Dispute Resolution: Switzerland

Department head Charles Adams is a "tenacious counsel with a great deal of solid experience," according to a source. He recently represented ALSTOM in ICC arbitration over a coal-fired power plant, with claims and counterclaims in excess of EUR55 million.

Clients appreciate Michael Stepek's clear and considerate advice. "He gives me time to review his work, and takes costs into consideration," says a source. He represents Renova in an UNCITRAL arbitration arising from the formation of the TNK-BP joint venture.

Head of arbitration Daniel Hochstrasser has an impressive reputation in both arbitration and litigation. Clients say: "He is a brilliant litigator who knows how to play it in court." He successfully defended Sandoz in an ICC arbitration against a USD125 million claim brought by Monsanto, which was rejected by the tribunal.

Andreas Länzlinger is renowned for his work as a litigator. "He's able to put himself in our position and anticipate what's going to happen," says a client. He leads the firm's internal investigations and cross-border proceedings practice.

Saverio Lembo heads the dispute resolution team in Geneva and offers "great strategic vision," say clients. He is best known for his work as a litigator, but is increasingly active in arbitrations. "We feel totally at ease with him," says an interviewee, a comment echoed in further feedback for his open and considerate approach.

Michele Bernasconi has a niche in sports arbitration and is well respected for his work in this sphere. He was one of the 12 arbitrators that sat on the CAS ad hoc Division, a special tribunal for the Olympics.

Senior statesman Marc Blessing is one of the foremost arbitrators in Switzerland. "Charismatic and with a fierce intellect," he continues to advise on complex international cases.

Cesare Jermini is the head of dispute resolution in the Lugano office. He is highly regarded for his work as counsel in arbitrations and handles many cases with Italian aspects. 

The "diligent and thoughtful" Felix Dasser heads the dispute resolution department. "He stays involved and chooses the right associates to support him. He has a good overview of the case," says a client.

Balz Gross is a prominent figure in both arbitration and litigation. A client notes his advocacy skills: "He's fantastic! He has a can-do attitude, strikes the exact right tone with the arbitrators, and is a joy to work with."

Mariella Orelli is well known for her work as an arbitration counsel and litigator, and has a focus on energy disputes.

Clients say they feel confident with Thomas Müller on their side. Along with arbitration, his practice encompasses financial restructurings, corporate law, employment law and international trade.

Markus Wirth is considered one of Switzerland's leading arbitrators. He is often appointed as chairman and sole arbitrator, and is frequently asked to give expert opinions.

Georg Naegeli has "a brilliant legal mind," according to sources. He is mainly known for his arbitration practice and is also part of the firm's restructuring and insolvency group.

Gabrielle Nater-Bass represents clients in international commercial arbitration and state court litigation, and is an increasingly familiar name in the private client arena. "She's smart and extremely erudite with respect to Swiss law. She's a good listener and picks up the nuance of what we're trying to do," says a client. 

Bernhard Berger "puts forward his views persuasively and sees the bigger picture and commercial aspects of a dispute," says a source. He is widely recognised for his work as arbitration counsel and is rapidly making a name as an arbitrator. "He has a positive attitude and is completely on top of the case," say commentators.

Teresa Giovannini trained in Italy and Switzerland and is often appointed as an arbitrator on cases with an Italian element. She is a member of many arbitration panels and recently chaired a dispute over a turnkey construction contract.

Domitille Baizeau has a strong practice in general commercial arbitration. She has much experience of construction, energy, international commercial contract, and public law cases. She is qualified in the UK and New Zealand as well as being admitted to the Geneva Bar.

Honorary president of the Swiss Arbitration Association, Pierre Lalive is "really a legend in arbitration," says a source. He is considered the linchpin of the firm and praised as "a great mind."

"Extremely sharp, tenacious and diplomatic," Michael Schneider has an excellent reputation as an arbitrator and counsel. "Even though he's really busy he always has time to speak to his clients," say sources. His areas of expertise include construction, infrastructure and energy arbitration.

