Michael Lips

Michael Lips, Certified Specialist SBA Construction and Real Estate Law, is partner and head of Pestalozzi's Real Estate and Environment practice. He has long-standing experience in real estate, environmental and public procurement law. For years, he worked exclusively in this field, handling numerous transactions, contracts, public procurement and regulatory matters. He frequently represents clients before Swiss courts. He is recognized by Chambers, Legal 500, Best Lawyers and others.

Michael Lips' fields of expertise include commercial and residential leases, sales, pledges and encumbrances of real properties, building and other work contracts, real estate transactions including public private partnerships and all types of environmental issues. Michael Lips advises domestic and international business and private clients. He frequently advises on compliance and other regulatory matters such as the acquisition of real properties by non-Swiss residents and rural land rights. In public procurement law, Michael Lips regularly advises public authorities throughout the entire procurement process and related court litigation. He also advises bidders in preparing tenders and in related litigation. Michael Lips frequently publishes in his fields of expertise.

Michael Lips graduated from the Zurich University (lic.iur., 1997; Dr. iur., 2003) and from the University of Virginia (LL.M., 2004). He served at the District Court of Meilen for two years. Michael Lips was admitted to the bar in 2001 and joined Pestalozzi in 2002. In 2016, he obtained the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) Construction and Real Estate Law from Fribourg University. Since 2017, he is a Certified Specialist SBA Construction and Real Estate Law.

Legal 500 2018 lists Michael Lips as recommended partner and comments as follows: "The 'eloquent and professional' Michael Lips 'has exceptional depth and breadth of knowledge and takes a serious and cost-effective approach to his proposals'."

Chambers 2018 has upgraded Michael Lips to Band 4 and comments as follows: "Michael Lips leads the firm's real estate and environmental law offering, with strong expertise in transactional, leasing and regulatory matters. He is also well versed in public procurement matters, including contentious issues."

Chambers 2016 and 2017 list Michael Lips as recognised practitioner.

Legal 500 2016 upgraded Pestalozzi's real estate and construction practice to tier 2 and says: "Pestalozzi is especially strong with real estate transactions and dispute resolution. It recently advised UBS on the transfer of a CHF90m real estate portfolio. Anne Imhoff and Michael Lips have 'in-depth knowledge of real estate and construction law'".

Legal 500 2015 about Pestalozzi in real estate and construction: "Pestalozzi is especially strong with real estate portfolio transfers. Its 'excellent' team is headed by Anne Imhoff and Michael Lips, who have 'in-depth knowledge of real estate and construction
law'".

Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2015, Construction and Real Estate, recognises that "Michael Lips also garners high praise for his experience in the sector with clients commenting on his 'diligent manner'".

Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2014, Construction and Real Estate, about Michael Lips: "Peers have 'no hesitation in recommending' Michael Lips at Pestalozzi. His 'considerable experience' makes him a 'first choice for major clients'".

Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2013, Construction and Real Estate, listed Michael Lips as "key contact for high profile clients, for whom he acts on construction contracts and real estate portfolio development".

2017