Demonstrating notable strengths in the energy, construction, and mining sectors, ‘go-to firm’ LALIVE capitalises on its deep bench strength to handle multi-jurisdictional arbitrations for a diverse array of blue-chip clients. The practice is jointly led by seasoned practitioner Domitille Baizeau, who is fully immersed in the energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, and technology sectors, and Melissa Magliana, who operates for a litany of clients in relation to construction and engineering disputes. Other names to note include Matthias Scherer, who is well-versed in joint ventures and M&A disputes, and . Marc Veit contributes his knowledge across energy, telecoms, and the life sciences fields, and Catherine Anne Kunz is notably adept in relation to construction contracts, shareholder, and joint venture agreement disputes. Joachim Knoll also contributes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘LALIVE's team is absolutely responsive and understanding of customer needs. Their advice is tailored to the risk profile of the company.’

  • ‘The LALIVE team has done an excellent job providing advice on discrete questions of Swiss law.’

  • ‘They are detail oriented, clear in their communications, and superb strategists.’

  • ‘Melissa Magliana is a great team leader and is very responsive and conscientious.’

  • ‘In addition to its highly capable legal expertise, diligence and client handling, LALIVE is outstanding in its diversity and collaborations.’

  • 'Their attention to detail while maintaining the overall vision of the strategy and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for the clients is truly commendable.’
  • 'They work seamlessly together. Their collaborative approach and commitment truly set them apart.’
  • ‘LALIVE is the go-to firm for arbitration in Switzerland. They have a deep bench of partners, counsel and associates, who are extremely talented and knowledgeable.’

Key clients

  • Gate Gourmet
  • GreenX Limited
  • Lupaka Gold Corporation
  • Republic of Latvia
  • Romania
  • Ruby River Capital LLC
  • Winshear Gold Corp.

Work highlights

  • Represented Romania in a $6.7bn ICSID arbitration initiated by Canadian and UK investors concerning a gold mining project under Romania’s bilateral investment treaties with Canada and the UK.
  • Representing a European project company in the energy sector in a series of ICC arbitrations with amounts in dispute ranging from several hundred million to several billion EUR relating to a project for the construction of a power plant in Europe.
  • Represented Winshear in a CAD130m ICSID arbitration invoking the Canada-Tanzania BIT against Tanzania, following legislative reforms in the mining sector revoking mineral retention licenses.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Melissa Magliana, Domitille Baizeau

Other key lawyers

Matthias Scherer, Marc Veit, Catherine Anne Kunz, Joachim Knoll