Philippe Bärtsch is a partner at Schellenberg Wittmer's Geneva office, where he acts as one of the two Global Vice Chairs of the firm's international arbitration practice group. Philippe is also a member of the firm's Management Committee.
Philippe has extensive experience handling complex international commercial arbitrations. He has acted as counsel and arbitrator in more than 70 high-stake international arbitration proceedings, both ad-hoc and institutional, across a wide variety of matters and applicable laws. He has, for example, handled disputes relating to M&A transactions, construction/infrastructure projects, joint ventures, and sales, licence and distribution contracts. His expertise spans over a broad range of sectors, including the energy, commodity trading, construction, pharmaceutical, consumer goods and sports industries.
Philippe has also successfully represented clients in setting aside proceedings before the Swiss Supreme Court. He also advises clients on the enforcement of awards, on Swiss contract law and on international trade sanctions. Philippe has additionally appeared as expert on Swiss law in proceedings before foreign courts.
Philippe is highly recognized for his work in arbitration across leading directories including Expert Guides, GAR and Who's Who Legal, where is he described as an "accomplished practitioner in international proceedings." He is particularly highlighted "for his ability to adeptly handle complex cases." Philippe has been praised by client sources for his "communication skills, both orally and in writing, consistent availability, attention to the changing circumstances and ability to provide focused and detailed advice."
Philippe regularly publishes and speaks on topics related to arbitration. He regularly teaches at the Swiss Arbitration Academy where as a council member, he recently taught a 3 day lecture on arbitration. He is a member of the Court of the Swiss Chambers' Arbitration Institution. He additionally co-chairs Young Arbitration Practitioners (YAP), as well as the marketing committee of the Swiss Arbitration Association (ASA).
Philippe graduated from the University of Geneva Law School in 2000, receiving an award for the best law degree. In 2004, he obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) from Harvard Law School. He has been with Schellenberg Wittmer since 2001, where he has been a partner since 2012. He additionally completed a secondment between 2006-2007 within the international arbitration group in New York – of a leading US firm.