Matthias Scherer is a good choice for construction, energy and commercial disputes. He recently represented a European renewable energy equipment manufacturer in ICC arbitration over a share purchase agreement.

Bernd Ehle is qualified in Germany and admitted to the Bar in Geneva. Sources are impressed by his strong technical abilities and management of multi-jurisdictional cases. He is active in many construction and infrastructure disputes.

Noradèle Radjai "has a great future ahead of her," a source predicts. A UK-qualified solicitor advocate, she focuses on international arbitrations. "Her handling of our case has been absolutely brilliant," says a client.

Veijo Heiskanen is "always available and really committed," say clients. He focuses on commercial arbitration and often represents clients in investment treaty arbitrations.

Werner Jahnel is admitted to the Bar in Spain and Austria. He specialises in international arbitration.  

Martin Burkhardt heads the litigation department in Zürich and is highly regarded for his work as a litigator and arbitration counsel. Clients value his "strategic thinking and successful proposals."

Benoît Chappuis is praised for his "extraordinary" accomplishments in litigation and is seen as one of the best names in Geneva.

Xavier Favre-Bulle is a leading arbitration counsel and increasingly active as an arbitrator. He is well known for his strength in sports cases.

Zürich-based Martin Aebi regularly acts as counsel in international commercial arbitrations and has a focus on IP disputes.

Paolo Michele Patocchi heads the Geneva international arbitration department and is considered an outstanding figure in arbitration.

Harold Frey leads the arbitration practice in Zürich and "is extremely gifted," says a source. Clients appreciate his sound guidance and honest assessment of their chances of success. 

Daniel Tunik enters the rankings in recognition of his dispute resolution work. "An excellent litigator," he often handles employment and banking disputes.

Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler "has a great grasp of the files and conducts hearings in a no-nonsense and expeditious manner," say sources. She is particularly known for investment arbitration.

Laurent Lévy is "without the slightest doubt one of the best arbitrators." Sources particularly admire his ability "to handle all kinds of procedural and substantive issues in an even-handed way."

Antonio Rigozzi receives glowing feedback for his work as counsel in sports arbitrations. "He is very gifted and extremely good technically," says a source.

Roberto Dallafior is a commercial litigator who "really knows how to win proceedings." Sources note his proactive attitude and ability to anticipate his clients' needs. He also handles arbitration.

Hans Nater "is a focused litigator with a wealth of experience," say sources. Market observers particularly highlight his work on directors' liability cases.

Daniel Eisele is "a skilled and mindful litigator with an extraordinary commitment to his clients." He is active in international and domestic disputes.

Peter Honegger is "focused and experienced," say sources. Besides handling contentious work, he also advises on banking and finance and corporate/M&A.

Department head Ernst Schmid is recognised for his practice in litigation and arbitration. "He's great at guiding us and helping us to shape our case," says a client. His reputation as an arbitrator continues to grow. 

Laurent Killias is an active figure on the litigation scene. "He has an excellent command of the law," says a source. One of his areas of specialisation is private international law.

Michael Kramer heads the department in the Zürich office. He handles commercial litigation as well as the contentious aspects of bankruptcy law and debt collection.

Pierre-Yves Gunter acts as counsel and arbitrator and is "just wonderful with clients," says a source. "He understands how we work and is extremely attentive." Gunter has been involved in several disputes in the TMT sector, as well as cases with Middle Eastern or Asian elements. Clients highlight his diplomatic skills: "He really moved the case forward and did a good job handling difficult deliberations."

"Experienced, practical and business-minded," Wolfgang Peter is an authority in international arbitration. His background in business and as a corporate lawyer makes him a top choice for post-M&A disputes.

Sébastien Besson co-authored one of the leading commentaries on international arbitration and earns glowing praise for his work as counsel and arbitrator. "He's knowledgeable about the theories of arbitration as well as the practicalities," notes a source.

