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CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.

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Switzerland

4

Dispute resolution: arbitration

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. ‘offers the resources of a global network with the cohesion and efficiency of a close-knit team’. The group has particular experience with contract-related arbitrations, and is also noted for its expertise in emergency arbitration proceedings conducted under both the ICC and Swiss Rules. Niklaus Zaugg leads the offering, with a strong focus on the automotive and construction industries. Other key contacts include Pierre Ducret and Jodok Wicki. In April 2025, Bajar Scharaw joined the group from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, bringing additional strength in investor-state arbitration to the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The CMS Zurich arbitration team stands out for its combination of technical excellence, teamwork and client focus. They work seamlessly together, ensuring matters benefit from both senior partner involvement and the strong capabilities of their associates.'
  • ‘Niklaus Zaugg is an excellent lawyer who stands out for his precision and thoroughness. He consistently goes to the bottom of complex issues, combining analytical depth with practical, clear advice. His meticulous approach and sound judgment give clients real confidence that their matters are in the best hands.’
  • ‘Jodok Wicki has a great reputation in the market. Measured and sensible.’
  • 'CMS has an excellent and very experienced arbitration team with great individual practitioners.'
  • ‘CMS Geneva’s arbitration team combines precision, professionalism, and strategic insight. Their work is consistently thorough and well-structured, with a clear understanding of international procedures. What makes them stand out is their ability to manage complex disputes with practical judgment. We appreciate the team’s responsiveness, clarity, and collaborative approach.’
  • ‘Niklaus Zaugg is not only a brilliant legal mind, but also level-headed. This enables him to solve problems efficiently and break down complex issues into well-developed arguments. I recommend him highly both as counsel and arbitrator.’

Key clients

  • Thyssenkrupp Presta Aktiengesellschaft
  • thyssenkrupp Steering Changzhou Co., Ltd.
  • Framatome/EDF
  • Insolvency administrator for the assets of South 1 EPC Engineering Gesellschaft
  • Forced administrator for Novatek Green Energy Sp. z o.o.
  • Abigo Medical AB
  • Insolvency administrator for the assets of South 1 EPC Engineering Gesellschaft
  • Abdallah El Said
  • Court of Arbitration for Sport
  • Swiss Arbitration Centre

Work highlights

Represented a Polish forced administrator in defending Novatek Green Energy against the enforcement of an alleged arbitral award totalling nearly €60m, issued by a Moscow-based tribunal.
Represented a French logistics company in an ICC arbitration arising from a breach of a shareholders' agreement with a state-owned Algerian company.
Represented thyssenkrupp Presta Aktiengesellschaft in a cross-border dispute which is subject to an ICC arbitration in connection with the delivery of defective components by its supplier.
Practice head

Niklaus Zaugg

Other key lawyers

Pierre Ducret; Jodok Wicki; Olivier Carrard; Bajar Scharaw

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