gbf Attorneys-at-law Ltd

The firm: gbf Attorneys-at-law Ltd is a leading Swiss law firm in the fields of insurance, reinsurance, aviation, shipping, transport and trade. Our client basis consists mainly of international companies in these industries.

As a result of our unique industry focus, and our legal skills and experience of both contentious and non-contentious matters (many of which have a cross-border nature), we are in a good position to offer clients effective solutions tailored to their legal needs.

Through our offices in Zurich and Geneva, Switzerland's two main business hubs, we ensure that our reach is country-wide. The notary's office in Bern is managed by Nando Stauffer von May and David Mösch, the one in Olten by Marco Novoselac.

Areas of practice
Insurance: the insurance practice of gbf provides its insurer clients with a full range of services. gbf works extensively with both primary insurers and reinsurers, assisting them in their transactions, as well as in the handling of their claims. gbf is involved from the beginning with the drafting of business plans in order to obtain licences, and continues to assist with claims handling throughout, including during the run-off period up until the withdrawal of the relevant licence.

Aviation and aerospace: aerospace law is one of gbf’s core areas of practice. Originally born out of the firm’s strong insurance practice, and hence focused on aviation accident claims, coverage and defence work, gbf’s aviation practice has expanded into regulatory and aircraft transactional work, which now also constitutes a significant part of its activities.

Transport: gbf advises its clients on all transport-related issues and represents them in litigation and arbitration proceedings, irrespective of the mode of transport, and whether commodities are being carried or passengers ferried. gbf’s maritime law expertise also includes advising companies as to the sale and purchase of second-hand vessels as well as the construction of new builds. gbf also advises its clients as to the financing of ships or other assets.

Trade: gbf has particular expertise in relation to commodity sale contracts (for example on various GAFTA or FOSFA forms), letters of credit, and associated carriage/shipping documents such as bills of lading. It regularly represents clients in all contentious matters arising out of their trading business.

Technology and digital economy: The gbf technology practice consists partly of former start-up entrepreneurs and therefore also has many years of practical experience. We advise our clients in the following areas: data protection, e-commerce, blockchain, insurtech, fintech, software development and licensing, internet of things, cyber risks and security, unmanned aircraft systems and autonomous driving.