Spearheaded by Gregor Bühler and Luca Dal Molin, Homburger possesses a strong grounding in high-profile work of both a contentious and non-contentious nature, routinely operating for global tech companies and Swiss blue-chip companies. The team also enjoys strong relationships with data protection authorities in Switzerland. Bühler’s extensive capabilities encompass privacy law, telecoms and data-protection related litigation, while ‘technically excellent’ Dal Molin handles matters pertaining to GDPR implementation and cross-border data transfers.

Praised for its ‘excellent technical knowledge’ and ‘pragmatic approach’, Lenz & Staehelin is well positioned to advise clients on big data, data security and outsourcing, with capabilities across several jurisdictions. Guy Vermeil, Lukas Morscher and Jürg Simon jointly helm the practice. Vermeil leverages his broad experience in IT and outsourcing matters to bolster the team, with Morscher contributing his expertise in technology, financial services and business sourcing to the practice. Simon fuses his knowledge in IP and competition to handle matters arising in the data privacy and protection space.

Noted for its ‘exceptional capacity for innovative thinking and adept problem-solving skills’, MLL Legal fields a strong practice across a diverse range of matters, including international e-commerce projects, cybersecurity issues as well as advice on the modernisation of data protection laws. Its varied client roster consists of e-commerce platforms, online retailers and IT outsourcing service providers. Digital economy expert Lukas Bühlmann jointly leads the practice alongside Nicola Benz, who particularly focuses on the technology and life sciences industries. ‘Smart and hard-working’ Michael Reinle strengthens the practice with his proficiencies across IP, software development and technology-related transactions, among others. Michael Schüepp is another name to note in the practice.

David Rosenthal steers VISCHER’s experienced data privacy practice, which is particularly well versed in the movement of sensitive data or applications to the cloud. The team is regarded as being ‘extremely knowledgeable, creative and responsive’ as well as ‘on top of legal developments’. ‘Leading innovator’ Rosenthal leverages his background in software development to advise clients on information technology, data protection and e-discovery. Rolf Auf Der Maur counts digitalisation, online businesses and strong capabilities across data law in his arsenal, while Christian Wyss is notable active in the life sciences sector.

Set within the broader TMT practice, the ‘outstanding’ data privacy team at Walder Wyss Ltd. is a strong choice for clients across a multitude of sectors, from technology and financial services to construction and real estate. Leading the practice is David Vasella, who enjoys a solid reputation across compliance implementation projects, data monetization and cloud outsourcing arrangements, among others. He is praised by clients as possessing a ‘business oriented mindset’ and ‘great communication skills’. Jürg Schneider leads the Lausanne office, bolstering the team with his cross-border and international expertise. Hannes Meyle handles matters pertaining to data protection and IT security matters and Martin Zobl is also recommended.

Utilising its expansive global network, ‘pragmatic’ Baker McKenzie routinely manages international data transfers and GDPR issues, as well as technology-related privacy and compliance programmes across multiple jurisdictions. The team represents market leaders across telecoms and banking sectors, and is well-regarded for ‘exploring and finding defensible solutions for challenges’. Alessandro Celli spearheads the team, handling GDPR compliance programmes and implementation projects, with Johanna Mösch demonstrating prowess in the sphere of data protection law.

Corrado Rampini and Christian Kunz, the latter of whom was promoted to co-head in June 2023, lead Bär & Karrer Ltd.'s data privacy practice, which is ‘characterised by absolute competence, client proximity and flexibility’. The team often operates for clients on issues relating to AI and machine learning projects, data sharing and the implementation of data protection compliance projects. Rampini is regularly engaged by clients to advise on data protection due diligence matters attached to various transactions, while Kunz’s varied expertise includes cybersecurity, outsourcings of data and data transfers. Rehana Harasgama is also recommended.

id est avocats sàrl fields a varied data privacy and protection practice, frequently handling issues surrounding the new data protection regulations as well as health data related projects. Michel Jaccard and Alexandre Jotterand jointly lead the practice, with the former’s expertise encompassing a range of innovative technologies, from AI to deeptech, and the latter strengthening the team with his considerable experience in the healthcare, life sciences and public sector industries.

