Department profile

Arbitrators

Europe Guide 2026 : Switzerland

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

About

Provided by Lalive

LALIVE is a leading international arbitration practice with a strong European platform, recognised for handling complex, high-value commercial and investor‑State disputes. The firm acts for states, state-owned entities and multinational corporates across ICSID, UNCITRAL and ICC proceedings, often in the energy, construction and mining sectors. Its team is particularly noted for large-scale treaty arbitrations and for Geneva-seated cases, while also acting in proceedings seated across Europe. Many partners also sit as arbitrators, bringing tribunal-level insight to their counsel work.

Industries (8)

Art & Cultural Property
Banking & Finance
Construction & Infrastructure
Energy
Mining
Pharma
Sports
Technology

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Arbitrators - Switzerland

What the Team is Known For

Lalive boasts a strong team for bilateral investment treaty disputes and construction arbitration. It also acts for sovereign entities, as well as companies operating in the energy and mining spaces. The law firm represents clients in product liability arbitration, as well as supply cases and set-aside proceedings. The lawyers at Lalive are often appointed as arbitrators in energy, contractual and construction cases. The law firm has offices in Geneva and Zürich, as well as team members based in London to broaden its ability to handle international arbitration.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

Lalive represented Ruby River Capital in a USD1 billion claim brought under ICSID rules against Canada in connection with its refusal to grant construction permits for a natural gas facility in Quebec.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Lalive has an excellent reputation, with some outstanding individual lawyers.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
Lalive is able to strategise at a high level and get into the weeds. The whole team can grasp the nuances of the case very quickly and own the details.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
Lalive offers a strategic approach combined with attention to detail. The team's specialisation in international arbitration brings focus and a customer-centric attitude.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
The team stands out for its keen attention to detail and unwavering professionalism in every project, making sure all client needs are met with precision.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
This department distinguishes itself through a combination of resource efficiency and strategic commercial awareness.
Arbitrators respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople
Michael E Schneider
Michael Schneider has notable experience acting as president of ICSID proceedings and is honorary president of the Swiss Arbitration Association.
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Band 1
Band 1
Matthias Scherer
Matthias Scherer is one of the leading arbitrators in Switzerland, with particular experience in ICC proceedings, overseeing construction and post-M&A arbitrations. In addition, he represents states in ICSID proceedings concerning bilateral investment treaties.
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Band 2
Band 2
Domitille Baizeau
Domitille Baizeau acts as both presiding arbitrator and co-arbitrator in arbitrations under a range of rules, including those of the FAI, the ICC and ICSID. She also represents clients as counsel and is often active on matters relating to the energy and pharmaceutical sectors, in addition to handling significant investment treaty matters.
Domitille Baizeau is really impressive, both in written and oral advocacy. We are really impressed by what she comes up with.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
Domitille Baizeau is a great partner who is on top of her work.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
Domitille Baizeau is excellent, and whatever she does is quality. If you have her on a tribunal, things will go right. She has high standards and is a class act.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
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Band 4
Band 4
Melissa Magliana
Melissa Magliana has notable experience representing clients in ICC arbitrations, usually involving either commercial or construction disputes. She offers particular expertise in energy-related matters. She also acts as co-arbitrator and chair in arbitral proceedings.
Melissa Magliana is excellent and doing a terrific job, both as counsel and arbitrator.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
Melissa Magliana is a very good arbitration specialist.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
Melissa is a very experienced and knowledgeable lawyer in arbitration. She knows a lot of details about how arbitration works in Switzerland.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
Melissa is really pragmatic, diplomatic and well prepared.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
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Band 2
Band 2
Noradèle Radjai
Noradèle Radjai represents clients in ICSID, UNCITRAL and SCC proceedings. She often acts on proceedings in the energy and manufacturing sectors, in addition to advising on international investment treaty disputes. She is admitted to practise in both Switzerland and England and Wales, demonstrating activity in LCIA proceedings.
Noradèle Radjai is a very diligent and well-prepared lawyer. She is able to be on two fronts at the same time, and is very organised and cogent in her thinking.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
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Band 4
Band 4
Bernd Ehle
Bernd Ehle has experience representing clients in significant arbitrations, including post-M&A proceedings and contract breaches. Clients from the energy and manufacturing industries regularly turn to him for assistance. He has further experience acting as an arbitrator in ICC and DIS arbitrations, and he is dual-qualified in Germany and Switzerland.
Bernd Ehle is one of the brightest arbitrators I know. He is detailed and collegiate.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
Bernd Ehle stays well informed throughout the case and takes the entire process incredibly seriously, which makes him a very good sparring partner. He is clever, bright and super reliable.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
I really appreciate how he goes through everything with 120% commitment. I rate him very highly.
Arbitrators respondentEurope
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Band 3
Band 3
Joachim Knoll
Joachim Knoll represents clients in UNCITRAL and ICSID arbitration proceedings. His expertise includes contractual disputes in the natural resources and construction sectors, as well as investment treaty arbitrations.
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