Global, sector-focused law firm HFW has further expanded its international disputes offering with the hire of Partner Vanessa Liborio in Geneva.
Vanessa is widely recognised as one of Switzerland’s leading international arbitration specialists, with over 20 years’ experience acting as counsel and arbitrator in high-value, complex disputes across construction, infrastructure, life sciences, and telecoms.
She joins HFW from the US law firm Orrick, where she founded and led the Geneva office. She was previously a Partner at Akin Gump.
HFW has been in Geneva for more than 15 years and now has seven Partners based full-time in the city, advising clients on international trade, commodities, and shipping, including trade finance, disputes, corporate, commercial, regulatory, sanctions, and compliance.
Michael Buisset, Geneva Office Head, HFW:
“Vanessa is one of Switzerland’s top international arbitration experts, with a proven track record in high-value, cross-border disputes, and deep relationships across the Swiss, European, and Middle Eastern markets. Her arrival marks a significant step in our strategy to establish HFW as a market leader for international arbitration in Geneva, complementing our strengths in commodities, finance, shipping, and commercial litigation. Vanessa’s local roots, international outlook, and dynamic practice will be invaluable as we continue to grow our offering for clients in Switzerland and beyond.”
Vanessa advises on all aspects of international arbitration and litigation, with a particular focus on complex infrastructure, joint venture, shareholder, and commercial disputes.
Her clients include Swiss and international companies active in life sciences, pharma, transportation and telecoms; Middle Eastern state entities, sovereign wealth funds, and construction conglomerates; and international contractors, subcontractors, and consultants in major infrastructure projects.
Vanessa is a native Genevoise, qualified at the Geneva Bar, and is an active member of the local legal community.
She is a member of the Arbitration Court of the Swiss Arbitration Centre, serves on the ICC’s Commission on Arbitration & ADR for Switzerland, and speaks six languages: French, English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German.
Vanessa Liborio, Partner, HFW:
“I am very pleased to be joining HFW at such an exciting time for the firm’s Geneva office. HFW’s international platform, sector focus, and position as a leading global disputes practice mean it is perfectly placed to establish itself in Geneva as the benchmark for international arbitration and high-value disputes involving Switzerland, Europe, and the Middle East. I look forward to working with colleagues across Geneva, London, Paris, and the firm’s four offices in the Middle East to further develop HFW’s arbitration capabilities, and to deliver outstanding results for clients involved in complex, cross-border disputes.”
Vanessa’s arrival continues the significant growth of HFW’s leading international arbitration practice, which has added 12 Partners since the beginning of FY25 and now comprises more than 40 Partners and 80 lawyers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and the Americas. The team advise on all aspects of international arbitration, from drafting arbitration agreements to global enforcement of awards, and is one of the most active in key arbitral institutions including the ICC, DIAC, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC, and ACICA.
