We successfully represented the buyer of two sizeable shipments of anthracite coal in Swiss arbitration proceedings under CISG. The arbitrator upheld the claim in full. The arbitral award was challenged before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court; the appeal was unsuccessful (4A_235/2025).
Litigation
As seasoned litigators with in-depth knowledge in our specialist areas, we have the necessary skill and experience to successfully assist you in litigating all types of disputes.
We represent national and international companies and individuals, in all courts in Switzerland. We have particular expertise litigating coverage, defence and subrogation proceedings for our insurance clients. In addition, we are often involved in assisting with the enforcement of foreign judgments in Switzerland, as well as in implementing interim measures in support of foreign proceedings, including the attachment of assets.
We also represent our clients in all types of administrative procedures in Switzerland, for example in order to obtain state authorisation/approval, or in connection with alleged liability to the state. We have particular experience in defending unjustified customs duties or VAT claims, as well as defending subrogation claims by social insurers. We are also able to act in all administrative penal or criminal proceedings, whether on behalf of the claimant or the defendant.
In cross-border disputes, we are able to effectively liaise with our network of foreign lawyers/correspondents in order to ensure that all necessary measures are taken promptly.
Challenge of Arbitral Award before Federal Supreme Court
Represented a foreign company in proceedings before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court seeking the annulment of an international arbitral award
Probate proceedings in Switzerland
Represented an ultra-high-net-worth individual domiciled outside the EU in estate litigation before Swiss courts involving claims EUR 600 million
Fraudulently obtained real estate in Portugal
Advised a France-domiciled high-net-worth individual in asset recovery proceedings in Portugal
E&O Insurance coverage dispute
Represented an international insurance company in a coverage dispute before an arbitral tribunal and the Zurich Commercial Court
Obtaining business licence for insurance carrier
Advised a Swiss insurance company on regulatory matters, including licensing of business activities
Product liability multinational coverage dispute
Coverage dispute under an ICPL policy (insured: insurer)
Enforcement of Arbitral Award
Advised client on enforcing an arbitral award against Swiss ship designer in bankruptcy and criminal proceedings
Financing with Interim Injunction
Represented a medical device manufacturer in fighting a request for interim injunction to prevent a financing round
Transparency Consultation Request on Business Secrets
Represented an e-commerce player in resisting requests pertaining to business secrets under the Freedom of Information Act
C-Level Dismissal
Advised commodity trader in the dismissal of senior executive and in resisting claims of abusive termination, severance pay and sick-leave
Construction insurance
Representation of an insurance company in a dispute regarding the amount of compensation to be paid under the insurance contract
Retrocession/coverage dispute
Representation of a reinsurance company in a coverage dispute under a retrocession agreement
Dispute with insurance intermediary
Representation of an insurance company in a dispute with an insurance intermediary (termination of cooperation agreement, handover of customer data)
Reinsurance dispute
Representing an international reinsurance company in a dispute with a foreign life insurer (financial reinsurance)
Product liability/importer of orthopaedic joint replacements
Representing an importer of orthopaedic joint replacements in defense of liability claims in state court proceedings
Professional liability of a medical doctor
Representing the medical doctor in the defense against recourse claims of a social health insurer
Recourse for a transport insurer
Execution of several recourse claims for transport damages for an internationally active transport insurer.
Freight, Demurrage & Detention
Supporting one of the largest shipping companies in the assertion of claims for freight, demurrage & detention in Switzerland.
Ski accidents
On behalf of two liability insurers, we have settled claims of injured parties and social insurers arising from skiing accidents in and out of court.
Lawyer’s professional liability
Defending a lawyer against a professional liability claim brought by a former client in state court proceedings.
Cargo insurance
Advising cargo insurers in a coverage dispute arising from alleged water contamination of the insured bulk cargo fuel oil.
Third party product liability insurance with US and UK exposure
Representing insurers in a coverage dispute against the manufacturer of chemical products being sold in the US and the UK.
Event cancellation insurance and COVID-19
Representing the insurer against the policyholder in a coverage dispute arising from cancelled fairs.
D&O, FIPI and Crime Insurance dispute
Acting as coverage counsel for insurers in various insurance matters against private banks arising from the alleged payments of retrocessions.
Business interruption damages arising from COVID-19
Defending the Swiss branch of a foreign insurer in a state court proceeding against a coverage claim brought by a company active in the food-sector.
Business interruption damages arising from COVID-19
Defending a Swiss property insurer in a state court proceeding against a coverage claim brought by a hotel owner.
Master international liability insurance policy
Advising insurers against its insured, a designer and manufacturer of pumps, in connection with various liability disputes in the US.
D&O Insurance coverage matter
Acting for the D&O insurer against its policyholder in a coverage dispute arising from the alleged wrongful investing of the company’s assets.
Business interruption insurance arising from COVID-19
Defending the interests of a property insurer before the Commercial Court of the Canton of Zurich against hotel owners trying to challenge the pandemic exclusion clauses.
Insurance carrier professional liability insurance
Representing a Swiss insurer in a large professional liability insurance matter arising from alleged bad faith conduct in the US against one of its insureds.
Business interruption damages arising from COVID-19
Defending a Swiss property insurer in a state court proceeding against a coverage claim brought by a nursery home.
Reinsurance dispute / COVID-19
Advising and representing a Swiss reinsurance company on coverage and loss aggregation issues related to COVID-19
Business interruption insurance / COVID-19
Representation of a Swiss insurance company in coverage dispute regarding business interruption losses in connection with COVID-19
International administrative assistance
We advised an international holding company on how to oppose information requests in an international administrative assistance procedure.
Mareva injunction
We advised an international family office on how to defend against a mareva injunction.
Publication01.08.2025
Recurso de sentenças arbitrais perante o Tribunal Federal Suíço: aspetos processuais selecionados
Revista Internacional de Arbitragem e Conciliação, Associação Portuguesa de Arbitragem, Vol. XXIII, 2025, p. 91-117
Publication01.06.2024
Art. 33 ICA – the ambiguity rule under Swiss law may also work against the policyholder
HAVE/REAS 2/2024, together with Riccardo Maisano
Publication01.06.2023
Revision of Arbitral Awards before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court: Procedural Aspects
ASA Bulletin, Volume 42, 2/2023 (Christopher Boog/Letícia Morais)