Space Law and Arbitration, A Not-So-Outlandish Space Odyssey
Emilie McConaughey, Nikoletta Chalikopoulou, 2022In: ASA Bulletin, Volume 40, No. 3, September 2022
“Expertise in high-profile investor-state disputes”
LALIVE is a pioneer in international investment arbitration and is the only firm in Switzerland to have a significant investment arbitration practice.
The firm’s involvement in a number of high profile multi-billion State-investor disputes has earned it recognition as one of the leading practices worldwide.
We are proud to represent both States and investors and are thus accustomed to arguing both sides, which is of paramount importance to formulating the best strategy.
The team includes highly skilled lawyers with strong academic backgrounds in international investment law. A number of them are recognised as leading figures in the field and hold key positions in international organisations and institutions.
Our investment treaty arbitration specialists regularly act as counsel for investors and States globally and are frequently appointed as arbitrators in disputes arising out of bilateral and multilateral investment treaties, investment contracts, and other instruments, and involving a wide range of industries, including energy, telecommunications, construction and transportation.
As counsel
As arbitrator
In: ASA Bulletin, Volume 40, No. 3, September 2022
Lexology, 16 August 2022
Lexology online and LALIVE Blog, 7 April 2022
Quick Answers, Kluwer Law International (online), September 2021
In: Kluwer Law International: Stockholm Arbitration Yearbook Series, Volume 3
Stockholm Arbitration Yearbook 2021, Chapter 5, October 2021
LALIVE Blog, April 2021
In: IBA Toolkit on Insolvency and Arbitration 2021, IBA Arbitration Committee
Transnational Dispute Management 3, International Oil & Gas Arbitration · Feb 17, 2021
Quick Answers, Kluwer Law International, December 2020
Quick Answers, Kluwer Law International, December 2020
European Investment Law and Arbitration Review, Vol. 5, pp. 240-264, 11 December 2020
Quick Answers, Kluwer Law International, December 2020
ICSID Reports Volume 18 on Defence Arguments in Investment Arbitration, January 2021
In: International Chamber of Commerce, Publication Explaining why you lost: Reasoning in Arbitration,
Chapter 6, pp. 80-87, July 2020
Construction Law International, Vol. 14, Issue 1, November 2019
A GUIDED TOUR OF THE CHORZÓW FACTORY JUDGMENT
WWL ARBITRATION 2022: LALIVE AGAIN RANKED AS TOP GLOBAL ARBITRATION FIRM
Lalive partner Catherine Anne Kunz and fellow founders won the GAR Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge Award 2021
Switzerland designates Matthias Scherer to the ICSID Panel of Arbitrators
LALIVE promotes in Geneva, Zurich and London
SWISS FEDERAL SUPREME COURT CONFIRMS FINAL AWARDS IN CRIMEA CASES
U.S. DISCOVERY MADE AVAILABLE FOR COMMERCIAL ARBITRATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES – RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES
LALIVE provides strong support to the Graduate Institute’s MIDS programme
Isabella Cannatà elected to AIA-ArbIt-40’s Executive Committee
Ten LALIVE practitioners ranked as Future Leaders in Arbitration
LALIVE promotes four to Counsel
Landmark decision by Swiss Federal Supreme Court regarding Crimea awards
LALIVE opens in London
GAR Awards 2018: LALIVE confirms its ranking among the top arbitration practices worldwide
Seven LALIVE arbitration practitioners selected among Future Leaders in Arbitration
LALIVE is 'one of the most effective law firms in Switzerland' and its sizeable team 'works very hard trying to produce the best results for its clients' and 'collaborates well in other jurisdictions'.
Legal 500, Arbitration, 2019
Clients appreciate the team's "deep bench of talent and highly qualified people, which means there is always someone there to jump on to something” and report that the team is "very client-oriented, prompt and at the same time, precise."
Chambers Europe, Dispute Resolution, 2019
Outstanding Swiss firm operating out of Geneva and Zürich with the experience and diversity to compete on a pan-European level. Noted for its prowess in large-scale BIT, investor-state and commercial arbitrations on behalf of states, state-owned companies, private companies and some high net worth individuals. Particularly active in the energy, construction and telecoms sectors, with a strong caseload of ICC and Swiss Rules arbitrations relating to disputes between European and Middle Eastern or North African parties. Well reputed for the numerous prominent arbitrators within its ranks. Expanded its network with the opening of an office in London in September 2018 offering international commercial and investment treaty arbitration expertise.
