Biography
Valentina Hirsiger is a partner in Baker McKenzie Switzerland’s Arbitration and Litigation Practice Group. Prior to joining the Firm as an associate in 2016, Valentina was an associate lecturer and research assistant at the University of Zurich. She was awarded the Walter Hug Prize for her doctoral thesis on arbitration clauses in articles of association of Swiss corporations. Valentina also acted as a part-time judge at the Princely Supreme Court in Liechtenstein until 2025.
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
Representative Legal Matters
- Acted for a large German manufacturer in an ICC arbitration to enforce damages claims against its consortium partner regarding delays incurred in constructing a logistics automation facility 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 the 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 an SAC arbitration regarding post-M&A claims for outstanding earn-out payments from a UAE purchaser.
- Defended a large Korean manufacturer in an ICC arbitration to enforce a multimillion claim against a customer in relation to the nonfulfillment of a purchase contract.
- Represented a Swiss company offering AI solutions in relation to shareholder disputes before Swiss state courts.
- Advised a large Swiss bank in relation to a co-ownership dispute before state courts.
- Represented a large Swiss bank in the enforcement of a mortgage loan.
- Represented a Hungarian financial institution in enforcement proceedings against a Cypriot debtor.
- Represented a Swiss manufacturer in SAC arbitration proceedings to enforce claims against its Turkish business partner for its outstanding purchase price.
- Acted for a German manufacturer in an SAC arbitration commenced by a former licensee over alleged license fee claims.
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Member, Swiss Bar Association
- Member, Zurich Bar Association
- Member, ASA below 40
- Member, ICC Young Arbitration and ADR Forum
Admissions
- Switzerland (2014)
Education
- University of Zurich (Dr. iur. / PhD, summa cum laude) (2016)
- University of Zurich (MLaw, summa cum laude) (2012)
- Università degli Studi di Firenze (Exchange Student) (2011)
- University of Fribourg (BLaw, summa cum laude) (2010)
Languages
- English
- German
- French
- Italian