Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte KLG

Number of partners: 10

Number of lawyers: 7

Number of counsel: 3

Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Firm Overview:

As lawyers and entrepreneurs, the firm’s partners understand the business needs of their clients. The firm distinguishes itself by operating lean teams with a flat hierarchy — its partners are not only responsible for acquisition and client care but also act personally on each matter. The firm provides efficient and high-quality advice and has established long-term partnerships with its clients. The firm has three practice groups, namely (i) dispute resolution, (ii) corporate and commercial, M&A, and (iii) private clients/entrepreneurs. The fully integrated structure of the partnership ensures that the right lawyer is always selected for the right case. The firm’s approach of multiple specialisations also ensures that its lawyers not only provide professional and solution-oriented advice within but also identify relevant aspects outside of their area of specialisation. Most of the firm’s lawyers have either studied abroad or worked for foreign law firms. Their cumulative experience in foreign jurisdictions, the firm’s long-standing cooperation with partner law firms abroad, and its integration into an international network allow the firm to provide expert advice tailored to its clients’ needs also in cross-border matters.

Main Areas of Practice:

Arbitration & Litigation:

The firm’s arbitration team has years of experience in proceedings before domestic and international arbitral tribunals, including those conducted under the rules of the Swiss Arbitration Centre, ICC, LCIA, HKIAC, CAS, WIPO and UNCITRAL or ad hoc. Its members regularly act as chairman, party appointed arbitrator or sole arbitrator. The firm’s litigation team represents clients in commercial and civil law disputes before all courts in Switzerland. This includes representation before civil courts of first instance, commercial courts and appeal courts up to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, both in ordinary as well as summary proceedings.

Contacts: Mike Bösch, Patrick Rohn, Daniel Stoll, Simon Hohler, Raphael F. Meier, David Trachsel, Sebastian C. Wyler, Laura Mahler

White Collar Crime:

The firm advises and represents corporations and individuals in criminal, administrative and civil proceedings in both domestic and cross-border white collar crime matters, including money laundering, bribery and corruption, insider dealing, fraud, violation of bank client secrecy as well as in internal and external investigations and enforcement proceedings.

Contacts: Daniel Stoll, David Trachsel

Corporate:

The firm’s corporate law practice ranges from incorporating entities domiciled in Switzerland to advising on capital increases and providing corporate housekeeping, reorganising companies through mergers, spinoffs, etc. and their liquidation. The team constantly strives to find the optimal corporate structure for its client’s purposes. The team advises both private and public companies, including in regulatory matters. Its clients include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as Fortune 500 companies and groups, including Walmart and Microsoft. The firm’s partners sit also as members on the board of directors of several Swiss companies.

Contacts: Arlette Pfister, Thomas Loher, Michael Bösch, Markus Alder, Martin Bürkle, Sophia Zgraggen, Sebastian C. Wyler, Kristina Probst, Michelle Ris-Enz

M&A:

The firm’s M&A team is experienced in the entire spectrum of the transaction business. The team accompanies its clients from the first negotiations, drafting letters of intent, preparation of the data room and due diligence to the purchase contract and closing. In international matters, the team works closely with foreign specialists. Over the years, it has established trustful relationships with renowned law firms around the world enabling it to set up and execute international transactions efficiently and competently.

Contacts: Markus Alder, Thomas Loher, Arlette Pfister, Martin Bürkle, Sophia Zgraggen, Kristina Probst, Michelle Ris-Enz

Employment & Migration:

The team supports its clients in all areas of employment law: it advises on employment and dismissal, prepares employee regulations, and is also experienced in bonus and employee participation schemes. For labour law issues related to M&A transactions and restructuring (including collective redundancies) or for the secondment of international employees the team identifies and implements the suitable solution, if needed in close cooperation with foreign specialists from its global network of law firms. The team advises Swiss and foreign companies and private individuals on migration law and related matters, including personnel leasing. The team builds on an established practice in the location of companies and individuals in Switzerland (including UHNWI and family members), both from EU/EFTA and non-EU/ EFTA countries. The team advises and litigates both for employers and employees.

Contacts: Thomas Loher, Arlette Pfister, Markus Alder, Michael Bösch, Sebastian C. Wyler

Insolvency & Restructuring:

The team supports companies that are refinancing, in negotiations with investors and creditors, and in insolvency proceedings. It advises distressed corporations including those with imminent payment difficulties and defends directors against liability claims. For creditors, the team asserts claims against insolvent debtors and persons liable in bankruptcy, including liability and restitution claims. The team also represents clients in creditor committees and acts on behalf of foreign insolvency administrators and creditors to claim assets and pursue rights in Switzerland.

Contacts: Michael Bösch, Markus Alder, Arlette Pfister, David Trachsel

Private Clients/Entrepreneurs:

Our team has many years of experience in advising private individuals and entrepreneurs in matters of family and inheritance law. We act not only as legal counsel, but also as trusted sparring partners. Business succession is one of the central challenges that entrepreneurs face. We provide comprehensive support in planning and implementing tailored succession solutions, whether within the family or through an external transfer. Continuity and trust in specialized advisers are of central importance. The broad and extensive expertise of our team members, particularly in corporate and inheritance law, enables us to provide comprehensive advice even in complex cases, to structure bespoke succession and asset arrangements, to implement them efficiently, and to represent your interests in court when necessary. For cross-border matters, our team draws on a global network of specialists to ensure optimal, sustainable solutions that are tailored to your needs.

Contacts: Pius Bumann, Sandra Spirig, Daniel Stoll, Thomas Loher, Citlali Muster