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Matthias Scherer

Partner

Admission

Switzerland, 1992

Nationality

Swiss

Languages

German , English , French

Geneva

35, Rue de la Mairie
P.O. Box 6569
1211 Geneva 6
Switzerland

Contact

+41 58 105 2000

Matthias Scherer specializes in international litigation and arbitration, and commercial contracts, advising corporate and private clients as well as State parties. For many years, he has featured in the International Who’s Who of Commercial Arbitration and of Construction Lawyers, and has been ranked by Chambers & Partners. In 2006, he was selected as one of the “45 leading arbitrators under 45” by GAR (Global Arbitration Review) and in 2014, he entered Chambers’ global-wide ranking of international arbitration counsel, which includes a select group of only 80 lawyers worldwide. In 2021 he was designated by Switzerland to the ICSID Panel of Arbitrators. He has acted as counsel in more than 200 arbitration and ADR proceedings under various rules (ICC, ICSID, Swiss Rules, LCIA, UNCITRAL, VIAC, CAS/TAS, Stockholm Chamber, etc.), including in ICC ADR and pre-arbitral referee proceedings, and subject to both civil and common law procedural and substantive laws. He is regularly appointed as arbitrator by parties and major arbitration institutions (ICC, Swiss Chambers, ICSID, LCIA, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, Dubai International Arbitration Centre, VIAC, Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the Netherlands Arbitration Institute (NAI), the Danish Institute of Arbitration). He frequently represents parties in arbitral matters before the Swiss Supreme Court. Matthias Scherer is experienced in contracts disputes involving most aspects of commercial transactions, with a particular emphasis on joint ventures, shareholders, M&A, energy, construction and engineering, distribution and State-investor disputes. He is also member of the Disciplinary Commission of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation, and previously of the Disciplinary Commission of the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG).

He is a frequent speaker on international disputes at conferences and has published extensively in this field. He is the editor-in-chief of the journal of the Swiss Arbitration Association, the ASA Bulletin and the Swiss correspondent for construction and engineering matters for the International Law Office, a web-based legal newsletter.

Matthias Scherer is a past vice-chair of the International Bar Association’s arbitration committee and past member of the arbitration committee of the Swiss Chambers of Commerce and the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Industry (administering arbitrations subject to the Swiss Rules). He is also a member of numerous professional associations.

Matthias Scherer was a foreign intern at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in New York, USA (1998-1999). He holds an LL.M in European Law from the University of Lausanne (1993) and a law degree from the University of Bern.

"Matthias Scherer is a dedicated, very knowledgeable and an extremely reliable professional. His composure, vision and vast knowledge have more than proven their effectiveness over the years."

Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) - Global Market Leaders, 2023

According to sources, Matthias Scherer is "very experienced and smooth on his feet" in front of arbitral tribunals.

Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) - Global Market Leaders, 2022

Matthias Scherer has "Extensive knowledge and experience in investor-state arbitration, including ICSID proceedings, very good analytical skills, provides high quality advice, efficient and focused way of working, reacts quickly to new developments, very pleasant and approachable personality."

Legal 500, Switzerland - Dispute Resolution: Arbitration, 2022

Matthias Scherer is a leading name in international disputes, widely recognised as “highly experienced in investment and commercial arbitration”

Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration, 2022

He is a “very strong practitioner” and an “excellent scholar” according to market commentators, who applaud his reputation in international commercial and investment arbitration proceedings.

Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration, 2021

A source states: "He is terrific and one of the best chairmen I've worked with," adding that he is "very experienced and wise."

Chambers Global, Arbitration (International): Most in Demand Arbitrators – Global and Europe-wide, 2020

Interviewees highlight that Matthias Scherer is "in charge of the case, well informed and responsive."

Chambers Global, Switzerland, Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Counsel and Arbitrators, 2020

Matthias Scherer is “top-notch”, say sources, “with a lot of authority”. He receives widespread plaudits for his “huge knowledge of the law and the latest developments”.

Who’s Who Legal, Switzerland, Arbitration 2020

Matthias Scherer is well-organized and smart.

