Thomas Schönenberger
lic. iur., LL.M., Certified Specialist SBA Construction and Real Estate Law
Attorney-at-Law
Partner
Notary
Co-Head Construction, Real Estate and Hotels
Office:
Phone:
+41 58 258 14 00
Languages:
German
English
VCard:
Download
Vita
For many years, Thomas Schönenberger has mainly been practicing in the field of construction and real estate law, with a focus on real estate transactions, construction and planning contracts, turnkey and general contractor agreements as well as construction litigation. His national and international clients predominantly include professional property developpers and investors, real estate companies and major construction companies.
Thomas Schönenberger advises and represents companies and private individuals in all matters of construction and real estate law. Furthermore, he advises and represents clients in corporate transactions (M&A), contracts and competition matters.
Admitted to the Swiss Bar since 2001.
Professional background
- Chairman of the board of directors, Bratschi Ltd. (2017-2022)
- Member of the board of directors, Bratschi Ltd. (2015-2017)
- Partner, Bratschi Ltd. (since 2008)
- Associate attorney, Buob Staub & Partner (2002-2007)
- Trainee, focus on corporate taxation, tax administration of the Canton of Geneva (2001-2002)
- Legal internship, law firm, St.Gallen (2000-2001)
- Legal internship, District Court of Wil SG (1999-2000)
Training
- Certified Specialist SBA in Construction and Real Estate Law (part-time) (2014)
- Certificate of Advanced Studies in Construction and Real Estate Law, University of Fribourg Law School (part-time) (2013)
- Certificate of Advanced Studies in Finance and Accounting for Lawyers, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (part-time) (2010)
- LL.M., International Business Law, University of Zurich Law School (part-time) (2004-2006)
- lic. iur., University of Berne Law School (1999)
Other activities
- Co-Head of the Construction, Real Estate, Hotels industry group (since 2022)
- Chairman of the St.Gallen Bar Association
Awards
- recommended for «Real Estate» by Chambers Europe (2025)
- recommended for «Real Estate and Construction» by Legal500 (2024)
- recommended for «Real Estate» by Chambers Europe (2024)
- recommended for «Real Estate and Construction» by Legal500 (2023)
- Legal500: «Thomas Schönenberger is a high-profile professional. He was always able to recognise the core of the problem and proposes immediate, very prompt corrective actions. What we appreciate a lot is his ability to break down very complex legal topics into simple explanations, understandable also by non-legal professionals. The matters were always handled with care and having the cost in focus and control.» and «THE expert and sparring partner for real estate and construction law. Very engaged and resourceful.» (2022)
- recommended for «Real Estate and Construction» by Legal500 (2022)
- recommended for «Real Estate and Construction» by Legal500 (2021)
- Legal500: «Thomas Schönenberger – his expertise in real estate law combined with deal experience made him a valuable partner.» (2020)
- recommended for «Real Estate and Construction» by Legal500 (2019)
- recommended for «Real Estate and Construction» by Legal500 Europe (2018)
- Distinction summa cum laude (LL.M. – International Business Law, University of Zurich Law School) (2004-2006)
- Winner of the Pestalozzi Lachenal Patry Prize for best performance in the specialization course A «Law of Contracts and Arbitration» (LL.M. – International Business Law, University of Zurich Law School) (2004-2006)
Media presence
- «Kanzleien haben Nachwuchsprobleme», interview with Thomas Schönenberger, in: St.Galler Tagblatt, 16. August 2024
Memberships
- Swiss Bar Association (SBA)
- St.Gallen Bar Association
- Chamber of Specialist Lawyers SBA in Construction and Real Estate Law
- International Bar Association (IBA)
More from Thomas Schönenberger
Know-how
bratschiBLOG
real estate blog: Verabschiedung der Teilrevision des Bauvertragsrechts
Am 9. Januar 2025 wurde die von der Bundesversammlung am 20. Dezember 2024 verabschiedete Änderung des Obligationenrechts…
Learn more
Publication
Switzerland - Corporate Acquisitions and Mergers
Learn moreNews
21.03.2025
Chambers Europe Guide 2025
We are pleased to inform you that Bratschi AG has been recognized in the prestigious Chambers Europe 2025 edition.
Learn more
21.03.2024
Chambers Europe Rankings 2024
We are pleased to announce that Bratschi AG has been recognized in the 2024 edition of the prestigious international Chambers…
Learn more