IFLR is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Garden, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement


Key contacts
Managing Partner, Zurich: Thierry Calame
Managing Partner, Geneva/Lausanne: Benoît Merkt
Quick facts
Number of partners

52

Number of other fee earners

217

Network memberships

International Bar Association, Swiss Bar Association

Languages

English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish

Key practice areas
Banking and finance
Capital markets : Debt
Capital markets : Equity
Capital markets : Structured finance and securitisation
Financial and corporate
Financial services regulatory
Restructuring and insolvency
M&A
Project development
Firm overview

While Lenz & Staehelin is acknowledged by most as Switzerland’s leading law firm, its connections and expertise span the globe. With over 200 lawyers, its ability to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing complexities of legal and regulatory environments in Switzerland and beyond, has attracted many of the world’s top corporations as well as private individuals.

Continuity, stability and a pragmatic understanding of the big picture have all played a significant part in the firm’s development and success - and in its ability to attract the best young talent. Swiss-orientated but globally attuned, Lenz & Staehelin is rightly recognized in Switzerland and abroad as “The world’s Swiss law firm”.

Client feedback

"First rate in all respects, responsive, worked to meet our schedule and did absolutely first-rate work in a novel, complex, multi-jurisdictional transaction."

"Very responsive and highly professional."

"[The M&A team is] able to find pragmatic solutions, still meeting the legal requirements, in an efficient way, [and is] very responsive and highly professional."

Key transactional practices
  • Asset finance
  • Banking
  • Capital markets: Debt/Derivatives/Equity/High yield
  • Competition
  • Covered bonds
  • Financial restructuring
  • FSR
  • Hedge funds
  • Investment funds
  • M&A
  • Private equity/funds
  • Real estate finance/funds
  • Restructuring and insolvency
  • Structured finance/securitisation
  • Trade finance
Sector expertise
  • Art
  • Accounting
  • Automotive
  • Aviation
  • Banking
  • Construction and materials
  • Consumer goods and services
  • Data protection and privacy
  • Energy
  • Financial services,
  • FinTech
  • Foundations and Philanthropy
  • Food and beverage
  • Government and public policy
  • Healthcare
  • Industrials
  • Insurance
  • Investment management
  • Media
  • Medical devices
  • Natural resources
  • Oil and gas
  • Pharma and life sciences
  • Real estate
  • Sports
  • Tech and telecoms
  • Transport
  • Travel
  • Utilities

View all our practices and sectors expertise: https://www.lenzstaehelin.com/practices-sectors/

Key practice contacts and recent transactional highlights

Corporate and M&A:

Tino Gaberthüel, Head Zurich
tino.gaberthuel@lenzstaehelin.com

Andreas Rötheli, Head Geneva
andreas.roetheli@lenzstaehelin.com

The firm has a leading position in domestic and cross-border private and public M&A transactions. As such it has been involved in many of Switzerland’s most important corporate deals. The firm advises, amongst others, on corporate takeovers, mergers, joint ventures, takeovers of listed companies, private equity and venture capital. Its services in corporate law include incorporation and administration of companies, corporate governance and compliance.

Banking and Finance:

Marcel Tranchet, Head Zurich 
marcel.tranchet@lenzstaehelin.com 

Shelby R. du Pasquier, Head Geneva
shelby.dupasquier@lenzstaehelin.com

Advising on regulatory issues, capital market transactions, investment products and services are part of Lenz & Staehelin’s core areas of expertise. Its clients are major Swiss and international banking/financial institutions. They benefit from the firm’s experience in matters of banking/securities dealers licences, asset securitisation, securities oerings, project and structured finance, investment funds, private equity, derivatives and other financial products.

Capital Markets:

Patrick Schleiffer, Head Zurich
patrick.schleiffer@lenzstaehelin.com

Jacques Iffland, Head Geneva
jacques.iffland@lenzstaehelin.com

Lenz & Staehelin has a number of accredited experts for the listing of securities on the SIX Swiss Exchange and delivers comprehensive and prompt advisory and support services for all types of capital markets offerings, including IPOs and rights offerings, bonds, convertible bonds, covered bonds, hybrid bonds and other securities transactions.

