Nicolas de Gottrau

Dr. iur., LL.M. (Duke)

LanguagesFrench, English, German
Entity and Address

Python | Avocats
Geneva, Rue Charles-Bonnet 2

Bar Admission

New York Bar (1992)
Geneva Bar (1987)

Profile

Nicolas de Gottrau provides legal advice and support to banks, corporate and private clients primarily in the fields of banking law, secured transactions, company law, contracts, insolvency, as well as international private law. He has gained considerable expertise representing clients in litigation and insolvency matters before courts (and also arbitral tribunals), including debt collection proceedings, bankruptcies and attachments.

Education

University of Geneva (Ph.D., summa cum laude, Prof. Walther Hug’s Prize and Joseph Des Arts’ Award, 1999)

Duke University School of Law (LL.M., 1991)

Duke Institute in Transnational Law (1990)

University of Geneva (Master of Laws, 1984)

Positions Held

Partner, PYTHON (2000 to date)

Associate, PYTHON (1993 to 1999)

Member (contributeur externe) of the Centre for Banking and Financial Law of the University of Geneva School of Law (http://cms.unige.ch/droit/cdbf), from 2003 to date

Member of the Editorial Board “Sureties, international payments and financings” of the Revue de droit des affaires internationales / International Business Law Journal, Paris (2013-2018)

Seminar lecturer (Documentary Credits), Master of Advanced Studies in Banking & Finance (LLM Banking & Finance), University of Geneva (2011-2013)

Seminar lecturer (Secured Transactions) with Prof. B. Foëx, Master of Advanced Studies in Business Law (MBL), University of Geneva (2001-2009)

Lecturer (Fraud in Documentary Credit Transactions), Master of Advanced Studies in Economic Crime Investigation, Haute école de gestion (HEG) Neuchâtel (2001 to 2017)

Attorney with Petitpierre & Partners Geneva (1991-1992)

Legal Adviser of Tardy de Watteville & Cie Private Bankers [now Banque Vontobel Genève SA] Geneva (1989-1990)

Banking Practice (Int’l Capital Market Financing) with Union Bank of Switzerland [now UBS SA] Head Office Zürich (1987-1988)

Memberships

Geneva Bar Association

Swiss Bar Association

Geneva Association of Business Law

Selected Publications

Numerous news (“Actualités”) in the field of banking law published on the web site of the Centre for Banking and Financial Law of the University of Geneva (http://cms.unige.ch/droit/cdbf), 2003 to date

Contrat de cession globale de créances à fin de garantie, in Recueil de contrats commerciaux. Modèles en français et en anglais commentés selon le droit suisse, Sylvain Marchand / Christine Chappuis / Laurent Hirsch (Ed.), 2nd Ed., Basel (Helbing & Lichtenhahn) (co-author with Julia Xoudis) [publication forthcoming]

Commentaire des art. 95 à 100 LP (ordre et effets de la saisie; estimation des biens saisis; mesures de sûretés pour les biens meubles, créances et autres droits), in Commentaire romand, Poursuite et faillite, Bénédict Foëx, Nicolas Jeandin, Andrea Braconi, Benoît Chappuis (Ed.), 2nd Ed., Basle, Geneva, Munich (Helbing & Lichtenhahn) (co-author with Marie de Gottrau )[publication forthcoming]

Die Bankgarantie im schweizerischen Recht, in Die Bankgarantie im internationalen Handelsverkehr, Friedrich Graf von Westphalen (Ed.), 5th Ed., Francfort-on-the-Main (Deutscher Fachverlag / Fachmedien Recht und Wirtschaft) 2023 [Wirtschaftsrecht international], pp. 571-652, 837-842 and 864-866 (co-author with Marie de Gottrau)

Commentaire de l’art. 69 LSFin (responsabilité), in Commentaire romand, Loi sur les services financiers (LSFin), Alexandre Richa / Philipp Fischer (Ed.), Bâle (Helbing & Lichtenhahn) 2022 , pp. 647-681 (co-author with Jean-Yves Rebord)

Commentaire des art. 899 à 906 CC (du gage sur les créances et autres droits), in Commentaire romand, Code civil II, Pascal Pichonnaz / Bénédict Foëx / Denis Piotet (Ed.), Bâle (Helbing & Lichtenhahn) 2016, pp. 2484-2537 (co-author with Bénédict Foëx)

