35, Rue de la Mairie
P.O. Box 6569
1211 Geneva 6
Switzerland
Michael E. Schneider is a founding partner of LALIVE and now Senior Counsel. He has practised in international arbitration for more than 40 years as counsel in ad hoc proceedings and under various rules, including those of the ICC, ICSID, LCIA, Swiss Rules, Stockholm Institute, the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA), Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), European Development Fund, UNCITRAL, and before other international bodies, including the WTO Appellate Body and the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC). He has also acted in many cases as arbitrator (chair, sole or co-arbitrator) under the rules of many institutions both in Switzerland and abroad, including arbitration proceedings seated in Dubai and applying the law of the UAE.
Mr Schneider’s main areas of practice are disputes involving States and corporations in construction, industrial engineering and infrastructure projects, natural resources (in particular oil and gas), pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and investment disputes. He has specific experience in dealing with technical issues and in managing large and complex disputes, organising and leading teams of specialists from different fields and different legal and cultural backgrounds.
Mr Schneider is honorary president of the Swiss Arbitration Association (ASA). At ASA, he developed inter alia the Arbitration Practice Seminar organised annually since 1997 with civil law and common law practitioners. He was vice chair of the ICC Commission on Arbitration until 2014 and has been a member of several of its working groups (1998 and 2012 revisions of the ICC rules, construction, pre-arbitral referee). He chaired the UNCITRAL Working Group II (Arbitration) at its Sessions in New York and Vienna (2006-2010) on the revision of the Arbitration Rules and on the revision of the Notes on Organizing Arbitral Proceedings (2014-2015) and was Vice-Chair of the Commission (2015-2017). He is past president of the International Academy of Construction Lawyers (IACL) and was co-chair of the IBA Committee on international Construction Projects. He is member of the Board of Trustees of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) and of the Court of Arbitration of the Singapore Arbitration Centre; he was a member of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre. He also was advising as inhouse counsel Universal Engineering and Finance Corporation (UNEFICO) on all contract matters.
Mr Schneider lectures at the University of Fribourg LLM Programme and was Director of Studies at the Centre for Studies and Research at the Hague Academy of International Law (Transnational Arbitration and State Contracts). He studied law and history at the universities of Munich, Bonn and Geneva and completed the 1st and 2nd State examination (capacity to hold office as a judge). He completed postgraduate studies at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva and is a former AIESEC trainee with the Shell Company in Sierra Leone.
Michael Schneider is “very respected” in the market.
Who's Who Legal, Switzerland: Arbitration, 2020
Michael Schneider is a long-standing figure in the Swiss market, ranking highly for his wealth of experience on high-value construction disputes.
Who's Who Legal, Construction and Real Estate, 2020
Michael Schneider is “one of the most prominent figures in Switzerland” for arbitration and is a “very impressive” practitioner”, comment sources. His expertise covers disputes in the construction, infrastructure, telecoms and pharmaceutical sectors and involving both states and corporations.
Who’s Who Legal, Switzerland - Arbitration, 2019
Michael Schneider comes “highly recommended for his impressive and efficient practice”. He specialises in disputes involving states and corporations in the construction and engineering industries.
Who’s Who Legal, Switzerland - Mediation, 2019
Michael E. Schneider is a well-established figure in the Swiss market where he stands out for his “enormous experience in construction arbitration”. He comes “highly recommended for his impressive and efficient practice”.
Who’s Who Legal, Most Highly Regarded in Arbitration, Switzerland, 2019
Experienced advocate and arbitrator Michael Schneider commands respect for his expertise in international arbitrations, both commercial and investor-state. One source reports: "He has a deep understanding of cultural and legal differences and puts this to good use to get results." He is based in Geneva.
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) – Global-wide, 2019
Michael Schneider is described by sources as "a top name in construction and energy disputes" and "a legend" in the field of arbitration. In addition to his strong focus on construction and energy arbitrations, he acts on real estate disputes and setting-aside proceedings. Schneider acts as counsel, chair and co-arbitrator.
