Department profile

Employment

Europe Guide 2026 : Switzerland

Rankings

Ranked Individual

About

Provided by Bär & Karrer Ltd

We advise corporate clients and high-level management employees on all matters relating to employment relationships and, in collaboration with our tax and social security teams, with regard to all employment related tax and social security aspects.

Our specialized and well-experienced team assists our clients with regard to all administrative and legal aspects of work and residence permit applications related to international recruitments.

Preparing and advising on standard and tailor made employment contracts
Incentive and employee participation plans
Bonus schemes
Maternity/paternity queries
Individual and mass dismissals
Immigration (work and residence permits)
Employment law mediation and litigation
Regulatory compliance
Discrimination issues
Whistleblowing issues
Data protection compliance (national and international)
Work place safety standards
Staff handbooks/policies/procedures
HR issues in M&A and private equity transactions
HR issues in insolvencies

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment - Switzerland

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Bär & Karrer assists domestic and international clients with mass and executive dismissals, social security advice and pension issues. The law firm has further capabilities advising clients on the employment aspects of M&A transactions, notably with transfers of employees. The team also represents both employers and employees in allegations of abusive terminations and bonus payments disputes.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Their attention to detail, strategic insight and ability to balance legal and commercial considerations were key to achieving a successful outcome.
Employment respondentEurope
Bär & Karrer has a very broad knowledge base. The team can provide information across countries and departments.
Employment respondentEurope
Bär & Karrer is well equipped to handle complex and sophisticated matters given the technical, intellectual and interpersonal skills of its partners and staff across all levels.
Employment respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Band 2
Band 2
Laura Widmer
Laura Widmer often advises on a range of employment matters, including employee transfers, social security matters and litigation. She also acts on employment issues related to M&A transactions.
Laura Widmer is a very experienced and pragmatic lawyer. We appreciate her subject matter expertise in Swiss employment law matters.
Employment respondentEurope
Laura Widmer was highly professional with excellent communication skills. She was quick to grasp the issues presented and resources needed.
Employment respondentEurope
She is extremely impressive and has solid expertise in employment law and litigation matters. She is also very reliable and responsive.
Employment respondentEurope
Laura Widmer is very nice, understanding, efficient and professional.
Employment respondentEurope
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