Arbitration in Switzerland

This third edition, and the first in English, of the globally-cited Arbitrage International-Droit et Pratique à la Lumière de la LDIP, provides complete guidance on arbitration law and practice relating to Switzerland from two of the leading authorities on Swiss practice.

***NO SALES RIGHTS IN SWITZERLAND*** This second edition of the first comprehensive commentary on the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration covers the new version of these rules which entered into force on 1 June 2012. It is a practical guide for arbitrators, counsel, state courts and persons involved in the conduct and administration of arbitral proceedings under the Swiss Rules. This commentary presents the new version of the Swiss Rules from a double perspective. On the one hand, it emphasizes the relationship between these Rules and the Swiss legal regime governing international arbitration, namely the provisions of chapter 12 of the Swiss Private International Law Statute. On the other hand, it puts these Rules in an international perspective by comparing them with the corresponding provisions of the other major institutional rules (ICC, LCIA, SCC, DIS, VIAC, SIAC, HKIAC, CIETAC, AAA/ ICDR, WIPO and ICSID) and with the provisions of the former edition of the rules. Finally, it highlights the main differences between the Swiss Rules and the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules which were revised in 2010. This book is written by arbitration practitioners based in Switzerland who work with established law firms, widely experienced in international commercial arbitration. It is the work of a refreshing new generation of Swiss arbitration specialists. Two of the editors were members of the working group for the revision of the Swiss Rules and thus bring special insight into the book about the revision process.

A convenient, neutral location, with a long-standing tradition of arbitration, arbitration-friendly legislation, arbitration-supportive courts, and an exemplary infrastructure – for all of these reasons, parties often choose Switzerland as their preferred seat of arbitration. Switzerland continues to therefore play a leading role in the field of arbitration. This book, since its first edition in 2004, has been widely used as a peerless practitioners’ guide to international arbitration in Switzerland. Keeping in line with the first edition, this second edition describes in detail each phase of arbitral proceedings, from drafting the arbitration clause to challenge and enforcement of the award. The second edition continues to pay close attention to all aspects, including procedure before the arbitral tribunal, interim measures, confidentiality, the mediation alternative, and many other topics. The new edition has been extensively revised to take fully into account the newly amended Swiss Rules of International Arbitration, as well as numerous changes internationally, such as the revised ICC Rules and the revised UNCITRAL Rules. Many new decisions of the Swiss Federal Tribunal relating to arbitration are also considered, as is legal commentary. The second edition also features a chart comparing major institutional arbitration rules on all aspects of the arbitral process covered by those rules. There are also two entirely new chapters – one on the legislative framework of Swiss arbitration law, and one addressing costs of arbitration. The approach throughout is rigorously practice-oriented, adding theoretical support whenever necessary. With the help of this book, practitioners will proceed confidently as they approach such tasks as the following: drafting an effective arbitration clause and choosing between ad hoc and institutional arbitration; understanding the manner in which arbitral proceedings can be structured and evaluating what is best suited to their needs; weighing the possibilities of interim relief at their disposal; anticipating the duration and costs of proceedings; and assessing post-award options. Whilst focusing on the latest developments in international commercial arbitration, International Arbitration in Switzerland includes sections on sports arbitration (with a focus on the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne) and on Swiss-based public international law dispute settlement mechanisms, such as those of the WTO and the UNCC. The book provides useful answers to concrete questions that in-house lawyers, outside counsel, and arbitrators are confronted with when practicing international arbitration in Switzerland. With its wealth of practical expertise and up-to-date information, it will enable foreign in-house and external counsel to make the appropriate choices and decisions. It will be indispensable for all practitioners and academics interested in arbitration in Switzerland.

This standard work is one of the leading authorities on Swiss arbitration law. The fully revised and supplemented Fourth Edition provides up-to-date information on the law and practice of international and domestic arbitration in Switzerland, including on the recent revision of Chapter 12 PILA in 2020 The book provides a comprehensive analysis of all relevant aspects of arbitration, including the concept of arbitration, the sources of arbitration, arbitrability, and all aspects concerning the validity and scope of the arbitration agreement and its autonomy. Other topics include competence-competence, the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal, the arbitral procedure, the effects and limits of arbitral awards, setting aside as well as the recognition and enforcement of awards in Switzerland. Frequently referred to in the case law of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, the book is an indispensable tool for legal scholars dealing in depth with a controversial issue. At the same time, it is an invaluable and user-friendly source of information and reference for arbitration practitioners in Switzerland and abroad. The book's appendices contain useful supplementary materials, including a detailed table of cases and an accurate translation of the arbitration provisions of the Swiss Private International Law Act and the Swiss Code of Civil Procedure.

Arbitration Law of Switzerland is a comprehensive review of the arbitration law and practice in Switzerland. Contents include: A discussion of the history and current legislation on arbitration and arbitration infrastructure and practice. Analysis of the current law and practice including an examination of the arbitration agreement, jurisdiction, arbitrability, the arbitral tribunal, conducting arbitration, the arbitral award and challenges and other actions against the award. A useful chapter on the recognition and enforcement of awards rendered both in Switzerland and in foreign jurisdictions and a comprehensive chapter covering the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration and the practices of the Swiss Chambers’ Arbitration Institution.

The Swiss International Sports Arbitration Reports provides for the first time a full English translation of the decisions made by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in setting aside proceedings against awards made by Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) panels, irrespective of whether the original decision was published in the German, French or Italian language, or whether the decision has been officially published or is simply available on the Court’s website. The English translation is presented parallel to the original text of each decision, and is preceded by a head note and a summary of the decision for the reader in a hurry. The importance of the CAS based in Lausanne is well known to all practitioners engaged in sports law and arbitration. It was once famously described as the "Supreme Court of World Sports." Whether a CAS panel decides in ordinary arbitration proceedings or in an appeal brought against the decision of a federation, association or sports related body, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne has the last word where the dissatisfied party challenges the CAS panel’s decision in court proceedings.This work is edited by two well-known Swiss practitioners, both of whom are engaged full-time in international arbitration as counsel and arbitrators, and have published widely on issues of international law and arbitration. This publication will be of great use to arbitrators, parties, lawyers involved in sports arbitration as well as commentators who will benefit from access to case law in one key jurisdiction for international sports arbitration.