating on a cross-border scale, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd enjoys a pre-eminent reputation on both the contentious and non-contentious sides of the IP sphere, with a notable capacity to act across the life sciences, engineering, media and construction sectors, to name a few. The team is well regarded for its ‘in-depth knowledge’ and ‘high standard’ of work. Spearheading the department is Philipp Groz, who principally focuses on domestic and international scale disputes for a host of notable clients. Lorenza Ferrari Hofer possesses a wealth of experience in cross-border matters that encompasses the licensing and distribution of tech as well as patent and trade mark infringements, while Peter Georg Picht is reputed for his IP and competition expertise. Adrienne Henneman is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Philipp Groz

Testimonials

‘This law firm is an expert on agreements.’

‘What sets them apart is their approach to the client.’

‘They are very professional, show a lot of knowledge in their field and have a business-like approach to the customer.’

‘The service provided is of a high standard and provides comfort.’

‘Lorenza Ferrari is my main contact and I very much appreciate her both personally as well as professionally. She combines extraordinary expertise in various fields, particularly intellectual property, licensing, M&A and supply. She’s a tough negotiator with the capability to adopt to the client’s preferences in terms of style.’

‘They have in-depth knowledge of the law and a deep bench. They are responsive and creative in their approach.’

‘The IP team has in-depth knowledge of the life sciences sector and the ability to understand clients’ needs and to handle complex cases.’

‘I have personally worked with Lorenza Ferrari Hofer and can confirm her high competence, in-depth knowledge of IP matters, and team management skills to deal with complex, multi-jurisdictional cases in the life sciences sector.’

Key clients

Addlife AB

BASF

Bayer AG

Hetronic International

Holcim

Johnson & Johnson group of companies

Locarno Film Festival

Philip Morris International

Porsche

Samsung

Santhera Pharmaceuticals

SIX Group

Standard Chartered

UBS

Volkswagen

The Walt Disney Company

Zimmer Biomet

ZimVie

BioNTech

Ty Inc.

Novartis

Yeti

Sulzer

Sosei (Nxera)

BridgeBio International

Work highlights

  • Represented a Swiss laboratory engineering company as defendant in patent infringement litigation before the Swiss Federal Patent Court (including an invalidity defence).
  • Represented a Swiss bank and its foreign affiliated companies in a complex trademark dispute about the use of the same acronym for products in several countries and regions, such as the UK, EU, Germany, Middle East and Switzerland.
  • Represented Ty Inc. in complex trademark and unfair competition litigation before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court.

Switzerland > Private client Tier 1

Highly reputed for its private wealth disputes practice, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd demonstrates considerable experience in inheritance and succession disputes. The team has ‘well rounded knowledge’ of foreign jurisdictional matters of trust law. Private banking is another key area of focus for the firm, handling the purchase and sale of assets from aircrafts to art collections. Co-head Andrea Dorjee-Good is an ‘outstanding’ wealth and estate planner while David Wallace Wilson  is hailed as a ‘central figure’ in Swiss trusts. Guillaume Grisel is also recommended for his comprehensive advice on trust assets for international clients, including executives and art collectors.

Practice head(s):

Andrea Dorjee-Good; David Wallace Wilson

Other key lawyers:

Guillaume Grisel; Grégoire Wuest; Bernard Vischer; Caroline López Nagai; Livio Kaspar; Fabianne de Vos Burchart; Luc Thévenoz

Testimonials

‘Experience in structuring complicated structures for private clients combining Dutch Foundation, Cayman mutual fund, Bahamas foundation and Bahamas Trust. ’

‘Andrea Dorjee-Good: Outstanding female lawyer with impressive ability of analytical thinking and ability to work in a team, well-organized Livio Kaspar: young lawyer with scientific skills, very responsive and cooperative;’

‘Guillaume Grisel – I simply would not use anyone else. His attention to detail is impeccable. ’

‘Andrea Dorjee-Good is outstanding and an expert in all trust and estate matters. ’

‘Excellent reputation. Well rounded knowledge including on international matters.’

‘David Wilson – simply the best lawyer in Switzerland in his area’

‘Schellenberg Wittmer’s Private Client team is clearly one of the strongest in the market, with leading experts in areas such as wealth structuring, succession planning, trusts and estates, as well as financial regulation. ’

‘With experts such as Guillaume Grisel, Fabianne de Vos Burchart and – last but certainly not least – Luc Thévenoz, it really is the A team for trusts and successions. ’

Key clients

Rhone Trust & Fiduciary Services SA

NBK Banque Privée (Suisse) SA

Rhone Trustees (Switzerland) SA

Work highlights

  • Advising one of the largest providers of fiduciary services on securing its authorisation to operate as trustee in Switzerland.

Switzerland > Real estate Tier 1

Capitalising on its strong presence across both Zurich and Geneva, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd frequently handles complex and multi-faceted matters pertaining to international sales and the purchase of commercial real estate. Steered by Yves Jeanrenaud and Josef Caleff, the team is also particularly noted for its knowledge of hotels, offices and industrial premises, and is a suitable choice for an array of international companies and investors. Geneva-based Jeanrenaud’s arsenal of skills is comprised of real estate financing, structuring and commercial lease work, while Zurich-based Caleff’s core workload encompasses commercial leases, contractor agreements and development projects. Amanda Burnand Sulmoni and Katherine Bell are other names to note; the former’s wide-ranging expertise covers a stable of projects, agreements and disputes, and the latter is well-versed in disputes arising from commercial tenancy and lease agreements.

Practice head(s):

Yves Jeanrenaud; Josef Caleff

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

International Labour Organization

Bouygues Construction / Losinger Marazzi

BMS – Bristol Myers Squibb

Credit Suisse AG

Procimmo AG

Christie’s

Hotel Beaulac, Neuchatel

Implenia (Suisse) SA

Société Privée de Gérance

Patrizia AG

SV Group AG

SPGI

Vantage Data Center

Barry Callebaut AG

Celgene International II Sarl

CBRE

HIG Capital

IDUN Industries

Bank Julius Bär

IFF

Colt Data Center Cervices

Holmes Place AG

Royalp SA

Atlantic Financial Group

Foundation for industrial land of Geneva (FTI)

AXA Insurance Group

NBK Private Bank (Switzerland)

Work highlights

  • Advised Vantage Data Centers group on all Swiss aspects of a €2.5bn investment partnership with a consortium of investors led by MEAG and Infranity, along with funds affiliated with the investment management platform of DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
  • Advised Vantage Data Centers group on all Swiss aspects of DigitalBridge and Vantage Data Centers on AustralianSuper’s €1.5bn investment in Vantage’s EMEA platform.
  • Advised a client on the sale of a 4-star business hotel in Geneva to the Swiss Fassbind Hotels Group at a price over CHF 30m.