Die Bankgarantie im schweizerischen Recht, in Die Bankgarantie im internationalen Handelsverkehr, Friedrich Graf von Westphalen / Brigitta Zöchling-Jud (Ed.), 4th Ed., Francfort-on-the-Main (Deutscher Fachverlag / Fachmedien Recht und Wirtschaft) 2014 [Wirtschaftsrecht international], pp. 516-602, 807-812 and 835-837

Contrat de cession globale de créances à fin de garantie, in Recueil de contrats commerciaux. Modèles en français et en anglais commentés selon le droit suisse, Sylvain Marchand / Christine Chappuis / Laurent Hirsch (Ed.), Bâle (Helbing & Lichtenhahn) 2013, pp. 1143-1174 (co-author with Julia Xoudis)
Mesures provisionnelles contre une garantie de bonne fin, Baurecht / Droit de la construction, Zurich, 2/2012, pp. 63-64
Droit bancaire et financier, in Etienne von Streng, Nicolas de Gottrau, Christophe de Kalbermatten, Suisse. Fiscal, bancaire et financier, juridique, social, 7th Ed., Levallois (Ed. Francis Lefèbvre) 2011 [Dossiers internationaux Francis Lefèbvre], pp. 241-340
Qualité pour agir dans l’action en responsabilité en cas de séquestre injustifié (la notion de «tiers» de l’art. 273 al. 1 LP), in L’éclectique juridique, Recueil d’articles en l’honneur de Jacques Python, Python & Peter (Ed.), Berne / Genève, Zurich, Bâle (Stämpfli, Swisslex, Schulthess) 2011, pp. 119-134 (co-author with Stéphane Voisard)
Jurisprudence civile en droit bancaire et financier 2007-2008, in Journée 2008 de droit bancaire et financier, Luc Thévenoz / Christian Bovet (Dir.), Zurich (Schulthess) 2009, pp. 147-188
Crédits documentaires et mesures d’embargo, RSDA/SZW 5/2008, pp. 476-488 (co-author with Marc Iynedjian)
Les nouvelles Règles et usances uniformes relatives aux crédits documentaires (RUU 600), AJP/PJA, 8/2007, pp. 971-980
Cession à fin de garantie: droit du cédant de faire valoir en son nom une créance cédée contre le débiteur cédé, RSDA/SZW 2/2007, pp. 113-121
Guide législatif de la CNUDCI sur les opérations garanties: le point de vue des banques créancières, in Réforme des sûretés mobilières. Les enseignements du Guide législatif de la CNUDCI /Reforming Secured Transactions. The UNCITRAL Legislative Guide as an Inspiration, Bénédict Foëx / Luc Thévenoz / Spiros V. Bazinas (Ed.), Geneva-Zurich-Basle (Schulthess) 2007 [Centre de droit bancaire et financier], pp. 179-208
Droit bancaire et financier, in Etienne von Streng, Nicolas de Gottrau, Christophe de Kalbermatten, Suisse. Fiscal, bancaire et financier, juridique, social, 6th Ed., Levallois (Ed. Francis Lefèbvre) 2007 [Dossiers internationaux Francis Lefèbvre], pp. 217-308
Commentaire des art. 95 à 100 LP (ordre et effets de la saisie; estimation des biens saisis; mesures de sûreté pour les biens meubles, créances et autres droits), in Commentaire romand, Poursuite et faillite, Louis Dallèves / Bénédict Foëx / Nicolas Jeandin (Ed.), Basle-Geneva-Munich (Helbing & Lichtenhahn) 2005, pp. 443-478

Die Bankgarantie im schweizerischen Recht, in Die Bankgarantie im internationalen Handelsverkehr, Friedrich Graf von Westphalen / Brigitta Jud (Ed.), 3rd Ed., Francfort-on-the-Main (Verlag Recht und Wirtschaft), 2005 [Schriftenreihe Recht der Internationalen Wirtschaft], pp. 427-499, 589-593 and 611-614

