Daniel Zappelli

Partner

Daniel Zappelli, an iconic figure in the legal world, is one of the founding cornerstones of the VZ Lawyers firm. His journey is both rich and varied. After dedicating a decade to the Geneva Bar, he donned the robe of a civil judge, while also making his mark within the Commercial Chamber and Bankruptcy divisions.

His reputation peaked when he was elected then re-elected as the Attorney General of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, serving from 2002 to 2012. Those years were characterized by his adept handling of sensitive cases with implications both nationally and internationally. Among other matters, he dealt with cases involving former heads of states and asset recovery, showcasing unmatched mastery over the stakes involved.

His expertise later resonated in the United Arab Emirates, where he served as a consultant for esteemed multinationals and HNWI.

Today, with such a wealth of experience, Daniel Zappelli stands as an unparalleled lawyer, specializing in handling complex international litigations. Whether it’s commercial law, white collar crime, asset tracing and recovery, bankruptcy law and Art law, he approaches each case with unmatched precision and insight. His expertise in all areas of law  and his experience as both former magistrate and lawyer makes him an indispensable legal advisor for sensitive and large-scale cases.

Practice Areas :

  • Asset tracing and recovery
  • Criminal, civil, commercial and administrative litigation
  • Business law
  • Contract law
  • White collar crime
  • International judicial assistance in criminal and in tax matters
  • Family law
  • Debt enforcement and bankruptcy
  • Administrative law
  • Art law

2014               Founding Partner, VZ Lawyers, Geneva                                      

2012 – 2014 – Consultant, United Arab Emirates

2002 – 2012 – Attorney General of the Republic and Canton of Geneva (Switzerland)

 

Chairman of the Management Board of the Judiciary Power of Geneva

Chairman of the Baillifs Monitoring and Disciplinary Commission of Geneva

Chairman of the Business Agents Monitoring and Disciplinary Commission of Geneva

 

2008 – 2012 – Vice-Chairman of the KSBS/CAPS (Conference of Criminal Prosecution Authorities of Switzerland)

2000 – 2002 – Judge – Court of First Instance of Geneva

 

President of Commercial and Bankrupty Chamber

President of the 14th Civil Chamber

 

1996 – 1999 – Prosecutor in Geneva (Switzerland)

1989 – 1996 – Associate Lawyer with Enrico Monfrini Law Firm, Geneva

1987 – 1989 – Trainee Lawyer with Enrico Monfrini Law Firm, Geneva

1989 – Lawyer’s license, State of Geneva (Switzerland)

1987 – Degree in English Law, University of Exeter (UK), short term

1982 – 1986 – Masters in Law, University of Fribourg (Switzerland)

French

English

Member of Geneva Bar Association
Member of Swiss Bar Association
Member of International Bar Association
Member of Asset Recovery Committee of the International Bar Association
Member of International Association of Prosecutors
Member of International Association of French speaking Prosecutors
dzappelli@vzlawyers.com

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