LegalcommunityCH Awards 2024, the winners
The LegalcommunityCH Awards 2024 took place at the AURA Event Saal in Zürich. The latest Edition brought together he excellence amongst In-House and law firms’ teams and professionals from the Swiss legal community.
The winners were the following:
PRIVATE PRACTICE CATEGORIES
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Lenz & Staehelin
The law firm is able to operate at the highest level at 360 degrees of the legal spectrum. The clients can count on the expertise of some of the most talented lawyers of the Swiss market that stand out not only for their individual skills but also for how their work is brilliantly coordinated.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR
Frank Gerhard– Homburger
The professional can count on a vast experience in various ranges of legal aspects, in particular corporate transactions, and capital markets operations. During the recent period he consolidated even more his status taking part successfully to some of the most influential operations in the market.
MARKET LEADER
Niederer Kraft Frey
The law firm is one of the most consolidated in the Swiss market, the professionals have been operating in a wide range of sectors of the legal advice always bringing the highest excellence and top tier skills. The lawyers are known in the Swiss market as talented individuals but also as a cohesive team capable of obtaining remarkable results.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
Altenburger Ltd legal + tax
The law firm stands out for the professional’s meticulous preparation and consistent delivery of favorable outcomes in complex arbitration cases. The law firm team is formed by skilled professionals appreciated for their meticulous approach.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
Laurent Killias – Pestalozzi
With over 25 years of experience, the professional is widely regarded as a leading arbitration practitioner. The strategic approach and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes have earned him the trust of clients and the respect of peers.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE
CMS
The law firm is recognized for exceptional expertise and proven track record in the field. With a team of experienced professionals, they provide strategic advice and effective representation on numerous high-profile transactions with some of the key players of the Swiss market.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE
Eric Stupp – Bär & Karrer
The lawyer has advised on numerous high-profile finance transactions, demonstrating a deep understanding of the industry never losing the focus on the client’s benefit. He is highly considered by the market and competitors as an influential figure in the Swiss landscape.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CAPITAL MARKETS
Homburger
The law firm team is composed by some of the most experienced and skilled lawyers in the practice area. Thanks to their outstanding track record they have been solidifying their reputation as leaders in the sector.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR CAPITAL MARKETS
Philippe Weber – Niederer Kraft Frey
With over 15 years of experience, the lawyer represented national and international companies in very complex capital markets transactions, often making the difference due the sharpness and punctuality of his advice.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CORPORATE M&A
Walder Wyss
The team is formed by experienced lawyers which operates at the pick of the Swiss market, they took part of several prominent corporate operations involving high profile companies, crucial in the Swiss territory for their complexity and impact on the market.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR CORPORATE M&A
Christoph Neeracher – Bär & Karrer
Known for his negotiation skills, the lawyer represents the excellence of the corporate legal advice, he assisted numerous clients from various sectors collecting positive outcomes. The professional stands out for his experience, pragmatic approach, and business orient approach attitude.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR COMPETITION & ANTITRUST
Lenz & Staehelin
During the last 12 months the law firm has assisted high profile clients in the Swiss Competition Commission in very delicate investigations. The team has obtained during the years of activity several positive outcomes and consequentially the respect of clients and peers.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION & ANTITRUST
Reto Jacobs – Walder Wyss
The lawyer can be placed among the most experienced professional in this practice area, he is the reference point for clients that needs high competence and strategic advice. His activity in the last year includes several operations concluded with success involving important companies.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Vischer
The law firm’s team has also provided invaluable legal counsel to key players in the energy sector, demonstrating their versatility and depth of expertise. With a proven track record of success, they are trusted advisors to clients involved in complex energy projects, regulatory matters, and transactions.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Beat Speck – Wenger Vieli