Martin Bernet heads the dispute resolution team in Zürich and "earns trust and respect in negotiations," say clients. "Whatever we've received from him has been 100% accurate, well researched and thought through." He is described as a down-to-earth litigator with strong judgement and strategic flair, and also receives praise for his work as an arbitrator and arbitration counsel.

Christian Girod leads the Geneva litigation practice and focuses on commercial disputes. He is best known for his skill in employment, trusts and estates matters and is praised for his considered approach.

Managing partner Vincent Jeanneret heads the firm's restructuring and insolvency group and enjoys an excellent reputation as a litigator. He successfully defended one of the auditors of Banque Cantonale de Genève against charges of forgery and conspiracy of disloyal management. Clients "trust his assessment of a case and the risks involved."

Alexander von Ziegler heads the trade and transport and insurance groups and is a good choice for litigation in these areas.

Elliott Geisinger represents clients in construction disputes and has much experience advising on contract management in large projects.

Anne Véronique Schlaepfer has a growing profile in the field, handling commercial disputes as arbitration counsel. She heads the international arbitration group in Geneva.

Nathalie Voser is commended for her technical skill and polished style. She has notable experience of disputes in the pharmaceutical and automotive industries.

Georg von Segesser is increasingly active as an arbitrator and is recognised by the market as a leading name. Recent work includes chairing a number of ICC arbitrations regarding IP and post-M&A disputes. He also has a respected private client practice.

Sources recommend David Roney as arbitration counsel: "He's straight to the point in discussions and always follows up quickly." His skill in cross-examination is also singled out for praise.

Interviewees say Marc Palay "doesn't miss any tricks" thanks to his rigorous approach: "He gets into all the technical aspects of an industry so that he really understands the mindset, then deals with the claim." Clients also note his ability to drive the team and his no-nonsense style. He co-heads the firm's international arbitration practice.

Clients admire Frank Spoorenberg's skill at handling tough international cases and describe him as "receptive, and always enthusiastic."

Pierre-Yves Tschanz is greatly respected for his work as counsel and arbitrator. "He's likeable, open-minded, and good to work with," enthuse sources.

Christoph Pestalozzi heads the international commercial arbitration group and is in demand as an arbitrator. His main areas of focus are commercial, contract and insolvency law.

Daniele Favalli is a popular choice for clients from the USA and Latin America, having previously practised in those regions. "He gives detailed recommendations, and is always fast in understanding the issue at hand," says a client.

Thomas Weibel focuses on commercial litigation, with particular experience of inheritance disputes. "He's willing to roll up his sleeves and get on with things. He works well with lawyers in other jurisdictions and is great at co-ordinating it all," says a source. 

Philipp Habegger is considered a leading member of the younger generation of arbitrators and is highly active as counsel. He represented Walter Bau's insolvency administrator Schneider Geiwitz & Partners in revision proceedings before the Supreme Court regarding an investment treaty between Germany and Thailand.

Peter Straub represents clients in litigation and arbitration. A client says: "He's quick to pick up on the core issues and provides good and timely feedback."

A large proportion of Marc Veit's contentious work is made up of multi-jurisdictional cases, and he regularly acts on arbitrations with no Swiss connection.

Peter Hafner "successfully defends our interests," says a client. "He comes quickly to the core of the matter and gives us profound answers." Much of his recent work has centred on the banking industry, employment law and white-collar crime.

Sources are impressed with Peter Reichart, saying "we trust him to do a good job." Another interviewee adds: "He's easy-going and pragmatic, but can be more aggressive if needed." Reichart often represents financial institutions and is experienced in handling D&O liability cases.

Peter Altorfer is a "clever litigator" focusing on the banking and financial sector.

Andreas Hünerwadel is best known for his banking and finance practice, and recognised for his contentious work in this sector.

Urs Weber-Stecher has established himself as a prominent name in international arbitration and is well regarded for his work as counsel. He co-heads the dispute resolution team.

Daniel Girsberger acts as arbitrator and chairman and is often asked to provide expert opinions. "He is bright, attentive and interacts well with all the parties involved," says a source.