Dr. Peter Hafner, LL.M.

Areas of expertise

Commercial Litigation, international civil procedure, international legal assistance in civil and criminal matters, bankruptcy and insolvency, agency, construction, employment, data protection, corporate law, international commercial arbitration

Professional career

Partner of Wartmann Merker (since 2006)
Partner with a law firm in Zurich Specializing in criminal defense work (2005)
Associate (1994-1996 and 1998-2001) and Partner (2002-2004) with an international law firm in Zurich
Associate with Sullivan & Cromwell, New York (1997-1998)

Education

University of Michigan Law School, LL.M., 1997
University of Zurich, Dr.iur., 1994
University of Zurich, lic.iur., 1991

Member

Zurich and Swiss Bar Associations
ASA (Swiss Arbitration Association)

Dr. Peter Hafner, LL.M.

Partner

Admitted: 1993
(New York Bar 1998)

Languages: German, English, French

vCard

Phone: +41 44 212 10 11

CV PDF

Recognitions

Wartmann Merker is recognized by Chambers Europe 2023 and Chambers Global 2023 as a leading Swiss law firm (Switzerland: Litigation and Arbitration).

Peter Hafner is ranked by Chambers Global 2023 and Chambers Europe 2023 in the category Litigation - Switzerland: “Peter Hafner is an excellent litigator", according to clients and frequently assists with financial and post-M&A disputes. He acts for an impressive roster of domestic and international banking clients.

Peter Hafner is recognized by Who's Who Legal 2023, Switzerland - Commercial Litigation: "Peter Hafner is a favourite among clients who highlight his "exceptional analytical and research skills" whilst working on difficult disputes."

Peter Hafner is "highly skilled" (Chambers Global 2022).

Peter Hafner is recognized by Who's Who Legal 2021 as Thought Leader: “Peter Hafner is widely recognised in the Swiss market as a leading figure in banking, contract and private client dispute resolution.”

Peter Hafner is an exceptional lawyer and top litigator with “immense experience in banking litigation” (The Legal 500 EMEA 2021).

“Peter Hafner comes highly recommended thanks to his expert handling of a range of commercial disputes, from banking and insolvency to employment.” (Who's Who Legal 2020)

“Clients appreciate that he is able to «find creative solutions and deliver in time, and is really committed»” (Chambers Global 2020).

According to clients, his “knowledge and experience result in a very realistic assessment of the legal position” (Chambers Global 2019).

Peter Hafner is “a go-to name on banking litigation” and “well regarded for his knowledge of civil procedure” (Who's Who Legal, 2018). He is a “really great lawyer who is diligent and knowledgeable” (Who's Who Legal, 2017). He provides “sensible and commercial advice that gets results” (Who's Who Legal, 2016).

Clients say: “He's an extremely good lawyer and strong on the tactical side” (Chambers Global 2016).

Peter Hafner is a “prominent litigator, winning impressive plaudits from clients. «He has the essential qualities of a strong litigator. He stays calm, focused on the facts and is a successful negotiator» they report” (Chambers Global 2015).

“Peter Hafner’s «impeccable» handling of cases is praised by market sources, who highlight his analytical mind and meticulous approach. Hafner is noted in particular for representing clients in media, employment and criminal-related disputes” (Chambers Europe 2014).

selected publications

Review of emails from employees - requirements under labour and data protection law, AJP 2018, p. 1327 - 1338.

Recent Swiss case law on partial actions and its implications on labour disputes, in: ARV/DTA 4/2017, S. 251 ff. [together with Alexander Wintsch].

Commentary on Sec. 168 and 190–193, Commentary on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, eds. Spühler/Tenchio/Infanger, 3rd ed., Basel 2017.

speaking engagements

The revised corporate law provisions on restructuring: How to deal with risks of the Board of Directors from a civil procedure point of view, EIZ 9th Zurich conference on the Dept Enforcement and Bankruptcy Act.

Threat management at the workplace, EIZ 15th Conference on current topics in employment law, 29 September 2020

When is property legally cultural property? - 4th conference of the Swiss Art Market Association, 24. September 2018.

all publications and speaking engagements