Bespoke legal excellence for international entrepreneurs

Tatyana Davidoff, LL.M.

Tatyana Davidoff is a Partner at Davidoff Law. Her practice focuses on family offices and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) entrepreneurs.

Her areas are –  Banking Law, Financial and Capital Market & Instruments Law, Fund Law, M&A – mergers and acquisitions, Relocation and Real Estate transactions, Escrow Deals, Blockchain and Technology Law and Family Law (worldwide).

Geographically, she focuses on the UK, Switzerland, Central Europe, UAE and Hong Kong. 

With over 30 years of professional experience in Swiss banking and asset management   – Tatyana brings unparalleled expertise to mandates involving regulatory representation, cross-border compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) policies.

She managed capital market instruments and mutual funds up to CHF 10 bn and was Global Head of the Due Diligence Office – at the world’s biggest international banks. Her wealth of experience ensures strategic insights and precision in addressing complex legal and financial matters.

A sought-after speaker at conferences in London and Zurich, Tatyana publishes articles on topics of economics and law.

She is the President of the family charity foundation in Zurich (www.gd-foundation.com), with the decade of the well-known initiatives in society, academia, culture, and sports.

Tatyana has a Master of Law degree in International Business Law (LL.M.) from the University of Zürich (UZH) and two more Masters Degrees – in Economics and Mathematics. She studied at the major Universities in Switzerland, UK and Georgia.

Read the full profile of Tatyana Davidoff

Dr Ariel Sergio Davidoff, LL.M.

Ariel Sergio Davidoff advises UHNWI entrepreneurs, their companies, family offices, and families on complex cross-border law matters. His work covers M&A, contract and commercial law, licences and listings, private markets in debt and equity, escrow transactions, equine law, relocation, real estate, and art.

A distinctive part of Ariel Sergio Davidoff’s law practice is his work in governmental relations and defence. Clients value his experience in sensitive mandates, international structures, and strategic business matters.

Geographically, Ariel Sergio Davidoff focuses on the United Kingdom and the United States, followed by Switzerland and Monaco, the Middle East, and Hong Kong. This international law background supports mandates that require commercial judgment across several jurisdictions.

Alongside his legal work, Ariel Sergio Davidoff serves on the boards of selected international companies, associations, charities, and foundations.

He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Business Law from the University of Zurich, awarded magna cum laude. He has been a full member of STEP since 1999 and is also a qualified board member through the University of Berne. His additional academic background includes degrees in business administration, including a doctoral degree.

Ariel leads the Swiss Desk of the UK law firm W Legal and serves as a cooperation partner with the Austrian firm LAW & CO.

Read the full profile of Dr Ariel Sergio Davidoff

Theodor M. A. Davidoff

Theodor Davidoff supports the firm’s partners in legal research, case preparation, administration, marketing and communications, and the coordination of strategic projects and client engagements. He is ADC.

Following his graduation from Zurich’s Gymnasium Rämibühl, he gained experience through an internship at a leading Zurich auction house, with a particular focus on Swiss art. He is actively involved in his family’s private office activities and serves on the board of the family’s Swiss charitable foundation. Theodor successfully qualified as a Platoon Commander of the Swiss Armed Forces. He is currently studying law at the University of Zurich.

With a strong international outlook and fluency in several languages, he contributes to a broad range of matters involving entrepreneurs, private clients, family offices and cross-border projects.

Megan Waldmeier, BLaw

Megan Waldmeier is an Associate of Davidoff Law and, as an accomplished, award-winning rider, is part of the equine law team. She also supports clients with research and investigations.

Kerstin Neeb

Kerstin is an Associate of the law firm and supports clients in project management for takeovers, regulatory issues, and other fields.

Elio Casalino

Elio Casalino read law at La Sapienza in Rome, graduating in 1972 with full marks. He then joined the Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato in Rome, where he worked until 1978 on research in company and planning law, edited the series Studi di interesse notarile and liaised with parliamentary committees.