Insolvency and Restructuring:

Tanja Luginbühl, Head Zurich
tanja.luginbuhl@lenzstaehelin.com

Insolvency and Restructuring:
Roman Graf, Head Geneva
roman.graf@lenzstaehelin.com

The firm oers a leading full-service insolvency practice encompassing the complete range of issues typically encountered in complex insolvencies. It advises and represents creditors (some of which are banks or other financial institutions), liquidators, receivers in insolvency proceedings. It also provides advice to companies in need of financial restructuring.

See all deals and cases.

Other offices

Route de Chêne 30
CH-1211 Geneva 6
T: +41 58 450 70 00
F: +41 58 450 70 01
geneva@lenzstaehelin.com

Avenue de Rhodanie 40C
CH-1007 Lausanne
T: +41 58 450 70 00
F: +41 58 450 70 01
lausanne@lenzstaehelin.com

Address:
Brandschenkestrasse 24
CH-8027 Zurich
Tel:+41 58 450 80 00 Fax:+41 58 450 80 01 Email:Contact Us Web Address:http://www.lenzstaehelin.com/welcome/
Rankings published in 2026
Banking and finance
Tier 1
22 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Bär & Karrer
7 practice areas
View full profile
Homburger
8 practice areas
View full profile
Lenz & Staehelin
9 practice areas
View full profile
Niederer Kraft Frey
9 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 2

Advestra
7 practice areas
View full profile
Baker McKenzie
7 practice areas
View profile
Pestalozzi
8 practice areas
View full profile
Schellenberg Wittmer
8 practice areas
View full profile
Walder Wyss
9 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 3

CMS von Erlach Partners
7 practice areas
View full profile
Loyens & Loeff
8 practice areas
View full profile
MLL Legal
8 practice areas
View full profile
VISCHER
7 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 4

Bratschi
6 practice areas
View full profile
FBT Attorneys-at-law
3 practice areas
View full profile
Kellerhals Carrard
8 practice areas
View profile
Prager Dreifuss
9 practice areas
View full profile
Wenger Plattner
8 practice areas
View full profile
Wenger Vieli
10 practice areas
View full profile
burckhardt Ltd
4 practice areas
View full profile

Notable

Buis Bürgi
2 practice areas
View full profile
Oberson Abels
4 practice areas
View profile
Capital markets : Debt
Tier 2
17 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Homburger
8 practice areas
View full profile
Niederer Kraft Frey
9 practice areas
View full profile
Walder Wyss
9 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 2

Advestra
7 practice areas
View full profile
Baker McKenzie
7 practice areas
View profile
Bär & Karrer
7 practice areas
View full profile
Lenz & Staehelin
9 practice areas
View full profile
Pestalozzi
8 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 3

Kellerhals Carrard
8 practice areas
View profile
MLL Legal
8 practice areas
View full profile
Schellenberg Wittmer
8 practice areas
View full profile
VISCHER
7 practice areas
View full profile

Notable

CMS von Erlach Partners
7 practice areas
View full profile
Lindemann Law
1 practice area
View profile
Prager Dreifuss
9 practice areas
View full profile
Wenger Vieli
10 practice areas
View full profile
valfor Rechtsanwälte
8 practice areas
View profile
Capital markets : Equity
Tier 1
16 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Bär & Karrer
7 practice areas
View full profile
Homburger
8 practice areas
View full profile
Lenz & Staehelin
9 practice areas
View full profile
Niederer Kraft Frey
9 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 2

Advestra
7 practice areas
View full profile
Baker McKenzie
7 practice areas
View profile
Walder Wyss
9 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 3

Kellerhals Carrard
8 practice areas
View profile
MLL Legal
8 practice areas
View full profile
Pestalozzi
8 practice areas
View full profile
Schellenberg Wittmer
8 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 4

VISCHER
7 practice areas
View full profile

Notable

CMS von Erlach Partners
7 practice areas
View full profile
Prager Dreifuss
9 practice areas
View full profile
Wenger Vieli
10 practice areas
View full profile
valfor Rechtsanwälte
8 practice areas
View profile
Capital markets : Structured finance and securitisation
Tier 2
8 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Homburger
8 practice areas
View full profile
Niederer Kraft Frey
9 practice areas
View full profile
Walder Wyss
9 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 2

