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Swiss law firm with a leading private wealth practice. Advises UHNW families on estate planning, trusts, foundations, and art-related legal matters with an international reach.
Zurich, Switzerland
Upon request
Founded 1969
About Bär & Karrer
Bär & Karrer is one of Switzerland's most respected law firms, with a private wealth practice that serves UHNW families, entrepreneurs, and family offices across the full spectrum of wealth structuring. The Zurich-based team advises on Swiss and international estate planning, the establishment and administration of trusts and foundations, matrimonial property law, charitable giving structures, and, increasingly, the legal dimensions of art collections: acquisition, lending, export, and inheritance of significant artworks. Bär & Karrer's private client partners are recognised in Chambers High Net Worth and Legal 500 Private Client, and several hold STEP and ACTEC membership. The firm's art law practice is among the most developed in Switzerland, making it a natural choice for collectors and family offices with substantial art holdings.
Known For
- Private client and estate planning practice ranked in Chambers High Net Worth and Legal 500 for Switzerland
- Art law advice for collectors: acquisition, loans to institutions, export and cultural property rules, and succession of collections
- Trusts and foundations work spanning Swiss and international structures, with partners holding STEP and ACTEC membership
- Full-service Swiss firm with offices in Zurich, Geneva, Lugano, Basel and Zug, able to support corporate and tax needs
Typical Mandate
Bär & Karrer is instructed by international families, entrepreneurs and family offices with assets or residence in Switzerland who need structures that hold across borders. Common mandates include succession planning for a family with Swiss and foreign heirs, the design or review of a private foundation or trust, matrimonial agreements ahead of marriage or relocation, and the legal handling of significant art collections. The firm also acts in contentious inheritance matters and in relocation to Switzerland under lump-sum taxation.
How to Engage
Introductions typically come through a private banker, a trustee or another law firm, although direct approaches through the firm's website are accepted. First conversations are with a private client partner in Zurich or Geneva. Prospective clients should be prepared to outline family composition, residence history, the main asset classes and any existing structures, since Swiss conflict-of-interest and know-your-client checks precede any engagement letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bär & Karrer a private client firm or a full-service law firm?
Both. Bär & Karrer is a full-service Swiss business law firm, with a distinct private wealth group that handles estate planning, trusts, foundations, matrimonial matters and art law for UHNW families. Clients benefit from the corporate, tax and litigation departments when a family matter touches a business.
Does Bär & Karrer advise on art collections?
Yes. The firm has one of the more developed art law practices in Switzerland, advising on purchases and sales, authenticity and title disputes, loans to museums, cultural property and export rules, and the transfer of collections to the next generation or to a foundation.
Can Bär & Karrer help with relocation to Switzerland?
Yes. The private wealth group advises foreign nationals on Swiss residence, including lump-sum taxation arrangements available in several cantons, and coordinates with the client's advisers abroad on exit taxation and the restructuring of holdings before a move.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Curated by Trophy Registry from public sources and industry references.
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www.baerkarrer.ch
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