Litigation & Dispute Resolution in Geneva — Experienced Lawyers

Litigation is one of the core areas of legal practice.
It requires a rigorous command of law, procedure, case law, and court practices.

The firm Sentinel Legal, lawyers in Geneva, assists its clients in all types of disputes and legal proceedings, in matters of civil, commercial, and criminal litigation, in Switzerland and in international contexts.

Our lawyers regularly and intensively practice litigation and master the entire judicial process: case preparation, drafting of pleadings, hearings, oral arguments, appeals, and enforcement of decisions.

The firm represents its clients before civil courts, commercial courts, criminal courts, and arbitral bodies.

Our lawyers’ expertise includes:

– contractual disputes,

– commercial and corporate disputes,

– liability litigation,

– financial and economic disputes,

– complex criminal proceedings.

– family law: divorce, separation, maintenance contributions, liquidation of matrimonial property regime, MPUC.

– labor law: dismissal, immediate termination, contractual disputes,

– criminal litigation and related proceedings.

When should one consult a lawyer in case of a dispute?

From the very emergence of a dispute.
The earlier the intervention, the broader the range of available resolution options: negotiation, settlement, interim measures, evidence preservation, and the structuring of procedural strategy.

What are the main procedural risks for a litigant?

The main risks are:

• non-compliance with legal deadlines,

• inadmissibility of the action,

• the definitive loss of a claim,

• statute of limitations or lapse,

• the use of an incorrect procedural path,

• the late or incomplete submission of evidence.

Can one lose a right due to a missed deadline?

Yes.
A single missed deadline may result in the irreversible loss of a right, a claim, or the ability to pursue legal action.

Are the rules of procedure the same for all disputes?

No.
The applicable rules vary depending on the field of law (civil, commercial, criminal, family, employment), the competent jurisdiction, and the nature of the dispute.

However, in some cases, a procedural error can jeopardize the entire case.

Why is procedure as important as the substance of the law?

Because a legally sound case can be lost solely for procedural reasons: improperly formed act, evidence not produced on time, deadline exceeded, inadmissible appeal, non-compliance with form.

What types of litigation do you handle?

We are particularly involved in:

• civil and commercial litigation,

• divorce and family law,

• protective measures for marital unions (MPUC),

• labor law,

• criminal litigation,

• contractual and financial disputes.

Is legal action always necessary?

No.
In many cases, a negotiated or settlement-based resolution allows for a faster, more efficient and less costly outcome.

How long does a legal proceeding last?

This depends on the type of dispute, its complexity, and the jurisdiction. A procedure can last from a few months to several years.

Can one appeal a decision?

Yes, provided that strict deadlines are met, which are mandatory.

What happens after the judgment?

The lawyer ensures the enforcement of the decision, the securing of legal consequences, and the prevention of new disputes.

To this end, the way the request and claims are formulated is crucial. Otherwise, a case may be won but difficult to enforce.

At Sentinel Legal, we defend our clients’ interests with firmness, determination and full command of the case.
At the same time, we remain constantly open to negotiation whenever it offers a faster and more effective path to the desired outcome.

Our approach is first and foremost pragmatic and advisory.

We do not seek to prolong proceedings for their own sake.
Each case is analysed in light of its real stakes — legal, financial, human and time-related.

We explain, in a clear and transparent manner, the available options, the associated risks, the costs and the consequences of each possible strategy.
Decisions are then taken together with the client, based on their priorities, situation and concrete needs.

Litigation thus becomes a controlled tool, serving an effective and lasting solution.

The Firm is recognized by its clientele for the quality of its advice in legal proceedings.