Cécile Berger Meyer

Lenz & Staehelin

Geneva www.lenzstaehelin.com

cecile.berger@lenzstaehelin.com Tel: +41 58 450 70 00

Biography

Cécile Berger Meyer leads the real estate practice group of Lenz & Staehelin in Geneva. She advises both private and institutional clients in the field of real estate law, and in respect of both civil matters (purchases, sales, structuring and financing) and administrative law matters (planning, construction licences, restrictions on acquisitions). Cécile Berger Meyer is also a judge with the Geneva Lease Court, is vice-chairman of the SVIT Romandie and is on the committees of several professional organisations.

I joined Lenz & Staehelin 20 years ago, as a trainee first, prior to becoming an associate in the real estate group. A Certified Specialist SBA in construction and real estate law in 2010, I was appointed partner in 2013 and since then I have lead the real estate practice group of Lenz & Staehelin in Geneva. I've always been passionate about the real estate field, very curious to feed constantly my knowledge while staying attuned to the market. I am also very keen in being involved with different parts of the real estate law world. Pursuing that ambition, I am also a judge with the Geneva Lease Court (landlord side), vicechairman of the SVIT Romandie and sitting on committees of several other professional organisations active in the real estate sector. Advising both private and institutional clients, in respect of both civil matters (purchases, sales, structuring and financing) and administrative law matters (planning, construction licenses, restrictions on acquisitions), have made my day-to-day work very rich, various and challenging for 20 years.

What do you enjoy most about working in real estate?

There are many things I enjoy about the real estate practice.

The challenges of each new case, involving hot topics such as energy laws, trying to bring diverse interests together in pursuit of one goal and direction: that of allowing big projects to come true.

Dealing often with many different external parties, the interactions with clients and third parties and the negotiation and drafting of contracts.

The large range of real estate matters and of customer types, including construction and development projects, litigation, commercial property acquisitions, lease agreements, due diligence, architect contracts.

The constant challenge of being up-todate in both private and public law, as real estate matters often require expertise in various fields at one time.

What do clients look for in an effective real estate lawyer?

I believe clients look for solid expertise, very good negotiating skills, pragmatic and efficient solutions, as well as excellent knowledge of the market. They expect their lawyer to be very reactive and quick in defining priorities and in finding the appropriate answer/solution to his matter, as well as gathering the right competences required to guarantee a successful achievement.

What are the main challenges facing those looking to develop infrastructure projects in Switzerland?

Finding the best solution for the client in respect of the construction law, zoning, and norms. Another challenge is to set up appropriate structures holding these projects, and meeting the requirements of all involved actors, both in terms of governance, financing, budgeting.

In what ways do you expect the Swiss real estate market to develop over the next five years?

Switzerland will remain competitive – a stable "safe harbor" in the middle of Europe. The market will always be positive during inflation periods. However prices have gone up since the 1980s real estate crisis, and the increased interest rates could be the event leading to reduced prices and valuations, with all consequences arising therefrom (banks calling back certain loans, companies needing to divest certain parts of their real estate portfolio).

How does Lenz & Staehelin stand out from its competitors?

Lenz & Staehelin is part of the top firms in Switzerland, well-known in many fields and becoming a reference in real estate. It stands out with the quality work and dedication of their partners and associates, and has now reached a very high level of expertise all throughout Switzerland. All our practice groups have co-heads in Geneva/ Lausanne and Zurich, that enables Lenz & Staehelin to have a strong footprint in the French-speaking part of Switzerland as well as the German and Italian-speaking Switzerland. This is equally the case for our real estate practice groups.

What is the most memorable case that you have been a part of?

I remember a case recouping multiple assets in six cantons across Switzerland, with a closing before Christmas. On the day of closing, the team was split into three groups, and travelling across Switzerland to ensure proper simultaneous signing and closing of the asset deals. However, the snow invited itself to the dance, and triggered some – unnecessary although funny – stress. Finally, all went well, just a bit of delay, but our trains run as well when it snows!

What is the key to training younger practitioner in the field to ensure their future success, especially in a more virtual world with less office time?

A good balance between guidance, supervision and autonomy is key for younger practitioners to gain knowledge and confidence. Empathy, understanding and feedback are also key.

It is also important for them to have the opportunity to experience different types of cases, forcing them to understand and answer the different challenges arising on a specific subject.

This helps them develop their instinct and deepen their researches and reflexes when facing new matters.

The virtual world you are mentioning is today a reality for most of our customers as well, and it does not affect our way of working if communication and sharing are maintained internally and externally; however, in my opinion face-to-face sessions are still to be prioritised when suitable for all.

WWL says: The “extremely precise and hard-working” Cécile Berger Meyer is praised as “a leading practitioner”, commended for her deep knowledge of real estate law.