Buying a law firm in Switzerland
A useful first comparison of a law firm should connect the asking price with operating evidence, contractual rights and a workable transfer. Clients may not consent to transfer, key lawyers may leave and historic advice, missed deadlines or unreconciled client funds can create liability.
Operating economics of a law firm
Analyse recurring and active mandates, fee recovery, work in progress, partner remuneration, client concentration and realistic lawyer capacity. Exclude pipeline that has not been engaged.
Operational checks specific to a law firm
Review professional eligibility, conflicts, client consent, engagement terms, trust accounts, limitation dates, file quality, professional cover and data security.
Handover priorities for a law firm
Use a matter-by-matter plan for consent, conflicts, deadlines, files, client money, billing and the assumption of professional responsibility.
Related acquisition routes for a law firm
Keep the search broad enough to find adjacent opportunities, then compare the same evidence across each listing. Continue with Fiduciary company or Finance & insurance, or return to all companies for sale.
Questions buyers ask about a law firm
Which mandates and work in progress can legally transfer to the buyer?
Analyse recurring and active mandates, fee recovery, work in progress, partner remuneration, client concentration and realistic lawyer capacity. Exclude pipeline that has not been engaged.
Are conflicts, limitation dates and client-money balances controlled?
Review professional eligibility, conflicts, client consent, engagement terms, trust accounts, limitation dates, file quality, professional cover and data security.
How many clients depend personally on the selling partner?
Clients may not consent to transfer, key lawyers may leave and historic advice, missed deadlines or unreconciled client funds can create liability.
How will consent and professional responsibility transfer for open matters?
Use a matter-by-matter plan for consent, conflicts, deadlines, files, client money, billing and the assumption of professional responsibility.