Chambers Global, Dispute Resolution, Switzerland, 2019
Michael Schneider of Lalive is highly rated for his decades of experience in the field of international arbitration and is admired for his work as both counsel and arbitrator. He is frequently appointed to sit in contractual and treaty disputes, notably in the energy and construction industries. Sources praise him as "full of ideas, very dedicated and super well prepared." He is based in Geneva.
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International): Most in Demand Arbitrators – Global-wide, 2019
Michael Schneider is highly sought after as an advocate in complex commercial and investment treaty cases, as well as frequently acting as arbitrator in ICSID and ICC tribunals. Market sources advise that he is an "outstanding lawyer" who is "top in the world of arbitration and very admired." Schneider is based in Geneva and often handles arbitrations relating to construction, infrastructure and energy projects.
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International): Most in Demand Arbitrators – Europe-wide, 2019
Peers say that Michael Schneider's superb reputation in the Swiss market is a key source of work for the firm's commercial arbitration practice. In addition to his work as counsel, Schneider is frequently appointed as arbitrator on commercial and investment treaty cases. He attracts particular praise for his experience in construction arbitrations involving projects in Europe and the Middle East.
Chambers Global, Europe-wide, Arbitration (International) and Most In Demand Arbitrators, 2018
Michael Schneider has long-standing experience acting both as arbitration counsel and as arbitrator on domestic and multi-jurisdictional disputes relating to infrastructure projects, breach of supply agreements and partnership dissolutions in the transport and energy sectors. Peers state that he is a "very well-known figure" in the Geneva market and highlight his "attention to detail."
Chambers Global, Switzerland, Dispute Resolution, Arbitrators and Arbitration Counsel, 2018
“Legendary arbitrator” Michael Schneider is internationally respected as “a top name” in the arbitration arena, is highlighted for his “outstanding” expertise.
Who's Who Legal, Arbitration, 2018
Michael Schneider is a “very effective leader in hearings.”
GAR 100, 2017
"A great name for arbitration, very experienced: an outstanding arbitration connoisseur."
Chambers Europe, Arbitration, 2017
Michael Schneider is an “outstanding” practitioner who is commended for his “quick grasp of complex issues”.
Who’s Who Legal : Arbitration, 2017
A "highly respected international arbitration practitioner" with expertise in energy disputes, construction and price review arbitrations, as well as investor-state disputes. "He is a real star and one of the smartest lawyers in the market."
Chambers Global, Arbitration, Global-wide, 2016
Michael Schneider "is the most formidable Swiss practitioner, with great experience and real stature." "He has a lot of charisma and is an impressive advocate."
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) Europe-wide (Band 1), 2016
"He's extremely hard-working, thorough and responds as things arise and develop during hearings."
Chambers Global, Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Counsel Switzerland (Band 1), 2016
Michael Schneider “is one of the biggest names in the business,” he is “effortlessly intelligent” and “supremely efficient”.
Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, 2016
The “outstanding” Michael Schneider is a founding partner of the firm, and with more than 40 years of experience in this field he is considered to be “one of the forefathers of arbitration in Switzerland.”
Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration, 2016
"One of the leading names in arbitration," Michael E. Schneider is a distinguished arbitrator based in Geneva who regularly presides over multi-jurisdictional disputes. He is also praised by clients for "offering absolute pragmatism in his approach."
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) Most In Demand Arbitrators (Band 1), Europe-wide, 2015
"An expert, offering absolute pragmatism in his approach. He is so well known, it is difficult to add to his prestige."
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) Arbitrators (Band 1), Europe-wide, 2015
Lauded as ‘first-class’ and ‘one of the titans in this field’. ‘A tireless and extremely dedicated’ practitioner.
‘He is incredibly experienced in international arbitration, and is a sharp and pragmatic lawyer’. He has advised on numerous multibillion-dollar disputes involving parties from a range of industries, such as gas price reviews, and cases concerning telecommunications and construction.
