Schifferli, Michael

As an experienced litigator, I represent private clients and companies before state courts and international arbitration tribunals in Switzerland and abroad. I also work as an arbitrator myself (formerly also as a secretary to arbitration tribunals). My position as a partner in the renowned Swiss law firm Wenger Plattner allows me to provide my clients with flexible and comprehensive support in all areas of Swiss law and the UN Sales Convention, whether it be direct advice in my core areas or by referring the matter to the appropriate specialists within our firm. My expertise includes complex contract and commercial disputes under Swiss law and the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), corporate disputes between shareholders and co-owners, as well as post-M&A disputes following company sales, including the clarification of warranty claims and contractual purchase price adjustments. As a member of our sports law business group, I provide the procedural expertise to represent our clients in the sports industry in (arbitration) court disputes with sponsors, employers and associations in a targeted manner. In my second area of expertise, inheritance law and succession planning, I have in-depth knowledge of national law. I use this to advise and, if necessary, represent my clients in (arbitration) court. When it comes to cross-border issues, I draw on my international network to provide my clients with the best possible advice and support, including abroad. Through my voluntary work in Switzerland, I also have in-depth knowledge of association and foundation law and advise renowned associations and foundations on both their establishment and their day-to-day operations. In addition to my professional activities, I am an active militia officer in the Swiss Army. After a six-year stint as commander of a pontoon company with around 350 subordinates, I completed my training as a general staff officer between 2022 and 2024. I currently hold the rank of Major (GS) which is a NATO OF-3 position. In my work as a lawyer and arbitrator, I benefit from my military training and experience through additional case analysis and leadership skills. In addition, my military service has given me a further perspective and background knowledge in the areas of defence, armaments and international cooperation. This experience is particularly valuable in arbitration proceedings in these areas and distinguishes me from many colleagues in the profession.

• Partner at Wenger Plattner (since 2024)
• Associate / Senior Associate at Wenger Plattner (2019 - 2024 )
• Research assistant at the University of Berne, Prof. Dr. em. Thomas Koller in the areas of international arbitration and the CISG (2015 - 2019)
• Studies at the University of Berne (2010 - 2016)

Practical (since 2017) and academical (since 2014) experience as co-arbitrator, administrative secretary and counsel under the Rules of the ICC, the Swiss Rules and ad-hoc procedures as well as academical experience with the DIS Rules.

• Commentary on Articles 35 - 44 of the CISGIn: Peter Mankowski (ed.), Commercial Law, IEBL International and European Business Law, Munich/Oxford/Baden-Baden, 2018 (together with Prof. Christoph Brunner)

• DIS, DIS40
• ASA, ASA below 40
• International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA)
• Swiss Bar Association, Zurich Bar Association

Regular appearances as speaker or panel member at events of the International Young Lawyers Association (AIJA) in the areas of Litigation and Arbitration since 2021