He was admitted as an avvocato in 1976 and appointed a notary in 1977, taking office in 1978 in the joint notarial districts of Trento and Rovereto. He sat on the Trento notarial council from 1980 until 1987, and has practised as a notary in Rome since 1987. The Civil Court of Rome appointed him among the notaries delegated for enforcement proceedings and judicial auction sales.

Since 2024, having reached the statutory age limit for notaries, he has been a member of the Rome Bar and continues to advise through Studio Notarile e Legale Casalino and Partners, in association with the Roman notary Alessandro Di Zillo.

His work covers the disposal of publicly owned real estate, construction and planning law, corporate and banking matters including securitisations and structured finance, and private international law, in particular the establishment of trusts and the assistance of foreign investors in Italy.

Agnieszka Kalinowska

Agnieszka is a legal counsel with many years of experience working with renowned international companies and law firms.

She specialises in legal issues of new technologies, copyright law, contract law and personal data, focusing on the IT industry (including cloud-based solutions, AI solutions, and international data flow). She has been involved in numerous projects related to preparing and negotiating IT contracts, including implementation, service and development, licensing and reseller agreements. Agnieszka provides also legal services in the area of digital operational resilience on the grounds of the DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act Regulation), regarding the implementation of its legal requirements.

As an active horse rider and horse enthusiast, Agnieszka is also a seasoned lawyer specializing in sports law, focusing on equestrian law. She possesses extensive knowledge and experienced insight in the realm of equestrian sports and horse breeding, and therefore, she successfully extends her practices internationally.

Agnieszka prepares and verifies contracts for industry participants, including, but not limited to, riders, trainers, sponsors, horse breeders, veterinarians, owners of equestrian centres, etc. In today’s globalised equestrian market, it is vital to assess the risks associated with international horse transactions, including auctions, to secure the best position for a client. Agnieszka provides expert advice and skillfully negotiates conditions of purchase and sale agreements on behalf of clients.

Agnieszka is also the author of publications on equestrian law (e.g., Horse & Business Magazine, Horse International) and a speaker at conferences and equestrian events (e.g., Horse and Business Academy and Poznań Equestrian Conference during CAVALIADA TOUR).

Agnieszka studied at Libera Università Maria Ss. Assunta in Rome is a School of Italian and European Law graduate at the University of Warsaw in collaboration with Università di Catania and Università Sacro Cuore di Milano. For an introductory meeting regarding legal advice on equestrian sports or related matters, please get in touch with Agnieszka.

Gregor Kleinknecht, LLM MCIArb

Gregor Kleinknecht is a dual-qualified German Rechtsanwalt and English Solicitor, specialising in international commercial dispute resolution, and is well known for his practice in art, cultural property and luxury assets law. He is also a mediator and arbitrator with the Camera Arbitrale di Venezia, the dedicated dispute resolution service for art and cultural heritage claims.

Gregor assists the firm’s clients with both transactional and dispute-resolution work involving art, antiques, cultural property, and a wide range of other collecting categories, including classic cars, watches, wine, and whisky. His clients have included private collectors, foundations, family offices, artists, galleries, dealers, auctioneers, art consultants, funding organisations and landed estates across the world. Gregor also advises and has successfully acted for clients in Holocaust restitution claims and has advised source-country governments on the restitution and repatriation of antiquities.

Gregor’s expertise is recognised by all of the leading legal directories. The Legal 500 directory describes Gregor as a “standout partner and litigation specialist” and a “tough litigator” in art and cultural property, and the Chambers directory describes him as “one of the few I would think of as being an art market specialist” and praises his “enormous skill with art law, and his ability to handle difficult art legal issues with immense presence and skill”. The Spear’s 500 directory describes him as “outstanding in field” and recognises him as a “top recommended” art lawyer.

Gregor is a native German speaker, fluent in English, and proficient in French. Gregor is a board member and immediate past chair of PAIAM (the Professional Advisers to the International Art Market); a founding member of the Lawyers’ Committee for Cultural Heritage Preservation; a member of the Steering Committee for Art & Cultural Heritage of the American Bar Association, Section of International Law; a member of the IAL (Institute of Art and Law); Art Law Foundation; Fondation Maeght; The Arts Club; Glasgow Art Club; GRRC (Goodwood Road Racing Company); and holds a Motorsport UK competition licence. He frequently speaks and publishes on art and luxury asset law-related topics.

