Established in 1991 with the merging of Zurich and Geneva-based firms, Lenz & Staehelin has subsequently grown with a third office in Lausanne. The Lenz & Staehelin team comprises of 171 lawyers with coverage in English and Swiss law. The team has extensive experience on a wide range of practice areas including banking, financing, project development and financing to capital markets and M&A.
Highlights
A notably innovative example of the firm's recent work includes advising as legal advisor to L Catterton on its acqusition of a majority stake in AmaWaterways. The equity value of the transaction is USD 1.8 billion and was led by partner Tino Gaberthüel.
Another highlight of the firms work includes its representation of FTX Trading Limited and its affiliates as debtors in connection to the proceedings under Chapter 11 bankruptcy with respect to Swiss law matters. It is the first deal in which a Swiss entity has entered Chapter 11 proceedings as well as a Swiss moratorium simultaneously.
Testimonials 2025
“Marcel Tranchet as leading partner in this area combines expert knowledge on all legal fields relevant for lending transactions, recovery situations and related matters having on impact on the transaction like corporate law issues or DCM. He is an extraordinarily skilled negotiator and trusted advisor for the client.” - Bank lending
“Deep knowledge of and experience with Swiss credit securities, in particular in a corporate context, accurate, very throrough yet quick advice and drafting of required documentation, highly attentive” - Bank lending
“Expertise and experience in Treasury related contracts/agreements; service spectrum (one shop); service quality and efficiency; same speaking partners; company knowledge” - Banking and finance
“Profound expertise and understanding of business, efficiency, responsiveness” - Banking and finance
“Very sharp lawyers yet pragmatic. Very accessible. Excellent understanding of the market.” - Banking and finance
“Tailor-made solutions and pragmatic advices” - Banking and finance
“What we really value about working with Lenz & Staehelin is how seamlessly they combine deep legal expertise with a practical, business-minded approach. They’re not just technically excellent—they’re engaged, curious, and proactive, which makes a huge difference when dealing with complex or unfamiliar territory.
We bring them on multiple projects that are often at the forefront of Swiss digital banking. They understand the broader context, the particularities of our firm and business, and help us shape a legal strategy that is both innovative and grounded.
What also stands out is their responsiveness. Whether it is a quick check-in or a deep dive into a new issue, they are always available, thoughtful, and fast.
In short, they’re the kind of team you want on your side when the stakes are high and the path isn’t obvious” - Banking and finance
“Precision, clarity on advice, pro-active thinking, network to participating banks” - Financial restructuring
“Outstanding overall, excellent quality of work products, very responsive and proactive, Stephan Erni in particular stands out on account of his interpersonal skills and expertise. Masterful and brilliant adviser.” - M&A
“Creative solutions, quick responses, very high quality of work results, extensive experience, pleasant customer experience” - M&A
“We engaged the Lenz & Staehelin for a complex M&A transaction governed by Swiss law and were thoroughly impressed by the quality of their service. The team demonstrated deep technical expertise, a strategic mindset, and a consistently proactive approach throughout the deal. Communication was smooth and efficient, and their ability to navigate both legal and business complexities added significant value. While their fees reflect their top-tier positioning, the level of service and results delivered fully justified the investment.” - M&A
“Excellent team with depth in many fields and solution-oriented, pragmatic advise. Andreas Rötheli and his team can cover the whole of Switzerland very well, which is key for us, both in language and skill. We appreciate the calm, experienced and transparent discussion on eye-level.” - M&A
“Highest quality of advise and work products, response times and availability, communication and overall collaboration” - Restructuring
“Our partner contact, Tanja Luginbuehl, is top of her field, understands global restructuring practices and how to align with Swiss processes.” - Restructuring
Key clients