Member Profile
Olivier Sigg
Partner | Walder Wyss
Office Location: Switzerland
Jurisdiction
Switzerland
Top Specialisms
Employment
Estates: Contentious
Estates: Planning
Connect
Professional Biography
Olivier Sigg is a partner in the Private Clients team and heads our Geneva office. He is known, both in Geneva and in London, where he worked for one year, as an expert in complex crossborder matters and is regularly instructed by foreign lawyers, in particular from common law jurisdictions. Olivier’s private client practice includes various estate-planning techniques. In particular, as a TEP expert, he specialises in trusts, foundations, last wills and testaments. He provides advice to international high-net-worth individuals on estate planning, asset protection, relocation and philanthropy (in particular, advice to international charities). His private client practice involves international succession litigation and trust disputes. Olivier also has a wealth of experience in employment law. He advises both employers and executives in contractual and contentious matters. In 2012, Olivier was appointed as a conciliatory judge with the Geneva Labour Court, and prior to that worked as a clerk with the same court for eight years. Earlier in his career, he worked at the Geneva Court of Appeal. Olivier is ranked as a leading private client lawyer by Chambers HNW, Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal. He has been described by Legal 500 as a 'savvy litigator' who is 'sought after for his personable manner and precise answers given in record time'. Olivier speaks French, Italian, English and Spanish. He is the Vice Chairman of STEP Geneva – the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Question : What drew you to specialise in private client law/ wealth advisory?
Answer: A formative experience in a single-family office during my student years introduced me to the private client industry.
Question : For lawyers entering private client law, what are key skills you think are essential?
Answer: Lawyers entering private client law must develop a unique blend of technical, interpersonal (such as empathy and emotional Intelligence), and strategic skills to succeed in this field.
Question : With the evolving landscape of the private client world, what are recent trends or shifts you are excited to explore?
Answer: High-net-worth individuals often have assets in multiple jurisdictions, increasing demand for legal services that can navigate complex international laws.
Question : Where is your favourite place to take a peer for a cocktail or coffee?
Answer: The Connaught Bar In London and Sauvage in Geneva.