Are you driven by international dispute resolution and eager to influence institutional decision-making at the highest level? Do you thrive in a multicultural environment and enjoy combining legal analysis, leadership and representation?

The Swiss Arbitration Centre is Switzerland’s leading commercial arbitration institution with offices in Geneva and Zurich. Its case management team administers around 150 cases under the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration, the Swiss Rules of Mediation, as well as the Rules of Mediation Procedure for Financial Services. The cases are administered in English, French, German, and Italian.

The Centre is affiliated with the Swiss Chambers of Commerce as well as the Swiss Arbitration Association (Association Suisse de l’Arbitrage, ASA), an association based in Geneva, with around 1’000 members in Switzerland and abroad. For 50 years, ASA has been promoting domestic and international arbitration as well as alternative dispute resolution.

Arbitration and ADR offer a stimulating and international professional environment that demands a high level of professionalism, versatility, and flexibility.

The Centre is looking for a motivated Managing Legal Counsel in our centrally located Geneva office. In this role, you will:

  • Administer complex arbitration and mediation cases under the Swiss Rules in English and French, together with an Assistant, under the supervision of the Executive Director.
  • Lead and develop a team of currently four Legal Counsel and three Assistants in administering the Centre’s arbitration and mediation caseload.
  • Analyse legal issues, prepare decisions, monitor financial aspects, and liaise with the Arbitration Court and the Advisory Council for Mediation.
  • Report to and coordinate closely with the Executive Director as well as the Executive Committee of the Arbitration Court on all aspects of case management, including the maintenance and updating of the Court’s working documents.
  • Draft notes, articles, and news items for publication.
  • Represent the Swiss Arbitration Centre at conferences and events and present the Centre to international delegations.
  • Contribute actively to promoting Swiss Arbitration and the Swiss Rules in Switzerland and internationally as part of an international team.

The position reports directly to the Executive Director.

Desired Qualifications & Skills

  • A law degree from Switzerland or abroad and admission to practice law in your home jurisdiction.
  • 3-5 years of professional experience, preferably including international exposure, at another arbitral institution or in an arbitration practice of a law firm.
  • Excellent analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to understand and manage complex cases.
  •  Native-level French and excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of Italian is an asset.
  • A proactive, self-starting mindset, with the ability to take initiative and follow through.
  • Strong team spirit, combined with the ability and motivation to lead, support, and develop a team.
  • An efficient, meticulous, and structured working style, with strong attention to detail.
  • Pragmatism, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively.
  • A service-oriented, courteous and polite attitude, with outstanding communication skills.
  • Enjoyment of representative functions in an international context and confidence in public-facing roles.
  • Legal entitlement to work in Switzerland or eligibility to obtain a Swiss work permit.

Please submit your application by 15 February 2026 by e-mail to career@swissarbitration.org, including:

  • CV
  • Cover letter in English explaining your experience and motivation
  • Certificates and any references
  • Availability
  • Salary expectation
  • Work permit status

Early applications are encouraged. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for interview.

If you have any questions regarding this job offer, please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Director by e-mail (korinna.trotha@swissarbitration.org) or phone (+41 58 510 76 99). You may find answers to your questions also here: www.swissarbitration.org.