‘Excellent’ Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler routinely handles a diverse scope of international mandates, undertaking complex work across the commercial areas with particular visibility within the sports sector. ’Exceptional’ Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler and Laurent Lévy, alongside ‘outstanding’ Sébastien Besson and Antonio Rigozzi, jointly steer the team. Besson’s stellar client roster comprises Swiss and multinational companies, ultra-high net worth individuals, and state entities, while Rigozzi contributes his considerable sports expertise to the group. Michele Potestà specialises in international commercial and investment arbitration, and Silja Schaffstein is a key contact for banking and finance, pharma and gene technology related disputes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Great team, stellar lawyers.’

  • ‘Antonio Rigozzi, Sébastien Besson, Michele Potesta, Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler, and Laurent Levy are simply the best.’

  • ‘Excellent professional services. The academic background of the team and the personal experience of the individuals in the arbitration field makes the law firm stand out compared to other firms. Swift and focused responses.’

  • ‘Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler and Laurent Levy provide exceptional services due to extensive experience and academic background.'

  • 'Antonio Rigozzi and Sebastien Besson are outstanding professionals. Paying attention to the details, they get excellent command of the case file and perception of the factual background of multi-faced matters. Excellent services as experts on questions of Swiss law in complex arbitration cases.’
  • ‘The firm is among the absolute top arbitration boutique firms in Switzerland. Its leadership by its founders (Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler and Laurent Levy) and the strength of the outstanding team make it a unique experience. They are extremely flexible and always on top of the issues. Exceptional partner attention is expected.’

  • ‘They have very specialised knowledge of the sports and media industries. I have worked with them on an important arbitration and was impressed with their knowledge of the industry. The also have a methodical way of staffing files to ensure that their clients are provided the best service. Each lawyer handles the art of the file that matches his or her expertise. ’

  • ‘They are leaders in their field. I have worked closely with Antonio Rigozzi, Sebastien Besson and Michele Potesta. Antonio and Sebastien are leading experts in the commercial aspects of the sports industry and have a unique way of spotting the issues at stake. Michele is creative, diligent, extremely knowledgeable, and pleasant to work with.'

Key clients

  • Confederation of African Football (CAF)
  • International Olympic Committee (IOC)
  • Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
  • Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)
  • Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)

Work highlights

  • Acting for the national oil company of a Middle-Eastern State in proceedings for the revision of an international arbitral award before the Swiss Supreme Court, as well as in ICC proceedings.
  • Acting for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in an ICC arbitration arising from a long-term media and marketing rights agreement.
  • Advising the Privinvest shipbuilding group in a large multi-party, multi-contract and multi-jurisdictional dispute involving a State and several state-owned entities.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.

Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler, Laurent Levy, Sebastien Besson, Antonio Rigozzi

Other key lawyers

Michele Potestà, Silja Schaffstein