The Legal 500, Arbitration, 2019 (Leading Individual in Arbitration)

Matthias Scherer is described by respondents as “a leading arbitration practitioner, with a specialty in construction disputes”. He is also well versed in advising corporate, public and private clients on a range of other commercial disputes.

Who’s Who Legal, Most Highly Regarded in Arbitration, Switzerland, 2019

Geneva-based Matthias Scherer enjoys an excellent reputation for his adept handling of commercial and investment treaty disputes. Impressed interviewees describe him as "really bright," and an "excellent lawyer who is extremely knowledgeable and has extensive arbitration experience."

Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) – Global-wide, 2019

Matthias Scherer acts as president in a number of high-profile ICC arbitrations. He also has a strong focus on investor-state arbitrations, usually acting for the state. Sources describe Scherer as "very experienced, calm, a good drafter and a good lawyer."

Chambers Global, Dispute Resolution, Switzerland, 2019

Matthias Scherer stands out as “very experienced and sophisticated arbitration counsel” and is also widely known as “an excellent arbitrator." He acts in major commercial and investment treaty disputes and possesses extensive expertise in commercial contracts.

Who's Who Legal, Arbitration, 2019

Matthias Scherer “Calmly handles the hardest issues”

GAR 30, 2018

Matthias Scherer is held in high regard for his skilful representation of clients in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. He has substantial experience appearing before all major arbitration institutions, including the ICC, ICSID, LCIA and UNCITRAL.

Chambers Global, Global-wide, Arbitration (International)

Clients say that Matthias Scherer is "calm, pragmatic and an excellent strategist," while peers in the Swiss market note his ability to handle complex global arbitrations either as arbitrator or as counsel. He often defends European states in high-value investment arbitrations and has further experience in Swiss Rules and ICC arbitrations relating to infrastructure or energy projects.

Chambers Global, Europe-wide, Arbitration (International) and Most In Demand Arbitrators, 2018

One client values Matthias Scherer's "unbelievable knowledge of international arbitration and its political aspects." His experience includes acting as co-counsel on arbitrations relating to tax enforcement proceedings, joint ventures and construction.

Chambers Global, Switzerland, Dispute Resolution: Arbitrators and Arbitration Counsel, 2018

Matthias Scherer is “one of the most impressive arbitration lawyers in Switzerland”, and is particularly well regarded for his fantastic disputes work.

Who's Who Legal, Arbitration, 2018

“He is extremely knowledgeable and well respected.”

Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, Construction & Real Estate, 2017

Matthias Scherer is “an impressive practitioner with good knowledge who has perfectly mastered the science of arbitration.”

Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, Arbitration, 2017

Arbitration specialist Matthias Scherer draws significant praise from his peers. One source remarks that he is "an outstanding advocate." He has recent experience acting as arbitrator and as counsel representing both companies and national governments.

Chambers Global, Dispute Resolution: Arbitrators, Switzerland (Band 3), 2017

Matthias Scherer acts on a wide range of disputes across the energy, construction and infrastructure sectors as counsel and arbitrator. Interviewees admire his "highly-respected practice" and describe him as "an outstanding advocate."

Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) Europe-wide (Band 2), 2017

Matthias Scherer “never fails” to deliver “intuitive and insightful” counsel to clients in relation to both domestic and international arbitration proceedings.

Who’s Who Legal : Arbitration, 2017

"A sharp lawyer with a lot of experience." He plays a leading role in BIT arbitrations relating to energy supply contracts under ICSID and ICC rules.

Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) Europe-wide (Band 2), 2016

Lalive is ‘in a league of its own’ regarding international arbitration and the ‘strength in depth of its first-class team is outstanding’. Among its ‘many exceptionally bright lawyers’ is the ‘professional’ Matthias Scherer.
Leading individuals: Matthias Scherer.

Legal 500, Switzerland, Dispute resolution: arbitration (Tier 1), 2016

Matthias Scherer delivers “intuitive” counsel to clients who include corporate as well as private parties.

Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, Energy, 2016

Matthias Scherer is “a superstar” of international disputes arising out of commercial transactions, including construction, joint ventures, M&A and energy arbitrations. According to a number of respondents he is “outstanding in all regards”.

Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, 2016

"A very strong lawyer, both as an arbitrator and as counsel."

Chambers Global, Arbitration, Global-wide, 2016

Matthias Scherer is an “undisputed leader” in this field.

Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, Arbitration, 2015

Matthias Scherer is highly regarded for his “top-notch” litigation and arbitration skills, which he puts to good use in energy-related disputes.

Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, Energy, 2015

He is described by sources as "very impressive, knowledgeable and intelligent."

Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) (Band 4), Global-wide, 2015

Geneva-based Matthias Scherer is described as "a fabulous technician and a walking encyclopaedia," with sources particularly impressed with his knowledge of case law.

Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) (Band 2), Europe-wide, 2015

Matthias Scherer is hailed as an "extremely bright and switched-on" practitioner. He acts as an arbitration counsel, as well as sitting as an arbitrator, and sources say: "He is an outstanding advocate - impressive, knowledgeable and intelligent."

Chambers Global, Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Counsel (Band 2), Switzerland, 2015

The “distinguished” Matthias Scherer is recommended for his “tremendous abilities”.

Who's Who Legal, Arbitration, 2015

The “incredible” Matthias Scherer is “one of Lalive’s heavyweights”, noted for his arbitration, energy and construction and real estate practice.

Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, 2014

The “very bright” Matthias Scherer has acted as counsel in more than 100 arbitration proceedings under various rules and is a “star performer”.

Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, Arbitration, 2014

Matthias Scherer, who frequently represents parties in arbitral matters before the Swiss Supreme Court and is “incredibly impressive all round”.

Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, Construction & Real Estate, 2014

Matthias Scherer is commended for his energy-related arbitration work and is a “go-to lawyer” for many disputes in the field.

Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, Energy, 2014

Matthias Scherer is praised for ‘striking a good balance between strength and diplomacy’, as well as for being a ‘great case manager who is never stressed’.

Chambers Global, Dispute Resolution, Switzerland, 2014

He is admired by interviewees for the hard work and good judgement he provides when acting as arbitration counsel.

Chambers Global, Arbitration, Europe-wide, 2014

‘He's great in cross examination - he easily sees the weak points of his opponents'arguments’.

Chambers Global, Arbitration, Global-wide, 2014

Matthias Scherer is praised for his ‘vast knowledge' and is a veteran of more than 100 proceedings.

The International Who's Who of Commercial Arbitration, 2014

The ‘incredibly bright' Matthias Scherer has acted as counsel in more than 100 arbitration and ADR proceedings under various rules, and is also regularly appointed as arbitrator.

Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, Arbitration, 2013

Matthias Scherer is a ‘highly regarded' litigator and arbitrator in energy proceedings, having a ‘wealth of experience" in commercial contracts.

Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, Power, 2013

Matthias Scherer is 'hardworking, quick and very professional'.

Legal 500, Switzerland, Lalive, 2013

Matthias Scherer is a good choice for construction, energy and commercial disputes.

Chambers Global, Dispute Resolution, Switzerland, 2013

'He is one of the best there is', says an interviewee. 'He gets things moving and is conscientious, firm and fair'.

Chambers, Dispute Resolution, Switzerland, 2012

Top-notch arbitrator and counsel Matthias Scherer is perceived as 'a true international arbitrator'.

Chambers, Arbitration (International), Europe-wide, 2012

Someone 'you can always count on'.

Legal 500, Switzerland, 2011

The 'subtle and convincing' Matthias Scherer has a 'phenomenal understanding of clients' needs'.

Chambers Europe, Dispute Resolution, Switzerland, 2011

'You only ever hear good things about' Matthias Scherer.

The International Who's Who of Commercial Arbitration, 2010

'An excellent team player and a brilliant lawyer'.

