Dr. Peter Reichart, LL.M.

Areas of expertise

Litigation, arbitration, corporate and commercial law, labor law, bankruptcy and insolvency, construction and agency.

Professional career

Associate (1999-2001) and Partner of Wartmann Merker (since 2002)
Lecturer at the University of St. Gallen (since 2023)
Trainee with Jenner & Block, Chicago (1999)
Associate with an international law firm in Zurich (1996-1998)
Clerkship at district court (1994-1996)
Legal Assistant to Prof. Dr. Walter R. Schluep (Chair for Swiss and European Private Law and Commercial Law) (1992-1994)

Education

University of Michigan Law School, LL.M., 1999
University of Zurich, Dr.iur., 1995 (summe cum laude, honored with the Prof. Dr. Walther Hug Price)
University of Zurich, lic.iur., 1991 (magna cum laude)

Member

ASA (Swiss Arbitration Association)
Zurich and Swiss Bar Associations
International Bar Association

Dr. Peter Reichart, LL.M.

Partner

Admitted: 1997

Languages: German, English

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).

The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 Edition recommends Peter Reichart in the practice area Litigation. “I have known Peter Reichart for many years. He is an excellent litigator with a brilliant mind, and exceptionally skilful in dealing with banking and finance disputes. Peter has the ability to present even the most complex topics in a clear, simple and understandable manner.” “I would like to especially mention the partner who was responsible for our case, Mr. Peter Reichart. His knowledge and experience in employment law is truly extraordinary. I have never read better, more stringent and more thoughtful court submissions than the ones drafted by Mr. Reichart. They are excellently written, very clear and to the point. Mr. Reichart has the ability to present even the most complex topics in an understandable and simple way. At the oral court hearing, he was equally convincing and his negotiation skills were impressive. I consider him the best I have met in this field.” (The Legal 500 EMEA 2023).

Peter Reichart is ranked in Chambers Global 2023 and Chambers Europe 2023 in the category Litigation - Switzerland: “Having Peter Reichart on our side in difficult situations provides maximum comfort and security.” according to a client. “Peter Reichart is a respected litigator who frequently acts for clients on banking and finance disputes. He is additionally well versed in money laundering and malpractice cases.”

“Peers highly recommend Peter Reichart for his adept handling of complex commercial and corporate litigation.” (Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2021)

“Mr. Reichart definitely has the ability to present even the most complex topics in an understandable and simple way. At the oral court hearing, he was equally convincing. His negotiations skills were simply impressive and, thanks to these skills, he achieved the best possible result. We will always be grateful for his unparalleled work and his great commitment.” (Legal 500 EMEA 2021)

Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2020 recognizes Peter Reichart as Thought Leader in Litigation. He is known for handling “high-profile, complex litigations in Switzerland, often in an international context”. One peer effuses: “Peter is probably one of the best lawyers you can get in Zurich in his field of expertise, notably commercial and employment litigation.”

“According to sources, he is a «very practical and solution-oriented lawyer with a clear focus on the critical issues.» Reichart also represents clients in malpractice cases and criminal litigation.” (Chambers Global 2020)

“Clients report that he «thinks quickly and understands complex problems quickly and correctly». Sources also highlight his «experience, structured approach and profound knowledge»” (Chambers Europe 2019).

Peter Reichart is recognized as litigator, garning support from clients for his “very pleasant co-operation during cases” (Chambers Europe 2018)

Who’s Who Legal, Switzerland 2018 (commercial litigation) recognizes Peter Reichart for his banking litigation practice and the depth of his commercial expertise. He is described by peers as “one of the big names” in the litigation market.

selected publications

Commentary on Arts. 15/16 und Art. 72/73 FinSA, in: Bahar/Watter (eds.), Basel Commentary on Financial Services Act / Financial Institutions Act, Basel 2023 [together with Marco Manzoni; in German]

Jurisdiction Clauses in Articles of Associations (in German), SZW 5/2021, p. 605 et seqq. [together with Felix Buff]

Denn sie wissen nicht, was wir tun – Ein Plädoyer für mehr Verständnis der Anwaltstätigkeit durch die Gerichte, ZZZ 55/2021, p. 597 et seqq.

speaking engagements

Speaker and workshop leader at the joint training conference of the Zurich courts and the Zurich Bar Association on the topic "Focus on Civil Procedure – The Instruction Hearing" on 26 October 2023

Speech at the 10th Zurich conference on responsibility in corporate law on 11 February 2020 of the Europa Institute at the University of Zurich on the topic "Causality, a new obstacle in corporate liability proceedings?"

Panelist at the 10th annual conference on civil procedural law on commercial court proceedings, Institute for Private International Law and Procedural Law (CIVPRO), 30 August 2019

all publications and speaking engagements