Nicolas Zbinden

Attorney at Law, Partner, MLaw, LL.M. (Cantab)

A prominent sports lawyer known for his high-end expertise and strategic insights.

About

Nicolas Zbinden is co-Head of Kellerhals Carrard’s Sports Practice.

Nicolas is a leading lawyer in international sports law. He is one of the most active and respected counsels before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with particular expertise in anti-doping disputes.

He regularly acts for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), International Federations such as World Athletics and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), and other sports organisations. Nicolas has represented clients in hundreds of cases before the CAS, including a significant number of Ad Hoc cases in the context of the Olympic Games. He also frequently appears before the Swiss Federal Tribunal and other courts.

Beyond litigation, Nicolas advises sports organisations on governance and regulatory matters. He is a member of the WADA Legal Expert Advisory Group and the IWF Anti-Doping Commission and is recognised by leading directories such as Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, Lexology Index and Leaders League for his breadth of expertise and high-profile mandates.

 

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Languages

  • French
  • English
  • German
Nicolas Zbinden receives widespread endorsements for his "high-end expertise, sterling quality of advice and flexible availability." Who's Who Legal
"World-leading sports law practice with deep insight into the CAS in particular." The Legal 500
"Nicolas is a very strong and experienced arbitrator." Chambers & Partners

Experience

Ranking & Awards
Career
Memberships
Education
  • Recognized by the Legal 500 EMEA as as a “Rising Star” in Sports Law in 2021 and 2022 and "Next Generation Partner" since 2023.
  • Recommended by Who's Who Legal in their Switzerland Report for Sports Law.
  • Recognized by Chambers as "Up & Coming" in the Sport chapter of their Europe Guide.
  • Ranked by Leaders League as "Leading" for Media & Entertainment - Sports Law.
  • Since 2022: Partner with Kellerhals Carrard
  • 2015–2021: Attorney with Kellerhals Carrard
  • 2013: Attorney with Des Gouttes & Associés, Geneva
  • 2011–2013: Trainee attorney with Des Gouttes & Associés, Geneva
  • 2008–2009: Legal counsel, Players' Status Department (FIFA), Zurich
  • Vaud Bar Association (OAV)
  • Swiss Bar Federation (FSA)
  • Jeune Barreau vaudois
  • Registered in the Cantonal Attorneys' Register (Vaud)
  • ASA
  • Swiss Association for Sports law (ASDS)
  • 2014: LL.M., University of Cambridge, UK
  • 2013: Bar exam, Geneva
  • 2011: MLaw, University of Neuchâtel
  • 2009: BLaw, University of Lausanne

Contact

Lausanne

Place Saint-François 1
P.O. Box
CH-1001 Lausanne

Phone +41 58 200 33 00
Fax +41 58 200 33 11

info.lausanne@kellerhals-carrard.ch

Kellerhals Carrard

Basel ∣ Bern ∣ Geneva ∣ Lausanne ∣ Lugano ∣ Sion ∣ Zurich

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