Sectors
Energy & Commodities
Switzerland is one of the world’s largest hubs for energy and commodities, and Chabrier Avocats has earned an enduring reputation as legal experts in this sector. We take pride in our ability to deliver top-tier services in relation to every aspect of our clients’ business: from trade finance to infrastructure projects, from litigation and arbitration to regulatory and enforcement matters, or from sanctions and embargoes to renewables projects.
Our key focus areas are:
Trade Finance: trade finance has evolved to become a core focus for our team. We regularly advise to some of the world's largest trading companies, banks, funds and alternative lenders on a wide range of matters, including the drafting, negotiation, implementation, and enforcement of documentary credits and supply chain programs, import and export finance facilities, hedging and derivatives, structured trade finance, and receivables finance and asset-based lending.
International Sanctions: our team members are experts in sanctions regulations and regularly assist banks, trading companies, shipowners and private entrepreneurs in all their sanctions matters. Our team notably assists clients in (i) analyzing transactions and assessing potential sanctions risks, conducting investigations related to sanctions, including exposure assessments, (ii) handling enforcement cases (including communication with relevant regulators and authorities), and (iii) reviewing and/or drafting sanctions compliance programs and policies.
Commercial disputes and frauds: Chabrier Avocats boasts extensive experience representing clients before Swiss courts, prosecuting authorities and international arbitration tribunals in commodities disputes and frauds. Our distinct advantage lies in our expertise as energy and commodities specialists. This unique expertise and experience has allowed us to assist creditors and lenders on high profile trade finance frauds, international asset recovery cases and internal investigations. Using our international network of specialists, we are able to lead and coordinate teams of foreign lawyers, experts and forensic analysts for effective asset recovery and enforcement strategies.
Energy and Environment: Our firm has developed a unique expertise in the energy and renewables sector. We act for a wide range of actors across the industry, such as energy producers, grid operators, energy distributors and end-consumers. We provide contentious and non-contentious advice and assistance to state-controlled entities and private companies in all regulatory, contractual and construction aspects of their business and operations. We are very active in electricity production projects, such as solar and wind farms, as well as in electricity transport, local distribution and procurement. Finally, our team advises clients in relation to environmental issues, such as source water protection, clean air, contaminated land and toxic sites, non-ionizing radiation, emission trading, etc. We regularly publish and speak in these fields and collaborate regularly with cantonal and federal agencies.