Art collectors' alert – landmark Swiss Supreme Court ruling on returning artworks illicitly exported to country of origin
Sandrine Giroud, Tatiana Jullier, 2019International Law Office (ILO), Private Client & Offshore Services, 29 August 2019
Public International Law
“Formidable track record advising both states and investors”
LALIVE has long-standing experience in advising on public international law matters, including on international claims, state responsibility, state succession, international land and maritime boundaries, the law of international organisations, international trade regulations, sanctions, human rights and state contracts.
The firm’s public international law specialists have represented clients on numerous occasions before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC), the Iran-US Claims Tribunal, the administrative tribunals of the United Nations, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). They have acted as counsel, advisers and adjudicators in a variety of international claims proceedings relating to World War II and to conflicts in the Middle-East, the Balkans and Africa.
As part of the firm’s investment arbitration practice, LALIVE provides advice to governments in the negotiation of investment treaties and the implementation of investment policies more generally, as well as to investors on how to structure their investments to ensure effective protection.
LALIVE also represents clients in international criminal law proceedings. The firm has advised and acted on behalf of governments and non-governmental entities in relation to matters such as war crimes, terrorism, genocide and crimes against humanity. One of the firm’s partners is admitted to plead before the International Criminal Court.
- Representing the Qatar National Committee for Human Rights (QNHRC) in the claims pursued by private parties against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, following the sanctions imposed on against the State of Qatar and its nationals
- Advising a governmental organisation in the Middle East on a wide range of public international law issues, including boundary issues, land swaps, investment protection, mass claims processes and other issues
- Advising an African State in diplomatic negotiations with a neighbouring State on various issues of international law including the law of the sea, international trade law and the law of regional economic integration in relation to cross-border pipelines and transboundary natural resources
- Advising a South American State on the strategy to adopt in connection with a maritime delimitation dispute before the ICJ, in light of both procedural rules and general international law
- Advising and representing Iraq in the mass claim process following the Gulf War under the aegis of the United Nations Compensation Commission, on a wide range of compensation claims, including for environmental damage
Commentary of Arts. 34-37 Swiss Rules
Marc D. Veit, 2013In: Tobias Zuberbühler, Christoph Müller, Philipp Habegger (Eds.), Swiss Rules of International Arbitration, Commentary, Schulthess, Zurich, 2013
Cross-Border Pre-Trial Discovery in Switzerland
Marc D. Veit, 2007WW&P Newsletter
Commentary to Art. 34 to 37 of the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration
Marc D. Veit, 2005In: Zuberbühler/ Müller/ Habegger (Editor[s]), Swiss Rules of International Arbitration, Commentary, Schulthess
Enforcing English Worldwide Freezing Injunctions in Switzerland, Denilauler, Van Uden and Mietz Revisited
Marc D. Veit, 20045 Business Law International
Security for Costs in International Arbitration – Some Comments to Procedural Order No. 14 of 27
Marc D. Veit, 2002ASA Bulletin 1/2005, pp. 116-118
Chapter 2, Part II: Commentary on Chapter 12 PILS, Article 184, 3. Taking of Evidence
Marc D. Veit, 2017In: Manuel Arroyo (Ed), Arbitration in Switzerland: The Practitioner's Guide, Kluwer Law International, 1st Edition (2013, pp. 127-140), 2nd Edition (2017)
Packaging-Related Measures for Alcohol and Unhealthy Food and their Impact on Trademarks – The Perspective of Article 17(2) CFRE
Leonid Shmatenko, David K. Shaverdov, 2018Zeitschrift für das gesamte Lebensmittelrecht - ZLR (German Journal of Food Law), Heft (Issue) 3, 2018, pp. 315-335
Gesunde Regulierung? - Lebensmittel und Alkohol im Einheitskleid - Zur Vereinbarkeit von verpackungsbezogenen Maßnahmen für ungesunde Lebensmittel und Alkohol mit Art 17 Abs 2 Charta der Grundrechte der Europäischen Union
Leonid Shmatenko, David K. Shaverdov, 2018Zeitschrift für Europarecht, Internationales Privatrecht und Rechtsvergleichung (ZfRV), Heft 6, 2018, pp. 244-258
