LAWYER PROFILE
Thomas Schönenberger

Thomas Schönenberger

Europe 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Bratschi AG

Practice Areas

For many years, Thomas Schönenberger has mainly been practicing in the field of construction and real estate law, with a focus on real estate transactions, construction and planning contracts, turnkey and general contractor agreements as well as construction litigation. His national and international clients predominantly include professional property developers and investors, real estate companies and major construction companies.

Thomas Schönenberger advises and represents companies and private individuals in all matters of construction and real estate law. Furthermore, he advises and represents clients in corporate transactions (M&A), contracts and competition matters.

Co-Head of the Industry Group Construction, Real Estate and Hotels

Member of the Industry Group International Practice

Member of the Industry Group Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

Member of the Practice Group Contracts

Member of the Practice Group Corporate and Transactions

Member of the Practice Group Litigation and Debt Collection

Admitted to the Swiss Bar since 2001.

Career

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bratschi Ltd. (2017-2022)

Member of the Board of Directors of Bratschi Ltd. (2015-2017)

Partner at Bratschi Ltd. (since 2008)

Associate attorney at Buob Staub & Partner (2002-2007)

Trainee with focus on corporate taxation within the tax administration of the Canton of Geneva (2001-2002)

Legal internship at law firm, St. Gallen (2000-2001)

Legal internship at the District Court of Wil SG (1999-2000)

Professional Memberships

- Swiss Bar Association (SBA)

- St. Gallen Bar Association

- Chamber of Specialist Lawyers SBA in Construction and Real Estate Law

- International Bar Association (IBA)

Publications

- Verabschiedung der Teilrevision des Bauvertragsrechts in: bratschi real estate blog January 2025

- Switzerland - Corporate Acquisitions and Mergers - Thomas Schönenberger together with Elisa Aliotta, Reto Arpagaus, Michael Barrot, Claudio Bazzi, Adrian Bieri, Kurt Blickenstorfer, Nicola Corvi, Tobias Herren, Barbara Jecklin, Cédric Jenoure, Florian S. Jörg, Harald Maag, Martin Moser, Daniel Mosimann, Thomas Peter, Pascal Rüedi, Christian Wind and Sascha Wohlgemuth in: Begg Peter F.C. (ed.), International Handbook - Corporate Acquisitions and Mergers, The Netherlands 2024. This is a reprint from the «International Handbook – Corporate Acquisitions and Mergers: Switzerland» , published by Wolters Kluwer, The Netherlands 2024, with the permission of Kluwer Law International. Copyright: Bratschi Ltd. 2024

- Auswirkungen der neuen Nachhaltigkeitsanforderungen beim Bauen in der Schweiz auf Verträge der Bauherrschaft mit Planern und Unternehmern - Bigna Heim and Thomas Schönenberger in: bratschiLetter Real Estate November 2024

- Lexology In-House View: Swiss M&A 2024 in: Markus Aeschbacher, Ion Eglin and Thomas Schönenberger in: Lexology In-House View: Swiss M&A 2024, August 2024

- Real Estate Transactions with a Special Focus on Hotel Acquisitions - Markus Aeschbacher, Thomas Schönenberger and Ion Eglin in: Lexology GTDT Practice Guide - Swiss M&A, 2023

- Switzerland - Corporate Acquisitions and Mergers - Thomas Schönenberger together with Elisa Aliotta, Reto Arpagaus, Michael Barrot, Claudio Bazzi, Adrian Bieri, Kurt Blickenstorfer, Nicola Corvi, Ion Eglin, Tobias Herren, Barbara Jecklin, Cédric Jenoure, Florian S. Jörg, Harald Maag, Martin Moser, Daniel Mosimann, Thomas Peter, Pascal Rüedi, Christian Wind and Sascha Wohlgemuth in: Begg Peter F.C. (ed.), International Handbook - Corporate Acquisitions and Mergers, The Netherlands 2022. This is a reprint from the «International Handbook – Corporate Acquisitions and Mergers: Switzerland» , published by Wolters Kluwer, The Netherlands 2020, with the permission of Kluwer Law International. Copyright: Bratschi Ltd. 2022

- Swiss M&A Practice Guide - Real Estate Transactions with a Special Focus on Hotel Acquisitions

Markus Aeschbacher, Thomas Schönenberger and Ion Eglin, in: Lexology GTDT Practice Guide - Swiss M&A 2022

- Switzerland - Corporate Acquisitions and Mergers - Thomas Schönenberger together with Elisa Aliotta, Reto Arpagaus, Adélaïde Babey, Michael Barrot, Claudio Bazzi, Adrian Bieri, Kurt Blickenstorfer, Walter Boss, Myriam Dannacher, Ion Eglin, Tobias Herren, Barbara Jecklin, Cédric Jenoure, Florian S. Jörg, Harald Maag, Stefanie Monge, Martin Moser, Daniel Mosimann, Thomas Peter, Pascal Rüedi, Alain Villard, Christian Wind, Sascha Wohlgemuth and Pascal Zgraggen in: Begg Peter F.C. (ed.), International Handbook - Corporate Acquisitions and Mergers, The Netherlands 2020. This is a reprint from the «International Handbook – Corporate Acquisitions and Mergers: Switzerland» , published by Wolters Kluwer, The Netherlands 2020, with the permission of Kluwer Law International. Copyright: Bratschi Ltd. 2020

Personal

- Co-Head of the Construction, Real Estate, Hotels industry group (since 2022)

- Chairman of the St. Gallen Bar Association

Education

Certified Specialist SBA in Construction and Real Estate Law

2014 - 2014

University of Fribourg Law School

Certificate of Advanced Studies in Construction and Real Estate Law

2013 - 2013

Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Certificate of Advanced Studies in Finance and Accounting for Lawyers

2010 - 2010

University of Zurich Law School

LL.M., International Business Law

2004 - 2006

University of Berne Law School

lic.iur.

1999 - 1999

Awards

Recommended for «Real Estate»

Chambers Europe

2025

Recommended for «Real Estate and Construction»

Legal500

2024

Recommended for «Real Estate»

Chambers Europe

2024

Recommended for «Real Estate and Construction»

Legal500

2023

Recommended for «Real Estate and Construction»

Legal500

2022

Recommended for «Real Estate and Construction»

Legal500

2021

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers European Guide

Real Estate - Switzerland

Band 4
Band 4

Individual Editorial

Thomas Schönenberger acts for corporations and private individuals on real estate transactions and development projects, including sale and leaseback mandates and contractor agreements.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • He knows our company inside-out.

    Real EstateChambers European Guide
  • He is competent and delivers on time.

    Real EstateChambers European Guide
  • Thomas Schönenberger offers a high level of expertise and availability.

    Real EstateChambers European Guide

Ranked Individuals at Bratschi AG (7)

Switzerland

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