Switzerland > Regulatory, compliance and investigations Tier 1

Demonstrating ‘broad expertise, deep content knowledge, and exceptional flexibility’, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd stands out for its extensive presence on white-collar crime mandates. Heading the team, Benjamin Borsodi is a key contact among major corporates, leading executives, and public entities and officials on complex cross-border business and financial crime mandates. Counting major multinational banks and corporates among his clients, team co-head Peter Burckhardt brings a wealth of experience in cross-border financial crime investigations and proceedings, regulatory compliance and enforcement, and asset recovery. Dispute resolution group co-head Clara Poglia regularly represents leading executives and UHNWIs in high-value and significant financial crime proceedings. Bolstering the team’s strength, white-collar crime investigations and proceedings specialists Matthias Gstoehl and Simone Nadelhofer joined in September 2024 from LALIVE.

Practice head(s):

Benjamin Borsodi; Peter Burckhardt

Other key lawyers:

Clara Poglia; Louis Burrus; Paul Gully-Hart; Charles Goumaz; Roland Ryser; Matthias Gstoehl; Simone Nadelhofer; George Ayoub

Testimonials

‘Quick thinkers, agile, with excellent solutions.’

‘Schellenberg Wittmer has an outstanding team of experts in its regulatory, compliance and investigations practice. They are very dedicated and provide high quality counsel and support thanks to a diverse and hands-on team and a very collaborative approach.’

‘What makes this practice unique is the individual competence of each of the members but also their ability to come together and act as a team in the best interest of the client. They have a pragmatic approach to things and do not let themselves be guided by their emotions.’

‘Schellenberg Wittmer has provided very efficient and thorough advice in dealing with international legal requests.’

‘This practice is unique due to its broad expertise, deep content knowledge, and exceptional flexibility. The team’s strengths in these areas make them stand out compared to other firms. Their tailored solutions and progressive policies truly enhance the client experience.’

‘Benjamin Borsodi is an exceptional lawyer with outstanding experience, eloquence, and knowledge. He is empathetic, deeply human, and attentive to his clients’ needs, offering a compassionate and personalized approach to each case.’

‘Roland Ryser is very experienced, practical and efficient.’

‘Charles Goumaz offered intelligent and strategically relevant advice. His empathy and deep understanding of people, combined with his technical skills, tactics and diplomacy, make him a great lawyer.’

Key clients

Gunvor

Czech Republic

UBS

Odebrecht and Braskem

EFG Bank AG

Volkswagen

Credit Suisse

Work highlights

  • Advised Gunvor Group in a major investigation involving allegations of corruption in Ecuador.
  • Acted as Swiss counsel to Temenos in a major internal investigation regarding allegations of bribery/corruption.
  • Provided advice and assistance to a large international commodity trading group in the context of several foreign requests for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

Switzerland > TMT Tier 1

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd specialises in information technology, telecommunications and intellectual property law and advises on these issues in the context of the finance and banking, pharmaceuticals, retail and construction industries. The practice focuses on advice and analysis regarding emerging technologies, with AI and large language models being a recent point of activity. Beyond transactional and advisory assistance, the team offers litigation services and also has experience in representing clients in complex international arbitrations. Roland Mathys heads the team and advises on all matters relating to software development, tech-related IP issues and emerging technologies, with a strong presence in the legal cybersecurity market. Lorenza Ferrari Hofer specialises in data protection and competition law. A recent partner-level addition in Geneva, Stéphanie Chuffart-Finsterwald, has strengthened the firm’s presence in French-speaking Switzerland.

Practice head(s):

Roland Mathys

Testimonials

‘Highly efficient and professional.’

‘Roland Mathys is extremely competent in his field of practice. He is most responsive and goes out of his way to support our company in the best way possible. He has the ability to lay out the issues in precise detail and summarise the most relevant details for management decisions.’

Key clients

ABB

Aity AG

Amazon

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Aon

Axpo

BEKB / Berner Kantonalbank

CSS Insurance

DHL

DocuSign

Facebook

Husqvarna / Gardena

Kardex

Lindt & Sprüngli

Manor

Mettler Toledo

Novartis

Ringier

Salesforce

Swiss Digital Initative (SDI)

SIX Paynet

Sonova

Standard Chartered

Swizzonic

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Tesla

Vifor

Voi

Migros Genossenschafts-Bund (MGB

Adobe

Chubb

Emirates

Hilton

Kanebo

Mondelez

Samsung

Sky

TikTok / Bytedance

Valiant

Valora

Work highlights

  • Advised MGB on the renewal of a number of upcoming strategic ICT contracts with large software vendors, including Microsoft and SAP.
  • Advising Valiant Bank, a major Swiss bank, on a number of technology and data-related matters.
  • Advising Manor on its ICT and data-related matters in the course of its ongoing digital transformation.

Switzerland > Transport Tier 1

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd‘s trade and transport practice group has extensive experience in all aspects of trade and transport law, including litigation, arbitration, trading, financing, and transport-related insurance. It particularly stands out for its involvement in transportation and insurance litigation, as well as in aviation and shipping regulatory matters. Grégoire Wuest focuses his practice on the setup and structuring of cross-border acquisitions in the shipping and aviation industries. Bernard Vischer has extensive practical experience in corporate and transactional matters with a focus on the shipping and aviation industries.

Practice head(s):

Grégoire Wuest

Other key lawyers:

Alexander von Ziegler; Bernard Vischer; David Mamane

Key clients

EasyJet

Panalpina Welttransport Holding AG

Uber

Rheinmetal Air Defence

Austrian Railways

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA

Work highlights

  • Advising a sovereign country in connection with the management of its fleet of aircraft.
  • Lodging an appeal against PostCom’s decision before the Federal Administrative Court on behalf of Uber Eats regarding whether food deliveries ordered via Uber Eats are postal items.
  • Advised OTB Ventures as lead counsel in the EUR 26.7 million Series A financing of the in-orbit servicing and space debris removal company ClearSpace.

