The Firm
An independent Swiss legal practice in Lugano: how it is organised, the principles it works by, and who a client deals with.
About the firm
Galgano Legal is an independent legal practice in Lugano. The firm advises private clients, entrepreneurs and businesses on matters governed by Swiss law and on matters with a cross-border element.
The practice is small. A client deals with the lawyer responsible for the matter from the first conversation to its conclusion. No layer of case management sits between the two, and advice is written by the lawyer who knows the file.
Where a matter needs something the firm does not provide itself — a notarial act, a tax opinion, counsel in another jurisdiction — the firm says so at the outset and coordinates the appropriate adviser. The firm's areas of work are set out under Practice Areas.
How the firm works
Before work starts, the client receives in writing what has been asked, the basis on which fees will be charged and how long the matter is expected to take. Any material change is raised when it arises, not on the invoice.
Confidentiality is a condition of the work. Information about a client or a matter is not disclosed except as the law requires or the client instructs. Before accepting an instruction, the firm checks for a conflict of interest; where one is identified, the firm declines the instruction unless the conflict can be resolved with the clients' informed consent. The Approach page describes how the firm takes on a matter and bills its work.
Languages
The firm works in Italian, English, French and German. Matters may be conducted in any of these languages, and documents are drafted in the language of the transaction or the proceedings concerned. Where a matter calls for a language the firm does not work in, the firm says so at the outset and arranges a translator or interpreter.
The principles
we work by.
The firm applies the same way of working to every matter, whatever its size.
01 — Independence
The firm acts only for its clients. Its advice is not influenced by any other interest.
02 — Clarity
Advice is written in plain language, keeping the legal position and the practical options apart.
03 — Discretion
Client information is treated as confidential, including the fact that a matter exists.
04 — Precision
Documents are drafted with attention to the terms that will determine how a matter is resolved later.
05 — Proportion
The work is matched to the matter. Where a short answer will do, the firm gives one.
06 — Perspective
Swiss law is applied with an awareness of the international context in which many clients operate.
Organisation
The firm has its office in Lugano, in the Canton of Ticino, at Cassarate, 6900 Lugano.
Appointments are arranged during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00–18:00). Matters that need attention outside those hours can be raised with the lawyer handling the matter.
Registration and supervision
The firm's lawyers hold the professional title of attorney-at-law, which is protected in Switzerland, and are admitted to practise by a canton. A lawyer admitted in one canton may act throughout Switzerland; the lawyer remains under professional supervision in every canton where the lawyer is entered on the register. Enquiries about a lawyer's admission may be addressed to the firm.
The practice is subject to the Swiss Lawyers Act (BGFA), to the professional rules applicable in Switzerland and to professional secrecy under Swiss law. The Legal Notice sets out the professional rules that apply to the firm's lawyers and the terms on which this website is provided.
Our lawyers
| Lawyer |
|---|
| Federico Galgano |
Working with the firm
The firm is glad to discuss a matter before an instruction is given. A short outline of the matter and the parties involved is enough for the firm to confirm that it can act and to carry out a conflict check.