Lenz & Staehelin
9 practice areas
View full profile
Pestalozzi
8 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 3

MLL Legal
8 practice areas
View full profile
Schellenberg Wittmer
8 practice areas
View full profile

Notable

Kellerhals Carrard
8 practice areas
View profile
Financial services regulatory
Tier 1
21 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Bär & Karrer
7 practice areas
View full profile
Homburger
8 practice areas
View full profile
Lenz & Staehelin
9 practice areas
View full profile
MLL Legal
8 practice areas
View full profile
Niederer Kraft Frey
9 practice areas
View full profile
Pestalozzi
8 practice areas
View full profile
Walder Wyss
9 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 2

CMS von Erlach Partners
7 practice areas
View full profile
FBT Attorneys-at-law
3 practice areas
View full profile
Oberson Abels
4 practice areas
View profile
Schellenberg Wittmer
8 practice areas
View full profile
VISCHER
7 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 3

Barandun
3 practice areas
View full profile
Kellerhals Carrard
8 practice areas
View profile
Künzi Hess MacNab
3 practice areas
View profile
Loyens & Loeff
8 practice areas
View full profile
Wenger Plattner
8 practice areas
View full profile
Wenger Vieli
10 practice areas
View full profile

Notable

373 Avocats & Associés
1 practice area
View profile
Advestra
7 practice areas
View full profile
Nobel & Partner
1 practice area
View profile
M&A
Tier 1
26 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Bär & Karrer
7 practice areas
View full profile
Homburger
8 practice areas
View full profile
Lenz & Staehelin
9 practice areas
View full profile
Niederer Kraft Frey
9 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 2

Pestalozzi
8 practice areas
View full profile
Schellenberg Wittmer
8 practice areas
View full profile
Walder Wyss
9 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 3

Advestra
7 practice areas
View full profile
Baker McKenzie
7 practice areas
View profile
CMS von Erlach Partners
7 practice areas
View full profile
Kellerhals Carrard
8 practice areas
View profile
Loyens & Loeff
8 practice areas
View full profile
MLL Legal
8 practice areas
View full profile
VISCHER
7 practice areas
View full profile
Wenger Vieli
10 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 4

Bratschi
6 practice areas
View full profile
Wenger Plattner
8 practice areas
View full profile
id est avocats
3 practice areas
View profile

Tier 5

Prager Dreifuss
9 practice areas
View full profile
burckhardt Ltd
4 practice areas
View full profile

Notable

BMG Avocats
2 practice areas
View profile
Barandun
3 practice areas
View full profile
Eversheds Sutherland
1 practice area
View profile
Goldblum and Partners
5 practice areas
View full profile
Kasser Schlosser Avocats
1 practice area
View profile
valfor Rechtsanwälte
8 practice areas
View profile
Project development
Active
4 firms ranked
View full list

Notable

Niederer Kraft Frey
9 practice areas
View full profile
Walder Wyss
9 practice areas
View full profile

Active

Lenz & Staehelin
9 practice areas
View full profile
Wenger Vieli
10 practice areas
View full profile
Restructuring and insolvency
Tier 1
21 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Lenz & Staehelin
9 practice areas
View full profile
Wenger Plattner
8 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 2

Bär & Karrer
7 practice areas
View full profile
Homburger
8 practice areas
View full profile
Kellerhals Carrard
8 practice areas
View profile
Niederer Kraft Frey
9 practice areas
View full profile
Schellenberg Wittmer
8 practice areas
View full profile
Walder Wyss
9 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 3

Baker McKenzie
7 practice areas
View profile
Prager Dreifuss
9 practice areas
View full profile
VISCHER
7 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 4

CMS von Erlach Partners
7 practice areas
View full profile
MLL Legal
8 practice areas
View full profile
Pestalozzi
8 practice areas
View full profile
Wenger Vieli
10 practice areas
View full profile

Notable

Bratschi
6 practice areas
View full profile
Goldblum and Partners
5 practice areas
View full profile
Holenstein Brusa
1 practice area
View profile
Loyens & Loeff
8 practice areas
View full profile
Staiger Schwald & Partner
6 practice areas
View profile
Transliq
1 practice area
View profile
Linked Reviews
Financial and corporate

Established in 1991 with the merging of Zurich and Geneva-based firms, Lenz & Staehelin has subsequently grown with a third office in Lausanne. The Lenz & Staehelin team comprises of 171 lawyers with coverage in English and Swiss law. The team has extensive experience on a wide range of practice areas including banking, financing, project development and financing to capital markets and M&A.