Switzerland > Banking and finance: Zurich Tier 2

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd pairs its regulatory capabilities with its transactional expertise in syndicated loan facilities, asset management, and structured finance transactions to operate for a multitude of financial institutions. The ‘very competent’ team is steered by Philippe Borens, who possesses a strong grounding in an array of areas, extending from syndicated lending and acquisition finance to derivatives and structured products. Anita Schläpfer is well-versed in domestic and cross-border acquisition finance and syndicated lending transactions, while Olivier Favre contributes his expertise in fintech and a range of financing transactions. Caroline Clemetson deploys her experience in investments, financial regulations, and insurance to advise a consortium of banks and securities firms. Fabio Elsener was promoted to counsel at the beginning of 2025.

Practice head(s):

Philippe Borens

Other key lawyers:

Anita Schläpfer; Olivier Favre; Caroline Clemetson; Joane Etienne; Fabio Elsener; Matthias Gstoehl; Simone Nadelhofer

Testimonials

‘Very competent banking & finance lawyers.’

‘Excellent legal advisor for regarding financial regulatory matters especially in the innovation field such as distributed ledger technology.’

‘Olivier Favre is a very experienced lawyer in finance.’

Key clients

UBS

BNP Paribas

Raiffeisen Switzerland

Credit Suisse

Crypto Fund AG

Nord Anglia Education

Emeram

Bank Julius Baer

Futures Industry Association

Swiss Bankers Association

China Construction Bank

Reuss Private Group AG

Helvetische Bank AG

Bank Itau (Suisse) SA

Banco Santander

Banque Thaler

Bank Vontobel

Deutsche Bank SA

Diamond Capital Management (Switzerland) Ltd

EFG Bank

Mirabaud & Cie SA

UBP

Reichmuth Investment Management AG

CACEIS

Landolt Investment SICAV

Procimmo SA

Oxford Finance LLC

e-GTSA S. A

Standard Chartered

Leonteq

Barclays Bank PLC

International Swaps and Derivatives Association

Schroder & Co Bank

Pierer Mobility AG

Alpian SA

Lennox International

Computershare

Equatex

Aldo Group

LokRoll3 AG

Arsenal Capital Partners

CAT Financial Products Ltd.

1875 Finance

Norican A/S

Skullcandy, Inc.

Carne

AXA Investment Managers Schweiz AG

Work highlights

  • Advised cleantech venture capital pioneer Emerald Technology Ventures on obtaining its FINMA license as asset manager of collective assets with the Swiss Financial Supervisory Authority.
  • Advised Sentinal Group on financing of European helicopter leasing platform.
  • Advised CargoRoll on a secured EUR135m financing transaction.

Switzerland > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Drawing upon its wider expertise across corporate, tax, data protection, and real estate law, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd is able to advise its varied client roster on debt-funded transactions, M&A, and regulatory issues. The practice is steered by Lorenzo Olgiati and Christoph Vonlanthen; the former maintains a broad practice that includes private equity and technology mandates, and the latter is well-versed in a host of mandates, such as M&A, growth equity, and corporate governance. Jean Jacques Ah Choon is highly experienced in advising clients on M&A, joint ventures, and commercial law issues, while Oliver Triebold utilises his experience that spans more than 25 years to assist multinational clients with a diverse range of corporate and commercial issues. Josef Caleff is an expert on the real estate side.

Practice head(s):

Lorenzo Olgiati; Christoph Vonlanthen

Other key lawyers:

Jean Jacques Ah Choon; Oliver Triebold; Josef Caleff; Tarek Houdrouge; Pascal Hubli; Marcel Jakob

Testimonials

‘Great technical understanding while remaining solution oriented and focusing on the relevant stuff.’

‘Able to discuss content on eye level with the counter party. No matter what background the counter-party has.’

‘The team kept the overview and strongly supported us in an increasingly complex transaction. They provided excellent legal advice while being pragmatic at the same time. The cooperation with the entire team was very pleasant and trustful and their team felt like an extension of our team.’

‘We give particular mention to Pascal Hubli who is our partner. He has considerable expertise in the area and is always easy to work with.’

‘Great combination of business understanding and legal pragmatism.’

‘The team has a very good gender and seniority balance, are collaborative, and innovative. Top team.’

‘Tarek Hourdouge is an innovative leader. His stronghold is deep understanding of client’s business and seeking to each time improve the advice rendered. He is a tried and tested business partner, and a coach to his more junior team members. All done with calmness and grace.’

‘Collaboration is fast and of very high quality. People are very responsive.’

Key clients

AddLife

Akzo Nobel

Alpian SA

American Express

Ams-Osram AG

Ansys Inc.

Aphaia Pharma AG

Armira

Arsenal Capital Partners

Asker Healthcare Group

Austrian Railways

Avaloq Group

Axa

Axpo Solutions AG

BASF Schweiz AG

Bioventure Consulting GmbH

Blue Pool Capital

BNP Paribas

Bouygues Construction

Brera Partners Switzerland AG

BridgeBio

C&A AG

Cardinal Health

Carify

Carne Group

Caynova

Cigna

Ascent Health

Credaris AG

Credit Suisse

CSS Health Insurance

EFG International

Eficode Oy

Houlihan Lokey

Gilde Healthcare Partners B.V.

GP Investments Ltd.

Groupe SEB

Heiq Materials AG

Helvetia Schweizerische Versicherungsgesellschaft

HighSage Ventures

Hugo Fund Services

Implenia

Julius Bär

Kinarus Therapeutics Holding

Lantal Textiles AG

Lennox International

Leonardo S.p. A

Lufthansa Group

Migros Bank

MoneyPark AG

Mirova, Manager of Land Degradation Neutrality Fund SLP

Noventa Group AG

OC Oerlikon Corporation Pfäffikon

Orange SA

Orkla ASA

Oxford Finance

Panalpina Welttransport Holding AG

Philip Morris International

Philip Morris Equity Partners

PriceHubble AG

RAM Active Investments

REYL & Cie SA

Rothschild & Co Bank AG

Santhera Pharmaceuticals Holding AG

Schroder & Co Bank

SET Ventures

Shire International GmbH

SIX Group

Spice Private Equity

Standard Chartered Bank

Standard Chartered Ventures

Swisscanto

Synova AG

Tata Consulting Services

TE Connectivity

Treetop Medical AG

ZKB Zürcher Kantonalbank

Work highlights

  • Acted as Swiss counsel to Sosei Heptares in its acquisition of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd’s pharmaceutical business in Japan and APAC.
  • Advised the shareholders of Metaco, a Swiss-based provider of digital asset custody and tokenization technology, on their sale of Metaco to Ripple.
  • Advised GP Investments on the public takeover of Spice Private Equity.