Emma Lerner

Emma is an English solicitor specialising in dispute resolution, sanctions and corruption, and corporate and commercial law.

John Luigi Megginson

John Luigi Megginson is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in private office and luxury brand management. He spent five years managing a prominent family office, overseeing UHNWI affairs, multi-jurisdictional assets, and private client services.

In addition, John Luigi successfully led an international luxury fashion brand, driving global partnerships and operational growth. Fluent in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective and deep expertise in family office management. Based in Monaco, he provides strategic guidance to clients seeking bespoke private and corporate solutions.

Thomas Meier

Thomas Meier is a seasoned trust expert with over 40 years of professional experience in the financial and fiduciary sectors. After completing his training at Schweizerische Bankgesellschaft (now UBS) and gaining international experience in Paris and London, he held various leadership roles (including as CEO) at prestigious institutions such as Rothschild Trust Management AG and the trust division of HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA. From 2005 to June 2018, he served as Executive Director responsible for marketing and acquisition at Paicolex Trust Management AG in Küsnacht. He has also served as a board member for trust companies in the Isle of Man, the Caribbean, and Cyprus.

Thomas Meier has been a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) since 1993 and served several years as Vice President of the Swiss Association of Trust Companies (SATC). Since 2018, he has been a member of the advisory board of this organization. Additionally, he is a Non-Executive Director for companies in Geneva and Zurich. His extensive expertise and international network make him a highly respected advisor in the trust industry.

Michel Meyer

Michel Meyer has over 20 years of experience in national and international finance, private banking, and family office management, most recently leading a multi-family office. With extensive and profound expertise in the financial sector, he provides personalized and comprehensive support to his clients.

Michel considers himself an approachable, discreet, and competent leader who places great value on building trust-based, long-term relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. His proven track record demonstrates his ability to effectively address complex challenges and develop sustainable solutions.

His particular strength lies in building and maintaining trusting, long-lasting client relationships while consistently focusing on sustainable growth and measurable results.

Laura Nanette Gambineri-Giese, LL.M., TEP

Laura Nanette Gambineri-Giese is Vice President for UHNWIs & Family Offices at Crown Global Life Insurance Group, where she advises ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families and their professional advisers on international private placement life insurance (PPLI), with a particular focus on clients with US and UK tax connections residing outside of Switzerland. 

Alongside her work in international insurance planning, Laura Nanette Gambineri-Giese is a Founder of Trusted Governance, where she helps families navigate the governance and intergenerational dynamics that often determine the long-term success of technical planning.

Laura Nanette Gambineri-Giese is a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), holds an LL.M. with Distinction in International Banking and Finance Law, and regularly lectures and speaks on international wealth planning, PPLI and family governance. She is based in Zurich, Switzerland, and is fluent in English and German.

Geraldine Noel

Geraldine’s legal career spans more than 30 years, with positions held in the UK, Switzerland, the US, Malta, and the Cayman Islands, and experience including legal, tax, and corporate services. Widely recognised and acknowledged for her professional achievements, which include winning the Citywealth Power Women Award for three consecutive years, Geraldine is a registered barrister in England and Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

Michael Pérez

Lic. iur. Michael Pérez, a Swiss and Spanish national, completed his legal training in Switzerland and then worked as a lawyer there for several years.  In 2006, he received his license to practice law in Austria. Since then, he has been responsible, in particular, for our clients with bilateral ties with Switzerland and Austria, in line with the “one-stop shop” principle. His focus is on legal issues related to the settlement of businesses, as well as cross-border distribution and sales activities. Due to his role as a member of the board and legal counsel at the Chamber of Commerce of Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein (www.hk-schweiz.at), Lic. iur. Michael Pérez also has access to valuable contacts, especially in the areas of economy and trade in all three countries. Thanks to its close, long-standing cooperation with a trusted notarial office in Vienna, our firm can support clients efficiently and reliably with notarial matters in Austria as well.

Rupert Ramsay

Rupert is a Founding Partner of Ramsay&Reyes Law, a BVI law firm headquartered in the British Virgin Islands with an unrivalled ability to provide on-the-ground advice to clients from the heart of Switzerland.

Rupert has extensive experience in private practice, having worked in London, Geneva, and Zurich. His practice typically covers complex cross-jurisdictional corporate structuring and trust-related advice on private client structures administered from Switzerland. He also advises on BVI economic substance and leads the BVI banking and finance practice.

Rupert acts for a wide range of internationally based clients, including trust companies, high-net-worth individuals, family businesses, family offices, private banks and law firms.

Before founding Ramsay&Reyes Law, Rupert was a Group Partner at a global offshore law firm and, before that, managed the BVI desk of a major international law firm directly from Switzerland.

Rupert is admitted to practice law in the British Virgin Islands and England and Wales.

Eugenio Segalerba

Eugenio is an Italian Avvocato, admitted to the Ordine degli Avvocati of Genoa since 1998 and qualified to practise before the Higher Courts.

He advises Italian and international clients, including corporate entities and private individuals, on a broad range of civil law matters.

His areas of practice include commercial and company law, contracts, property and rights in rem in immovable property, trusts, and arbitration.

E. David Smith Esq.

David Smith, Esq., is the principal of Smith & Associates and serves as outside general counsel for both U.S. and international companies, family enterprises, and family offices. He expertly guides clients in wealth creation and growth, positioning business entities for opportunities, and risk mitigation, including asset preservation. With extensive experience in corporate transactions, capital raising, corporate governance, litigation, and intellectual property, David provides strategic guidance and addresses core legal issues. A graduate of UC Berkeley and Tulane University School of Law, he is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and various federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. David is also an active member of multiple prestigious professional organisations and frequently moderates panels and presents on topics related to business and family office law.

Alexander Graf Strachwitz

Alexander Graf Strachwitz is the founder of Graf Strachwitz Capital Partners GmbH. He has over 15 years of experience in asset management, alternative Investments and financial markets. With a strong performance track record, Alexander specialises in alternative solutions, investments, asset management, off-market deals, real estate, and strategic growth.

Shimon Takagi

Shimon Takagi has been a licensed Japanese attorney-at-law (Bengoshi) since 1990. He is also admitted as a U.S. attorney in the State of New York. He handles matters in the areas of corporate and tax law, corporate transactions (acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances), structured finance (bank, asset-based and project finance), securities, real estate and commercial and tax litigation for Japanese and non-Japanese clients.

Maria Theocharous

Maria graduated with a Law degree from the University of Cyprus and subsequently attained a Master’s degree in International Shipping Law at Queen Mary University of London. She was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Association. Currently, Maria is undertaking her Ph.D. in International Shipping Law.

Maria amassed significant experience as an advocate in Limassol, where she expertly handled complex corporate, commercial, and shipping law matters.

In her current role with the law firm Totalserve in Cyprus, Maria is dealing with corporate and commercial law. She is highly regarded for her proficiency in drafting and reviewing comprehensive corporate agreements and managing intricate legal transactions. Moreover, she is a trusted advisor on shipping-related matters, both administrative and legal, leveraging her extensive expertise in international shipping law.

Maria’s dedication to her field, combined with her strategic approach and commitment to delivering exceptional client service, positions her as a highly sought-after legal expert and advisor.

Christoph Wagner

Christoph Wagner, Partner at Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek and Notary in Berlin, has been admitted as a lawyer since 1993 and as a notary since 2000. He advises national and international clients on medical law, medical device law, real estate law and banking supervisory law, with longstanding experience in the automotive and healthcare sectors. In addition to his legal practice, he serves as a notary and publishes regularly on medical and real estate law.

Raphael Nikola Züger

Raphael Nikola Züger, Founding and Managing Partner of ZÜGERLAW, is an experienced Attorney-at-Law and Public Notary specialising in corporate law, capital markets law, and digital assets law. He provides tailored advice to national and international clients and has expertise in regulatory matters across Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Europe. He offers notarial services and strategic legal counsel, emphasizing his clients’ economic needs.