Patrik Salzmann, LL.M.

Partner

salzmann@ndlegal.ch
+41 44 250 45 60
DE, EN, FR, ES
Patrik Salzmann is specialised in domestic and cross-border litigation with a focus on commercial and corporate litigation, inheritance disputes and white-collar crime. His practice includes criminal defence, regulatory and administrative proceedings, shareholder and association disputes, enforcement proceedings, asset recovery and legal assistance. Patrik also conducts internal and regulatory investigations on behalf of companies, institutions and authorities.
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Recognitions

  • Ranked in Legal 500 in Dispute Resolution: Litigation

  • Ranked in Leaders League (2022) in the categories Commercial Litigation ("Excellent"), Asset Recovery (“Highly recommended”), and White-Collar Crime (“Recommended”)

Professional Experience

  • Certified Specialist SBA Criminal Law (since 2025)

  • Partner with Nater Dallafior Rechtsanwälte AG, since 2016

  • Associate with Nater Dallafior Rechtsanwälte AG, Zurich (2009–2015)

  • Admitted to the bar since 2009

  • Law clerk with the Supreme Court of the Canton of Zurich, I. Criminal Chamber (2009)

  • Law clerk with the District Court of Meilen (2005–2007)

Education

  • Postgraduate studies at the UC Berkeley (LL.M., 2012)

  • Studies at the University of Lausanne (2003)

  • Studies at the University of Deusto/Spain (2001–2002)

  • Bachelor and master studies at the University of Zurich (lic. iur., 1999 – 2005)

Recent cases

  • Defense of CEO of Swiss company in embezzlement and forgery case

  • Representing defendant in crypto currency fraud case   

  • Defense of sales manager in professional fraud and criminal mismanagement case relating to software licensing

  • Representing affected parties by asset freezing and confiscation proceedings in connection with the international bribery case of the Venezuelan oil company PDVSA 

  • Representing plaintiff in construction fraud case 

  • Representing plaintiff in personality fraud case in connection with wealthy banker dynasty  

  • Successful representation of Peruvian citizen against extradition sentence due to social security fraud 

  • Criminal defense against charges for unlawful activities on behalf of a foreign state (article 271 CC) relating to the collection of Italian penalties for traffic violations on Swiss territory

  • Representing client against crypto asset service provider in connection with sanctions 

  • Representing and advising Swiss manufacturing company in cross-border dispute against Spanish company regarding breach of contract and guarantee obligations in connection with anti-vibration isolation 

  • Advising shareholders relating to litigation strategies in connection with the merger between UBS and Credit Suisse 

  • Representation of clients in disputes regarding the annulment of resolutions of an association including ex parte interim measures

  • Representing clients before Swiss courts in inheritance disputes involving partition of the estate and invalidity of a will 

  • Representing heir against his siblings in international inheritance dispute involving conflict of Swiss and Sharia law. 

  • Representing family members in shareholder and corporate disputes in connection with international real estate portfolio  

  • Representing heir in cross-border inheritance dispute in international arbitration proceedings

  • Representing a Swiss investor in the voluntary liquidation of the Swiss branch of a Liechtenstein bank regarding compensation for delayed execution of stock market orders

  • Representing damaged parties in major ponzi scheme of asset manager known for his investments in renewable energy investments 

  • In the aftermath of the successfully averted forced liquidation, Nater Dallafior lodged more than 25 claw-back actions against numerous creditors with civil courts across Switzerland, Germany and Austria for the recovery of funds paid to creditors whose unjustified or inflated claims had been satisfied to obtain the revocation of the bankruptcy

  • Successful representation of a financial service provider with domicile in Liechtenstein and its directors and employees in three leading cases in international administrative assistance proceedings against the Swiss Federal Tax Administration in relation to a request of the US Internal Revenue Serice (IRS) 

  • Representing and advising client in legal assistance proceedings based on embezzlement investigations in Barcelona  

  • Representing a Moroccan entrepreneur in legal assistance proceedings brought by the Vietnamese government against asset freezing and document production order 

  • Representing Swiss companies in legal assistance and criminal proceedings in connection with alleged corruption scandal in Gambia

  • Defending General Counsel of commodity trading company in SECO criminal investigation relating to alleged violations of economic sanctions

  • Successful defence of CEO of Swiss company in tax fraud case in connection with international uranium trading

  • Representing banking clients against UBS in a liability claim relating to Range Target Profit Forward (RTPF) ) and Target Redemption Forward (TARF) products