Switzerland > Data privacy and data protection Tier 2

Praised for its ‘exceptional knowledge’, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd is adept at managing IT, IP, and telecoms matters arising from the insurance, pharmaceutical, and construction industries, among others, with other skills extending to the sphere of arbitration. Practice leader Roland Mathys is well-versed in the realm of outsourcing, SaaS, and cloud transactions, as well as sizeable technology projects. Other key names to note include Lorenza Ferrari Hofer, who deploys her wide-ranging experience in product development, licensing, and technology distribution issues to advise a range of life sciences and technology companies, while Stéphanie Chuffart-Finsterwald handles compliance and venture projects alongside dispute resolution issues.

Practice head(s):

Roland Mathys

Other key lawyers:

Lorenza Ferrari Hofer; Stéphanie Chuffart-Finsterwald

Testimonials

‘Exceptional knowledge.’

‘Dedicated, very skilled people with strong ownership for cases to be covered. Strong internal collaboration with strong coverage to topics across company needs.’

‘Very skilled individuals in law, but also in areas that need to be covered case-wise, e.g. technology frameworks and metrics.’

‘Strong identification with and commitment for customer success, going over the last mile. High availability in case of need.’

‘Personal involvement of senior partner if case requires this.’

Key clients

ABB

Aity AG

Amazon

Amazon Web Services

Aon

Axpo

BEKB

Berner Kantonalbank

CSS Insurance

DHL

DocuSign

Facebook

Husqvarna

Gardena

Kardex

Lindt & Sprüngli

Manor

Mettler Toledo

Novartis

Ringier

Salesforce

Swiss Digital Initative

SIX Paynet

Sonova

Standard Chartered

Swizzonic

Tata Consultancy Services

Tesla

Vifor

Voi

Migros Genossenschafts-Bund

Adobe

Chubb

Emirates

Hilton

Kanebo

Mondelez

Samsung

Sky

TikTok

Valiant

Valora

Work highlights

  • Advising Dynoptic/ANWR/SATC and other associations on their efforts to comply with the new Swiss data protection law, in effect since September 2023.
  • Advising Valiant Bank on a number of technology and data-related matters.
  • Advising Husqvarna group on the implementation of the new Swiss data protection law, essentially for the group’s Swiss affiliate.

Switzerland > Healthcare and life sciences Tier 2

The offering at Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd covers a varied workload, with a strong emphasis on M&A, spin-offs, and product liability disputes. The team is also recommended for assisting with allegations of abuse of dominant position and private equity transactions within the healthcare space. Practice co-head Philipp Groz is particularly adept at handling international arbitrations concerning distribution, development, and supply agreements, often representing pharma companies; Groz is also noted for his regulatory expertise in mobile health apps. ‘Top notch IP practitioner’ Lorenza Ferrari Hofer co-leads the team, and is recommended for her strong focus on cross-border licensing and distribution issues relating to tech and health products, in addition to acting in trade secret and patent infringement disputes. Peter Georg Picht‘s area of expertise lies at the intersection between IP and competition law on a domestic and European level.

Practice head(s):

Philipp Groz; Lorenza Ferrari Hofer

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Lorenza Ferrari is a top notch IP practitioner – reliable, efficient and pragmatic. A powerful do-er including in international associations such as the IBA.’

Key clients

AbbVie

Addlife AB

Bayer AG

BioNTech

Zimmer Biomet

AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG

Ascensia Diabetes Care

Cardinal Health

Celgene

CSL Behring AG

Johnson & Johnson

Kinarus

LivaNova

Procter & Gamble

Shire International GmbH

Sonova

Iveric Bio

Santhera Pharmaceuticals

ZimVie

Dandelion

Asker Healthcare Group

Novartis

Sosei Group

Gilde Healthcare Partners BV

BridgeBio International

Work highlights

  • Advised Swiss company Santhera Pharmaceuticals regarding the sale of its Raxone/idebenone business to Chiesi.
  • Advised the Sosei Group on the acquisition of all shares of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Japan Ltd and Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Korea Co., Ltd.
  • Acted in an arbitration between a university spin-off and a multinational medical device manufacturer regarding worldwide royalties allegedly owed under a series of licensing agreements.

Switzerland > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

The restructuring and insolvency team at Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd stands out for its work advising clients on distressed M&A, distressed refinancing, and the enforcement of pledges. Its work ranges from pre-insolvency situations to formal bankruptcy proceedings. Standout contact Olivier Hari specialises in company restructurings, distressed refinancing, and national and cross-border insolvency and restructuring proceedings. Other key individual Tarek Houdrouge has expertise in the broader banking and finance sectors, with a focus on corporate restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Urs Hoffmann-Nowotny; Olivier Hari; Tarek Houdrouge

Other key lawyers:

Marcel Jakob; Vincent Jeanneret

Testimonials

‘Incredibly responsive and creative corporate restructuring team. They have a terrific problem-solving approach and have worked successfully with us to extremely challenging deadlines on complex and high value issues.’

‘Marcel Jakob is blue chip – a real quality act all round.’

‘Olivier Hari: pragmatic and result oriented. Able to convey a clear, concise and easy to understand message. Identifies and addresses the issues in an efficient and objective way. Very calm and able to keep his focus and objective in mind.’

Key clients

not guilty Restaurants AG

Kinarus Therapeutics AG

Insolvency liquidator appointement regarding Parc

Alevo Group SA and Alevo International

Liquidators of Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas) Limited

Joint Liquidators of Phoenix Commodities Pvt. Limited

Sosei Heptares

Fondation Hypotheka

Mr. Reto Stöcklin (bankruptcy)

Stigma Partners SA

Work highlights

  • Advised Sosei Heptares on acquiring all shares of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Japan Ltd and Idorsia Phamaceuticals Korea Co.
  • Obtained recognition of a foreign insolvency decree for the liquidators of a British Virgin Islands company to bring a directors’ liability claim against a de facto director who resides in Switzerland.
  • Advised SIX-listed Kinarus Therapeutics Holding AG, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, in its filing for bankruptcy with the relevant courts in Basel.

Switzerland > Tax Tier 2

Spearheaded by Jean-Frédéric Maraia and Michael Nordin, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd‘s breadth of expertise covers corporate tax, M&A, financial markets and customs advice, among an array of other tax related mandates, and the team is increasingly involved in complex tax audit issues. The team has a ‘very strong command of the field’. Maraia has recently acted for collective investment schemes, high net worth individuals and custodian banks, and Nordin principally focuses on finance industry-related issues. Pietro Sansonetti is a frequent port of call for auditing, litigation and enforcement work, while Danielle Hostettler excels on the private client side. Roland Wild and Arthur Magnin are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Jean-Frédéric Maraia; Michael Nordin

Testimonials

‘Thorough, in-depth mastery of the subject.’