Chambers Global, Dispute Resolution, Switzerland, 2014
‘Extremely thoughtful’ and ‘encyclopaedic in matters of arbitration’.
The International Who’s Who of Commercial Arbitration, 2014
Among 25 most highly regarded individuals.
The International Who’s Who of Commercial Arbitration, 2014 and 2013
‘Michael Schneider has ‘the perfect combination of great experience, maximum pragmatism and deep knowledge’’.
Legal 500, Lalive, 2013
‘Arguably the best lawyer in the field of arbitration’.
Legal 500, Dispute Resolution, Switzerland, 2012
‘Simply extraordinary’.
Legal 500, Switzerland, 2011
Michael Schneider, who is praised for "his excellent strategic foresight".
Legal 500, Switzerland, 2010
‘Extremely sharp, tenacious and diplomatic’. Michael Schneider has an excellent reputation as an arbitrator and counsel. Sources say, ‘Even though he’s really busy, he always has time to speak to his clients’’.
Chambers Global, Dispute Resolution, Switzerland, 2013
‘He is a brilliant mind and an amazing counsel’.
Chambers Global, Dispute Resolution, Switzerland, 2012
In: Uluslararasi Insaat Sözlesmelerinde Beklenmeyen Hal Kavrami / Eds. Yesim M. Atamer, Ece Bas Süzel, Elliott Geisinger. – Istanbul : Onikilevha, 2020. – pp. 222-254. – (Istanbul Uluslararasi Insaat Hukuku Konferanslarli ; 4)
New Horizons of International Arbitration, A.V. Asoskov, А.I. Muranov, R.M. Khodykin (eds.), 2018, pp. 216-237
LexisNexis, April 2020
For more information, please see the LexisNexis website.
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
In: Timothy J. Feighery, Christopher S. Gibson, Trevor M. Rajah (Eds.), War Reparations and the UN Compensation Commission-Designing Compensation After Conflict, Oxford, 2015, pp. 135-184
In: Shaheeza Lalani and Rodrigo Polanco Lazo (Eds.), The Role of the State in Investor-State Arbitration, BRILL, NIJHOFF, Volume 3, pp. 1-13
B-Arbitra – Belgian Review of Arbitration, 2015/1, pp. 17-39
In: Peter Münch/Nicolas Passadelis/Jens Lehne (Eds.), Handbuch Internationales Handels- und Wirtschaftsrecht, Helbing Lichtenhahn, Basel, 2015, pp. 271-310
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
In: Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Marcello G. Kohen, Jorge E. Viñuales (Eds.), Diplomatic and Judicial Means of Dispute Settlement, Brill, 2014, pp. 119-151
In: Berndhard Berger & Michael E. Schneider (Eds) Inside the Black Box: How Arbitral Tribunals Operate and Reach Their Decisions, Juris, 2014, ASA Special Series N° 42, pp. 73-76
In: Berndhard Berger & Michael E. Schneider (Eds) Inside the Black Box: How Arbitral Tribunals Operate and Reach Their Decisions, Juris, 2014, ASA Special Series N° 42, pp. 3-5
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
In: David S. Peckard (Contributing Ed.), Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2013, Law Business Research Ltd, London, 2012, pp. 165-169
In: Liber Amicorum en l'honneur de Serge Lazareff, sous la direction de Laurent Lévy et Yves Derain, 2011, Editions A. Pedone, pp. 563-567
In: Wirth, Rouvinez, Knoll (Eds.), The Search for "Truth" in Arbitration: Is Finding the Truth What Dispute Resolution Is About? Chapter 5, ASA Special Series No. 35, pp. 63-69
Les Cahiers de l'Arbitrage 2011-4, pp. 1-35
In: Juris, New York / ASA, Switzerland (Eds.), ASA Performance as a Remedy, Chapter 1, ASA Special Series No. 30, pp. 3-48
In: Robert S Peckar (Ed.), Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2011 in 35 jurisdictions worldwide, 2010, Getting the Deal Through, pp. 178-183
International Law Office, 2009, Newsletter
In: Robert S Peckar (Ed.), Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2010 in 34 jurisdictions worldwide, 2009, Getting the Deal Through, pp. 128-132
In: Teresa Giovannini and Alexis Mourre (Eds.), Written Evidence and Discovery in International Arbitration New Issues and Tendencies, 2009, Editions Dossiers ICC Institute of World Business Law, Chapter 9, pp. 365-371
