Future Leaders

Nadia Smahi's practice focuses on counsel work in international and domestic arbitration, as well as cross-border and domestic litigation. She represents parties and acts as secretary to arbitral tribunals in numerous arbitral proceedings, both ad hoc and institutional (e.g. ICC, LCIA, SCAI, CAS) in various disputes relating to oil and gas, international sales, distribution and licensing agreements, shareholders' agreements, brokerage contracts, intellectual property disputes and sport related disputes.

She also represents and advises clients in civil litigation proceedings, including in relation to the challenge, recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards and court decisions in Switzerland, but also in relation to various corporate and contractual matters under Swiss law.

In addition, she has concrete experience in representing and advising clients in intellectual property matters, in particular trademarks, patents, copyrights, designs and unfair competition law disputes.

Nadia Smahi is admitted to the Geneva Bar. She graduated from the University of Geneva with a Bachelor of Laws, a Master of Laws and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in the Legal Profession. She also holds a specialized LL.M. in International Commercial Arbitration Law from Stockholm University. Furthermore, she took part in various additional University programs, including at Columbia University, Boston University, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, WIPO/University of Geneva and Bucerius Law School/UC Hastings.

Prior to joining Bär & Karrer Ltd, she worked as an Intellectual Property associate for a business law firm in Zurich and as an International Arbitration trainee lawyer for another well-renowned Swiss law firm in Geneva. She also worked as an intern for the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris and as a trainee in the Dispute Resolution department of a Magic Circle law firm in Frankfurt, before working as an Arbitration Assistant to Professor Pierre Tercier in Fribourg.

Nadia Smahi regularly speaks and writes on International Arbitration and Intellectual Property topics. She has been elected LCIA YIAG Regional Representative for Europe and has co-organized numerous International Arbitration events for young practitioners across Europe, including Young ICCA workshops in Stockholm and Copenhagen and an AIJA annual conference in Zurich. Moreover, she has been involved in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot since 2012, first as a participant, then as a coach and arbitrator.

Nadia Smahi is fluent in English, French and German and she has a basic command of Swedish.