
About
Provided by Lalive
- LALIVE is internationally renowned for its expertise in the field of dispute resolution, especially in international commercial arbitration, investment arbitration and litigation.
- The firm operates on a worldwide basis, representing individuals, multinationals, States and State entities in high profile commercial and investor-State disputes.
- The arbitration practice is composed of 16 partners and 55 full time arbitration associates qualified in Switzerland and 18 other countries.
- The practice handles cases involving a broad range of substantive laws, arbitration laws and arbitration rules in all key jurisdictions. It is the only Swiss-based firm to have a significant investment arbitration practice. It handles the advocacy itself in all of its cases.
- The practice is unique in the number of jurisdictions it is able to cover and is particularly active in Switzerland, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America.
- The firm’s twelve renowned international arbitration partners are actively involved in many of the major international arbitration associations, committees, and working groups (including the ICC Arbitration Commission, Swiss Arbitration Association, UNCITRAL Working Groups, LCIA Users’ Council, ICCA, AAA, and IBA Arbitration Committee) as well as holding key executive positions in several arbitration institutions (Swiss Chambers’ Arbitration Institution, ICC Court of International Arbitration, ICDR, SCC, DIAC).
Chambers Review
Lalive boasts an outstanding team for bilateral treaty investment disputes, construction arbitration and high-profile expropriation cases, often acting for sovereign entities. The law firm represents clients in product liability arbitration, as well as supply cases. The lawyers are often appointed as arbitrators in energy, contractual and construction cases. Lalive also advises clients on setting-aside proceedings. Team members have experience handling proceedings under the full range of arbitral rules. The firm has offices in Geneva and Zürich, as well as team members based in London to broaden its ability to handle international arbitration.
Work Highlights
- Lalive represented Romania in a USD4.75 billion ICSID arbitration under bilateral investment treaties with the UK and Canada and concerning a gold mining project.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Lalive team did a terrific job handling a legally and technically complex matter."
"Lalive has a range of skilled lawyers with all levels of experience and years of qualification."
"The lawyers are very knowledgeable, flexible and reactive."
"The Lalive team did a terrific job handling a legally and technically complex matter."
"Lalive has a range of skilled lawyers with all levels of experience and years of qualification."
"The lawyers are very knowledgeable, flexible and reactive."
Notable Practitioners

Werner Jahnel is admitted to the Bar in both Austria and Switzerland and has experience acting as an arbitrator on proceedings seated in Vienna.

Marc Veit is admitted to the Swiss Bar and is based in London. He has experience representing clients in arbitrations under a range of rules, including ICC, ICSID and UNCITRAL. He often acts on disputes concerning bilateral investment treaties.

Michael Schneider has notable experience acting as president of ICSID proceedings.

Veijo Heiskanen remains one of the standout arbitration counsel in Switzerland, with market-leading experience in high-profile ICSID and UNCITRAL proceedings, frequently representing states or state-owned companies. He has additional experience advising clients on construction arbitration. Veijo Heiskanen also acts as an arbitrator, presiding over UNCITRAL and ICSID proceedings.
"In terms of quality, he is one of the best."

Matthias Scherer is one of the leading arbitrators in Switzerland, with particular experience in SCC and ICC proceedings, overseeing construction and post-M&A arbitrations. In addition he represents states in ICSID proceedings concerning bilateral investment treaties.
"His composure, vision and vast knowledge have more than proven their effectiveness over the years."
"Matthias Scherer is a respectful, dedicated, very knowledgeable and extremely reliable lawyer."

Bernd Ehle has experience representing clients in significant arbitrations under UNCITRAL, ICC and ICSID rules. He has further experience acting as an arbitrator on ICC and DIS arbitrations and he is dual-qualified in Germany and Switzerland.
"I was very impressed with Bernd Ehle."

Noradèle Radjai represents clients in ICC and ICSID proceedings. She often acts on construction disputes and arbitrations concerning bilateral investment treaties.
"She is an exceptional lawyer."
"She has very good understanding of the market and her strategic guidance was bang on."

Domitille Baizeau acts as both presiding arbitrator and co-arbitrator on arbitrations under a range of rules, including those of the FAI, ICC and ICSID. She also represents clients in investment disputes under the UNCITRAL rules.

Melissa Magliana has notable experience representing clients in ICC arbitrations, usually involving either commercial or construction disputes. She also acts as co-arbitrator and chair in arbitral proceedings.
"She boils complex matters down into manageable, bite-sized pieces and gives clear and rational argumentation."
"She is an eloquent speaker and presenter who presents persuasive arguments."
Ranked Lawyers at
Lalive
Switzerland