Clients appreciate that the lawyers" are always at one's disposal and have an unbelievable ability to work through complex matters in the shortest timescale."
Chambers Global, Europe-wide, Arbitration (International), 2019
Acclaimed group of international arbitration experts headquartered in Geneva that expanded its European footprint with the opening of a London office in 2018. Operates a well-regarded investor-state and commercial arbitration practice, with particular expertise in the energy, construction, telecoms and mining sectors. Offers expert guidance to governments, state-owned entities, multinationals and high net worth individuals. Highly rated for its handling of significant disputes in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and South America.
Sources find the firm to be "commercially focused, pragmatic, cost efficient and really quite brilliant in its handling of common law and civil law differences, both substantive and procedural."
Interviewees particularly highlight the team's "impressive performance" as well as its "availability and dynamism," and "ability to quickly understand all the parameters of a case."
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International), Global-wide, 2019
Acclaimed group of international arbitration experts headquartered in Geneva. Operates a well-regarded investor-state and commercial arbitration practice, with particular expertise in the energy, construction, telecoms and mining sectors. Highly rated for its handling of significant disputes in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and South America. One interviewee was particularly impressed by "the phenomenal amount of work they do" and reported: "They leave no stone unturned and miss nothing, it is quite phenomenal. They're also extremely conscientious about keeping you in the loop. They forge a personal connection with you, which is very reassuring." Sources appreciate the team's efficiency, noting: "Their performance has been extraordinary. They were able to analyse a complex case within a short timeframe, and they had the skills to communicate in the different languages required for our case."
Chambers Global, Global-wide, Arbitration, 2018
Outstanding Swiss firm operating out of Geneva and Zürich with the experience and diversity to compete on a pan-European level. Noted for its prowess in large-scale BIT, investor-state and commercial arbitrations on behalf of states, state-owned companies, private companies and some high net worth individuals. (...) Well reputed for the numerous prominent arbitrators within its ranks. Clients appreciate that the lawyers "look at alternative strategies and objectively challenge them," noting: "They take the time to understand the case and they listen in order to develop an effective strategy.""They are well connected to other jurisdictions and are ready to provide expertise in terms of local firms that they can vouch for".
Chambers Global, Europe-wide, Arbitration, 2018
"Top-drawer multi-disciplinary team that benefits from offices in Geneva, Zürich and Doha. Standout expertise in banking, energy, asset recovery and white-collar crime disputes. Advises on litigation but is best known for a focus on arbitration, where it acts for sovereign entities and companies. Additional expertise in high-profile investor-state disputes. Possesses particular knowledge of representing clients from the MENA region." One client praises the team's "dedication, expertise and responsiveness". One client states that LALIVE "were more creative and came up with better ideas than the other firm we worked with."
Chambers Europe, Dispute Resolution, 2017
Lalive is ‘a clear market leader’ when it comes to international commercial and investment arbitration.
Legal 500, Switzerland, Dispute resolution: Arbitration, 2017
Outstanding Swiss firm operating out of Geneva and Zürich with the experience and diversity to compete on a pan-European level, acting on disputes throughout the continent. Noted for its prowess in large-scale BIT, investor-state and commercial arbitrations on behalf of sovereign entities, governments and state-owned companies, as well as multinational clients. Particularly active in the energy, construction and telecoms sectors, with an increasing presence in finance and post-M&A disputes. Widely recognised and praised for the numerous prominent arbitrators within its ranks. Commentators describe Lalive as "a high-quality firm in European international arbitration," "a class outfit with a reach that goes beyond Switzerland." One client states: "I was blown away," adding: "It seemed like an exceptional level of commitment." The client goes on to say of the lawyers: "They are creative, smart and everybody makes a contribution."
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) Europe-wide (Band 2), 2017
Switzerland-based arbitration boutique that operates internationally on high profile cases. Experienced handling disputes in a variety of industry sectors, such as life sciences, hospitality, energy and construction. Regularly acts for states in investor-state disputes. Clients note the team's "exceptional level of commitment."
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) Global-wide (Band 4), 2017
Switzerland-headquartered boutique active on a raft of investment treaty disputes. Formidable track record advising both states and investors in a broad range of sectors. Significant knowledge of UNCITRAL and ICSID proceedings.
