Commercial litigation, arbitration and mediation, including enforcement of foreign judgments.
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Use the Lawyer Wizard → Suggest a FirmLeading international law firm with strong English-speaking team specializing in corporate and commercial law
Prominent Swiss firm with extensive English-language corporate and IP practice; active 2024-2025
Geneva-based international firm with strong English-speaking practice; specializing in banking and finance
Full-service law firm with bilingual English teams across Switzerland; active in corporate and real estate
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Full-service law firm with significant English-language expertise in corporate and IP matters
Arbitration is often faster, private, and internationally enforceable under the New York Convention. Your lawyer can advise which route is better for your dispute.
EU judgments are generally enforceable across member states. Non-EU judgments require a separate recognition process. A litigation lawyer can advise.
Browse our verified directory of law firms across Switzerland's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsZPO (Schweizerische Zivilprozessordnung 2011): Unified federal civil procedure code (adopted 2011, in force 2019). Harmonizes cantonal differences; modernizes discovery/evidence rules.
Friedensrichter/Schlichtungsbehörde (Mediation/Conciliation): Mandatory pre-litigation in most cantons for civil claims (exceptions: family, labor). Neutral third party attempts settlement. If unsuccessful, mediation certificate → litigation proceedings. Expedites resolution (~4-8 weeks mediation vs. 1+ year litigation).
Bezirksgericht (District Court) → Obergericht (Appellate Court) → Bundesgericht (Supreme Court). Jurisdiction by amount (small claims fast-track: Gerichtsgebühren (Court Fees): Cantonal; typically 2-5% of claim (example: CHF 100,000 claim = CHF 1,500-3,500 court fee). Plus attorney fees (CHF 250-500/hr) + expert witness costs. Swiss Rules of International Arbitration (2021 edition): Modern, neutral arbitration rules favored in international disputes. ICC arbitration in Geneva also popular (Geneva: ~21 global ICC arbitrations annually). Arbitrator appointment, discovery, timeline, costs flexible by agreement. SchKG (Schuldbetreibungs- und Konkursgesetz – Debt Enforcement & Bankruptcy Code): Unique Swiss mechanism. Zahlungsbefehl (Payment Order) issued by cantonal Betreibungsamt (enforcement office) if debtor non-responsive to demand. Debtor has ~10 days to lodge Rechtsöffnung (objection) → triggers litigation. Non-response → Konkursandrohung (bankruptcy threat) → forced settlement negotiation. Highly effective collection tool (~70% success without litigation). Case Study: Zurich commercial arbitration: Swiss company (claimant) sues German supplier (defendant) for breach of supply contract (USD 2M damages claim). Arbitration agreement in contract specifies Swiss Rules + Geneva seat. Claimant files Request for Arbitration (RFC) with evidence; respondent files Answer. Tribunal constituted (3 arbitrators, Geneva). Document disclosure ~6 months → evidentiary hearing ~8 months → award ~12-14 months (total ~18 months). Costs: Arbitrator fees (~USD 300-400/hr, ~100 hrs = USD 30-40K); administration/seat fees (ICC Geneva ~USD 20K); counsel fees (USD 200-300/hr, estimated 300 hrs = USD 60-90K). Total: ~USD 120-150K. Finality: Award enforceable in 140+ NY Convention countries.
