Id Est Avocats Sàrl

Computing, Data & AI Healthcare Life Sciences & Biotech Energy, Infrastructure & Renewables Media, Platforms & Entertainment Non-Profits, NGOs & Purpose Economy Venture Capital, Corporate Finance & Private Equity

Michel Jaccard is a partner at id est avocats, a Swiss-based B Corp law firm committed to responsible and sustainable business practices. He has advised on corporate finance and M&A transactions for more than 25 years in Switzerland and internationally, acting for entrepreneurs and owners, venture capital and private equity firms, industrial buyers, and financial sponsors. He also advises investment funds, large corporates, SMEs, and startups on governance, sustainability and ESG matters.

In addition to his corporate practice, Michel advises on innovation and technology projects (including AI, data protection, and cybersecurity) and supports clients in complex business disputes where technology and intellectual property licensing are central, including open source and open access strategies.

Michel Jaccard’s client base reflects the strength and diversity of the regional innovation ecosystem, with a strong focus on impact and the purpose-driven economy. He counts as clients a broad range of technology-driven companies, including early stage startups and unicorns as well as technology providers in software, platforms, AI, and IT services committed to transformative innovation.

He regularly advises biotech and medtech startups, healthcare providers, and life sciences foundations working on breakthrough therapies and public health solutions. He also acts for top-tier consulting, legal, audit, and HR firms that support the innovation economy.

His portfolio includes numerous corporates, venture capital firms, accelerators, and investment advisors with a growing emphasis on sustainability and responsible investing.

He also works with leading academic and research institutions, cleantech and renewable energy pioneers, and internationally active NGOs and philanthropic foundations — all contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic future.

Michel Jaccard is the founder of id est avocats, a certified B Corp boutique law firm committed to responsible and sustainable business practices. Over the past 25 years, he has been involved in corporate finance and M&A transactions both in Switzerland and internationally. True to the firm’s guiding principles, Michel also advises NGOs, non-profit organizations, purpose-driven companies, impact investors, and philanthropic ventures on governance, impact, and sustainability matters.

Leveraging specific expertise in technology and computing, Michel supports SMEs, industrial leaders, and global brands as they navigate innovation, AI, data protection, and cybersecurity. He regularly assists with negotiations and dispute resolution in complex business projects that require a deep understanding of digital technologies (software development, outsourcing, hosting, migration, AI and platform solutions, R&D, and technology joint ventures).

Michel frequently serves as a jury member, mentor, or coach in startup competitions (Venturekick, MassChallenge, >>Venture>>, FIT, Prix Strategis, Seedstars, and more). Michel is also a lecturer in the Master in Sustainable Management and Technology (SMT) and teaches on AI and law topics at the University of Neuchâtel.

French, English

Michel holds a JD and PhD from the University of Lausanne and an LLM from Columbia Law School (Stone Scholar, Fulbright grantee). He is a certified CEDR mediator and an ITDR mediator and legal expert, is admitted to practice in Switzerland and New York, and has been highly recommended in Corporate/M&A, Technology, Media/Telecoms and Intellectual Property by leading guides such as Chambers, Legal500, Best Lawyers and Who’s Who Legal.