The lawyer has been working alongside very important players in the energy industry, contributing to the success of wide scale projects. Thanks to his personal approach to the issues and talent, the professional is able to distinguish himself from the competitors and make the difference.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR HEALTHCARE, LIFE SCIENCES, PHARMA
Vischer
The law firm team represented private and public companies in several aspects of the legal advisory such as transactions and financing. The lawyers have been operating on crucial operations in the industry providing a pragmatic and client-oriented solutions.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR HEALTHCARE, LIFE SCIENCES, PHARMA
Oliver Gnehm – BGPartner
The professional was involved in high scale operations in the healthcare industry such as financing round and licensing agreement. Thanks to his experience and know how, he successfully assisted the clients regarding crucial issues for their complexity and implications.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR IP&TMT
id est avocats
The team took part in several interesting operations for high profile companies. The professionals have proven to be capable to adapt to such a fast-changing industry applicating innovative solutions.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR IP&TMT
Michael Ritscher – MLL Legal
Thanks to the many positive outcomes obtained especially in IP Disputes, the lawyer is considered one of the prominent figures in the expertise. The professional managed crucial operations in the Swiss market, managing brilliantly their complexities and standing out as a litigator.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LABOUR
Streiff von Kaenel
Serving a broad clientele including private individuals, domestic and international corporations, and public institutions, the law firm team is highly regarded for its proficiency in civil and criminal law aspects of employment matters.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR LABOUR
Ueli Sommer – Littler | Switzerland
The lawyer has a notable experience regarding complex employment issues such as litigation and negotiations with unions. Thanks to the positive outcomes obtained during years of experience, the lawyer could build his credibility and maintain it.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LITIGATION
Schellenberg Wittmer
The law firm is composed by proactive professionals, particularly appreciated by the market for their pragmatic and business-oriented mentality. During the last 12 months they have been involved in complex disputes for important clients.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR LITIGATION
Tamir Livschitz – 5Gambit Disputes
During his years of activity, the lawyer has proven in various occasions to be a be a very resourceful litigator, he is able to face the most challenging operations with a client-oriented approach and always a meticulous preparation. The professional is highly considered by the competitors, even the one he faced in court.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE
Baker McKenzie
Having managed the legal aspects of very ambitious and wide scale real estate projects, the law firm operates at the pick of this field. The team is composed by affirmed lawyers capable to cover the entire spectrum of the real estate law offering a responsive advice.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE
Stefan Gerster – CMS
Thanks to his wide experience and remarkable track record, the professional is one of the main exponents of real estate law among the Swiss borders. He stands out as lawyer for the quality of his advice and orientation to the client’s benefits.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR TAX
Oberson Abels
The law firm represent an excellence of the tax advisory; the lawyers have been operating for relevant companies managing even the most delicate aspects of the fiscal matters. They are particularly appreciated by the market for their tailor made advise and ability to handle tax related issues.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR TAX
Beat Baumgartner – Loyens & Loeff
The professional can be rightfully placed among the excellences of the fiscal areas, his track record can display numerous cases managed with knowledge and attention to details. He is appreciated by the clients and the competitors for his reliability and competitiveness.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Schellenberg Wittmer
The professionals have been involved in delicate procedures in which their deep knowledge and technical skills could make the difference. The law firm is often the referral point of important companies who search for a pragmatic approach and a clear communication.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Jean-Marc Carnicé – BianchiSchwald
The lawyer is a very experienced litigator with a particular expertise in criminal matters, he has been involved in complex cases such as money laundering and investigations. The professional is recognized for his capability to manage the critical aspects of the deals in which he operates.
IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR
UBS
The legal department can be placed at the pick of the in-house excellence of the Swiss market. The professionals stand out for their cohesion and the capability to face successfully the most challenging wide scale operations.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR
Nakisa Serry – Galderma
The professional coordinated with the team the legal aspects of one of the recent biggest operations in Switzerland. She is highly considered by the market and from the lawyers which have been working with her, which could appreciate her remarkable technical skills and managing attitude.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Guido Wennemer – Acer
The professional is capable to manage even the widest scale deals never losing the focus and coordinating efficiently his team even under pressure. He is considered especially in the TMT industry as reliable and result driven professional.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE
EFG International
The legal department stand out for its vast expertise in the business, gained thanks a series of matters managed brilliantly. The legal team can count on experienced professionals able to bring high level advisory.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT
Alstom
The lawyers have advised the company on the several challenging operations faced in the recent period. The legal department is esteemed by the market and the law firms which appreciate their technical result-oriented attitude.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT
Dahir Ali – CNH Industrial
The professional has been active on the several aspects of the legal advisory such as project encompasses, strategic counselling, negotiation of the related agreements. The lawyer stands out for his managing skills and attention to details.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR CONSTRUCTION, PROJECTS, INFRASTRUCTURE
Philipp Diederichs – SBB CFF FFS
The professional stands out in the industry for his capability to manage complex issues never loosing attention to details. He is well known by principal players in the Swiss legal field and as a trustable advisor.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR FASHION, DESIGN, LUXURY
Audemars Piguet
The legal team during the recent period has been active on the several legal challenges that animated the landscape of the company. The professionals are recognized to be able to keep the competitiveness of the advice at the pick of the luxury industry.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FASHION, DESIGN, LUXURY
Elena Mauri – Zegna
The lawyer has been advising the company through challenging times and delicate matters. She is well known for her influential role and leadership skills that allow her to manage strategically the legal team.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR ENERGY & RENEWABLES
Duferco
The In-house department has distinguished itself during the recent period for being particularly on -point on several hot topics regarding the industry, such as ESG awareness and ESG management. The team is composed by talented professionals.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR ENERGY & RENEWABLES
Stefan Buerge – Climeworks
The professional has been signaled as one of the most trustable advisors in the sector for his reliability and technical skills. He is guiding a team formed by talented lawyers working cohesively.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR FOOD & BEVERAGE
Selecta
The company has been operating at the pick of the Swiss market, for this reason it can count on a top-quality legal team able to manage the legal side of complex operations and to protect the company’s interest.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FOOD & BEVERAGE
Jennifer Picenoni – Lindt & Sprüngli
The lawyer has gained during years of brilliant activity, a track record that allows her to be one the most esteemed in-house counsel of the Swiss market. She stands out as a litigator and a team leader.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR INSURANCE
Zurich Insurance
The legal department can count of the professionals’ deep knowledge of the field, which it’s expressed by the very detailed advice that has been provided. The in-house department has been active on several issues obtaining remarkable outcomes.
IN-HOUSE COUNSELOF THE YEAR INSURANCE
Philippe Hengy – AXA Switzerland
The professional was able to be always on point in the numerous challenges and changes of such a complex field. He has been involved in many aspects of the legal advice proving his multidisciplinary skills and result oriented attitude.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR HEALTHCARE, LIFE SCIENCES, PHARMA
Medmix
The professionals of the legal team have been advising the company on several fronts, always keeping a top-level service and a result-oriented mindset. The In-house department is very efficiently coordinated.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR HEALTHCARE, LIFE SCIENCES, PHARMA
Andreas Bohrer – Lonza
The professional is a very influential figure in the healthcare industry, he has cumulated a remarkable track record of deals managed successfully. He is highly regarded by the counsels and the Swiss law firms which considered him trustable expert.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR TMT
Microsoft
The legal team operates at the pick of the legal excellence, during the last year the professionals took part in very important operations for their strategic and economic values remarkable for their impact on the market.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR TMT
Claudio Elia – STMicroelectronics
The lawyer is a key figure in the in-house landscape of the Swiss market, the reputation gained during his years of experience is the reflections of the professional’s technical skills, leadership, and attention to details.
BEST PRACTICE GAMING
Christian Haitz – Gryphon Invest
The professional has managed very complex issues in key transactions relevant in the gaming industry. Thanks to his remarkable track record and result driven approach, he operates at the pick of the market never losing the ambition to aim to the excellence.
DEAL OF THE YEAR – IPO Galderma
COMPANIES
EQT
Galderma
LAW FIRMS
Davis Polk
Freshfields
Homburger
Niederer Kraft Frey
JOINT GLOBAL COORDINATORS
Goldman Sachs
Morgan Stanley
UBS
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Lazard
The IPO is expected to be one of the largest listings in Europe this year, crucial for its impact on the market and the economic value which is estimated as more than 2 billion. The deal involved various top tier players and the excellences of the Swiss and international field as advisors.