Simon M. Hohler

Biography & Professional OverviewSimon M. Hohler is a partner at THOUVENIN and leader of the firm’s Zug office, with a concurrent practice in Zurich. He has worked at Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte since 2016 and advanced from associate to counsel before his promotion to partner on 1 January 2025. As a dispute-resolution lawyer in Switzerland, Simon M. Hohler focuses on domestic and international commercial arbitration as well as dispute resolution in the Swiss state courts, regularly advising and representing clients in high-stakes matters that require rapid tactical response and cross-border coordination. His practice spans enforcement and mutual legal assistance proceedings, interim relief applications and complex post-award enforcement and annulment work.Expertise & Practice FocusAs a dispute-resolution lawyer in Switzerland, Simon M. Hohler advises on a broad range of commercial disputes, including contractual disputes, construction & engineering claims, insurance & liability matters, M&A-related disputes, and insolvency and debt enforcement. He routinely accepts appointments and acts as counsel, sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator and presiding arbitrator in institutional and ad hoc proceedings under Swiss Rules, ICC, HKIAC, CAS and other rules. His work frequently involves parallel court proceedings — for example, interim measures, asset freezing orders and enforcement — giving clients integrated solutions that combine arbitration strategy with Swiss procedural enforcement know-how.Recent Notable Work & RecognitionOver the past year, Simon M. Hohler has strengthened his market recognition through both high-profile mandates and independent rankings. He was ranked individually in a leading international directory in 2026 for his work as an arbitrator, with client feedback highlighting his legal expertise, responsiveness and commercial approach. In 2026, he co-authored the Switzerland chapter of a prominent annual guide to international arbitration, consolidating his role as a commentator on current Swiss arbitration practice and recent legislative and procedural developments.On the case front, Simon M. Hohler led or co-led successful arbitration defence work on a major Swiss Rules arbitration for an international technology group, resulting in a final award dismissing the claimant’s claims and an award of legal costs to the client. He was also recognised in the Lexology Client Choice Awards for his client-focused arbitration work. These practical successes, together with directory recognition, underline his ability to obtain favourable dispute outcomes for institutional and corporate clients.In January 2026, Simon M. Hohler co-authored a practitioner guide on the partial revision of the warranty law in sales & works contracts, offering practical advice for contractors, buyers and project stakeholders on how the new rules affect defect claims and remedies.Education, Qualifications & Professional MembershipsSimon holds a Master of Law (MLaw) from the Universities of Lucerne and Neuchâtel and an LL.M. in International Business Regulation, Litigation & Arbitration from New York University School of Law. He completed the Swiss Arbitration Academy’s Arbitration Practitioner programme (ArbP) and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb). He was admitted to the Swiss bar in 2011 and is registered in the cantonal bar roll for Zug.He is an active member of the Swiss Arbitration Association (ASA), serves in the ASA Local Group Central Switzerland, and is listed as an arbitrator with the VQF Financial Services Standards Association. Simon M. Hohler is also involved with international arbitration bodies and professional networks, reflecting a practice that combines strong local roots with an established international reach.What Sets Him ApartSimon M. Hohler combines deep procedural knowledge of Swiss litigation and arbitration with a pragmatic, commercially oriented approach. Clients and peers routinely cite his responsiveness, clarity in problem analysis and the ability to frame legal positions in commercially meaningful terms. He is experienced in the tactical interplay between interim court relief and arbitral proceedings, and in the strategic use of Swiss enforcement mechanisms to secure assets and judgments across jurisdictions.Simon M. Hohler's dual capacity to act as arbitrator and counsel provides clients with a perspective that anticipates tribunal concerns and procedural risks. This practical courtroom and tribunal experience is complemented by his published commentary on Swiss case law and statutory reform, which helps clients navigate evolving risks in construction, commercial contracting and cross-border transactions.Thought Leadership & Community EngagementSimon M. Hohler is an active contributor to practitioner literature and firm publications, co-publishing the Thouvenin Arbitration Newsletter Switzerland and contributing chapters and country reports in comparative arbitration guides. He co-authored the Swiss chapter of a major international arbitration guide in 2026 and has written practitioner pieces on recent doctrinal and legislative developments that influence dispute resolution strategy in Switzerland.Beyond publications, Simon M. Hohler regularly engages with the arbitration community through speaking and participation in local and national arbitration events, support for student advocacy competitions and involvement in ASA local-group activities. These commitments reflect his interest in shaping practical and doctrinal debate while mentoring the next generation of dispute-resolution practitioners.Dispute-Resolution In Switzerland: Context & Why Specialist Advice MattersSwitzerland remains a pre-eminent seat for international arbitration due to its stable legal framework, pro-arbitration jurisprudence and reliable domestic courts for supportive measures and enforcement. Swiss procedural law and court practice are distinct and continually evolving, particularly in areas such as interim relief, annulment practice and enforcement of foreign awards. For parties engaged in cross-border disputes, specialist local counsel are essential to manage procedural timing, evidentiary requirements and enforcement strategy in multiple jurisdictions.Engaging a dispute-resolution lawyer in Switzerland who combines arbitration experience with state-court litigation skills can materially affect outcome and cost. Simon M. Hohler’s practice is designed to give in-house counsel and commercial parties predictable, enforceable solutions — from tactical interim applications to final award enforcement and post-award remedies.SummarySimon M. Hohler is recognised as a leading dispute-resolution lawyer in Switzerland with particular strength in commercial arbitration, construction-related disputes and enforcement work. His recent directory rankings, authorship of a national arbitration chapter, successful defence mandates and practitioner commentary on statutory reform demonstrate a blend of litigation skill, arbitration expertise and practical sector knowledge. He continues to represent corporates and financial-sector clients in complex, cross-border disputes and accepts appointments as arbitrator where his independence and procedural experience add value to tribunals and parties alike.