Chambers Global 2016, Public International Law
“Response times were always excellent, business acumen beyond doubt and industry knowledge is outstanding.” The fact that the partners involved were themselves experienced arbitrators “added enormously to the competence of the team they put together.” (...) A client praises the “excellent” performance of the firm, in particular the “timeliness, clarity and quality” of its written submissions. “They are very thorough in the approach, covering all aspects of the matter, not just legal. Lalive is able to provide the complete package“.
GAR, 2016
"Outstanding Swiss firm with the experience and diversity to compete on a pan-European level. Operates out of Geneva and Zürich, handling large-scale BIT and commercial arbitrations on behalf of states and multinational clients. Particularly active in the energy, construction and telecoms sectors and, increasingly, in finance and post-M&A corporate disputes. Widely recognised for the numerous prominent arbitrators within its ranks.
"A very diversified team with lawyers who have been educated in different jurisdictions. I think this firm stands out even compared to some British and American competitors."
"The firm has a line-up of star arbitrators unmatched by anybody."
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) Europe-wide (Band 2), 2016
1st non-global firm, 10th worldwide
GAR, 2016
Predominantly recognised for its noteworthy investment arbitration practice. Also advises on treaty interpretation, sovereign immunity, and Law of the Sea. Regularly appear in front of international courts and tribunals including ICSID and the ICJ.
"Fantastic firm with a great great reputation."
Chambers Global, Public International Law (Band 4) - Global-wide, 2015
International law firm based in Geneva and Zürich with an arbitration practice to rival many of its bigger competitors. Internationally oriented lawyers are qualified in several jurisdictions and represent clients in high-value investor-state and commercial arbitrations.
"Everyone I have come across from the firm is fantastic."
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) (Band 2), Europe-wide, 2015
Punches above its weight for cross-border arbitration, with bases in Geneva and Zürich and an associate office in Doha. Handles both investment and commercial disputes, with particular expertise in the energy, TMT and life sciences sectors.
"A strong and diverse practice across investment treaty and commercial arbitration."
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International) (Band 5), Global-wide, 2015
The deepest international arbitration bench in Switzerland. The firm is a really credible investment.
Chambers Europe, Switzerland, Dispute Resolution, 2014
The firm's name - and huge reputation in the field - has everything to do with Pierre Lalive, who was described (..) as 'the grand old man of Swiss arbitration'. (...)Nowadays, the firmcontinues to rule the roost in Switzerland, with arguably the largest team of full-time arbitration specialists of any Swiss firm.
Global Arbitration Review - GAR30, 2013, 1st non-global firm, ranked 16th worldwide
The group is one of the most experienced offerings in the European market and remains a go-to outfit for highly complex and politicised disputes. (...) Sources say: "Fantastic lawyers; the transparency and timing of work was outstanding.
Chambers Global, Arbitration, Switzerland, 2013, Band 1, 1st non-global firm, top 20 worldwide
Sources say: ‘The partners are always accessible and they respond promptly. The firm is committed and consistently gives sterling performance’.
Chambers Global, Arbitration (International), 2012, Band 1, 8 key individuals
Lalive's strong track record in arbitration, and large, dedicated team make it a hugely popular and successful force in international arbitration. Sources say: 'Lalive is one of the most distinguished names in international arbitration. It is excellent'.
Chambers Europe, Dispute Resolution, 2013, Band 1, Leading Swiss Firm, top 15 in Europe
The firm has a strong pedigree in international arbitration, and punches above its weight in the global market
Chambers Europe, General Business Law: Geneva, 2013
Lalive's 'outstanding' dispute resolution group comprises dedicated arbitration and litigation teams. The eight-partner arbitration team is 'the best of the best' and adopts a 'team-oriented' approach."
Legal 500 EMEA, Switzerland, Dispute Resolution, 2010, Tier 1
International Who’s Who of Commercial Arbitration 2014, 1st non-global firm, 6th worldwide, 15 lawyers
Lalive is recognised both at home and abroad for the quality of its lawyers, and has offices in Geneva and Zurich as well as in Qatar. Ten specialists are recognised in our research, more than any other firm in Switzerland.
Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, Arbitration 2013, leading Swiss firm, 15 lawyers
Within Dispute Resolution, Lalive is a first tier firm. The 'well-structured, communicative and organised' group at Lalive includes dedicated arbitration and litigation teams. Lalive is 'the best arbitration boutique in Switzerland' and the 13-partner team advises a range of public sector clients, states and international organisations.
Who's Who Legal, Switzerland, Arbitration, 2011