Who We Serve
We represent clients in disputes shaped by the Swiss Code of Civil Procedure (Zivilprozessordnung, ZPO/CPC), the Federal Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy Act (SchKG), and cross-border enforcement frameworks.
Financial Institutions
Complex commercial disputes, enforcement actions, and appellate strategy under the Swiss Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO/CPC) and the Federal Supreme Court Act (Bundesgerichtsgesetz, BGG).
FinTech Companies
Asset recovery, interim relief, and arbitration planning aligned with ZPO/CPC provisional measures and the Swiss Private International Law Act (PILA) arbitration rules.
International Businesses
Cross-border disputes involving the Lugano Convention, Swiss jurisdiction strategy, and enforcement planning across EU/EFTA states.
What We Do
Strategic litigation and arbitration services aligned with Swiss procedural rules and enforcement mechanisms.
Commercial Litigation
Swiss court proceedings and appeals under the Swiss Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO/CPC), including standing, conciliation, and evidentiary strategy.
International Arbitration
Arbitration seated in Switzerland under the Swiss Private International Law Act (PILA), including clause drafting and award enforcement strategy.
Debt Enforcement
Strategic use of the Federal Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy Act (SchKG) for debt collection, bankruptcy openings, and creditor protection.
Asset Recovery
Interim relief and preservation measures under the ZPO/CPC and SchKG to secure claims and protect evidence.
Cross-Border Disputes
Forum selection and enforcement strategy under the Lugano Convention and Swiss private international law.
Mediation & Conciliation
Settlement planning aligned with the ZPO/CPC conciliation requirement and pre-action negotiation strategy.
Why Switzerland
Switzerland combines procedural predictability with international enforceability for complex disputes.
International Arbitration Hub
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The Swiss Private International Law Act (PILA) provides a modern arbitration framework with limited set-aside grounds, making Switzerland a trusted seat for cross-border disputes.
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Cross-Border Recognition
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The Lugano Convention facilitates jurisdiction and recognition of judgments with EU/EFTA states, improving enforcement outcomes.
Efficient Enforcement
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The Federal Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy Act (SchKG) provides structured debt enforcement and bankruptcy pathways, enabling measured pressure points and recoveries.​
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Supreme Court Finality
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The Federal Supreme Court Act (BGG) sets admissibility and procedural requirements for appeals, providing procedural discipline and predictability.
Why Allegra LAW
What sets us apart in Swiss litigation and arbitration.
Boutique Precision
Every mandate is led by senior lawyers. No standardised templates. No unnecessary delegation.
Enforcement Experience
Experience in Swiss court proceedings, arbitration, and cross-border enforcement under the Swiss Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO/CPC) and Private International Law Act (PILA).
Swiss Litigation Practice
Representation before Swiss cantonal and federal courts, arbitration tribunals and enforcement authorities under SchKG.
Cross-Border Strength
Expertise in multi-jurisdictional disputes, coordinating Swiss proceedings with parallel actions in EU and international courts.
Speed & Clarity
Efficient processes, clear scope, and transparent fee structures. We coordinate work to fit court and enforcement sequencing without promising outcomes.
Well Connected
Regular practice before Swiss courts, the Swiss Arbitration Centre, ICC and enforcement authorities, coordinated with trusted counsel in key jurisdictions.
What We Cover
Swiss disputes and enforcement work across court proceedings, arbitration, and asset recovery.
Court Proceedings
✓ Commercial litigation
✓ Conciliation strategy
✓ Appeals and complaints
✓ Supreme Court planning
Alternative Dispute Resolution
✓ Swiss-seated arbitration
✓ Institutional and ad hoc proceedings
✓ Mediation and settlement terms
✓ Award enforcement planning
Enforcement
✓ Debt collection
✓ Asset freezing measures
✓ Cross-border enforcement
✓ Bankruptcy proceedings
Frequently Asked Questions
Key questions about Swiss litigation and dispute resolution.
What makes Switzerland attractive for arbitration?
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Switzerland is a preferred arbitration seat because of its neutral jurisdiction, pro-arbitration judiciary, and the Swiss Private International Law Act (PILA), which provides a clear legal framework with minimal court intervention. Swiss courts recognize party autonomy and rarely interfere with arbitral proceedings. The Swiss Arbitration Centre and ICC Court in Geneva offer institutional support, while Swiss courts enforce awards efficiently under the New York Convention. Zurich and Geneva are both established arbitration hubs with experienced arbitrators and strong legal infrastructure. At Allegra LAW, we represent clients in ICC, Swiss Chambers, and ad-hoc arbitrations seated in Switzerland.
How does Swiss debt enforcement (SchKG) work?
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Swiss debt enforcement follows the SchKG (Federal Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy Act), which provides a structured process: first, creditors file a request for a payment order (Zahlungsbefehl); if the debtor objects (Rechtsvorschlag), the creditor must obtain a court judgment or lift the objection; once enforceable, creditors can pursue asset seizure or bankruptcy proceedings. The process moves efficiently when properly structured and uncontested claims can proceed rapidly. For contested claims, timing depends on court proceedings to remove the objection. At Allegra LAW in Zurich, we streamline SchKG filings to avoid procedural delays, guiding both creditors pursuing enforcement and debtors defending against collection actions.
Can you freeze assets in Swiss banks?
Yes, Swiss law allows provisional measures under the Swiss Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO/CPC), including asset freezing orders (arrest) to secure potential judgments. Courts can issue ex parte orders in urgent cases where there's a risk of dissipation. For assets in Swiss banks, creditors must demonstrate a valid claim and credible risk that assets will be moved or hidden. Superprovisional measures (vorsorgliche Massnahmen) can be obtained even before formal proceedings begin. Switzerland also recognizes foreign freezing orders under certain conditions. Allegra LAW assesses the evidentiary threshold and urgency requirements to determine whether provisional measures are viable in your case.
How long do commercial disputes typically take?
Commercial litigation timing in Switzerland varies significantly based on case complexity, canton, and whether conciliation is required. The Swiss Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO/CPC) mandates a conciliation attempt for many disputes, which adds time at the outset. Appeals to cantonal appellate courts and the Federal Supreme Court (BGG) extend proceedings further. Arbitration can be more efficient, with institutional rules providing structured timelines for hearings and awards. At Allegra LAW in Zurich, we map procedural sequences early and implement strategies to avoid unnecessary delays, ensuring your case moves forward efficiently through each stage.
What are the costs of Swiss litigation?
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Swiss litigation costs include court fees (determined by dispute value under cantonal tariffs), attorney fees (typically hourly or fixed arrangements), expert fees, and translation costs if needed. The losing party generally pays the winner's costs (ZPO/CPC cost allocation), though courts have discretion based on partial success. In high-value disputes, courts may require security for costs (Prozesskostensicherheit) from foreign parties. Attorney fees in Zurich range widely depending on complexity and firm rates. We provide transparent fee estimates and cost-risk analysis at the outset so clients can budget accordingly.