We represent our clients before the Swiss courts at state and federal level in all kinds of litigation, from commercial disputes to administrative proceedings including real estate, construction, employment, tenancy and family law matters. Representing our clients’ interests before the Swiss courts has always been one of the firm’s major expertise.
Our firm has considerable expertise in representing clients in national and international arbitration, mostly as advisors and representatives of the parties to the arbitration. In fact, we represented a number of clients in high profile commercial proceedings governed by various arbitration rules (CCI, Swiss Rules, ad hoc Arbitral Courts, etc.).
We have extensive experience in providing advice on a wide range of contractual matters relating to traditional contract law including the drafting, negotiation, implementation and enforcement of contracts.
We are particularly active in drafting contracts in relation to :
- Sale and purchase of companies and movable property (including aircraft and recreational boats)
- Distribution agreements (franchising, concession, license and representation)
- Shareholders agreements
- Employment contracts
- Tenancy contracts
- Business and construction industry contracts
- Agency and collaboration contracts
Our firm has extensive expertise in administrative law matters. Administrative law encompasses all rules governing the relationship between State and citizens. Our firm is regularly instructed in its various applications, including:
- Immigration law (including residency permits and work permits)
- Labor law (pension plans)
- Construction and real estate law
- General tax law
Our firm regularly advises and represents creditors and debtors at all stages of debt recovery proceedings.
We frequently act in seizure proceedings, bankruptcy proceedings, proceedings for compulsory administration and arrangements with creditors.
In certain cases, we are instructed prior to the issue of bankruptcy proceedings to assist and advise managers in the restructuring of their business.
Our firm regularly assists and represents private individuals in family law, parentage and inheritance matters.
In particular, we act for clients in divorce proceedings and in all kinds of temporary or protective measures applications.
The firm can also advise and assist you with organizing your estate, including by drafting your will.
We also deal with executor’s mandates and take all steps to ensure that an estate is correctly distributed.
Our firm regularly represents foreign and local clients, individuals or institutions, at all stages of a criminal proceeding, whether they are plaintiff or defendant in the case.
We have extensive experience acting before both cantonal and federal criminal authorities.
The firm enjoys an excellent reputation in this field by virtue of the skill and experience of its specialist lawyers.
We also regularly represent individuals subject to extradition proceedings or mutual assistance requests made by foreign authorities.
We advise Swiss and foreign corporations at all stages of development of their business activity. We provide assistance incorporating the company, drafting required contracts, advising in mergers and acquisitions as well as in the event of a restructuring or liquidation.
Our multidisciplinary team is able to act quickly and efficiently in accordance with the requirements of the client and with due regard for the specific nature of the business activity.
With several attorneys specialized in real estate law, the firm is able to offer its clients valuable advice in the following areas, in particular:
- Tenancy law
- Real estate development projects, including procedures for obtaining a building permit and town and country planning
- Acquisition and sale of real estate assets, notably by foreign nationals
Banking activity, asset management, and trading in transferable securities, currency and investment funds put Switzerland in the highest ranking position in terms of global finance. Having a strong secular banking tradition, Geneva is considered a first class financial centre. In this demanding context, the firm represents banks, traders, asset managers and other Swiss and foreign financial intermediaries.
The firm acts for clients in applications for authorization to exercise activity as banks or traders of transferable securities. We are frequently consulted by top ranking financial institutions seeking advice relating, in particular, to compliance with the Federal Acts on Banks, Stock Exchanges and collective capital investments.
The firm advises Swiss and foreign individuals in relation to their tax planning.
We have significant experience in the field of tax on spending (lump sum taxation) of persons wishing to transfer their place of residence to Switzerland.
The firm also represents clients in disputes with the federal or cantonal tax authorities.
Financial planning involves managing, organizing and structuring the wealth of individuals and families, providing them with optimal protection and management.
The international features of this activity require specific skills in terms of international law and in-depth knowledge of foreign law vehicles for private wealth management.
For numerous years, the firm has undertaken financial planning for various high profile foreign and Swiss clients and their families.
We also act in relation to the purchase of high value assets, such as real estate, ships and aircraft.
Additionally, a high proportion of our activity involves succession planning. We are often instructed to create structures, using foundations, trusts and other vehicles depending on our clients’ wishes and requirements.