‘Strong access to stakeholders (professional counterparts and administration) enhances efficiency in the execution of the mandate.’

‘The tax team provides advice efficiently in a cost-effective way.’

‘Roland Wild is very knowledgeable in tax matters applicable in the financial markets and knows the practice of the authorities very well.’

‘Great collaboration between the various teams within Schellenberg Wittmer.’

‘Roland Wild and Michael Nordin have a deep understanding of Swiss withholding tax.’

‘Competent, reliable and friendly.’

‘High degree of collaboration, with a clear appropriation of the case as if it were their own personal case. Very strong command of the field, with an ability to dig as deep as necessary to be sure of the analysis of the solution.’

Key clients

Barana Group

CIR – Compagnie Industriali Riunite S.p.A.

Credit Suisse

European Broadcasting Union

HSBC

International Committee of the Red Cross

Julius Bär

Swiss Re Group

Vontobel

Scor

AXA

Schroder Bank

Banco Santander

Swiss Life

Sowind Group

Reyl & Cie

ams-OSRAM AG

Teylor AG

Mirova

Reichmuth & Co

BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA

OC Oerlikon

Group SEB

CargoRoll AG

Axpo Solutions AG

CAT Financial Products AG

Work highlights

  • Advised ams-OSRAM AG on all tax aspects in connection with its capital increase and issuance of senior notes.
  • Acted as Swiss tax counsel to Zurich-based Teylor AG on its cooperation with Taurus SA regarding the issuance of privately placed structured notes to be used to finance SME private debt.
  • Provided comprehensive tax advice to OC Oerlikon on its placement of CHF 340m dual-tranche senior unsecured bonds.

Switzerland > Capital markets Tier 3

Philippe Borens and Tarek Houdrouge head up the comprehensive capital markets offering at Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd, which routinely operates for clients that are active across financial services, energy, and IT sectors with regards to exchange-traded derivatives, public takeovers, and the issuance of structured products. Borens enjoys a wide-ranging set of skills, encompassing bonds and notes issues, hedge funds, and regulatory issues, while Houdrouge possesses considerable transactional expertise across banking and finance and capital markets. Olivier Favre is highly experienced in relation to an array of financing transactions, and Lorenzo Olgiati is a solid choice for publicly listed companies who require assistance with corporate governance and ESG issues.

Practice head(s):

Philippe Borens; Tarek Houdrouge

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The collaboration was fast and good.’

‘The individuals are proactively thinking on management and highlighting risks and advising on possible solutions.’

‘They think out of the box.’

Key clients

BNP Paribas

Bank Reichmuth

AXA Life Ltd

Barclays Bank PLC

First Quantum Minerals

Schroder & Co Bank

Ams-OSRAM AG

Bank Vontobel

Raiffeisen Switzerland

Spice Private Equity Ltd

Deutsche Bank

Zurich Kantonalbank, Zurich

Credit Suisse AG

UBS AG

InRoll AG

International Swaps and Derivatives Association

Futures Industry Association

Swiss Bankers Association

China Construction Bank

Leonteq Securities AG

Standard Chartered

Helvetische Bank AG

Bauwerk Boen AG

Reuss Private Group AG

Mirabaud Asset Management

REYL & Cie SA

PIERER Mobility AG

Technogroup IT Services AG

OC Oerlikon Corporation Pfäffikon

Conforama Suisse SA

Brera Partners Switzerland AG

CAT Financial Products Ltd.

Avaloq Group

Julius Baer Group

Asker Healthcare Group

Work highlights

  • Acted as co-counsel for Sosei Heptares on its acquisition of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd’s pharmaceuticals business in Japan and APAC.
  • Acted as Swiss counsel to SPRIM Global Investments, a health sciences venture capital firm, in its USD capital commitment in favour of Spexis AG.
  • Advises BNP Paribas SA on CHF410m notes issued by EnBW.

Switzerland > Public law Tier 3

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd represents parties in administrative disputes before cantonal and federal level courts, with the team offering a full range of services in litigation, arbitration and regulatory matters. The firm advises local and international clients across a multitude of sectors including energy, life sciences and telecommunications. David Mamane focuses on competition law and international merger control in the telecommunications, postal and transport industries. Yves Jeanrenaud leads the firm’s real estate and construction group and has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating property contracts and handling public litigation.

Other key lawyers:

Work highlights

  • Providing regulatory and corporate advice to Uber on the implementation of new regulations in various cantons and regulatory procedures with supervising authorities.
  • Assisting Organisation Cantonale Valaisanne de Secours with the tender offer for the heliborne rescue.
  • Advised the FTI for the due diligence, negotiation and acquisition of all the shares of a Swiss company.

Switzerland > Sports law Tier 3

The ‘extremely sharp, legally strong and extremely strategic’ Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd excels in handling sponsorship agreements, broadcasting rights and infrastructure issues for a variety of athletes and sports federations. Philippe Bärtsch, who acts for a panoply of clients in relation to international commercial and sports arbitration, and Christopher Boog, who acts for a myriad of sports officials, athletes and private entities with regard to a range of disciplinary, contractual and tort matters, lead the practice.

Practice head(s):

Philippe Bärtsch; Christopher Boog

Other key lawyers:

Louis Burrus

Testimonials

‘Excellent team capable of handling huge cases.’

‘Very strong team in commercial and investment arbitration.’

‘Extremely sharp, legally strong and extremely strategic.’

‘Schellenberg Wittmer is in my opinion the best Swiss firm: reliable, efficient, straightforward.’

‘Philippe Bärtsch stands out for his work in sports arbitration.’

‘The team at Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd is dedicated, experienced and hard working. The client’s interests are comprehended and protected in the best possible way.’

‘Philippe Bärtsch and Christopher Boog show great strength in both international and Swiss law related matters.’

‘Schellenberg Wittmer is like a perfectly functioning orchestra with Philippe Bärtsch and Christopher Boog as the conductors.’

Work highlights

We are a leading Swiss business law firm with offices in Zurich, Geneva and Singapore. We take care of all our clients’ needs – transactions, advisory, disputes around the world.

We are recognized as a top-tier Swiss law firm by leading directories such as Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, Lexology Index and IFLR1000. Key facts:

  • >150 lawyers, 15 languages and 30 nationalities
  • >2’000 years of combined experience
  • 21 distinct practice areas
  • 15 sectors and industries
  • Collaboration with >300 law firms worldwide in >50 jurisdictions

 

International reach:

Our Singapore office provides a gateway to the Asian market, enabling us to assist clients with their inbound and outbound investments in Asia. We also represent clients with international arbitration matters in the Asian market.

