Lenz & Staehelin has enjoyed a leading position in international arbitration for a number of decades. Our attorneys have been involved in several hundred international arbitrations, either as counsel for a party or sitting as arbitrators.

The arbitral practice works primarily on institutional arbitration, and in particular arbitrations conducted under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, the Swiss Chambers of Commerce, the London Court of International Arbitration, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes. The firm is also often involved in UNCITRAL and ad hoc arbitrations.

In every single case we establish a tailor-made team comprising partners, associates, trainees and paralegals who are prepared to provide the highest quality of work as well as the highest commitment and focus at every level. Our multilingual team is able to communicate with clients and conduct cases in English, German, French and Italian.

The firm’s International Arbitration group includes more than 30 attorneys (half in Geneva and half in Zurich). All have qualifications from or practical experience in common law jurisdictions; moreover, our team includes attorneys qualified to practice in a number of foreign jurisdictions such as the U.S., Italy and Germany. For junior lawyers, we offer a unique opportunity to participate in a comprehensive English-language training program in international arbitration, with a special emphasis on comparative law and international practice.

Switzerland has traditionally been a preferred center of international arbitration, with Geneva and Zurich the best-known venues. With legal disputes and proceedings becoming increasingly complex, they require expertise and sensitive handling. Our experience and central location enable us to provide optimum support to clients in this area.

Our work includes:

• State contracts, privatization and investment arbitration
• Joint ventures
• Sales and distribution
• Construction and engineering
• Pharmaceutical industry
• M&A-related disputes
• IP and licensing
• General advice on arbitration issues
• Arbitration-related litigation; setting aside proceedings