Highlights

A notably innovative example of the firm's recent work includes advising as legal advisor to L Catterton on its acqusition of a majority stake in AmaWaterways. The equity value of the transaction is USD 1.8 billion and was led by partner Tino Gaberthüel. 

Another highlight of the firms work includes its representation of FTX Trading Limited and its affiliates as debtors in connection to the proceedings under Chapter 11 bankruptcy with respect to Swiss law matters. It is the first deal in which a Swiss entity has entered Chapter 11 proceedings as well as a Swiss moratorium simultaneously. 

Testimonials 2025

“Marcel Tranchet as leading partner in this area combines expert knowledge on all legal fields relevant for lending transactions, recovery situations and related matters having on impact on the transaction like corporate law issues or DCM. He is an extraordinarily skilled negotiator and trusted advisor for the client.” - Bank lending  

“Deep knowledge of and experience with Swiss credit securities, in particular in a corporate context, accurate, very throrough yet quick advice and drafting of required documentation, highly attentive” - Bank lending  

 

Expertise and experience in Treasury related contracts/agreements; service spectrum (one shop); service quality and efficiency; same speaking partners; company knowledge” - Banking and finance 

 

“Profound expertise and understanding of business, efficiency, responsiveness” - Banking and finance 

 

“Very sharp lawyers yet pragmatic. Very accessible. Excellent understanding of the market.” - Banking and finance 

“Tailor-made solutions and pragmatic advices” - Banking and finance 

“What we really value about working with Lenz & Staehelin is how seamlessly they combine deep legal expertise with a practical, business-minded approach. They’re not just technically excellent—they’re engaged, curious, and proactive, which makes a huge difference when dealing with complex or unfamiliar territory. 

 

We bring them on multiple projects that are often at the forefront of Swiss digital banking. They understand the broader context, the particularities of our firm and business, and help us shape a legal strategy that is both innovative and grounded.  

 

What also stands out is their responsiveness. Whether it is a quick check-in or a deep dive into a new issue, they are always available, thoughtful, and fast.  

 

In short, they’re the kind of team you want on your side when the stakes are high and the path isn’t obvious” - Banking and finance 

 

“Precision, clarity on advice, pro-active thinking, network to participating banks” - Financial restructuring  

 

“Outstanding overall, excellent quality of work products, very responsive and proactive, Stephan Erni in particular stands out on account of his interpersonal skills and expertise. Masterful and brilliant adviser.” - M&A 

 

“Creative solutions, quick responses, very high quality of work results, extensive experience, pleasant customer experience” - M&A 

 

“We engaged the Lenz & Staehelin for a complex M&A transaction governed by Swiss law and were thoroughly impressed by the quality of their service. The team demonstrated deep technical expertise, a strategic mindset, and a consistently proactive approach throughout the deal. Communication was smooth and efficient, and their ability to navigate both legal and business complexities added significant value. While their fees reflect their top-tier positioning, the level of service and results delivered fully justified the investment.” - M&A 

 

“Excellent team with depth in many fields and solution-oriented, pragmatic advise. Andreas Rötheli and his team can cover the whole of Switzerland very well, which is key for us, both in language and skill. We appreciate the calm, experienced and transparent discussion on eye-level.” - M&A 

 

“Highest quality of advise and work products, response times and availability, communication and overall collaboration” - Restructuring  

 

“Our partner contact, Tanja Luginbuehl, is top of her field, understands global restructuring practices and how to align with Swiss processes.” - Restructuring  

 

