Karin Graf, Associate

Karin Graf was born in 1974. She has worked as an associate for VISCHER in Zurich since early 2005. Before that Karin Graf studied in St. Gallen and earned her master (LL.M.) in England.

You moved from a large Zurich business law firm to VISCHER. What won you over to VISCHER?

I find the environment at VISCHER very attractive. The firm's Zurich office is medium-size and thus personable and manageable. But at the same time, with the two offices in Basel and Zurich VISCHER offers the professionalism and structure of a large law firm. Working in specialized groups allows me to practice my preferred areas of activity and to deepen my existing specialized knowledge. At the same time, if necessary I can quickly access my colleagues' know-how without going through red tape. VISCHER offers me personally the opportunity to work directly with clients and to assume personal responsibility.

Your specialization is litigation. In your opinion, what is required in order to litigate successfully?

I think that a close knowledge of the subject matter is important. Trials are won with facts, which we must prove before a state court or arbitration tribunal. Thus, the first step of my job involves getting the relevant information from the client and then filtering the critical data out. The second step involves formulating a strategy and legal arguments. The earlier we are involved in a dispute, the better.

Women are still under represented at business law firms. As a woman, what is it like in this male-dominated environment?

I deal with clients and colleagues at VISCHER in a very open and uncomplicated environment. I feel that I am not perceived primarily as a woman, but rather as an attorney and colleague. I am convinced that it is only a question of time before women are made partners at VISCHER as well.

VISCHER in three words?

Personal, competent, reliable.