Dr. Peter Hafner, LL.M.

Areas of expertise

Commercial Litigation, international civil procedure, international legal assistance in civil and criminal matters, bankruptcy and insolvency, ICT-law, 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

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Phone: +41 44 212 10 11

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Recognitions

Wartmann Merker recognized by Chambers Europe 2019 and Chambers Global 2019 as a leading Swiss law firm (Switzerland: Litigation and Arbitration).

Peter Hafner is individually recognized by Chambers for having «a strong focus on financial litigation, representing both banks and private individuals in disputes. Hafner also advises banks on freezing orders and outsourcing cases. According to clients, his «knowledge and experience result in a very realistic assessment of the legal position» (Chambers Global 2019). Peter «has a strong focus on litigation within the financial services sector, assisting with criminal proceedings and disputes relating to banking software systems and further expertise in bankruptcy and insolvency matters» (Chambers Global 2018). He is «a well-regarded litigator acting on bankruptcy, employment and general commercial mandates» (Chambers Europe 2017).
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)

Who’s Who Legal, Switzerland 2018 (commercial litigation) recognizes Peter Hafner as «a go-to name on banking litigation» and «well regarded for his knowledge of civil procedure». According to sources he is a «really great lawyer who is diligent and knowledgeable» (Who's Who Legal, 2017). In 2016, Peter Hafner had been recognized for providing «sensible and commercial advice that gets results».

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

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

Requirements under labour and data protection law on the review of emails of employees, St. Gall conference on labour law, 14 September 2018.

all publications and speaking engagements