La lettre de crédit standby en droit suisse, à la lumière des règles de la CCI et de la CNUDCI, in La Semaine Judiciaire (Partie II: Doctrine), Geneva, 2005, pp. 1-35
Crédit documentaire et criminalité économique, Revue Économique et Sociale, Lausanne 3/2003, pp. 117-123
Conséquences de la fraude dans le crédit documentaire réalisable par négociation, RSDA/SZW 4/2003, pp. 190-200
Crédit documentaire et garantie bancaire: fraude dans l’accréditif à paiement différé et choix des parties citées dans les mesures provisionnelles, in Journée 2001 de droit bancaire et financier, Luc Thévenoz / Christian Bovet (Dir.), vol. 7, Berne (Stämpfli) 2002, pp. 65-116
Bankgarantie I, Schweizerische Juristische Kartothek no. 1348, Geneva 2001 (31 pages)
Bankgarantie II, Schweizerische Juristische Kartothek no. 1349, Geneva 2001 (40 pages)
Garantie bancaire I, Fiches Juridiques Suisses no. 1348, Geneva 2001 (30 pages)
Garantie bancaire II, Fiches Juridiques Suisses no. 1349, Geneva 2001 (38 pages)
Le crédit documentaire et la fraude. La fraude du bénéficiaire, ses conséquences et les moyens de protection du donneur d’ordre, thesis, Basle-Geneva-Munich / Brussels (Helbing & Lichtenhahn – Faculté de Droit de Genève / Bruylant) 1999 [Collection genevoise] (580 pages)
Transfert de propriété et cession à fin de garantie: principes, et applications dans le domaine bancaire, in Sûretés et garanties bancaires, Nicolas Iynedjian (Ed.), Lausanne 1997, pp. 173-257 [Publication Cedidac no. 33]
U.S. Insider Trading Prohibition, Swiss Banking Secrecy and Swiss Insider Trading Law: the Current Situation, RDAI/IBLJ, Paris, 1993 no. 5, pp. 553-596

Rankings

2023
2023202320232023
Best Lawyers, Switzerland, 2023, Insolvency and Reorganization Law
2022
2022202220222022
2021
2021202120212021
2020
2020202020202020
2019
2019201920192019
2018
201820182018
Best Lawyers, Switzerland, 2018, Insolvency and Reorganization Law
2017
2017

Speeches

Visiting lecturer (Bank Guarantees in Construction and Real Estate Law) in the Certificate of Advanced Legal Studies in Construction and Real Estate Law of the Swiss Bar Association (SBA) and the Institute for Swiss and International Construction Law of the University of Fribourg, March 12, 2021
Visiting lecturer (Bank Guarantees in Construction and Real Estate Law) in the Certificate of Advanced Legal Studies in Construction and Real Estate Law of the Swiss Bar Association (SBA) and the Institute for Swiss and International Construction Law of the University of Fribourg, University of Lausanne (IDHEAP), April 21, 2017
Visiting lecturer (Provisional Measures Applicable to Documentary Credits and Bank Guarantees) in the Seminar on Disputes of Banking Law taught by Prof. Christian Bovet, Master of Laws (LL.M.) of the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva, Geneva, October 25, 2016
Visiting lecturer (Bank Guarantees in Construction and Real Estate Law) in the Certificate of Advanced Legal Studies in Construction and Real Estate Law of the Swiss Bar Association (SBA) and the Institute for Swiss and International Construction Law of the University of Fribourg, University of Fribourg, March 15, 2014
Visiting lecturer (Documentary Credits) in the Course on Guarantees in the International Trade taught by Prof. Bénédict Foëx, Master of Laws (LL.M.) of the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva, Geneva, March 8 and 15, 2013
Visiting lecturer (Bank Guarantees in Construction and Real Estate Law) in the Certificate of Advanced Legal Studies in Construction and Real Estate Law of the Swiss Bar Association (SBA) and the Institute for Swiss and International Construction Law of the University of Fribourg, University of Fribourg, March 3, 2012
Visiting lecturer (Documentary Credits) in the Course on Guarantees in the International Trade taught by Prof. Bénédict Foëx, Master of Laws (LL.M.) of the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva, Geneva, March 4 and 11, 2011
Visiting lecturer (Documentary Credits) in the Course on Guarantees in the International Trade taught by Prof. Bénédict Foëx, Master of Laws (LL.M.) of the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva, Geneva, March 19 and 26, 2010
Visiting lecturer (Bank Guarantees in Construction and Real Estate Law) in the Certificate of Advanced Legal Studies in Construction and Real Estate Law of the Swiss Bar Association (SBA) and the Institute for Swiss and International Construction Law of the University of Fribourg, Lausanne-Dorigny, May 15, 2009
Visiting lecturer (Documentary Credits) in the Course on Guarantees in the International Trade taught by Prof. Bénédict Foëx, Master of Laws (LL.M.) of the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva, Geneva, March 6 and 13, 2009
Speaker (Banking and Financial Civil Case Law 2007-2008) at the Journée 2008 de droit bancaire et financier, organized by the Centre for Banking and Financial Law of the University of Geneva Faculty of Law, Geneva, November 5, 2008
Visiting lecturer (Documentary Credits) in the Course on Guarantees in the International Trade taught by Prof. Bénédict Foëx, Master of Laws (LL.M.) of the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva, Geneva. February 29 and March 7, 2008
Visiting lecturer (Documentary Credits and Standby Letters of Credit) in the Course on Guarantees in the International Trade taught by Prof. Bénédict Foëx, Master of Laws (LL.M.) of the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva, Geneva. March 23 and 30, April 27, 2007
Speaker (Developments 2006-2007 in Swiss Banking and Financial Law) at the Luncheon on Legal Up-Date 2007 : Recent Developments in Swiss Business Law and Practice (Banking, Corporate, Taxation), organized by the Association of International Business Lawyers (AIBL), Geneva, February 2, 2007
Visiting lecturer (Bank Guarantees in Construction and Real Estate Law) in the Certificate of Advanced Legal Studies in Construction and Real Estate Law of the Swiss Bar Association (SBA) and the Institute for Swiss and International Construction Law of the University of Fribourg, Lausanne-Dorigny, January 26, 2007
Speaker (UNCITRAL Legislative Guide on Secured Transactions ; Particularities of the Banking Field : a Practioner’s Point of View) at the Colloquium on the UNCITRAL Legislative Guide on Secured Transactions, organized by the Centre for Banking and Financial Law of the University of Geneva Faculty of Law and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), Geneva, June 7, 2006
Speaker (Documentary Credits and Bank Guarantees : Fraud and Provisional Measures) at the Journée 2001 de droit bancaire et financier, organized by the Centre d’études juridiques européennes of the University of Geneva Faculty of Law (CEJE), Geneva, November 16, 2001
Speaker (Documentary Credit and Fraud) at the Conference organised by the Groupement des Réviseurs Bancaires (GRB), Geneva, April 10, 2001
Visiting lecturer (Documentary Credits) in the Course of Banking and Financing law for the Enterprises taught by Prof. Christian Bovet, Master of Advanced Studies in Business Law (MBL) of the Faculties of Law of the Universities of Geneva and Lausanne, Geneva. Winter Semester 2000-2001
Speaker (Introduction to the Main Instruments of Guarantee in the International Trade – Documentary Credit, Bank Guarantee, Stand-by Letter of Credit, Letter of Indemnity) at the Journée d’étude sur le Négoce international, organized by the International Faculty for Executives (IFE), Geneva, April 5, 2000
Visiting lecturer (Documentary Credits) in the Course of Banking and Financing law for the Enterprises taught by Prof. Christian Bovet, Master of Advanced Studies in Business Law (MBL) of the Faculties of Law of the Universities of Geneva and Lausanne, Geneva, Winter Semester 1999-2000
Speaker (Transfers of Ownership and Assignments as a Security : Principles and Applications in the Banking Field) at the Journée d’étude on the Sûretés et garanties bancaires, organized by the Centre du droit de l’entreprise of the University of Lausanne (CEDIDAC), Lausanne-Dorigny. September 14, 1995

“PYTHON’s banking and finance practice covers a wide spectrum of matters, ranging from assistance with the set up of Swiss banks and collective investment schemes, internal investigations and enforcements to commercial and private banking transactions. Nicolas de Gottrau has an active banking practice alongside handling matters relating to contract law, insolvencies and disputes. Nicolas de Gottrau is in the elite “Leading indivduals/Hall of Fame” list for Banking and Finance, Geneva:
‘The lawyers are tremendously competent, responsive and available.’
‘The team is always open to find new solutions and has a pragmatic approach.’”

—Legal 500 EMEA 2020 – Banking and Finance, Geneva