Dispute strategy for financial, commercial and cross-border matters
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyers in Switzerland
Commercial litigation, arbitration and enforcement across Swiss and international jurisdictions under the Swiss Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO/CPC), the Private International Law Act (PILA) and the SchKG.
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. Explore our international arbitration services for commercial disputes in Switzerland.
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
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.
Cross-Border Recognition
The Lugano Convention facilitates jurisdiction and recognition of judgments with EU/EFTA states, improving enforcement outcomes.
Efficient Enforcement
The Federal Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy Act (SchKG) provides structured debt enforcement and bankruptcy pathways, enabling measured pressure points and recoveries.
Supreme Court Finality
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?
Swiss international arbitration law allows parties to choose their procedure and limits challenges to awards to specified grounds (PILA Articles 182 and 190). Swiss Rules arbitration is administered by the Swiss Arbitration Centre; ICC arbitration by the ICC International Court of Arbitration. Recognition and enforcement of foreign awards is governed by the New York Convention (PILA Article 194).
How does Swiss debt enforcement (SchKG) work?
A creditor applies to the debt enforcement office, which issues a payment order. The debtor normally has ten days after service to object. An objection suspends enforcement of the disputed amount and must be removed through the applicable court or administrative procedure. Continuation requires a creditor request; seizure, realisation of a pledge or bankruptcy applies depending on the case (SchKG Articles 38, 67–88).
Can you freeze assets in Swiss banks?
Yes, where the legal conditions are met. Attachment (Arrest) to secure a monetary claim is governed by SchKG Articles 271–279. The creditor must credibly show the claim, a statutory attachment ground and assets belonging to the debtor in Switzerland. A risk of dissipation is not required for every ground. CPC Article 269 reserves this regime. Security may be required, and strict follow-up deadlines apply.
How long do commercial disputes typically take?
There is no single timetable for Swiss commercial disputes. Conciliation generally precedes litigation, but exceptions and waivers apply (CPC Articles 197–199). For example, summary proceedings require no conciliation; claims within Articles 5, 6 and 8 may be filed directly in court. Evidence, procedural steps and available appeals affect timing. Arbitration is not automatically faster.
What are the costs of Swiss litigation?
Costs include court fees, legal representation and, where needed, evidence and translation costs. Court-awarded costs follow tariffs and need not cover the full lawyer bill. The unsuccessful party generally bears costs, subject to allocation rules and exceptions. Court-cost advances differ from security for the defendant’s party costs: CPC Article 99 sets specific grounds and exceptions, subject to treaties—not a general high-value or foreign-nationality rule.