Interview with: Brigitte Spiegeler, Attorney at Law / Mediator / Partner

Brigitte Spiegeler, partner at Spiegeler International Attorneys at Law & Mediators, explains how a boutique firm combines high-end legal expertise with strategic and cross-border thinking to meet evolving client demands.

 

1) What do you see as the main points that differentiate Spiegeler International Attorneys at Law & Mediators from your competitors?

What sets us apart is our ability to combine top- tier legal expertise with a genuinely international and strategic mindset. As a boutique firm, we are highly agile and partner driven, which allows us to be deeply involved in our clients’ matters and decision-making processes.

We do not approach matters purely from a legal perspective. We position ourselves as strategic advisors, aligning legal solutions with the commercial objectives of our clients. Our strong focus on cross-border work, combined with our ability to operate seamlessly in multiple languages and legal cultures,
enables us to handle complex international disputes and transactions efficiently.

In addition, our dual focus on litigation and mediation allows us to offer a broader spectrum of dispute resolution strategies. This gives clients not only strong representation in court, but also effective alternatives where preserving business relationships is key.

 

2) Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

We expect continued growth in cross-border dispute resolution,
particularly in intellectual property, commercial litigation, and international mediation.

Clients are increasingly confronted with complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes driven by globalisation, digitalisation, and evolving regulatory frameworks. At the same time, there is a clear shift towards more efficient and commercially sensible dispute resolution strategies.

This is driving demand for mediation and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, especially in international contexts where lengthy litigation can be costly and disruptive. We also see a rise in strategic advisory work relating to IP portfolio management and enforcement, as businesses place increasing value on protecting and leveraging their intangible assets in competitive global markets.

 

3) What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

One of the key developments within our firm has been the further integration of strategic advisory and dispute resolution services. We have strengthened our approach by working even more closely with clients at an early stage, before disputes escalate. By doing so, we are able to identify risks, streamline IP portfolios, and develop clear enforcement and defence strategies that ultimately save time and costs.

Internally, we have also enhanced collaboration within our international network, allowing us to respond even more efficiently to cross-border matters and provide clients with seamless support across jurisdictions.

 

4) Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in how we deliver our services, particularly in cross-border matters. It enables us to work more efficiently, communicate seamlessly across jurisdictions, and provide clients with faster and more transparent access to information. This is particularly valuable in complex disputes where timing and coordination are critical.

However, in high- stakes legal matters, technology remains a tool rather than a substitute. The real value lies in strategic insight, legal expertise, and the ability to navigate sensitive and complex situations areas where human judgement and experience remain strong.

 

5) Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

We regularly assist clients in transforming their intellectual property from a passive asset into a strategic business tool.

In one matter, we supported a client in restructuring and optimising their international IP portfolio. By identifying key markets and aligning their protection and enforcement strategy with their commercial objectives, we were able to significantly reduce unnecessary costs while strengthening their legal position.

We also implemented a proactive enforcement strategy, enabling the client to act swiftly against infringements. This not only safeguarded their market position, but also enhanced the overall value and scalability of their business.

 

6) Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients are increasingly looking for law firms that provide not only legal expertise, but also stability, clarity, and strategic direction in a rapidly evolving legal and commercial landscape. In the coming years, we see our firm further strengthening its position as a leading boutique in international dispute resolution and intellectual property, particularly in complex and cross-border matters.

At the same time, we expect mediation to play an increasingly important role within the legal landscape. Clients are becoming more focused on efficient, cost-effective, and relationship-preserving solutions. As both litigators and mediators, we are uniquely positioned to guide clients in choosing the most effective path whether that is through litigation, mediation, or a combination of both.

Our ambition is to continue delivering high-quality, strategic, and pragmatic advice, while expanding our international footprint and reinforcing long- term client relationships built on trust and results