In: Robert S Peckar (Ed.), Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2010 in 34 jurisdictions worldwide, 2009, Getting the Deal Through, pp. 161-165
In: Doak Bishop (Ed.), Enforcement of Arbitral Awards against Sovereigns, Juris Publishing, 2009
In: David J. Howell (Ed.), Electronic disclosure in international arbitration, JurisNet, LLC, New York, 2008, pp. 13-37
Construction Law Journal, 2007, Vol. 23, No. 8, pp. 559-569
International Law Office, November 2007, Newsletter, http://www.internationallawoffice.com
In: Robert S Peckar (Ed.), Getting the Deal Through - Construction 2008 in 21 jurisdictions worldwide, 2007, Getting the Deal Through, pp. 106-112
Chambers Client Report, 2007, Issue 22, p. 39
International Law Office, 2006, Newsletter
Publié sous les auspices du Centre du commerce international (OMC/CNUCED), Geneva, 2005
Geneva, ITC Trade Law Series, UNCTAD/WTO, 2005, 129 pages, ISBN 92-9137-302-8
In: Knutson (Ed.), FIDIC - An Analysis of International Construction Contracts, Kluwer Law, The Hague, 2005, pp. 313-342
IBA Arbitration and ADR, 1998, Vol. 3, pp. 26-33
Journal of International Arbitration, 1998, Vol. 15, pp. 15-26
(in collaboration with Christopher Kuner) Journal of International Arbitration, 1997, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 5-37
Report at the Seoul Conference of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration, ICCA Congress Series, No. 8, 1996, pp. 57-99
In: Reto M. Hilty(Ed.), Information Highway, Stämpfli, Bern, 1996, pp. 625-660
Contracts and Dispute Settlement in Civil Engineering and Construction of Plants, 1995, Vol. 4, pp. 187-244
In : Scott (éd.), The Reform of Commercial Arbitration Procedures, Londres, LCIA, 1994, p. 157-181
Arbitration International, 1994, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 119-140
ASA Bull. 3/1993, Vol. 11, pp. 446-465
In: Dominice/Patry/Reymond (Eds.), Etudes de Droit international en l'honneur de Pierre Lalive, Basle, Helbing & Lichtenhahn, 1993, pp. 345-358
The International Construction Law Review, 1993, Vol. 10, pp. 403-424
Arbitration International, 1990, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 101-121
(in collaboration with Paolo Michele Patocchi) Arbitration, the Journal of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, 1989, Vol. 55, pp. 268-280
The International Construction Law Review, 1986, Vol. 3, pp. 338-359
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2011
Fribourg University School of Law, Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Cross-Cultural Business Practice
International Construction Contracts (including dispute resolution) / International Joint Ventures
For more information, see the course outline (International Construction Contracts) and course outline (International Joint Ventures).
1987
Center for Studies and Research in International Law and International Relations at The Hague Academy of International Law
1987
Geneva Law School and Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva
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
Legal 500: LALIVE remains the leading arbitration firm for Switzerland
SWISS FEDERAL SUPREME COURT CONFIRMS FINAL AWARDS IN CRIMEA CASES
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
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
LALIVE partner Michael E. Schneider appointed Vice-President of UNCITRAL
Three LALIVE lawyers ranked among best construction lawyers
LALIVE ranked highly in Chambers Global
LALIVE compiles stories from leading arbitration practitioners
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)
Next ASA Arbitration Practice Seminar co-organised by LALIVE arbitration partners to be held in Badenweiler on 18-20 January 2013
Michael Schneider chaired the last session of the UNCITRAL Working Group II in New York
Michael E. Schneider nominated Vice-Chair of ASA (02 September 2005)
