Niederer Kraft Frey

About Niederer Kraft Frey

Niederer Kraft Frey (NKF) is one of Switzerland's pre-eminent law firms for private client work, with a private wealth practice that ranks consistently in the top tier of international legal directories. The Zurich-based firm advises UHNW families, family offices, and trust companies on international estate planning, trust and foundation structuring, cross-border tax, matrimonial property regimes, and succession planning for private businesses. NKF's private client partners hold STEP membership, Swiss Bar admission, and in many cases dual qualifications in key jurisdictions (UK, US). The firm's ability to coordinate complex, multi-jurisdictional structures, a family with assets in Switzerland, the UK, and Singapore, for example, while maintaining a single point of contact in Zurich is what distinguishes NKF from full-service firms where private client is a secondary practice area.

Known For

• Zurich firm founded in 1936, with private client and trust law ranked in the top tier by Chambers HNW
• Partners with STEP membership and, in several cases, dual qualification in English or US law
• Advises on Swiss and cross-border estate planning, matrimonial property regimes, foundations and family office structures
• Full-service capabilities in corporate, M&A, banking and tax support succession in family-owned businesses

Typical Mandate

NKF is engaged by UHNW families, family offices and trust companies with a Swiss nexus who need a single Zurich-based coordinator for a multi-jurisdictional structure: a family with assets in Switzerland, the UK and Asia, for example, planning succession, relocating a family member, or establishing a foundation or private trust company. It is also instructed on matrimonial agreements, contested successions and the sale or transfer of family businesses where corporate and private client issues overlap.

How to Engage

Clients usually arrive via Swiss private banks, trustees, or lawyers in other jurisdictions who need Swiss counsel, though direct contact through the firm's website is accepted. A short brief covering family members' residence and citizenship, the location and type of assets, existing structures and the immediate question allows the firm to identify the appropriate partner. Identification and conflict checks are completed before engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions