Vincent Carron

Schellenberg Wittmer

Geneva www.swlegal.ch

vincent.carron@swlegal.ch Tel: +41 22 707 8000

Biography

Vincent Carron is a partner at Schellenberg Wittmer, where he heads the employment law group. He has extensive experience representing clients before the labour courts and advising them on all employment and pension matters. Prior to joining Schellenberg Wittmer, Vincent worked as a teaching and research assistant at the University of Fribourg, where he graduated from the School of Law in 1998 (summa cum laude). In 2008, Vincent became an SBA-certified specialist in employment law.

After some academic work in public procurement, Roman and family law, I joined Schellenberg Wittmer as a trainee in 2002. I first developed as a commercial litigator before specializing as an employment and pension lawyer in 2008. I was made partner in 2013, leading the development of our firm in employment and pension matters.

What has been the impact of remote working on business’ approach to employee wellbeing?

Home working always had both advantages and disadvantages. It is very important to make sure that employees remain well integrated in their teams and do not view themselves more as isolated consultants than as employees. The development of home working has brought a great deal of comfort to employees, especially those living far away from the workplace.

What do clients look for in a successful employment lawyer?

It is first a question of trust. The client has to feel that his or her lawyer is deeply committed; has knowledge of both the law and their sector of activity; is pragmatic; is reactive; has good judgement; and is an out-of-box thinker.

How has the role of a labour and employment practitioner changed since you first started practising?

Labour and employment practitioners are better regarded and clients and peers know how complex the field is. There are more and more lawyers with a certified specialisation in the market. It is difficult today for generalist lawyers to assist their clients appropriately in that field.

How will the economic crisis and rising prices affect employers and employees?

There will be more and more tensions and salary increase demands made by unions or staff representation, putting social peace increasingly at risk. Relocations are also to be feared.

Looking back over your career, what has been your proudest achievement?

The development of the employment practice group in our law firm. Employment matters were only a marginal part of our activity before 2008. The development has always been oriented towards the quality of the service and client satisfaction.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

One of the best pieces of advice I receive was to always keep a high level of respect towards colleagues and the courts, and to cherish integrity regarding both the quality of work and the positions defended in courts on behalf of a client.

WWL says: Vincent Carron is a top name in the market who commands great respect from peers for his first-class employment practice and depth of experience.