Public International Law

Areas of practice > 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

Rechtsstellung internationaler Organisationen: Grundlagen und Grenzen ihrer Sonderstellung

Pierre-Yves Marro, 2021

Zurich/St Gallen: Dike

Quick Answers on Appointment and Challenge of Arbitrators– Switzerland

Domitille Baizeau, Catherine Anne Kunz, 2020

Quick Answers, Kluwer Law International, December 2020

Quick Answers on Drafting Arbitration Agreements – Switzerland

Domitille Baizeau, Catherine Anne Kunz, 2020

Quick Answers, Kluwer Law International, December 2020

Sovereign Immunity - Switzerland

Sandrine Giroud, Veijo Heiskanen, Anton Vallélian, 2020

In: Stephen Jagusch QC and Odysseas G Repousis, (Contributing Eds.), Getting the Deal Through – Sovereign Immunity 2020, pp. 61-67

Droit Suisse des sanctions et de la confiscation internationales

Sandrine Giroud, Héloïse Rordorf-Braun 2020

Helbing Lichtenhahn, 1st Edition, 2020

Swiss Federal Corona State Aid Programs

Daniel Lucien Bühr, Adam El-Hakim, 2020

LALIVE Blog, March 2020

From Port Harcourt to Hamburg: The Switzerland v. Nigeria dispute

Emilie McConaughey, 2019

LALIVE Blog, June 2019

Sovereign Immunity - Switzerland

Veijo Heiskanen, Sandrine Giroud, 2018

In: Tai-Heng Cheng and Odysseas G Repousis, (Contributing Eds.), Getting the Deal Through – Sovereign Immunity 2018, pp. 48-52

La souveraineté pénale nationale à l’heure de la concurrence des Etats et des Procureurs. Vues d’un praticien

Marc Henzelin, 2018

In: Société Française pour le Droit International, Actes du Colloque de Lille, La souveraineté pénale de l’Etat au XXIe siècle, Pedone, Paris, 2018, pp. 115-145

Le principe de la compétence universelle

Marc Henzelin, 2017

In: La Cour pénale internationale et les pays arabes, actes du colloque international de Beyrouth, 26 et 27 November 2015, Beyrouth, Editions de l'Université de Saint Joseph de Beyrouth / CEDROMA, 2017, pp. 261-271

Chapter 2, Part II: Commentary on Chapter 12 PILS, Article 184, 3. Taking of Evidence

Marc D. Veit, 2017

In: Manuel Arroyo (Ed), Arbitration in Switzerland: The Practitioner's Guide, Kluwer Law International, 1st Edition (2013, pp. 127-140), 2nd Edition (2017)

Applicable Law: Jus ad Bellum, Jus in Bello and the Legacy of the UN Compensation Commission

Veijo Heiskanen, Nicolas Leroux, 2015

In: Timothy J. Feighery, Christopher S. Gibson, Trevor M. Rajah (Eds.), War Reparations and the UN Compensation Commission: Designing Compensation After Conflict, Oxford University Press, 2015, pp. 51-80

The Role of Iraq in the UNCC Process with Special Emphasis on the Environmental Claims

Michael E. Schneider, 2015

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

The Role of the State in Investor-State Arbitration – Introductory Remarks

Michael E. Schneider, 2015

In: Shaheeza Lalani and Rodrigo Polanco Lazo (Eds.), The Role of the State in Investor-State Arbitration, BRILL, NIJHOFF, Volume 3, pp. 1-13

Brazil-China: The reign of toothless giants?

Baptiste Rigaudeau, 2014

Young Arbitration Review – YAR – Issue 17

Assistance to the Tribunal: Options, Advantages and Dangers

Michael E. Schneider, 2013

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

Welcome Address and Introduction to the Conference Topic

Michael E. Schneider, 2013

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

Commentary of Arts. 34-37 Swiss Rules

Marc D. Veit, 2013

In: Tobias Zuberbühler, Christoph Müller, Philipp Habegger (Eds.), Swiss Rules of International Arbitration, Commentary, Schulthess, Zurich, 2013

Book review: L’arbitrato nel commercio e negli investimenti internazionali, Piero Bernardini, Giuffré Editore 2008, 2nd ed.

Teresa Giovannini, Valentina Renna, 2010

ICSID Review, Foreign Investment Law Journal, Vol. 25, No. 2, Fall 2010, pp. 498-503

Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards against Sovereigns – Switzerland

Michael E. Schneider, Joachim Knoll, 2009

In: Doak Bishop (Ed.), Enforcement of Arbitral Awards against Sovereigns, Juris Publishing, 2009

Cross-Border Pre-Trial Discovery in Switzerland

Marc D. Veit, 2007

WW&P Newsletter

Commentary to Art. 34 to 37 of the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration

Marc D. Veit, 2005

In: 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, 2004

5 Business Law International

Housing and property restitution in Kosovo

Veijo Heiskanen, Alan Dodson, 2003

In: Leckie (Ed.), Returning Home: Housing and Property Restitution Rights of Refugees and Displaced Persons, Ardsley N.Y., Transnational Publishers, 2003, pp. 225-242

The United Nations Compensation Commission

Veijo Heiskanen, 2003

Collected Courses of the Hague Academy of International Law, 2003, Vol. 296, pp. 259-393

Security for Costs in International Arbitration – Some Comments to Procedural Order No. 14 of 27

Marc D. Veit, 2002

ASA Bulletin 1/2005, pp. 116-118

Le principe de l'universalité en droit pénal international

Marc Henzelin, 2000

Geneva Law Faculty, Helbing & Lichtenhahn, Basle, Geneva, Munich, Bruylant, Brussels, 2000, 527 pages, ISBN Helbing & Lichtenhahn: 3-7190-1952-7, ISBN Bruylant: 2-8027-1455-4

UN Compensation Commission panel sets precedents on government claims

Veijo Heiskanen, Robert C. O'Brien, 1998

American Journal of International Law, 1998, Vol. 92, pp. 339 ss

Jurisdiction v. Competence: Revisiting a frequently neglected distinction

Veijo Heiskanen, 1994

Finnish Yearbook of International Law, 1994, Vol. 5, pp. 1 ss

International organizations and private persons: The case for a direct application of international law

Michael E. Schneider, 1993

In: Dominice/Patry/Reymond (Eds.), Etudes de Droit international en l'honneur de Pierre Lalive, Basle, Helbing & Lichtenhahn, 1993, pp. 345-358

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