Chambers Europe, Dispute Resolution, Litigation, Switzerland, 2010

ASA Bulletin (Editor-in-Chief, Journal of the Swiss Arbitration Association (quarterly)

Matthias Scherer, 2022

Reported in ASA Bulletin 1-4/2022

Contractors beware: clause requiring employer pre-approval of additional work costs

Matthias Scherer, Sam Moss, 2018

International Law Office Construction Newsletter, 10 September 2018

Construction Arbitration in Switzerland

Matthias Scherer, Bernd Ehle, Sam Moss, 2018

In: Manuel Arroyo (Ed.), Arbitration in Switzerland - The Practitioner's Guide, 2nd ed., Wolters Kluwer, The Hague, 2018, pp. 1015-1046

Construction (Qatar)

Matthias Scherer, Sam Moss, 2017

In: Robert S Peckar and Michael S Zicherman (Contributing Eds.), Getting the Deal Through. Construction in 27 jurisdictions worldwide - 2017, Law Business Research Ltd, 2017, pp. 109-114

Construction (Switzerland)

Michael E. Schneider, Matthias Scherer, Bernd Ehle, Sam Moss, Lenoir Cédric, 2017

In: Robert S Peckar and Michael S Zicherman (Contributing Eds.), Getting the Deal Through. Construction in27 jurisdictions worldwide - 2017, Law Business Research Ltd, 2017, pp. 139-143

Construction (Qatar)

Matthias Scherer, Sam Moss, Marcus C. Boeglin, Marie-Anne Roberty-Jabbour, Tabara Sy, 2015

In: Robert S. Peckar and Michael S. Zicherman (Contributing Eds.), Getting the Deal Through: Construction in 26 jurisdictions worldwide – 2015, Law Business Research Ltd, 2015, pp. 97-102

Use of the PICC in arbitration

Matthias Scherer, 2015

In: Stefan Vogenauer (Ed.), Commentary on the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts (PICC), Second edition, 2015, pp. 110-149

Michael E. Schneider’s Time Management Lessons

Matthias Scherer, 2015

In: B. Ehle and D. Baizeau (Eds.), Stories from the Hearing Room: Experience from Arbitral Practice. Essays in Honour of Michael E. Schneider, Wolters Kluwer, 2015, pp. 149-151

Damages as a Sanction for Commencing Court Proceedings in Breach of an Arbitration Agreement

Matthias Scherer, 2014

Kluwer Arbitration Blog, 21 February 2014

Swiss and English courts analyse enforceability of multi-tier dispute resolution provision providing for DAB proceedings (FIDIC, clause 20)

Matthias Scherer, Sam Moss, 2014

ASA Bulletin 4/2014, Vol. 32, pp. 849-853

Construction (Qatar)

Matthias Scherer, Sam Moss, Marcus C. Boeglin, Ramy Saleh, Marie-Anne Roberty Jabbour, 2014

In: Robert S Peckar (Contributing Ed.), Getting the Deal Through. Construction in 31 jurisdictions worldwide - 2014, Law Business Research Ltd, 2014, pp. 124-130

Drafting the Award

Matthias Scherer, 2013

In: Bernhard Berger, Michael E. Schneider (Eds.), Inside the Black Box: How Arbitral Tribunals Operate and Reach Their Decisions, ASA Special Series No. 42, Juris, 2013, pp. 27.

Commentary on Article 182 of the Swiss Private International Law Act (arbitration procedure)

Michael E. Schneider, Matthias Scherer, 2013

In: Honsell/Vogt/Schnyder/Berti (Eds.), Das Internationale Privatrecht (Basler Kommentar), Helbing & Lichtenhahn, Basel, 2013, pp. 1822-1861

Commentary on Article 184 of the Swiss Private International Law Act (taking of evidence in international arbitration)

Michael E. Schneider, Matthias Scherer, 2013

In: Honsell/Vogt/Schnyder/Berti (Eds.), Das Internationale Privatrecht (Basler Kommentar), Helbing & Lichtenhahn, Basel, 2013, pp. 1870-1896

Switzerland

Michael E. Schneider, Matthias Scherer, Bernd Ehle, Sam Moss, 2013

Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2014

Construction (Qatar)

Matthias Scherer, Michael E. Schneider, Georges Racine, Marcus C. Boeglin, 2012

In: David S. Peckard (Contributing Ed.), Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2013, Law Business Research Ltd, London, 2012, pp. 165-169

