Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd‘s practice is marked by equal activity and expertise in commercial, investment and sports arbitration. The firm ’stands out for its ability to combine technical legal excellence with a deep understanding of clients’ commercial and strategic objectives’, ensuring a client roster of notable names across the energy, life sciences, commodities and construction sectors. Elliott Geisinger oversees the international arbitration group, supported by vice-chairs Christopher Boog and Philippe Bärtsch, who also share leadership of the dedicated sports arbitration offering. Anya George and Stefan Leimgruber are key names for complex commercial arbitrations, while Philipp Groz is the go-to for mandates with a life sciences angle. Counsel Anne-Carole Cremades is another key contact.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Christopher Boog is a very reputable and experienced practitioner, with good strategic and rhetorical skills.'
- 'Katherine Bell is an exceptional arbitrator and arbitration counsel; very knowledgeable and she has impressive oral advocacy.'
- 'Benjamin Gottlieb was always very well prepared, efficient and diligent.'
- 'Schellenberg Wittmer stands out for its ability to combine technical legal excellence with a deep understanding of clients’ commercial and strategic objectives, an essential strength in the context of a dispute’s preliminary phase.'
- 'Elliott Geisinger is a very polite and calm professional. He is friendly yet always maintains a high degree of professionalism, which immediately puts you in comfort. He is honest and communicates in a straightforward manner, making him a highly reliable advisor.'
- ‘Go-to firm for all things arbitration in the Swiss market.’
Key clients
- Alpiq
- BASF
- Bristol Myers Squibb
- Catalent Pharma Solutions
- Celgene Corporation
- Crescent Petroleum
- Chubb
- Electricité de France
- Galderma
- GUPC SA
- Güriş Construction and Engineering Company
- Ingersoll Rand Group
Work highlights
Represented Crescent Petroleum before the Swiss Supreme Court in two revision proceedings of an interim arbitral award in a $32bn PCA-administered arbitration against the National Iranian Oil Company over the delivery of gas.
Represented EDF Renewables in setting aside proceedings before the Swiss Supreme Court, initiated by the Kingdom of Spain against an award in a $48m UNCITRAL arbitration in the renewables sector.
Represented USA Gymnastics in revision proceedings before the Swiss Supreme Court related to a CAS award rendered during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Elliott Geisinger; Christopher Boog; Philippe Bärtsch
Other key lawyers
Anya George; Anne-Carole Cremades; Stefan Leimgruber; Philipp Groz; Greg Lourie; Katherine Bell; Benjamin Gottlieb