Walder Wyss Ltd.’s TMT practice is recognised for its breadth and the leadership of Roger Staub, a respected adviser on complex IP and technology transactions who also serves as an arbitrator in international proceedings. His practice is complemented by Mark Reutter, whose work spans the full spectrum of technology and digital transformation mandates, advising both industry players and corporate clients on technology-driven business models, IP matters, and the restructuring dimensions of major IT projects. Adding further depth, David Vasella is widely regarded for his expertise in data protection, routinely guiding Swiss and international organisations through sophisticated privacy frameworks, compliance programmes and issues arising from data monetisation, analytics and automated processing. Michael Isler advises on technology transfers, platform projects and related data protection challenges. Hugh Reeves was promoted to partner in January 2025, following the retirement of Didier Sangiorgio in December 2024. Lena Götzinger departed the firm in September 2025.
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Mentions
Profile
Work Department
Information Technology, Intellectual Property and Competition
Position
Partner
Career
David Vasella is a partner on the Information Technology, Intellectual Property and Competition team. He is the co-head of the Regulated Markets, Competition, Technology & IP team, together with Hans Rudolf Trüeb. He advises and represents Swiss and international companies in all industries and at all stages of growth on questions concerning data and technology law. He specialises in data use, negotiating data-related contracts, data security issues, cloud projects and IT contracts and provides support in setting up platform models and data protection compliance in accordance with GDPR and Swiss law (including leading or supporting implementation projects and data protection audits). He regularly gives talks and writes publications on his areas of expertise, for example on datenrecht.ch, a Swiss platform on data law.
David Vasella has a teaching mandate at the University of Zurich and is co-editor of digma (Journal for Data Law and Information Security), swissblawg (the biggest legal blog in Switzerland) and datenrecht.ch (a platform on data law). He is a certified information privacy professional (CIPP/E). Before joining our firm, David Vasella worked at a large business law firm in Zurich for a number of years.
Languages
David Vasella speaks German and English.
Education
After graduating from the University of Fribourg in 2002 with a degree in law, David Vasella was admitted to the Zurich bar in 2004 and went on to receive his doctorate from the University of Zurich in 2011, for which he was awarded the highest distinction as well as the Prof. Walther Hug prize and the Issekutz prize. David Vasella is co-editor of digma (a journal on data law and information security), swissblawg (the biggest legal blog in Switzerland) and datenrecht.ch. He is a certified information privacy professional and manager (CIPP/E, CIPM).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Walder Wyss's great advantage lies in the broad range of services offered by the firm. As a long-standing client, we greatly appreciate being able to turn to them with virtually any issue.’
'It is the combination of professional expertise, social skills and palpable empathy that sets the contacts at Walder Wyss apart. I would particularly like to highlight Jürg Schneider.'
'Their strengths include: rigorous legal expertise, proactive communication, tight project management and responsiveness, especially in urgent or evolving situations.'‘Walder Wyss is a valued and trusted partner in technology contracting. We use them for our most complex IT projects and high-stakes legal questions and always value their support.’
‘David Vasella is very knowledgeable about technology contracts and the pitfalls that need to be avoided. He is a no-nonsense advisor helping businesses drive data-driven innovation.’
‘Michael Isler and team have a deep specialisation in IT law, combined with a business-oriented approach that makes their advice immediately actionable.’
‘Michael Isler stands out as a trusted advisor with exceptional insight into both legal and technical dimensions of IT matters. Michael is consistently proactive, thorough and solution-oriented.’
'Collaborating with them is both professionally outstanding and personally very pleasant, making working with them efficient and effective. The team demonstrates flexibility, responsiveness and excellent communication skills.'
Key clients
- ABB Anapaya Armasuisse AXA Axpo Baxter Beyond Gravity BKW Bobst Brokinsoft Ltd Buchzentrum AG Cembra Citrix City of Geneva Credit Suisse CSS Douglas Parfumerie Federal Roads Office FIFA Fondation Asile des aveugles - Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin Galenica Glarner Kantonalbank Hapimag Helbing Lichtenhahn Verlag Helsana Helvetia Hitachi Energy Intrum Kantar Media Kamuno AG Kuoni Legartis Leontec Securities AG LGT Capital Partners Liris Tech Ltd Microsoft Migros Mobiliar MySmartHeart Open Brain Institute OTTO’S Sanitas Santesuisse SBB Sequent Group SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA Société de la Loterie de la suisse Romande STOXX Swiss Federation Swisscard Swisscom Swiss Life AG Swissmedic Switch Sygnum Bank Sympany TX Group Viseca World Health Organisation Zur Rose Zurich Insurance Zurich University
Work highlights
Advised Swisscom in relation to outsourcing matters.