Key clients

Vail Resorts, La Prairie / Beiersdorf, Union Investments, Holcim, 
Union Bancaire Privée (UBP), Banque Pictet & Cie, SoftwareONE, Stadler Rail, CACEIS, GAM Holding / NewGame SA, Swissquote SA, Bank of America, Sika, Geberit, L Catterton, Gyrus Capital, Bâloise Holding AG, Emeis (formely Orpea), Rieter Holding AG, The Shyft, Group, Inc., Rivean Capital
28 results28 results
2
of
2
Deal Highlights
76 results76 results
Deal Name Deal Date Firm Name Jurisdiction Deal Type Lawyer Names Client Names Client Role
ING Bank - Bond Issue
2021-08-01
Lenz & Staehelin
Netherlands
Bond issue
ING Bank
Issuer
Bank of America Merrill Lynch - Bond Issue
2021-08-01
Lenz & Staehelin
United States (National)
Bond issue
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Issuer
ING Bank - Bond Issue
2021-05-01
Lenz & Staehelin
Netherlands
Bond issue
ING Bank
Issuer
EUROFIMA - Bond Issue
2021-06-01
Lenz & Staehelin
Switzerland
Bond issue
EUROFIMA
Issuer
Bank of America Merrill Lynch - Bond Issue
2021-09-01
Lenz & Staehelin
United States (National)
Bond issue
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Issuer
Verisure MidHolding AB - Bond Issue
2021-03-01
Lenz & Staehelin
Sweden
Bond issue
Verisure MidHolding AB
Issuer
ING Bank - Bond Issue
2021-09-01
Lenz & Staehelin
Netherlands
Bond issue
ING Bank
Issuer
ING Bank - Bond Issue
2021-06-01
Lenz & Staehelin
Netherlands
Bond issue
ING Bank
Issuer
Bank of America Merrill Lynch - Bond Issue
2021-05-01
Lenz & Staehelin
United States (National)
Bond issue
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Issuer
ING Bank - Bond Issue
2021-03-01
Lenz & Staehelin
Netherlands
Bond issue
ING Bank
Issuer
HSBC - Bond Issue
2021-03-01
Lenz & Staehelin
United Kingdom
Bond issue
HSBC
Issuer
Bank of America Merrill Lynch - Bond Issue
2021-06-01
Lenz & Staehelin
United States (National)
Bond issue
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Issuer
Bank of America Merrill Lynch - Bond Issue
2021-07-01
Lenz & Staehelin
United States (National)
Bond issue
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Issuer
SGS - Bond Issue
2021-04-01
Lenz & Staehelin
Switzerland
Bond issue
SGS
Issuer
ING Bank - Bond Issue
2021-07-01
Lenz & Staehelin
Netherlands
Bond issue
ING Bank
Issuer
ING Bank - Bond Issue
2021-01-01
Lenz & Staehelin
Netherlands
Bond issue
ING Bank
Issuer
Wizz Air Holdings Plc - Bond Issue
2021-01-01
Lenz & Staehelin
United Kingdom
Bond issue
Barclays, BNP Paribas, Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase
Underwriter
Hirslanden AG - Bond Issue
2021-02-01
Lenz & Staehelin
Switzerland
Bond issue
Hirslanden AG
Issuer
Investor Group - multiple investors - M&A
2021-06-14
Lenz & Staehelin
Switzerland
M&A
Astrid Waser, Beat Kuhni, Elena Furlanetto, Eric Meier, Hannes Kieser, Iliana Djagova, Leo Rusterholz, Lisa Moser, Marcel Tranchet, Nadja Fluhler, Nicole Humbel, Patrick Sattler, Peter Ling, Sandro Travaglini, Stephan Erni, Tino Gaberthuel, Vera Vallone, Xavier Grivel
Investor Group - multiple investors
Buyer
DuPont Sustainable Solutions - M&A
2021-10-05
Lenz & Staehelin
Switzerland
M&A
Andreas Rotheli, Lara Alec
DuPont Sustainable Solutions
Buyer
1
of
4
ESG
Companies in neighbouring Switzerland need lawyers who are up to date with the changing regulations as the EU relaxes its ESG requirements
M&A
The Zurich-based M&A lawyer explains why he likes the collaborative nature of his job and why finding balance is essential
Sponsored

Sponsored