Franz Schwarz

Franz Schwarz focuses on international arbitration and dispute resolution, and leads the firm’s Civil Law disputes practice. He provides strategic advice, cross-cultural thinking, and powerful advocacy in disputes threatening critical investments and business operations across sectors.

Franz represents corporates, investors, and financial institutions in international arbitrations around the world and under all major institutional rules. He has 27 years of experience in the field, has been involved in over 300 arbitrations, and has an outstanding track record of securing successful outcomes for clients in their most challenging matters.

Mr. Schwarz’s work frequently centers on joint venture, shareholder, M&A, and other commercial disputes. He has experience with a wide variety of sectors, including life sciences, energy, infrastructure, finance, media, trade and other often heavily-regulated sectors. Franz also frequently advises on the protection of foreign investments, supporting clients in understanding and leveraging treaty protections in disputes involving sovereign counterparties.

Mr. Schwarz currently serves as Vice President of the Vienna International Arbitration Centre and a member of the Executive Board of the Swiss Arbitration Association. He is also a member of the IBA Arbitration Sub-Committee on the New York Convention; the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, LCIA, DIS and the Swiss and Austrian Arbitration Associations.

Mr. Schwarz has also published extensively on topical issues of arbitration law. He is the co-author of The Vienna Rules—A Commentary on International Arbitration in Austria (Kluwer Law International 2009, 2nd edition forthcoming).