The firm
Stefano Fornara,
attorney-at-law and notary
At the start of my 20th year of professional activity in the legal sector, I decided to set up my own independent law firm, focusing on the areas in which I have accumulated the most expertise and experience. The aim is to provide clients with the best possible support, with efficiency, effectiveness and a tailor-made approach that also takes into account the commercial, personal and medium- to long-term aspects of each legal case. Where necessary, external professionals are involved, selected on a case-by-case basis to build the most suitable team to support the client. I provide advice in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish; I also have basic knowledge of Portuguese.
My educational and professional background:
- 2007: law degree, University of Zurich, magna cum laude
- 2007-2009: legal and notary trainee at Respini Rossi & Beretta Piccoli, Lugano
- 2009: bar admission, admitted to practise throughout Switzerland
- 2009-2011: associate at Respini Rossi Beretta Piccoli & Jelmini, Lugano
- 2011: licence to practise as a notary in the Canton of Ticino
- 2012-2018: partner, Respini Jelmini Beretta Piccoli & Fornara, Lugano
- 2012: CAS in civil litigation, University of St. Gallen and Lucerne
- Since 2015: arbitrator in national and international arbitration proceedings
- 2019-2020: Counsel, Walder Wyss Ltd., Zurich / Lugano office
- 2021-2025: Partner, Walder Wyss Ltd., Zurich / Lugano office
- Since 2024: Judge at the Swiss Sports Tribunal
- Since 2026: FORNARA – legal, arbitration, internal investigations, notary services
Legal
My practice focuses in particular on advising and representing clients in the areas of labour law (private, public and collective), commercial law and contracts, as well as in areas such as inheritance and corporate law. Drawing on my experience, I assist my clients especially in complex cases that require a strategic approach, as well as technical and legal expertise, and in extraordinary business, corporate or family situations.
Arbitration
For over 10 years, I have been active as an arbitrator in national and international commercial disputes, as well as in arbitration proceedings arising from complex inheritance situations. My experience as an arbitrator ranges from administered proceedings (in particular by the Swiss Arbitration Centre and the ICC-International Chamber of Commerce) to ad hoc proceedings, in the role of sole arbitrator, chair of the arbitral tribunal or arbitrator appointed by one of the parties to the dispute.
Since 2024, I have held the position of Judge at the Swiss Sports Tribunal, dealing with sports arbitration cases relating to ethics and doping.
Internal investigations
I have gained particular experience in conducting (alone or in collaboration with other professionals and specialists) various types of internal investigations: mobbing and other personality rights violations, sexual harassment or other types of breaches of duty by employees and/or managers, executives or members of supervisory or administrative bodies in the workplace or within companies, associations and public or private entities. My complete independence guarantees impartial, swift action that respects the rights of all parties involved, even in highly sensitive and delicate contexts.
Notary services
A notary public in the Canton of Ticino since 2011, I offer my clients notarial services in the areas of corporate law, real estate and inheritance/marriage, as well as the preparation of deeds, signature authentications and certified copies of documents.