Blue-chip clients listed in Switzerland and abroad regard Homburger as a go-to due to ‘the team’s extensive practical experience and deep understanding of the arbitration community and market’. The department is jointly headed up by ’fantastic advocates’ Balz Gross and Mariella Orelli. Gabrielle Nater-Bass and Stefanie Pfisterer are recommended for in-depth experience in matters relating to, inter alia, joint ventures, shareholder agreements, M&A transactions, agency and distribution agreements and sales contracts. The group has broad sector expertise, with a particular focus on regulated industries such as banking and insurance, life sciences, energy and telecoms.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Combination of technical excellence and client-focused service. Collaborative approach, and proven ability to handle complex matters efficiently. Compared to many firms, they offer a more tailored, solution-driven service rather than a one-size-fits-all model. Notably, the practice has introduced innovative approaches in cross-disciplinary collaboration, which demonstrates both agility and forward thinking.’
- ‘Mariella Orelli is widely recognised for strategic insight and exceptional judgment in complex matters.’
- ‘Gabrielle Nater-Bass is excellent. She is very knowledgeable, thinks outside the box and is fully committed to a matter.’
- 'While strong legal knowledge is naturally expected, what truly stood out was the team’s extensive practical experience and deep understanding of the arbitration community and market. They combine technical precision with a pragmatic, commercially minded approach, which makes them highly effective in navigating both complex legal issues and the procedural nuances of arbitration.'
- 'Their familiarity with leading arbitrators, institutions, and industry practices allows them to anticipate challenges and craft strategies that set them apart from other firms. Beyond their legal expertise, the team distinguishes itself through its collaborative working style and responsiveness, making them a reliable partner in high-stakes disputes.’
- 'Gabrielle Nater-Bass was an exceptionally competent captain through all the legal storms we encountered, providing steady guidance and strategic clarity at every stage.'
Key clients
- Clariant
- Jordan Chiles
- The People’s Republic of China
- Solvay
- A company of the Palestinian Investment Fund
Work highlights
Represented Clariant before the Court of Arbitration of SIX Group.
Represented Jordan Chiles in her appeal of a Court of Arbitration for Sport decision.
Represented The People's Republic of China in requests for a review of an arbitration tribunal’s decisions and an appeal against the final award of $453m.
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Balz Gross; Mariella Orelli
Other key lawyers
Gabrielle Nater-Bass; Stefanie Pfisterer; Dilber Devitre