Noted for handling the full spectrum of issues within the healthcare and life sciences sectors, Bär & Karrer Ltd. stands out for handling supply chain and licensing issues, in addition to contentious reimbursement and compliance work. Markus Schott is well-known for his expertise in public procurement and administrative proceedings within the pharma and medical device spaces. Markus Wang leads the firm’s IP practice, often advising on drug distribution and promotion, on top of acting in major patent disputes. Commercial litigation expert Oliver M. Brupbacher is a key name for investigations. Djamila Batache and Christine Schweikard are key figures within the team known for their IP and regulatory expertise respectively. Claudia Götz Staehelin left the firm in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Markus Schott: expert in the pharmaceutical sector, very pragmatic, always available.'
‘Available partners and the team are very easy going and solution oriented. Pragmatic solutions and aware of clients' interests.’
‘It is Bär & Karrer's in-house experience in pharmaceutical law that sets it apart from other leading Swiss law firms. In my opinion, Bär & Karrer also has the largest and most specialised team of lawyers in the healthcare and life sciences sector in Switzerland.'
'I would like to highlight the young talent Christine Schweikard, who is a brilliant specialist. This means that Bär & Karrer is also very well positioned for the years to come.’
‘Oliver Brupbacher stands out as he used to work in-house before joining private practice, and he is bringing this in-house perspective to his work. He helps us gain a broad overview and understanding of the issues that we deal with, and helps us to dive deeper where we need to. He has a very commercial view, which makes it so much easier to translate his recommendations for our internal business people.’
'Great knowledge of the law and practical expertise, complemented by excellent forensic support.'
'You feel very, very well taken care of by them and can sort of rest easy during an investigation "crisis", knowing that they will take excellent care of you and fight tooth and nail for you if must be. 10 out of 10!'
Key clients
- Moderna Switzerland GmbH
- Moderna, Inc.
- Novartis
- Pro Medicus AG
Work highlights
- Advising Moderna on various legal matters in connection with its business in Switzerland and abroad, including legal and regulatory advice related to the establishment of its supply chain for its COVID-19 vaccine.
- Advising Pro Medicus AG in connection with its contractual arrangements and the implementation of the Procura program, allowing health care professionals to partially retain rebate on drugs received from pharmaceutical companies under new integrity and transparency regulations.
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.
Djamila Batache
Practice head
Markus Schott; Markus Wang; Oliver M. Brupbacher
Other key lawyers
Christine Schweikard; Djamila Batache