 

Main areas of practice
Dispute resolution and international arbitration: Advising in all aspects of commercial litigation and arbitration, including full representation in proceedings, pre-litigation case assessment and ADR solutions, provisional and interim measures, asset tracing, as well as enforcement of arbitral awards and court judgments. Members of the group frequently sit as arbitrator.

Banking and finance: Advising Swiss and foreign banks, borrowers, insurance companies, fund managers and other financial institutions on the full range of legal and regulatory matters, from syndicated lending and acquisition finance to OTC transactions, structured products and prudential rules.

Capital markets: As authorised representatives at the six Swiss Exchange, working with domestic and foreign issuers on all aspects of Swiss equity and debt capital markets transactions, including IPOs, rights offerings, convertibles, share buy-backs, derivatives programs, bond and note issues and public tender offers.

Corporate and commercial: Assisting companies in all corporate and commercial matters including the establishment of businesses and corporate governance; assisting clients in drafting/negotiating all contracts related to their businesses.

Mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital: Advising on public takeovers, private mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, spin-offs and restructurings, assisting with seed/expansion capital, management buy-outs/buy-ins, pre-IPO investments and various aspects of asset management for private equity and venture capital.

Employment: Assisting in all employment-related matters, i.e. employment documentation, labour litigation, residence and labour permits, employee participation schemes, severance packages, etc.

Taxation: Advising companies and individuals on Swiss tax law, including double taxation treaties and VAT, acting as counsel in tax litigation, as well as extensive experience in tax enforcement matters.

Private wealth: Working with individuals and families in the global planning and structuring of their private and business assets to ensure an efficient wealth structure and enable a smooth succession from one generation to the next; representing clients in estate and trust disputes.

Restructuring and insolvency: Assisting creditors and companies in restructuring, bankruptcy and reorganisation proceedings as well as complex insolvency matters; serving as court or FINMA-appointed trustees, liquidators and receivers.

Trade and transport: Providing support in all aspects of trade and transport, including sales and import/export contracts, trade finance, marine/cargo insurance, maritime/aviation/land transportation and ship/aircraft finance.

Real estate and construction: Assisting on all issues relating to real estate and environment, including finding the best financing and investment structure, negotiating/drafting contracts to lease, purchase or sell Swiss real estate, planning/developing construction projects, contract management.

Insurance: Representation in insurance and reinsurance-related litigation and arbitration; advising on all aspects of insurance law, including the establishment, relocation, conduct and run-off of (re-)insurance relating to activities in and from Switzerland and regulatory issues.

Intellectual property and IT: Advising on all areas of intellectual property, including drafting/negotiating agreements and representing clients in litigation and arbitration; assisting in structuring/negotiating IT projects and in drafting all related contracts.

Competition and antitrust: Advising comprehensively on merger control and the impact of Swiss and EU competition law on client commercial practices and agreements; representing clients in administrative proceedings brought by the Swiss Competition Commission.

White-collar crime and compliance: Representing companies or officers unwillingly involved in criminal investigations and proceedings; leading large scale internal investigations; advice regarding international assistance between foreign and domestic law enforcement authorities and all aspects of compliance.

Sports, arts and entertainment: Advising collectors, museums, auction houses, galleries, artists, insurers, etc. in all matters relating to art works or entire collections, including sale, loan and consignment, import/export, copyrights, insurance as well as litigation; advising sports organisations, athletes and sponsors as well as media companies in all matters related to their businesses. The firm also represents clients both in prosecution and defence, in high-stake cross-border arbitration matters before various adjudicatory bodies of many sports federations, as well as before CAS. This includes violations of the WADA code, issues with media rights and sponsorship agreements, unfair competition and dismissal claims, large-scale corruption investigations, and highly disputed bids for hosting major sports events.

Life sciences: Advising in all aspects of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and food law, including regulatory and contractual matters such as licensing and R&D agreements; assisting clients in health law, medical malpractice and product liability matters.

Blockchain technologies and fintech: Multidisciplinary and integrated team advising clients looking to take full advantage of the high potential of blockchain technology, Areas advised on include crowd-funding (preliminary analysis and set-up), incorporation of legal entities in Switzerland, initial coin offering setup, smart contracts, data protection and transaction security, tax implications, dispute resolution.

Hotels and leisure: Counsel to hotel chains and investors on all legal matters in the hospitality industry including acquisitions, disposals, developments, construction, litigation and M&A, leasing and operation.

