Switzerland - like most developed nations - has no lack of rules and regulations. And no lack of lawyers to interpret and help apply them.

In the more than 10 years since the Ethereum Foundation came to Zug and used the legal services of MME to set up its foundation, the legal expertise of Switzerland’s leading law firms has been highly sought after as the crypto and blockchain industry has grown and developed.

These ten firms have made a name for themselves by combining experience in other fields with a focus on innovation, startups and venture capital to serve the Crypto Valley ecosystem.

Kellerhals Carrard

Founded nearly 150 years ago, Kellerhals Carrard has a strong footprint across Switzerland with a staff of over 500 employees. Its crypto experience is diverse and its partner, Cornelia Stengel, is a well-known within the Swiss and European space as an expert in the field. She serves on the expert committee on digitalization advising the Swiss Bankers Association and also is an advisor to the Swiss Blockchain Federation. Kellerhals Carrard has been recognized by BILANZ Magazine as one of the top law firms in Switzerland for banking and capital markets law.

MME Legal|Tax|Compliance

A pioneer in every sense of the word, MME Legal was founded by Dr. Luka Müller, Martin Eckert and Bernhard F. Meyer in 1999. Its involvement in the crypto space started early with its support of the Ethereum Foundation during its founding phase in Zug. MME later went on to work closely with Bitcoin Suisse during the red-hot ICO phase of 2016-2018 and continues to advise crypto and blockchain companies from around the world today.

*MME co-founder Dr. Luka Müller (left) on stage with Stephen Palley of Brown Rudnick in Zug 2017.*

MLL Legal

Officially named Meyer Lustenberger Lachenal Froriep, MLL Legal traces its history back to its founding in 1966. Today it operates from four offices in Switzerland and two (London and Madrid) internationally. In the summer of 2021, MLL merged with specialty firm Froriep to create its current composition. Both firms actively advised crypto and blockchain companies during the growth the Crypto Valley ecosystem. Blockchain, fintech and DLT are covered by partners Killian Schärli and Reto Luthiger.

LEXcellence

A boutique firm based in Baar and led by Dr. Katharina Lasota-Heller, LEXcellence was founded in 2018. Heller’s background from eastern Europe has positioned her firm to serve numerous from Poland, Ukraine and Russia who came to Switzerland to take advantage of the favorable regulatory conditions compared to their home countries. Heller is also closely involved with the Crypto Valley Association Regulatory and Policy Working Group.

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Wenger & Vieli

One of Switzerland’s more revered law firms - and narrowly focused, with offices in only Zurich and Zug - Wenger and Vieli was founded in 1971. With a staff of over 150 lawyers, the firm encompasses a wide range of expertise - from finance, capital markets to white collar crime and venture capital. The latter - combined with its dedicated startup desk helped position Wenger and Vieli as a close runner up to MME in the race to serve ICOs in Zug in 2016 and 2017. Former partner Dr. Martin Hess was instrumental in helping draft Switzerland’s unique DLT legislation which was passed into law in 2021.

Allegra Law

Founded in 2023 by former MME partner and FINMA regulator Marcel Hostettler, Allegra Law has a strong specialization in digital assets and crypto regulation. Allegra Law also counts Ricardo Schlatter, former legal counsel at the Swiss Digital Exchange (SDX) and Head Legal at Bitcoin Suisse among its staff.

CMS by Erlach Partners

One of the largest firms - and most international - with a footprint in the Swiss crypto and digital assets industry, CMS by Erlach Partners has increased its activities in the space over recent years - most prominently with the hiring of Tina Balzli as partner from PwC Legal. Balzli is a member of the Regulatory and Policy Working Group of the Crypto Valley Association.

LEXR

While built slightly differently than most law firms, LEXR provides legal advisory to clients and works closely with fintechs, crypto and blockchain companies. Its CEO and founder, Christian Meisser, is the brother of Bitcoin Suisse Chairman Luzius Meisser. LEXR partners with Akionariat - founded by Luzius Meisser - an innovative company helping firms tokenize their shares for sale on the blockchain.

Naegele Law

In the small country of Liechtenstein, Dr. Thomas Naegele has carved out a strong position in crypto and digital assets for the firm that bears his name. After several years of close cooperation with MME to serve token projects from outside of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Naegele continues to offer services to companies seeking access to the European Economic Area through the principality. He was instrumental in helping the draft the Liechtenstein Blockchain Law, also known as TVTG.

Blum & Grob

While the conservative law firm of Blum & Grob is not well-known for its services connected to blockchain and crypto, it has advised numerous clients in the space. Its expertise in capital markets law as well as experience dealing with Swiss regulators has made it a strong partner for up-and-coming companies in the crypto financial sector.

10 Top Swiss Law Firms Working in Crypto