CMS Switzerland promotes three to partnership
Audrey Durand, Julien Witzig, and Thomas Zweifel have been promoted to partner status at CMS Switzerland as of January 2025.
The profiles
Audrey Durand joined CMS in 2017 and has, until now, practiced at the firm as an associate. She brings extensive expertise in M&A transactions, venture capital, corporate restructurings, corporate law, and general contract law matters. She also has specific expertise in the field of W&I insurance. Between 2014 and 2017 she worked as an associate for Bär & Karrer.
Julien Witzig, a lawyer in CMS since 2022, advises corporate and private clients on a comprehensive range of tax-related matters. Formerly employed at Schellenberg Wittmer between 2013 and 2022 as an associate and senior associate, he deals with tax aspects of complex domestic and cross-border M&A transactions. He is also active in corporate restructuring and reorganisations, including the re-domiciliation and establishment of enterprises. Furthermore, he also advises corporate clients on the tax implications of financing, transfer pricing, the sale of companies, withholding tax, stamp duties, and tax exemptions for charitable entities. Julien Witzig advises private clients as well, supporting them with wealth structuring and estate planning. He handles tax rulings with the authorities and represents clients in tax law proceedings, including criminal tax law proceedings and international administrative assistance matters.
Thomas Zweifel has been an attorney at CMS since October 2013 where, before becoming partner, he attained the role of senior associate. Thomas Zweifel advises on real estate law for national and international clients on real estate transactions and developments, legal due diligence, and the drafting and negotiation of sale and purchase, construction, lease, and other real estate-related agreements. He has experience in M&A, corporate, and contract law, as well as in regulatory and tax matters related to real estate. He has in-depth knowledge of the Federal Law on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad (Lex Koller), the subject of his doctoral thesis.
These appointments reflect CMS Switzerland’s commitment to strengthening its expertise and enhance the firm’s capabilities across various practice areas.
