LALIVE‘s ’truly outstanding international arbitration practice’ spans a wide range of complex mandates, particularly in the mining, construction and infrastructure, energy and biotechnology sectors. The firm has a stellar track record in the investment treaty space. Domitille Baizeau and Melissa Magliana jointly head up the practice; between them, the pair have many years of experience acting in ad hoc and institutional arbitration proceedings under all major rules, including ICC, ICSID, SIAC and UNCITRAL. In January 2025, Augustin Barrier was promoted to become the newest addition to a strong partner bench which also includes Matthias Scherer and Joachim Knoll. Energy and commodities arbitration specialist Christine Moehler joined from Pestalozzi in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘One of the best law firms in arbitration, dealing with the best cases.’
- ‘The LALIVE arbitration team is probably one of the most powerful worldwide, and certainly in Switzerland.’
- ‘Joachim Knoll is an excellent arbitrator.’
- ‘LALIVE is one of the leading firms in international arbitration. The firm’s particular strength is the focus on developing a case theory that covers the entire case, and not only the case of the party that they represent. This leads to submissions that are clear and convincing, without excessive rhetorical clutter.’
- 'LALIVE has a truly outstanding international arbitration practice and we highly recommend them to anyone who asks. Their work is of extremely high quality, their partners are dedicated and collaborative and their staffing is on point. For example, the high quality of their associates ensures no weak links.'
- 'Domitille Baizeau is an outstanding counsel. Both her written and oral advocacy skills are most impressive. She knows her files perfectly and leaves no stone unturned.'
Key clients
- Romania
- Ruby River Capital LLC
- GreenX Metals Limited
- Gate Gourmet Korea Co. Ltd
- Lupaka Gold Corporation
- Republic of Latvia
Work highlights
Represented Lupaka Gold in arbitration proceedings against the Republic of Peru under the Canada–Peru Free Trade Agreement.
Represented a US investor in a $1bn NAFTA legacy claim brought under the ICSID Rules following Canada's decision not to grant the required permits for the construction of a carbon-neutral liquefied natural gas facility in Quebec and a natural gas pipeline.
Secured a $330m victory in arbitration against the Republic of Poland under the Australia-Poland bilateral investment treaty and the Energy Charter Treaty on behalf of GreenX Metals.
Lawyers
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
Domitille Baizeau; Melissa Magliana
Other key lawyers
Matthias Scherer; Marc Veit; Catherine Anne Kunz; Joachim Knoll; Bernd Ehle; Augustin Barrier; Christine Moehler