Litigation

The litigation team of valfor has a passion for advocacy and puts the same energy into routine cases as into complex multinational disputes. Our approach remains the same: Careful planning of the trial, selection of the most efficient course of action, reasonable assessment of the merits of the case, focus on results and avoidance of protracted disputes.

Our team advises and represents clients before all Swiss civil, commercial and administrative courts. All fields of commercial disputes are covered, including banking cases, bankruptcy and debt collection litigation, commercial contracts executions, civil cases (divorces, alimonies for children, liquidation of estates), employment disputes, IP protection and enforcement, provisional remedies, means for obtaining evidence,  enforcement of Swiss and foreign judgments, etc.

valfor is well equipped to sustain complex and extensive litigation and allocate significant resources in a tight timeframe when necessary (e.g. requests for a pre-trial attachment or interim measures). As some of the cases we deal with are cross border, our attorneys are also at ease with the complex nature of private international law and used to thinking and maneuvering within a greater overall context and commercial aspects beyond the individual trial. valfor’s litigation team collaborates on a regular basis with our other internal teams and foreign law firms whenever required.
 

Core Expertise

  • Representation of clients in domestic and international commercial litigation;
  • Advice on dispute resolution strategies;
  • Handling of administrative proceedings before courts and agencies;
  • Representation of owners, shareholders and board members in corporate disputes and proceedings;
  • Assistance in criminal matters, including white collar crimes;
  • Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and awards;
  • Provisional and emergency measures proceedings, including asset freezing procedures 
  • Debt enforcement and liquidation procedures;
  • Handling international administrative and judicial assistance.

Main contacts

Geneva Mathieu Granges Dr. Iur., Attorney-at-law
Contact
Zurich Cyrill Süess Attorney-at-Law, lic. iur. HSG, LL.M. Queen Mary University of London
Contact

Team leaders

Bern Rolf Hartmann lic.iur., Attorney-at-Law, M.B.A.
Contact
Zurich Christoph Gasser Attorney-at Law, Dr. iur., LL.M. University of Michigan Law School
Contact
Lausanne Philippe Ciocca Dr. iur., LL.M. (Sydney)
Contact

To the team Litigation

New partners. Enhanced expertise.

valfor is pleased to announce the addition of six new partners effective 1 January 2025.

The Lausanne-based law firm Mercuris Avocats, led by partners Olivier Cherpillod, Jean-Michel Clerc, Martine Loertscher, and Maxime Rocafort, will join valfor. Their team, specialising in commercial law, tax, and dispute resolution, will integrate valfor’s Pully/Lausanne office.

Deborah Hondius and Nicolas Gurtner will strengthen valfor’s Geneva office, bringing their expertise in litigation, particularly in white-collar crime and contractual matters.

United by a shared philosophy of delivering value beyond legal advice, they all look forward to combining their skills and resources for the benefit of valfor’s clients. This strategic growth reinforces valfor’s position as one of Switzerland’s leading business law firms, with over 80 lawyers practicing across Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Sion, Zug, Zurich, and Brussels.

With a strong international and interdisciplinary focus, valfor provides tailored legal solutions to meet the specific needs and complexities of each client’s business.

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