‘High-quality’ VISCHER possesses a wealth of experience in the enforcement of foreign judgments, banking disputes, and insurance litigation. Zurich-based ’service-oriented’ commercial litigator Daniele Favalli, Basel-based Thomas Weibel and Geneva-based Gerald Virieux steer the practice. Weibel’s arsenal of capabilities includes matters arising from the financial services, defence and aviation sectors, and Virieux’s strengths lie in cross-border disputes, including handling foreign court decisions and enforcing arbitral awards. Karin Graf  frequently handles matters pertaining to corporate, commercial trade and banking matters. Managing partner Christian Oetiker is a key name to note, with Felix C Meier-Dieterle enjoying a strong reputation in attachment law. Lorenz Ehrler and Raphael Butz are also recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team's strength lies in its availability and great understanding of the customer's needs. Their pragmatism and good knowledge of court proceedings is very much appreciated. ’

  • ‘VISCHER's litigation team performs high-quality, thorough work with a high success rate. ’

  • ‘Thomas Weibel is very well known in the market. It is great work with him. He is extremely smart and a very good tactician. ’

  • ‘Thomas Weibel is highly competent and professional subject matter expert and lawyer with an ability to inject strategic thinking and business acumen into discussions coupled with a mindset to find practical solutions to challenges. ’

  • ‘The team has highly technical skills, coupled with the ability to communicate effectively and a problem-solving attitude’

  • ‘Thomas Weibel is a highly responsive and dedicated professional. He combines excellent technical skills with the ability to provide sound, practical advice to clients in a clear and effective manner’

  • ‘The team work is exceptional. Only one main contact is appointed for each case. All research, analysis and further work relating to the case is done by cooperation between the in-house experts under the lead of the responsible lawyer. No need for the involvement of the client into the coordination of the process. ’

  • ‘Karin Graf - excellent professional. Exceptional analytical and litigation skills. Very experienced professional with negotiation skills. Highly appreciated knowledge of the legal practice and understanding of the weaknesses/strength of each of the litigation parties. ’

  • ‘Daniele Favalli - Always has a look at the big picture and has an excellent strategic view. He knows the relevant details and points out weaknesses as well as how to eliminate them. He can put together, delegate and instruct his team very well. When needed he is always available, absolutely reliable and committed. In addition, it is always a pleasure to work with him.’

  • ‘The VISCHER disputes team is a top address and the to go to firm for disputes. I have been working with them for more than a decade and they were always diligent, pragmatic, and focused on the client's interest.

  • ‘Their co-head Daniele Favalli is our primary contact there. He is service oriented and a litigator you always want to have on your side. He is determined, leads a team of excellent qualified lawyers.

  • 'Daniele is of key importance in international settings because of his cultural background, his years of experience in the U.S. market, his impeccable court room skills. He is remarkable in terms of strategy and line of arguments he is able to develop for his clients.’

Key clients

  • MCH Group, Art Basel Hong Kong / Art Basel Miami Beach
  • AIG
  • EBT swiss engineering AG
  • Huntsman
  • Pirelli
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers
  • Sakto Corporation
  • T-Systems (Deutsche Telekom)

Work highlights

  • Advising Sakto in defamation litigation against a Swiss NGO concerning allegations of money laundering and corruption.
  • Advising PricewaterhouseCoopers for many years as liquidator of Lehman Brothers Finance SA, including defending an action from the Italian pension fund Enasarco. The case is currently before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court.
  • Advising MCH in the enforcement of claims against Lloyds under a cancellation policy. Currently, MCH filed an appeal to the Swiss Federal Court to obtain evidence regarding the members of the syndicates under the policy.

Lawyers

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Daniele Favalli, Thomas Weibel, Gérald Virieux

Other key lawyers

Karin Graf, Christian Oetiker, Felix C Meier-Dieterle, Lorenz Ehrler, Raphael Butz