35, Rue de la Mairie
P.O. Box 6569
1211 Geneva 6
Switzerland
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.
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
In: Christoph MÜLLER, Sébastien BESSON, Antonio RIGOZZI (Eds), New Developments in International Commercial Arbitration 2020, pp. 28 - 76
Reported in ASA Bulletins 1-4/2020
International Law Office, Newsletter (Construction), 24 February 2020
Reported in ASA Bulletins 1-4/2019
In: ASA Bulletin, Vol. 37, No. 4/2019, pp. 805-821
ASA Bulletin, Volume 37, No. 1, 2019
International Law Office, Newsletter (Construction), 2 July 2018
International Law Office, Newsletter (Construction), 26 March 2018
Reported in ASA Bulletins 1-4/2018
International Law Office Construction Newsletter, 10 September 2018
In: Manuel Arroyo (Ed.), Arbitration in Switzerland - The Practitioner's Guide, 2nd ed., Wolters Kluwer, The Hague, 2018, pp. 1015-1046
ASA Bulletin 1/2017 (March issue)
ASA Bulletin 2/2017 (June issue)
ASA Bulletin 3/2017 (September issue)
ASA Bulletin 4/2017 (December issue)
International Law Office, Newsletter (Construction), 13 November 2017
International Law Office, Newsletter (Construction), 9 October 2017
International Law Office, Newsletter (Construction), 13 February 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
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
International Law Office, Newsletter (Construction and Energy), 5 December 2016
Kluwer Arbitration Blog, 11 June 2016
Center for International Legal Studies, International Public Procurement – Chapter 40, 2016
International Law Office, Newsletter (Construction), 23 May 2016
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
International Law Office, Newsletter, 12 October 2015
ASA Bull. 1/2015, Vol. 33, pp. 66-79
In: Stefan Vogenauer (Ed.), Commentary on the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts (PICC), Second edition, 2015, pp. 110-149
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
Kluwer Arbitration Blog, 21 February 2014
IBA International Construction Projects Committee – Country Guides on ADR in Construction
Kluwer Arbitration Blog, 1 October 2014
International Law Office, 2014, Newsletter (Construction)
International Law Office, 2014, Newsletter (Construction)
ASA Bulletin 4/2014, Vol. 32, pp. 849-853
In: Robert S Peckar (Contributing Ed.), Getting the Deal Through. Construction in 31 jurisdictions worldwide - 2014, Law Business Research Ltd, 2014, pp. 124-130
International Law Office, 2014, Newsletter (Construction)
International Journal of Arab Arbitration, Vol. 6, No. 2 2014, pp. 64
ASA Bull. 1/2014, Vol. 32, pp. 102-107
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.
In: Honsell/Vogt/Schnyder/Berti (Eds.), Das Internationale Privatrecht (Basler Kommentar), Helbing & Lichtenhahn, Basel, 2013, pp. 1822-1861
In: Honsell/Vogt/Schnyder/Berti (Eds.), Das Internationale Privatrecht (Basler Kommentar), Helbing & Lichtenhahn, Basel, 2013, pp. 1870-1896
Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2014
International Law Office, Newsletter, July 2013
International Law Office, Newsletter, June 2013
International Law Office, Newsletter, February 2013
In: David S. Peckard (Contributing Ed.), Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2013, Law Business Research Ltd, London, 2012, pp. 165-169
Kluwer Arbitration Blog, 6 August 2012
In: D. Arias and L. Schaner (Eds.), IBA Arbitration Guide, 2012 (21 pages)
Kluwer Arbitration Blog, 2 February 2012
Kluwer Arbitration Blog, 23 March 2012
International Law Office, Newsletter, November 2012
International Law Office, Newsletter, June 2012
International Law Office, Newsletter, March 2012
In: G Wegen and S Wislke (Eds.), Getting the Deal Through - Arbitration 2012, Law Business Research Ltd, London, 2012, pp. 53-56
In: Czech (& Central European) Yearbook of Arbitration 2011, pp. 211-226
International Arbitration Law Review, Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2011, pp. 43-46
Kluwer Arbitration Blog, December 2011
International Law Office, Newsletter, May 2011
Kluwer Arbitration Blog, April 2011
International Law Office, Newsletter, March 2011
International Law Office, Newsletter, November 2011
International Arbitration Law Review, Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2010, pp. 195-200
International Law Office, 2010, Newsletter
In: Robert S Peckar (Ed.), Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2011 in 35 jurisdictions worldwide, 2010, Getting the Deal Through, pp. 178-183
In: Horacio A. Grigera Naon and Paul E.Mason (Eds.), International Commercial Arbitration Practice: 21st Century Perspectives, Release No. 1, September 2010, pp. 50-1 - 50-20
In: A. Belohlavek and N. Rozehnalova (Eds.), Czech Yearbook of International Law 2010, pp. 219
Dispute Resolution International, Vol. 4, No. 1, May 2010, pp. 5-53
In: Litigation, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution 2010 (Digital Guide, Executiveview.com), pp. 138-141
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Revista de Arbitragem et Mediaçao, September 2009, pp. 147-155
In: Robert S Peckar (Ed.), Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2010 in 34 jurisdictions worldwide, 2009, Getting the Deal Through, pp. 161-165
IBA Arbitration Committee Newsletter, March 2009, pp. 64-66
In: Stefan Vogenauer and Jan Kleinheisterkamp (Eds.), Commentary on the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts (PICC), Oxford University Press, 2009, pp. 81-110
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In: Rainer Füeg (Ed.), The Swiss Rules of International Arbitration - Five Years of Experience, Swiss Chambers Court of Arbitration and Mediation, Basel, 2009, pp. 129-151
Inter-Pacific Bar Association Journal, September 2008, pp. 17-26
Transnational Dispute Management, Vol. 5, Issue 4, July 2008
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For more information, see the programme.
For more information, see the programme.
Switzerland designates Matthias Scherer to the ICSID Panel of Arbitrators
Who’s Who Legal recognises 19 LALIVE practitioners in its arbitration guide 2021
LALIVE arbitration experts recognised as Thought Leaders in Construction by Who’s Who Legal 2020
Swiss Federal Supreme Court reasserts contractors’ duty to advance costs for defects repaired by owners
Legal 500: LALIVE remains the leading arbitration firm for Switzerland
The Swiss Federal Supreme Court partially annuls final award on the ground of ultra petita (Article 190 al. 2 lit. c PILA)
Who’s Who Legal recognises 23 LALIVE practitioners in its Arbitration and Litigation guides
LALIVE ranked as the top dispute resolution firm in Switzerland by Handelsblatt
LALIVE practitioners recognised as Thought Leaders in Switzerland
The Swiss Arbitration Association’s ASA Bulletin featured in the Kluwer Arbitration Blog
LALIVE 7th worldwide for its number of ranked arbitration lawyers in Who’s Who Legal
LALIVE appointed to act for Qatari nationals by The Qatar National Committee for Human Rights
Matthias Scherer reelected to the Disciplinary Commission of the International Gymnastics Federation
Three LALIVE lawyers ranked among best construction lawyers
LALIVE ranked highly in Chambers Global
LALIVE’s Energy practice: three partners recognized by Who’s Who Legal’s first country report on Switzerland
LALIVE again ranked as one of the top firms worldwide for international commercial arbitration (February 2013)
LALIVE’s construction practice: two partners again recognized as leaders in the field by the Who’s Legal’s international ranking (February 2013)
Matthias Scherer elected vice-chair of the IBA Arbitration Committee
Matthias Scherer appointed to the Arbitration Committee under the Swiss Rules
Promotion of Matthias Scherer