Department Name Email Telephone
Administrative Law & Public Procurement Yves Jeanrenaud [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Administrative Law & Public Procurement Grégoire Wuest [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Art & Entertainment Yves Jeanrenaud [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Banking & Finance Tarek Houdrouge [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Banking & Finance Grégoire Wuest [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Blockain Technologies & FinTech Tarek Houdrouge [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Blockain Technologies & FinTech Caroline Clemetson [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Business Aviation Bernard Vischer [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Business Aviation Grégoire Wuest [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Capital Markets Caroline Clemetson [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Capital Markets Tarek Houdrouge [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Competition & Antitrust Benjamin Borsodi [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Construction Yves Jeanrenaud [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Corporate & Commercial Jean Jacques Ah Choon [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Dispute Resolution Christian Girod [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Employment Vincent Carron [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Energy Elliott Geisinger [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Financial Services Tarek Houdrouge [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Financial Services Caroline Clemetson [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Hotels & Leisure Yves Jeanrenaud [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Internal Corporate Investigations Benjamin Borsodi [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
International Arbitration Philippe Bärtsch [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
International Arbitration Elliott Geisinger [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Insurance Caroline Clemetson [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Insurance Tarek Houdrouge [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Mergers & Acquisitions Jean Jacques Ah Choon [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Private Wealth Bernard Vischer [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Real estate Yves Jeanrenaud [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Restructuring & Insolvency Vincent Jeanneret [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Sports Philippe Bärtsch [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Taxation Pietro Sansonetti [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Trade & Transport Bernard Vischer [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
White-Collar Crime & Compliance Benjamin Borsodi [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
White-Collar Crime & Compliance Paul Gully-Hart [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Regional Desk Africa Tarek Houdrouge [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Regional Desk Brazil Grégoire Wuest [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Regional Desk Italy and Italian-speaking Switzerland Pietro Sansonetti [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Regional Desk Italy and Italian-speaking Switzerland Clara Poglia [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Regional Desk Middle East & Turkey Bernard Vischer [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Regional Desk Russia & Eurasia Philippe Bärtsch [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Banking & Finance Grégoire Tribolet [email protected] +41 22 707 8000
Photo Name Position Profile
Jean Jacques Ah Choon photo Mr Jean Jacques Ah Choon Jean Jacques Ah Choon is a Partner and head of Schellenberg Wittmer’s M&A group. He…
George Ayoub photo Mr George Ayoub George Ayoub is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution Group in Geneva…
Philippe Bärtsch, LL.M. photo Mr Philippe Bärtsch, LL.M. Philippe Bärtsch is a Vice-Chair of our International Arbitration Practice Group and…
Katherine Bell photo Ms Katherine Bell Katherine Bell is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Dispute Resolution Group and…
Philip Andrea Berti photo Mr Philip Andrea Berti Philip Andrea Berti is a Senior Associate in our Dispute Resolution Group…
Christopher Boog, FCIArb, FSIArb photo Dr Christopher Boog, FCIArb, FSIArb Christopher Boog is a Vice-Chair of the International Arbitration Practice Group and…
Philippe Borens, LL.M. photo Dr Philippe Borens, LL.M. Philippe Borens is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Zurich office where he…
Benjamin Borsodi, LL.M. photo Mr Benjamin Borsodi, LL.M. Benjamin Borsodi is head of the White-Collar Crime and Internal Corporate Investigations group…
Frank Bremer, LL.M. photo Dr Frank Bremer, LL.M. Frank Bremer is a Counsel in our Competition and Antitrust Group and…
Peter Burckhardt photo Mr Peter Burckhardt Peter Burckhardt leads Schellenberg Wittmer’s Dispute Resolution Group in Zurich, as well…
Amanda Burnand Sulmoni, LL.M. photo Mrs Amanda Burnand Sulmoni, LL.M. Amanda Burnand Sulmoni is a Counsel in our Real Estate and Construction…
Louis Burrus photo Mr Louis Burrus Louis Burrus is a Partner and the co-head of the Dispute Resolution…
Josef Caleff, LL.M., MRICS photo Mr Josef Caleff, LL.M., MRICS Josef Caleff heads Schellenberg Wittmer’s Real Estate Group in Zurich and is…
Vincent Carron, LL.M. photo Mr Vincent Carron, LL.M. Vincent Carron is a partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Geneva office, where he…
Stéphanie Chuffart-Finsterwald photo Dr Stéphanie Chuffart-Finsterwald Stéphanie Chuffart-Finsterwald heads our Life Sciences, Intellectual Property, and Information and Communication Technology practices…
Caroline Clemetson, LL.M. photo Ms Caroline Clemetson, LL.M. Caroline Clemetson is a Partner in the Banking and Finance Department in…
Anne-Carole Cremades photo Ms Anne-Carole Cremades Anne-Carole Cremades is Counsel in Schellenberg Wittmer’s International Arbitration Group in Geneva. She specializes…
Andrea Dorjee-Good photo Ms Andrea Dorjee-Good Andrea Dorjee-Good is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Private Clients and Estates…
Fabio Elsener photo Mr Fabio Elsener Fabio Elsener is Counsel in our Banking and Finance Group in Zurich. He…
Joane Etienne photo Ms Joane Etienne Joane Etienne is a Counsel in our Banking & Finance Group. Her…
Olivier Favre, LL.M. photo Dr Olivier Favre, LL.M. Olivier Favre is a Partner in our Banking and Finance Group in…
Lorenza Ferrari Hofer photo Lorenza Ferrari Hofer Lorenza Ferrari Hofer is a Partner in our Intellectual Property and Life…
Elliott Geisinger photo Mr Elliott Geisinger Elliott Geisinger heads Schellenberg Wittmer’s International Arbitration Group. Since 1995, his practice…
Peter Georg Picht, LL.M. photo Prof Dr Peter Georg Picht, LL.M. Peter Georg Picht is a professor of law and holds the Chair…
Anya George, ACIArb photo Ms Anya George, ACIArb Anya George is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution Group in Zurich.…
Christian Girod, LL.M. photo Mr Christian Girod, LL.M. Christian Girod is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution Group as well…
Benjamin Gottlieb photo Mr Benjamin Gottlieb Benjamin Gottlieb is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution Group in Zurich. His…
Charles Goumaz photo Mr Charles Goumaz Charles Goumaz is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution Group in Geneva.…
Guillaume Grisel photo Dr Guillaume Grisel Guillaume Grisel is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Private Wealth group. He…
Philipp Groz, LL.M. photo Mr Philipp Groz, LL.M. Philipp Groz is a partner in our Dispute Resolution team. He heads…
Matthias Gstoehl photo Mr Matthias Gstoehl Matthias Gstoehl is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Dispute Resolution and White…
Paul Gully-Hart photo Mr Paul Gully-Hart Paul Gully-Hart has been a partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s dispute resolution group…
Olivier Hari photo Prof Dr Olivier Hari Olivier Hari is of Counsel in our Corporate & Commercial, Mergers &…
Adrienne Henneman photo Ms Adrienne Henneman Adrienne Hennemann is a Senior Associate in our Dispute Resolution and Intellectual…
Michael Hess, LL.M. photo Mr Michael Hess, LL.M. Michael Hess, a Certified Specialist SBA Labour Law, co-heads the Employment Practice…
Urs Hoffmann-Nowotny photo Dr Urs Hoffmann-Nowotny Urs Hoffmann-Nowotny is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution Group in Zurich…
Danielle Hostettler photo Ms Danielle Hostettler Danielle Hostettler is a Counsel in our Taxation Group in Geneva. Danielle’s…
Tarek Houdrouge photo Mr Tarek Houdrouge Tarek Houdrouge is Co-Head of our Banking and Finance Group in Geneva…
Pascal Hubli photo Mr Pascal Hubli Pascal Hubli is Schellenberg Wittmer’s current Managing Partner and Partner in our Mergers &…
Marcel Jakob photo Mr Marcel Jakob Marcel Jakob is a Partner in our Mergers & Acquisitions Group in…
Vincent Jeanneret photo Mr Vincent Jeanneret Vincent Jeanneret is of Counsel in the Dispute Resolution Group in Geneva,…
Yves Jeanrenaud, LL.M., MRICS photo Mr Yves Jeanrenaud, LL.M., MRICS Yves Jeanrenaud is a Partner at Schellenberg Wittmer and he heads the firm’s…
Yves Jeanrenaud, LL.M., MRICS photo Mr Yves Jeanrenaud, LL.M., MRICS Yves Jeanrenaud is a Partner at Schellenberg Wittmer and he heads the firm’s…
Alexander Jolles photo Mr Alexander Jolles Alexander Jolles is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Dispute Resolution and Private…
Edmond Kohler photo Mr Edmond Kohler Edmond Kohler is a Counsel in our Banking and Finance, Corporate &…
Stefan Leimgruber photo Dr Stefan Leimgruber Stefan Leimgruber is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution Group in Zurich. His…
Caroline M. Lopez Nagai photo Mrs Caroline M. Lopez Nagai Caroline Maria López Nagai is a Counsel in our Private Wealth Group…
Arthur Magnin photo Mr Arthur Magnin Arthur Magnin is a Senior Associate in our Taxation Group in Geneva.
David Mamane, LL.M. photo Mr David Mamane, LL.M. David Mamane is a partner and head of Schellenberg Wittmer’s Competition Group…
Jean-Frédéric Maraia photo Dr Jean-Frédéric Maraia Jean-Frédéric Maraia is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Geneva office, where he…
Giulia Marchettini photo Ms Giulia Marchettini Giulia Marchettini  is a Counsel in our Dispute Resolution Group in Geneva.…
Roland Mathys photo Mr Roland Mathys Roland Mathys is a Partner and head of Schellenberg Wittmer’s Information and…
Simone Nadelhofer photo Dr Simone Nadelhofer Simone Nadelhofer is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Dispute Resolution and White…
Philippe Nicod photo Mr Philippe Nicod Philippe Nicod is a counsel in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Corporate and Commercial Group…
Michael Nordin photo Dr Michael Nordin Michael Nordin is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Zurich office, where he…
Lorenzo Olgiati, LL.M. photo Dr Lorenzo Olgiati, LL.M. Lorenzo Olgiati heads Schellenberg Wittmer’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group in Zurich. His…
Clara Poglia photo Ms Clara Poglia Clara Poglia is a partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Geneva office, where she…
Roland M. Ryser photo Dr Roland M. Ryser Roland Ryser is a Counsel in our Dispute Resolution Group in Zurich…
Pietro Sansonetti photo Mr Pietro Sansonetti Pietro Sansonetti is Of Counsel in our Taxation Group in Geneva after…
Anita Schläpfer, LL.M. photo Ms Anita Schläpfer, LL.M. Anita Schläpfer is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Banking and Finance Group…
Madeleine Simonek photo Prof Dr Madeleine Simonek Madeleine Simonek is an emeritus professor of law at the University of Zurich where she…
Petra Spring photo Petra Spring Petra Spring co-heads the Employment Practice Group in Zurich. Her core fields…
Benno Strub, LL.M. photo Mr Benno Strub, LL.M. Benno Strub is a Counsel in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Restructuring and Insolvency Group…
Luc Thévenoz photo Prof Dr Luc Thévenoz Luc Thévenoz is professor at the University of Geneva and the dean…
Grégoire Tribolet photo Mr Grégoire Tribolet Grégoire Tribolet is a Partner and Co-Head of our Banking and Finance Group…
Oliver Triebold photo Dr Oliver Triebold Oliver Triebold is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group…
Bernard Vischer, LL.M. photo Mr Bernard Vischer, LL.M. Bernard Vischer is a partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Geneva office, where he…
Christoph Vonlanthen, LL.M. photo Mr Christoph Vonlanthen, LL.M. Christoph Vonlanthen focuses on mergers & acquisitions, corporate governance, capital markets and…
Catherine Weniger photo Dr Catherine Weniger Catherine Weniger is a Counsel in our Employment Law Group. Experience: Advising…
Amalie Wijesundera photo Ms Amalie Wijesundera Amalie Wijesundera is Counsel in our Competition Group in Zurich. Experience: Swiss and multinational merger…
Roland Wild photo Mr Roland Wild Roland Wild is a Partner in our Taxation Group in Zurich. He…
David Wallace Wilson, M.J.C. photo Mr David Wallace Wilson, M.J.C. David Wallace Wilson is a partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Geneva office, where…
Grégoire Wuest, LL.M. photo Mr Grégoire Wuest, LL.M. Grégoire Wuest is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s Geneva office and Co-Head…
Number of lawyers firm-wide : 166
Number of partners firm-wide : 45
:
:
Dutch
English
Finnish
French
German
Hebrew
Italian
Japanese
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Swedish
Managing Partner : Pascal Hubli
Other offices : Zurich
Other offices : Singapore