International organizations and private persons: The case for a direct application of international law
Michael E. Schneider, 1993In: Dominice/Patry/Reymond (Eds.), Etudes de Droit international en l'honneur de Pierre Lalive, Basle, Helbing & Lichtenhahn, 1993, pp. 345-358
The Role of Iraq in the UNCC Process with Special Emphasis on the Environmental Claims
Michael E. Schneider, 2015In: 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
The Role of the State in Investor-State Arbitration – Introductory Remarks
Michael E. Schneider, 2015In: Shaheeza Lalani and Rodrigo Polanco Lazo (Eds.), The Role of the State in Investor-State Arbitration, BRILL, NIJHOFF, Volume 3, pp. 1-13
Assistance to the Tribunal: Options, Advantages and Dangers
Michael E. Schneider, 2013In: 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
Welcome Address and Introduction to the Conference Topic
Michael E. Schneider, 2013In: 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
Arbitration in Switzerland
Matthias Scherer, 2012In: D. Arias and L. Schaner (Eds.), IBA Arbitration Guide, 2012 (21 pages)
24 Oct 2018
Landmark decision by Swiss Federal Supreme Court regarding Crimea awards
04 Sep 2018
LALIVE opens in London
23 Mar 2018
Protection of the environment in international courts: recent decisions open new avenues for mass claim processes
22 Feb 2018
The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh: Arbitration meets human rights
03 Jul 2017
LALIVE appointed to act for Qatari nationals by The Qatar National Committee for Human Rights
10 Nov 2016
Press coverage: Sylvain Savolainen interviewed on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Swiss Responsible Business Initiative
14 Jan 2014
LALIVE promotes Thomas Widmer and Laura Halonen to Counsel
Compact but highly distinguished Geneva-headquartered firm with a renowned presence in the PIL sphere. Often acts in investor-state arbitrations under the auspices of ICSID and UNCITRAL and is particularly active handling disputes in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Offers substantial strength in sovereign immunity and human rights matters, as well as adept guidance on the laws governing international organisations. In the latter half of 2018, the firm expanded its global footprint with the opening of a new office in London.
Enthused sources say: "They are very prudent and reliable lawyers, always at one's disposal, with an unbelievable ability to work through complex matters in the shortest time."
Another interviewee commented: "They provide a top-notch performance. I value their pragmatic and strategic advice. They have serious academic chops, but they are nevertheless extremely practical."
Chambers Global, Public International Law, Global-wide, 2019
Compact but highly distinguished Geneva-based firm with a renowned presence in the PIL sphere. Often acts in investor-state arbitrations under the auspices of ICSID and UNCITRAL and is particularly active handling disputes in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Offers substantial strength in sovereign immunity and human rights matters. "They are brilliant lawyers doing excellent work both on written pleadings and hearings. They are very responsive as well." Sources recognise the team as "highly skilled" and "very active" in the PIL field.
Chambers Global, Public International Law, 2018
Switzerland-based firm particularly noted for its formidable track record in arbitrations for both sovereign states and investor clients. Has significant knowledge of UNCITRAL and ICSID proceedings and is highly regarded for representations in Europe. The boutique team is acclaimed for its specialised involvement in this sector, with sources highlighting its "very strong presence in PIL dispute resolution." Commentators say: "They are highly experienced in investment disputes and international arbitration. We like the firm as it is responsive and has brilliant and efficient lawyers with a proven track record in investment disputes."
Chambers Global, Public International Law: 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
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
(Lalive) has continued to prioritise public international law. Finnish-born Veijo Heiskanen is one of the names to know in this area. He has extensive experience in mass claims that can follow international conflict, having worked as counsel, adviser and arbitrator for the Iran-US Claims Tribunal, the UN Compensation Commission, the Claims Resolution Tribunal for Dormant Accounts Switzerland, the UN Property Claims Commission in Kosovo and the Eritrea-Ethiopia Claims Commission.
Global Arbitration Review, 2013, GAR 30: 16th worldwide