A primer on pathological arbitration clauses in Swiss law

Matthias Scherer, Sam Moss, 2012

Kluwer Arbitration Blog, 2 February 2012

The Swiss Chambers of Commerce

Matthias Scherer, Domitille Baizeau, 2012

In: G Wegen and S Wislke (Eds.), Getting the Deal Through - Arbitration 2012, Law Business Research Ltd, London, 2012, pp. 53-56

Swiss Federal Supreme Court provides guidance on rules of State immunity applicable to enforcement of ICSID awards

Matthias Scherer, Sandrine Giroud, 2011

Kluwer Arbitration Blog, December 2011

Swiss Embargos and their Impact on Contracts Governed by Swiss Law Illustrated by the Swiss Sanctions against Iran

Matthias Scherer, André Brunschweiler, 2011

Kluwer Arbitration Blog, April 2011

Switzerland

Matthias Scherer, Michael E. Schneider, Sam Moss, Nathalie Subilia, 2010

In: Robert S Peckar (Ed.), Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2011 in 35 jurisdictions worldwide, 2010, Getting the Deal Through, pp. 178-183

The Swiss chambers of commerce and industry

Matthias Scherer, Domitille Baizeau, 2010

In: G Wegen and S Wislke (Eds.), Getting the Deal Through - Arbitration 2010, Law Business Research Ltd, London, 2010, pp. 33-35

Switzerland

Matthias Scherer, Michael E. Schneider, Nathalie Subilia, 2009

In: Robert S Peckar (Ed.), Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2010 in 34 jurisdictions worldwide, 2009, Getting the Deal Through, pp. 161-165

Owner's Defect Notice and Remedies in Case of Hidden Defects

Matthias Scherer, Joachim Knoll, 2008

International Law Office, February 2008, Newsletter, http://www.internationallawoffice.com

Notice Requirements in Cases of Hidden and Evolving Defects

Matthias Scherer, Joachim Knoll, 2008

International Law Office, August 2008, Newsletter, http://www.internationallawoffice.com

Public Procurement in Construction Projects: Issues for Foreign Contractors

Michael E. Schneider, Matthias Scherer, Joachim Knoll, 2007

International Law Office, November 2007, Newsletter, http://www.internationallawoffice.com

Switzerland

Michael E. Schneider, Matthias Scherer, Joachim Knoll, 2007

In: Robert S Peckar (Ed.), Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2008 in 21 jurisdictions worldwide, 2007, Getting the Deal Through, pp. 106-112

Pricing of additional works

Matthias Scherer, Joachim Knoll, 2007

International Law Office, 2007, Newsletter, http://www.internationallawoffice.com

Chronique de jurisprudence Suisse 1996 - 2004 (arbitrage)

Matthias Scherer, 2005

Journal du Droit International (JDI-Clunet), 2005, Vol. 3, pp. 855-873

Tax Policy Center, University of Lausanne

The Role of Investment Arbitration in Tax Disputes

06/12/2021 Webinar Matthias Scherer Chair: The Practical Impact of the FET Standard in Taxrelated Disputes

For more information, see the programme.

UNIVERSITE PARIS II - ASSAS

Cours de Diplôme Universitaire DU CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

14/05/2019 Paris Matthias Scherer Speaker: CONTRACT MANAGEMENT, PREUVE & ARBITRAGE

UNIVERSITE PARIS II - ASSAS

Cours de Diplôme Universitaire DU CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

15/05/2018 Paris Matthias Scherer Speaker: CONTRACT MANAGEMENT, PREUVE & ARBITRAGE

YCPC Young Construction Practitioners

Management of a Construction Arbitration Case

08/01/2018 Paris Matthias Scherer Speaker

Europe Institute at the University of Zurich

Seminar «2. Tagung zur Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit: Hot Topics”

03/03/2016 Zurich Matthias Scherer Speaker: Investment treaty disputes arising from construction projects

For more information, see the programme.

ICC Institute of World Business Law / School of International Arbitration (SIA) / Queen Mary University of London (QMC)

30th Annual ICC SIA QMC Joint Symposium of Arbitrators

18/03/2015 Paris Matthias Scherer Speaker: Sanctions for Breach of the Arbitration Agreement

For more information, see the programme.