International reach

Our headquarters in Zurich and Geneva, covering the whole of Switzerland, provide a comprehensive range of legal services to a worldwide client base of domestic and international companies and entrepreneurs.

Our Singapore office provides a gateway to the Asian market, enabling us to assist clients with their inbound and outbound investments in Asia. We also represent clients in connection with international arbitration matters in all major Asian cities.

As for our regional desks (without onsite presence), they were set up to develop our existing cross-border business initiatives, centralise case-work across these regions, and underpin our commitment to the provision of top-tier, full business law services to clients on a global level.

Cross-border capabilities

Schellenberg Wittmer has extensive cross-border experience on transactional and contentious matters – both inbound and outbound. We represent an array of international clients for matters that span Europe and further afield. Some of the practice areas such as M&A, Sports Law and White-Collar Crime do not handle a single case without a cross border element.


Schellenberg Wittmer is committed to respecting and promoting diversity in the workplace. We actively support and encourage a working environment characterized by inclusivity. Schellenberg Wittmer offers equal opportunity to all employees, without regard to gender, social status, sexual orientation, ethnic background, national origin, or age. We welcome difference.

In our commitment to achieving greater inclusivity, we regularly implement targeted diversity initiatives with quantifiable criteria for success. We are working to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions and have introduced specialized initiatives for addressing LGBTQI+ issues.

Dedicated task groups have been formed to ensure that diversity has a strategic place in all areas of the company’s practice. These task groups carry out substantive programs for the implementation of targeted measures and incentives in matters such as succession planning, retention of key talent, coaching and mentoring, and unconscious bias.

We are the leading firm in Switzerland for diversity and inclusion: we have one of the highest numbers of women in management positions, our firm is the first to promote specialized LGBTQI+ initiatives and we have diverse representation at all levels, including within the firm’s Management Committee.

Schellenberg Wittmer partners each year with multiple organizations that promote diversity and inclusion, including non-profit associations: the Women in Business Society, Frauenarbeit, Le Refuge and Regenbogen Familien.