M.A. HSG Dominic Hägler, LL.M.

Dominic is an experienced litigator who regularly represents both companies and individuals before state courts. His primary areas of practice include commercial, contract and corporate disputes, with a particular focus on the financial industry. He is also specialised in directors' and officers' liability cases, enforcement and asset recovery proceedings, as well as white-collar crime matters. Additionally, Dominic represents clients before arbitration tribunals (ICC, Swiss Rules, ad hoc) and serves as an arbitrator.
Education
University of St. Gallen (HSG), CAS in Law & Management (2020)
New York Bar Exam (2018, non-practicing)
Columbia Law School, LL.M. (2016)
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, CAS in Forensics (2013)
Swiss Bar Admission (2013)
University of St. Gallen (HSG), M.A. in Law (2010)
University of St. Gallen (HSG), B.A. in Law (2009)
Professional Career
Partner at Wartmann Merker (since 2024)
Senior Associate at Wartmann Merker (2021–2023)
Senior Associate and Associate at an international law firm in Zurich (2016–2021)
Military Investigating Judge (2014–2018)
Law Clerk at the District Court of Baden (2012–2015)
Junior Associate at an international law firm in Zurich (2010–2011)
Recent Cases
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Representation of a UK company in the pursuit of claims exceeding USD 70 million under a steel trading contract, against a Swiss commodity trader, a subsidiary of a global mining and commodity trading group. This case included a published decision by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court on jurisdiction: BGer 4A_19/2023.
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Acting for a Swiss bank in a lawsuit brought by 29 former clients, seeking over USD 20 million in damages related to loss-making investments made by their external asset manager.
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Defense of a member of the board of directors of a Swiss company in court proceedings against claims related to liability arising from the company’s incorporation.
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Successful representation of a Swiss bank in claims against a customer arising from a current account agreement (including counterclaim by the customer and criminal proceedings). Published Federal Supreme Court decision: BGer 4A_131/2024.
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Acting as counsel for a Turkish construction company in two ICC arbitration proceedings against a Qatari real estate and hotel company in relation to contracts concerning two luxury hotel projects (amount in dispute: USD 10 million).
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Representing a board member of a bankrupt Swiss stock corporation in defence against creditor claims related to directors' liability under company law.
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Acting as counsel for a Swiss bank in a post-M&A dispute before an ad hoc arbitral tribunal (amount in dispute > CHF 160 million).
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Provided representation and advisory services to a family office in connection with civil and criminal claims against managers of a trade finance fund.
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Representing an attorney before the Zurich Supervisory Commission for Attorneys in connection with an alleged violation of professional conduct rules.
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Representation of a client against their former asset manager for claims arising from breaches of duty.
Memberships
Zurich Bar Association
Swiss Bar Association
ZAV U-40: Member of the Board
ASA (Swiss Arbitration Association)
ASA Below 40
Languages
German
English
Contact
P+41 44 212 10 11 F+41 44 212 15 11
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“Dominic is a rising star in the team and a valued co-counsel on the matter on which we have worked.“Legal 500 EMEA 2024 Edition (Litigation)
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"The team gives excellent legal advice, is extremely reliable and is always coming up with the most pragmatic solutions".Chambers Global 2024
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"The firm has an exceptionally prompt, pragmatic, precise and clear approach to explaining its strategy and shows great creativity in its proposed solutions."Chambers Global 2023
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"Personable, commercially minded lawyers who are goal-focused."Legal 500 2024