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. 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 works for public authorities throughout the entire procurement process and related court litigation. He also advises bidders in preparing tenders and in related litigation. Michael Lips advises domestic and international business and private clients. He frequently represents clients before Swiss courts.
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 2022 cites the following testimonial: "Michael Lips is absolutely top in terms of competence and character."
Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2022, Construction and Real Estate, says: "Michael Lips receives effusive praise from sources impressed with his unmatched expertise in construction, real estate and public procurement."
Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2022, Environment, says: "Michael Lips is renowned for his encyclopaedic knowledge of environmental law, particularly pertaining to the real estate sector."
Chambers 2022 cites the following testimonial: "He is responsive and pragmatic."
Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2021, Construction and Real Estate, says: "Michael Lips is recognised as a 'top legal scholar' who sources recommend for his outstanding ability in public procurement matters."
Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2021, Environment, says: "Michael Lips is a top name in environmental law, highly sought after for his leading expertise in environmental regulatory and transactional matters."
Legal 500 2021 cites the following testimonial: "Michael Lips is very experienced in real estate transactions."
Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2020, Construction and Real Estate, says: "Michael Lips possesses a sweeping knowledge of real estate law and is recognised in particular for his great 'focus on public procurement'."
Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2020, Environment, says: "Michael Lips is a long-standing fixture in the Swiss market, renowned for his invaluable insights into environment-related regulation and transactions."
Legal 500 2020 cites the following testimonial: "Michael Lips has the outstanding ability to get to the point."
Chambers 2020 acknowledges that "Michael Lips has a wide-ranging practice that encompasses real estate transactions as well as commercial and residential leases. He has further experience in handling construction issues."
Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2019, Construction and Real Estate, says: "Michael Lips is 'an excellent real estate lawyer' who is regarded as a specialist in all areas of real estate and environmental law in Switzerland."
Who's Who Legal Switzerland 2019, Environment, says: "Michael Lips draws high praise from sources who consider him an expert in regulatory matters and commend his in-depth knowledge of environmental law."
Legal 500 2019 praises "the 'exceptional' team of partner Michael Lips and associates Andrea Rohrer and Larissa Rickenbacher" and comments as follows: "Pestalozzi 'provides efficient, solution-oriented advice and has an excellent understanding of its clients' industry and needs'."
Chambers 2019 comments as follows: "Interviewees note Michael Lips' 'excellent knowledge of real estate law' and further highlight his ability to take into account specific cantonal rules. He is experienced handling lease agreements, construction issues and property acquisitions."
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."
Who's Who Legal Environment 2018 again lists Michael Lips as leading practitioner in this field.
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".