  • Successful representation of relationship manager of a Swiss bank in FINMA enforcement proceedings related to 1MDB fraud

Publications & Speaking Engagements

  • Wirtschaftssanktionen: Geldwäschereirisiko für Unternehmen, Economic Crime Blog HSLU, 15 September 2025 (with Claudia Götz Staehlin) (Link)

  • The Interplay Between Sanctions, Money Laundering, and Criminal Corporate Liability in Switzerland, Disputes Insights #4, 25 June 2025 (with Claudia Götz Staehelin)

  • Ist das Inkasso italienischer Verkehrsbussen in der Schweiz verboten?, Economic Crime Blog HSLU, 31 October 2022 (Link)

  • Streit ums Erbe muss nicht sein, Infopoint "Vererben und Erben – Emotionen, Steuern und Recht" (with Investor's Dialogue and NRS Treuhand), 1 April 2019 (Link) 

  • Steuerstreit USA v. Schweiz: A never ending story?, LinkedIn, 12 January 2018 (Link)

  • Environmental Disputes: Trends, Tools and Cross-Border Lessons, DRI 2026 Cross-Border Disputes and Compliance Seminar, 7 May 2026, London

  • Sanctions and Money Laundering: Dual Criminal Liability Risks for Companies with a Focus on the Trading and Commodity Sector (with Matthew Weber), NZCK 2026, 22 Januar 2026, Zurich

  • There is no need to argue about inheritance, Infopoint NRS Treuhand und Investor’s Dialogue, 1 April 2019, Zurich

  • Corporate risk of private bribery - are reimbursements in the media agency business punishable by law?, Media law conference, 16 May 2017, FIFA Museum Zurich

  • Private bribery as a corporate risk, Luncheon, 1 December 2016

Patrik Salzmann at Nater Dallafior, in times of distress, is the best soft-spoken lawyer to hold your hands. His engagement with the [specific party] consistently results in positive feedback to me as a client.

CHAMBERS EUROPEAN GUIDE 2026 – WHITE-COLLAR CRIME

Go to Chambers & Partners

Patrik Salzmann was extremely responsive to all my questions about the investigation. Patrik demonstrated an ability to clarify the intricacies of the matter. The firm is highly responsive. Patrik consistently replied on the same day and demonstrated great flexibility in arranging calls despite the time difference. Patrik Salzmann's client service and general level of service is 9 out of 10. His level of sophistication is 9 out of 10. He is a pleasure to work with.

CHAMBERS EUROPEAN GUIDE 2026 – WHITE-COLLAR CRIME

Go to Chambers & Partners

Patrik Salzmann was able to explain the intricacies of the matter. Patrik Salzmann would respond to me on the same day and was very flexible in scheduling calls given the time difference. Patrik Salzmann was extremely responsive to all my questions about the matter and would explain the intricacies of the matter.

CHAMBERS EUROPEAN GUIDE 2026 - LITIGATION

Go to Chambers & Partners

Patrik Salzmann at Nater Dallafior Rechtsanwälte AG is very engaged with his clients. He is empathetic, very accurate, and very helpful. I appreciated the risk assessment of the whole process. Overall, my impression of Patrik was more than excellent.

CHAMBERS EUROPEAN GUIDE 2026 - LITIGATION

Go to Chambers & Partners

Patrik Salzmann is a person able to go really into the depth of a topic. Very analytical and based on facts. He tries to understand the entire case. You realise the experience that he has. All documents were very well written, with a good understanding of our matter. He is available, very professional and well connected, as well on a personal level. Salzmann is always available. If I call his number, he picks up and always has time for me. Brilliant service.

CHAMBERS EUROPEAN GUIDE 2026 - LITIGATION

Go to Chambers & Partners

Patrik Salzmann exemplifies these qualities with remarkable skill. His ability to navigate complex issues with ease and clarity has been invaluable. His thorough understanding of industry nuances, combined with his innovative thinking, allows him to provide insights that are both practical and forward-thinking.

LEGAL500 – LITIGATION 2025

Go to Legal 500

Patrik Salzmann stands out for his absolute reliability, high professional expertise, and outstanding work ethic as well as his friendly and honest approach.

LEGAL 500

Go to Legal 500

Salzmann demonstrates prowess across complex domestic and cross-border dispute resolution

LEGAL 500

Go to Legal 500

Expertise

White-Collar Crime

Private Client Disputes

Commercial & Corporate Litigation

Insolvency Disputes & Asset Recovery

Investigations

Compliance