‘Highly competent’ Niederer Kraft Frey AG advises a multitude of clients on cross-border data transfers, security and information management, and data privacy related litigation. The ‘highly efficient, pragmatic and reliable problem-solver’ co-lead Clara-Ann Gordon demonstrates prowess in outsourcing, data protection and internal investigations. Fellow co-lead András Gurovits possesses considerable expertise across technology, corporate and arbitration matters, while Jacques Bonvin focuses on the transactional side of the practice. Key contact Janine Reudt-Demont bolsters the practice with wide-ranging experience across technology, IP and data privacy.

Active across telecoms, pharma and retail sectors among others, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd’s ‘highly qualified’ practice combines its technological and legal knowledge to advise on big data analysis, ICT related regulatory work and ICT disputes. Practice head Roland Mathys is routinely engaged to advise on outsourcing transactions and major technology projects, alongside a variety of other data matters. Lorenza Ferrari Hofer is noted for her ability to handle complex disputes in this area, while Samuel Klaus is accomplished in managing IT security and cybercrime matters among others.

TMT boutique firm Arioli Law is well positioned to advise clients in financial services healthcare and software development sectors. Founder Martina Arioli fields a strong practice that encompasses cross-border outsourcing projects, regulatory matters and a variety of data protection issues. Lukas Bruhin is noted for his specialism in digital transformation within the public sector and technological innovations. Both arrived from TIMES Attorneys in September 2023.

Operating for clients across both contentious and non-contentious matters, BianchiSchwald LLC is recommended by clients for its ‘rigorous focus’ and ‘business-oriented perspective’. Christoph Gasser helms the practice, contributing his substantial IP and IT expertise. ‘Exceptionally responsive’ and ‘standout expert’ Thierry Burnens principally focuses on matters arising from the digital economy, as well as cybersecurity, e-commerce and trade mark work.

Recommended for its ‘competent and reliable work’ and ‘eagerness to solve the client’s issue’, Bratschi Ltd has recently handled advice surrounding the new Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection as well as large digital platform projects. The team is active across banking, pension funds and IT industries. Adrian Bieri and Adrian Wyss jointly lead the practice, with Jacqueline Odermatt being another key name in the practice.

‘Quick thinker’ Dirk Spacek steers CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.’s data privacy practice, a team that is proficient in handling global data privacy, protection and information security matters for a diverse range of domestic and international clients. Spacek advises clients on an array of advisory, transactional and contentious work in this field, while Simone Brauchbar Birkhäuser’s expertise comprises a variety of IT and IP issues. Julia Nitschke fields a considerable workload that incorporates arbitration and litigation related matters.

Capable of handling both contentious and non-contentious issues, Kellerhals Carrard regularly acts for clients situated within broadcasting, telecoms, banking and life sciences sectors. The practice is jointly led by Daniel Alder, Daniel Emch and Nicolas Mosimann. Alder is considerably experienced in IP aspects, while Emch bolsters the practice with his expertise in contentious matters. Mosimann is a strong choice for start-ups requiring assistance with software, robotics and blockchain issues, among others.

MME Legal | Tax | Compliance assists clients with new technologies, digital business models and the new Swiss data protection law. Practice head Caroline Gaul operates for national and international companies across a varied scope of matters, from IT contracts and contract negotiations to cloud and outsourcing projects. Martin Eckert is notably active in the blockchain, software, telecoms and high-tech sectors. Alongside this, he possesses particular expertise in handling cyber incidents.

Embedded within the broader banking, tax and corporate law practice, OBERSON ABELS SA’s data privacy team is led by Philipp Fischer and Antoine Amiguet, whose ‘hands-on approach’ and ability to ‘suggest innovative and creative solutions’ is noted by its clients. The team, which is capable of acting for both domestic and international clients, is praised for its ‘very good knowledge of the market practice’.

Acting for international and national blue chip and service companies, Pestalozzi’s wide-ranging expertise is comprised of disputes involving data protection issues, cyber criminality issues and use of digital data on ICT platforms. The team increasingly handles legal issues arising from digital medical data and their relevance for research and development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Michèle Burnier leads the practice and is prominent within the Swiss civil and criminal courts. Arbitration expert Thomas Legler and Sarah Drukarch, who specialises in both life sciences and corporate areas, bolster the practice. Markus Winkler is another name to note.

‘Practical’ Claudia Keller, who is recommended for her ability to develop ‘goal-oriented solutions’ leads Wenger Vieli Ltd's data privacy practice. The team advises clients on the full data management cycle, including a variety of regulatory and data protection matters, and is noted for its ability to handle ‘new developments regarding AI tools’.