Biography
Dr. Valentina Hirsiger is a partner in Baker McKenzie’s Arbitration and Litigation Group in Zurich. Prior to joining the Firm as an associate in 2016, Valentina was an associate lecturer and research assistant at the University of Zurich and was awarded the Walter Hug Prize for her doctoral thesis on arbitration clauses in articles of association of Swiss corporations. Since 2023, Valentina has acted as a part-time judge at the Princely Supreme Court in Liechtenstein.
Valentina is described by peers as "an expert litigator who combines expertise with technical excellence" and by clients as a "very knowledgeable, precise, meticulous and efficient lawyer who understands her clients' problems quickly and provides advice right to the point".
Practice Focus
Valentina advises parties in the field of dispute resolution and general contract law, with a focus on national and international disputes in commercial, construction and corporate law. She has represented parties in various commercial disputes before both international arbitral tribunals and state courts and regularly advises clients on project and contract management and dispute avoidance.
Representative Legal Matters
- Acted for a large German manufacturer in an ICC arbitration to enforce damages claims against its consortium partner in connection with delays incurred in the construction of a logistics automation facility located in an Asian country.
- Defended a large Swiss industrial group company against post-M&A claims raised by the buyer before Swiss state courts.
- Represented various large Swiss banks against customer claims in the context of Ukraine sanctions regime.
- Defended a German manufacturer in an ICC arbitration against claims raised in relation to a turbine provided for a power plant in a South American country.
- Represented a BVI investment holding company in SAC arbitration regarding post-M&A claims for outstanding earn-out payments UAE purchaser.
- Advised a large Swiss bank in relation to co-ownership dispute before state courts.
- Represented a large Swiss bank in enforcement of mortgage loan.
- Represented a Hungarian financial institution in enforcement proceedings against Cypriot debtor.
- Represented a Swiss manufacturer in SAC arbitration proceedings to enforce claims against Turkish business partner for outstanding purchase price.
- Acted for a German manufacturer in a SAC arbitration commenced by a former licensee over alleged license fee claims.
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Swiss Bar Association
- Zurich Bar Association
- ASA below 40
- ICC Young Arbitration and ADR Forum (YAAF)
Admissions
- Switzerland (2014)
Languages
- English
- German
- French
- Italian
Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG is a member of Baker & McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein.