PBM Avocats: Geneva Law Firm Delivering Tailored Swiss Legal Solutions

PBM Avocats is a geneva-lawyers.com based law firm registered with the bar associations of the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. With more than 21 lawyers who are fluent in French, English, Italian, German, Spanish and Albanian, the firm combines deep Swiss legal expertise with a strong focus on accessible, personalized support.

Whether you are an individual, an entrepreneur, a growing company or an international group, PBM Avocats offers both advisory and litigation services across a broad spectrum of Swiss law. From banking and finance to family and divorce, from labour and gender equality to real estate and construction, the firm is structured to guide you through complex situations with clarity and strategic precision.

A Dynamic Geneva Law Firm Focused on Your Interests

Since its creation, PBM Avocats has consistently placed client interests at the centre of every mandate. Instead of a one size fits all approach, the firm emphasises:

  • Personalised guidance tailored to your objectives, risks and constraints.
  • Clear, practical advice designed to help you make confident decisions.
  • Close collaboration between lawyers across practice areas for coherent, 360 degree strategies.
  • Efficient procedures in both negotiations and proceedings before Swiss authorities and courts.

Located in the heart of Geneva, PBM Avocats can meet you in person or remotely by videoconference, making high level Swiss legal support easy to access wherever you are based.

Who PBM Avocats Assists

The range of services at PBM Avocats reflects the diversity of its clients. The team regularly supports:

  • Private individuals facing questions about employment, family and divorce, inheritance, traffic offences, criminal investigations, tenancy or immigration.
  • Employees and executives needing strategic support on dismissal, bonus disputes, non competition clauses or discrimination and gender equality issues.
  • Entrepreneurs, SMEs and start ups looking for help with company set up, shareholders' agreements, contracts, financing, compliance or disputes.
  • Financial institutions and investors active in banking, capital markets, private equity or FinTech.
  • Real estate professionals and property owners involved in transactions, construction, leases or neighbourhood issues.
  • Foreign nationals and their families dealing with Swiss residence permits, work permits, family reunification or naturalisation.

In each scenario, the emphasis is on pragmatic, results oriented solutions, with a clear explanation of your options under Swiss law.

The Advantage of a Multilingual Geneva Law Firm

Legal issues often arise in cross border contexts, particularly in a global city such as Geneva. PBM Avocats offers a significant advantage here: its lawyers are proficient in six languages, namely French, English, Italian, German, Spanish and Albanian.

This multilingual capacity means that:

  • You can discuss your situation in a language you are comfortable with, which is crucial when decisions have important personal or financial consequences.
  • Your lawyer can communicate smoothly with foreign counterparties, authorities or partners when a matter has an international dimension.
  • Written advice, contracts and legal analyses can be prepared in the language that best suits your project or your internal organisation.

For international clients operating in Switzerland or relocating to the region, this combination of Swiss legal know how and multilingual communication is particularly valuable.

Comprehensive Expertise Across Swiss Law

PBM Avocats covers a broad range of Swiss legal fields. The firm is structured so that each client benefits from specialised knowledge while still enjoying a coordinated, global view of their case.

Swiss Banking and Finance Law

Geneva is a major financial centre, and PBM Avocats provides support to banks, asset managers, investors, FinTech players and companies seeking financing. The firm assists in areas such as:

  • Financing and leasing arrangements for businesses and projects.
  • Financial market regulation and compliance with Swiss regulatory requirements.
  • Capital markets law, including issues related to securities and financial instruments.
  • FinTech, covering innovative financial services, digital platforms and related regulatory questions.
  • Private equity, from structuring investments to managing exits.

The goal is to design secure, efficient structures that support your financial strategy while respecting Swiss regulatory frameworks.

Tax Law in Switzerland

Tax questions arise in almost every important decision, whether personal or corporate. PBM Avocats can assist you in:

  • Understanding Swiss direct and indirect tax implications for your transactions or investments.
  • Structuring business operations and reorganisations in a tax efficient manner within the boundaries of the law.
  • Managing interactions with tax authorities and supporting you in tax related disputes.

By integrating tax considerations from the beginning, the firm helps you avoid unpleasant surprises and align your legal strategy with your financial objectives.

Swiss Labour Law and Gender Equality

Employment relationships are central to professional and personal stability. PBM Avocats advises both employees and employers on all aspects of Swiss labour law, including:

  • Private sector labour law, from employment contracts to termination.
  • Dismissal disputes and negotiation of settlements.
  • Gender equality law and discrimination claims.
  • Civil servants law and public sector employment issues.
  • Collective bargaining agreement disputes and the interpretation of CBAs.

The firm aims to protect your rights, secure your position and, when possible, find negotiated solutions that preserve relationships while safeguarding your interests.

Corporate Law, Start Ups and Mergers and Acquisitions

For entrepreneurs and companies, sound corporate structuring is crucial. PBM Avocats offers corporate law support covering:

  • Organisation and governance of Swiss companies, including the role and duties of the board of directors.
  • Shareholders' agreements to define rights, obligations and exit mechanisms between partners.
  • Start up support, from incorporation to financing rounds.
  • Mergers and acquisitions (M&A), including due diligence, contract negotiation and closing.

The focus is on creating structures that facilitate growth, manage risks and provide clarity to all stakeholders.

Competition and Antitrust Law

Swiss and international competition rules can have a direct impact on commercial strategies, distribution networks and cooperation agreements. PBM Avocats assists clients with:

  • Antitrust and unfair competition law analyses.
  • Interactions and procedures involving the Competition Commission (COMCO).
  • Review of commercial practices to reduce competition law risks.

With this support, businesses can develop their markets while respecting the boundaries set by Swiss competition law.

Intellectual Property, Commercial and Contract Law

Contracts and intangible assets are at the heart of most commercial activities. PBM Avocats provides assistance in:

  • Intellectual property matters linked to the use and protection of creations, brands or know how.
  • Commercial contracts such as distribution, agency, franchise and supply agreements.
  • Computer and IT contracts connected to digital services and software.
  • Consumer credit, vehicle, sales and travel contracts, ensuring compliance with Swiss legal requirements.
  • Public procurement, loan and brokerage contracts, as well as various corporate agreements.

The firm prioritises clear, well structured contracts that prevent disputes and protect your commercial interests.

Criminal and Traffic Law

Facing a criminal investigation or traffic offence can be stressful and complex. PBM Avocats offers criminal law expertise including:

  • Traffic law and driving related offences.
  • Economic criminal law and white collar matters.
  • Administrative criminal law and sanctions by authorities.
  • Military and juvenile criminal law, where specific rules apply.
  • General criminal law and the law on assistance to victims of crime.

The firm defends your rights at each stage of the procedure and explains your options in clear, accessible language.

Real Estate, Construction and Tenancy

Real estate and construction projects involve significant financial commitments and strict regulatory frameworks. PBM Avocats advises on:

  • Spatial planning and zoning issues.
  • Building and real estate law in general, including permits and compliance.
  • Neighbourhood law and disputes between property owners.
  • Building contract law for contractors and owners.
  • Rent and lease law for both landlords and tenants.
  • Mortgages for craftsmen and contractors to secure payment.

For tenancy matters, the firm assists with issues such as rent reductions, rent disputes, release of guarantees and inventories of fixtures on departure. The objective is to protect your investment and minimise conflict.

Family, Divorce and Marital Protection

Family law matters combine legal, financial and emotional dimensions. PBM Avocats supports clients in:

  • Divorce and separation, including negotiation of agreements and representation in court.
  • Measures for the protection of the marital union, such as interim arrangements during a crisis.
  • Dissolution of registered partnerships.

The firm works to preserve what matters most to you, from parental authority and custody to the division of property and financial arrangements, always with a view to sustainable solutions.

Immigration and Foreigners Law

Switzerland offers many opportunities, but the legal framework for residence and work is precise. PBM Avocats advises and represents clients in:

  • Asylum law procedures.
  • Residence and settlement permits for various categories of foreign nationals.
  • Work permits and short term employment authorisations.
  • Family reunification applications.
  • Naturalisation and acquisition of Swiss nationality.

By guiding you through the procedures and requirements, the firm helps you build your personal and professional life in Switzerland on a solid legal basis.

Asset Recovery, Debt Collection and Bankruptcy

Unpaid debts can endanger the stability of individuals and businesses. PBM Avocats offers support across the Swiss system of debt collection and bankruptcy, including:

  • Identification of debtors and their assets.
  • Requisition of proceedings and launching collection measures.
  • Motions to discharge, sequestration and bankruptcy when required.
  • Actions for discharge of debt and related court procedures.
  • Actions to cancel proceedings and contest the statement of collocation.

The aim is to maximise your chances of recovery while using procedures in a strategic, cost conscious way.

Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Arbitration

When conflict cannot be prevented, effective dispute resolution becomes essential. PBM Avocats is active in:

  • Civil litigation before Swiss courts.
  • Criminal litigation for both defendants and victims.
  • Administrative litigation involving Swiss authorities and decisions.
  • Arbitration, a private and often international form of dispute resolution.
  • Mediation, when a negotiated outcome is preferable.

Because the firm also offers strong advisory services, its lawyers can anticipate disputes and position your case favourably from the very beginning of a relationship or project.

Litigation and Advisory Under One Roof

One of the strengths of PBM Avocats is the combination of advisory work and litigation within the same team. This integrated approach delivers several concrete benefits:

  • Advisory lawyers draft contracts and structures with real litigation experience in mind, reducing the risk of future disputes.
  • Litigators understand how a matter was structured and negotiated, which helps them build strong, coherent arguments if a dispute arises.
  • Clients enjoy continuity of support, from the first legal question to the enforcement of judgments or agreements.

This combination is particularly valuable in areas like corporate transactions, real estate projects, banking and finance, employment relationships and long term commercial partnerships.

Transparent Fees and Accessible Appointments

PBM Avocats is committed to making high quality legal services understandable, not only in terms of law but also in terms of cost. To that end, the firm offers:

  • An initial 60 minute consultation from CHF 220, allowing you to present your situation to a specialised lawyer and obtain a first analysis.
  • Case specific cost estimates after this first meeting, so that you can decide in full knowledge of the financial implications whether to proceed with representation.
  • Appointments in person or by videoconference, according to your preferences and availability.

This approach promotes trust and transparency. You know from the outset how your matter can be handled and what budget to plan for, instead of facing uncertain or open ended costs.

How a 60 Minute Consultation Can Help You

Many people hesitate to contact a lawyer because they are not sure whether they truly need representation, or because their situation seems too unclear. The initial consultation offered by PBM Avocats is designed precisely for these cases.

During this meeting, you can:

  • Describe your situation in detail, with all the elements that seem important to you.
  • Ask any questions you may have about Swiss procedures, documents or possible risks.
  • Receive a first legal assessment of your position, your rights and your options.
  • Clarify the next steps, whether they involve negotiation, further documentation, formal proceedings or specific protective measures.
  • Obtain a cost estimate tailored to your case if you decide to continue with representation.

At the end of this consultation, you remain free to decide whether you wish to mandate the firm. You already benefit from a clearer understanding of your situation and you can weigh the advantages of continuing with legal support.

Working With PBM Avocats: A Typical Path

Although each matter is unique, collaboration with PBM Avocats often follows a clear and structured path:

  1. Initial contact and appointment
    You explain briefly your issue and book a meeting in person in Geneva or by videoconference.
  2. First consultation
    Over approximately 60 minutes, you present your case and your expectations. The lawyer asks targeted questions and gives you a first analysis.
  3. Strategy and cost proposal
    If you wish to proceed, the firm proposes a strategy adapted to your situation, as well as an estimate of costs.
  4. Implementation
    Your lawyer drafts documents, conducts negotiations, files petitions or represents you before authorities and courts as needed.
  5. Follow up and adjustment
    As your case progresses, you receive regular updates and your strategy can be adjusted if new elements arise.
  6. Conclusion and lessons learned
    When the matter is resolved, the firm reviews the outcome with you and, if useful, suggests preventive measures for the future.

This structured process helps transform a complex legal situation into a series of understandable, manageable steps.

Overview of Key Practice Areas

The table below summarises some of the main areas in which PBM Avocats can assist you and gives examples of typical situations.

Practice Area Examples of Situations
Banking and Finance Financing a project, complying with financial market regulations, structuring a private equity investment.
Tax Assessing the tax impact of a transaction, dealing with Swiss tax authorities, structuring business operations.
Labour and Gender Equality Termination of employment, discrimination and equal pay claims, disputes under collective bargaining agreements.
Corporate and M&A Setting up a company, drafting shareholders' agreements, acquiring or selling a business.
Competition Reviewing distribution networks, cooperation agreements, dealing with the Swiss Competition Commission.
IP, Commercial and Contracts Franchise, distribution or IT agreements, consumer contracts, public procurement.
Criminal and Traffic Traffic offences, economic crime allegations, administrative or juvenile criminal procedures.
Real Estate and Construction Building permits, construction contracts, rent and lease disputes, neighbourhood issues.
Family and Divorce Divorce and separation, protection of marital union, dissolution of registered partnership.
Lease and Tenancy Rent reductions, deposit and guarantee issues, inventories at the end of the lease.
Foreigners Law Residence and work permits, family reunification, asylum, naturalisation.
Asset Recovery Debt collection, sequestration and bankruptcy proceedings, contesting statements of collocation.
Dispute Resolution Civil, criminal and administrative litigation, arbitration and mediation.

Why Choosing PBM Avocats Is an Investment in Peace of Mind

Legal issues can be demanding, but with the right team by your side they become manageable. Choosing PBM Avocats means benefiting from:

  • A dynamic team of more than 21 lawyers with complementary skills.
  • Registration with the bar associations of Geneva and Vaud, ensuring compliance with Swiss professional and ethical standards.
  • Multilingual support in six languages, essential for international clients and cross border situations.
  • Extensive experience in both litigation and advisory roles, leading to strategies that are robust in practice, not only in theory.
  • Personalised, client focused support that takes into account your objectives, constraints and time frames.
  • Transparent pricing with an accessible initial consultation and clear cost estimates.

This combination enables you to approach Swiss legal questions with confidence, whether you are planning a project, resolving a dispute or protecting your family and assets.

Taking the Next Step

If you are facing a legal question in Switzerland or planning a project with legal implications, you do not need to navigate it alone. By booking an initial consultation with PBM Avocats in Geneva, in person or by videoconference, you can:

  • Clarify your rights and obligations under Swiss law.
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your position.
  • Identify practical options and associated risks.
  • Decide, on an informed basis, whether to proceed with legal representation.

With a structured approach, multilingual support and a broad spectrum of expertise, PBM Avocats is well positioned to help you transform legal challenges into clear, actionable solutions.