Zurich's leading commercial law firms maintain private client practices of international standing. Niederer Kraft Frey, Bar and Karrer, Lenz and Staehelin and Schellenberg Wittmer are ranked by Chambers and Legal 500 for private wealth, and each has a team dedicated to the affairs of individuals and families rather than corporations.
The characteristic mandates are relocation to Switzerland, including negotiation of lump-sum taxation with the cantonal authorities where available; structuring through Swiss foundations, Liechtenstein foundations or common-law trusts (which Switzerland recognises under the Hague Convention); cross-border estate planning under the Swiss private international law act; and Lex Koller eligibility for property purchases.
Swiss lawyers are admitted at cantonal level and registered nationally. The firms listed here practise in English as a matter of course and coordinate routinely with counsel in the UK, the US, Germany and the Gulf.
What to Look For in a Zurich Legal Professional
- Chambers or Legal 500 ranking in Private Wealth Law for Switzerland
- Experience negotiating lump-sum taxation in the relevant canton
- Trust and foundation capability, including Liechtenstein structures
- STEP-qualified practitioners on the team