Deals, disputes and data

Dominic Carman

Swiss lawyers have never been busier, but sectors and practice areas are shifting

Switzerland has a long history of understatement: a distinct national characteristic that is rooted in the country’s history of self-reliance and hard work. As a result, its citizens invariably tend towards modesty and restraint rather than displaying wealth or making ostentatious claims. Experience suggests that, historically, this applied even more acutely to Swiss lawyers.

The infectious enthusiasm with which some leading Swiss lawyers now describe both their business and their increasing busyness is therefore surprising and refreshing. From what they say, things certainly seem to be in good shape across the Swiss legal market – at least for the top players.