Arbitrators
Switzerland
6 years ranked
LAWYER PROFILE
Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler
Global 2026
Ranked in 4 practice areas
About
Provided by LKK Arbitration
Practice Areas
Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler practices international commercial, investment and sports arbitration and has acted in over 280 international arbitrations, mainly as arbitrator. She appears on numerous institutional arbitration panels (including ICC, ICSID, AAA, LCIA, SIAC, CIETAC) and conducts arbitrations under the rules of all major institutions.
Career
Partner, LKK Arbitration (since 2007); partner, Schellenberg Wittmer (1996-2007); partner (1985-1995) and associate (1981-1985), Baker & McKenzie.
Former President and now Honorary President of ICCA, the International Council for Commercial Arbitration.
Former President and now Honorary President of the Swiss Arbitration Association.
Former member of the ICC Court, LCIA Court, and AAA Board.
Founder of the FIAA (Foundation for International Arbitration Advocacy) and President of its Advisory Board.
Member of the Swiss delegation to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), including within Working Group II on transparency (until 2014), and (since 2017) Working Group III on the reform of investor-state arbitration.
Chair, Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), Ordinary Division (1994-2001), and Ad Hoc Division at the Olympic Games (Atlanta 1996, Nagano 1998, Sydney 2000).
Professor Emerita, and former professor (international arbitration, 1997-2018) and assistant professor (private international law, 1993-1997) at the University of Geneva Law School.
Publications
Gabrielle has authored numerous publications, including the well-known book "International Arbitration - Law and Practice in Switzerland" (OUP, 2015, co-authored with Antonio Rigozzi). A full list of her publications is available at https://lk-k.com/publications/.
Awards
GAR Lifetime Achievement Award
Global Arbitration Review
2023
Outstanding Contribution to Arbitration
Chambers & Partners
2021
Lawyer of the Year - Arbitration
Lexology - Who is Who Legal
2021
Best Prepared Arbitrator
Global Arbitration Review
2011
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Chambers Global Guide
Arbitrators - Switzerland
Star Individuals
Individual Editorial
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators - Latin America - International Counsel
Band 1
Individual Editorial
Reputed arbitrator Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler of LKK Arbitration has an unparalleled reputation in the arbitration community. She is particularly adept at overseeing investor-state disputes throughout Latin America.
Public International Law: Most in Demand Arbitrators - Global Market Leaders
Band 1
Individual Editorial
Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler of LKK Arbitration is a top name in the field and is noted for handling cases across Latin America and Europe. She is particularly adept in cases under ICC, ICSID, AAA, LCIA and SIAC rules.
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators - Global Market Leaders
Band 1
Individual Editorial
Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler is a highly regarded arbitrator capable in expertly handling investment treaty and commercial cases. She has particular strength under the ICC, LCIA and ICSID rules.
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators - Europe-wide
Band 1
Individual Editorial
Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler of LKK Arbitration enjoys an unrivalled presence and demand as arbitrator, often presiding over high-profile investor-state disputes under ICSID and UNCITRAL rules. Her expertise also encompasses ICC rules.
Dispute Resolution: Arbitrators - Africa-wide
Spotlight
Individual Editorial
Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler is a prominent global figure in international arbitration, with frequent appointments as arbitrator in Africa-related cases. She is particularly noted for her experience in investment treaty cases. She is based in Geneva.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
As an arbitrator, Gabrielle commands the chair role extremely well. She is very efficient and on top of everything, managing the procedure very carefully.
ArbitratorsChambers Global GuideGabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler is an absolute star in the Swiss legal landscape.
ArbitratorsChambers Global GuideGabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler is one of the best and most experienced experts and arbitrators worldwide. She has great presence and power of persuasion, and always comes up with accurate solutions.
ArbitratorsChambers Global GuideI have nothing but good things to say about Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler when she acts as president of an arbitral tribunal.
International Arbitration: Most In Demand ArbitratorsChambers Global GuideGabrielle is excellent.
International Arbitration: Most In Demand ArbitratorsChambers Global GuideAs an arbitrator, Gabrielle commands the chair role extremely well. She was very efficient and on top of everything, managing the procedure very carefully.
International Arbitration: Most In Demand ArbitratorsChambers Global Guide
Ranked Individuals at LKK Arbitration (12)
Africa-wide
Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler
Dispute Resolution: Arbitrators
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Europe-wide
Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators
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Laurent Lévy
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators
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Sébastien Besson
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators
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Global Market Leaders
Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators
View profile Laurent Lévy
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators
View profile Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler
Public International Law: Most in Demand Arbitrators
View profile
Latin America - International Counsel
Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators
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Switzerland
Sébastien Besson
Arbitration Counsel
View profile Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler
Arbitrators
View profile Laurent Lévy
Arbitrators
View profile Sébastien Besson
Arbitrators
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