The Legal 500 2026

“Katherine Bell is an exceptional construction lawyer with a sharp legal mind and outstanding technical expertise.”

The Legal 500 2026

“She consistently delivers clear, practical and effective solutions to complex issues, combining deep legal knowledge with a strong understanding of the industry.”

The Legal 500 2026

“Her ability to translate intricate matters into actionable advice makes her an invaluable adviser.”

The Legal 500 2026

“Katherine Bell is an exceptional arbitrator and arbitration counsel; very knowledgeable and she has impressive oral advocacy.”

Lexology Index 2025

“Katherine is an exceptional Swiss lawyer with amazing advocacy skills.”

Lexology Index 2024

“She is a first-rate construction arbitration practitioner.”

Katherine Bell is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution Group and heads the Construction Practice Group in Zurich. Her main areas of practice are domestic and international litigation and arbitration. She advises clients front-end to back-end on complex construction and infrastructure projects and specializes in the resolution of disputes arising out of complex construction, engineering and infrastructure projects as well as commercial tenancy and lease agreements across a variety of industries. She acts as counsel and arbitrator in arbitral proceedings and represents parties in litigation proceedings before Swiss courts as well as before dispute boards and in other types of alternative dispute resolution procedures. In addition to her disputes practice, Katherine regularly advises clients on public procurement matters, contract drafting and negotiation, contract and claims administration and dispute avoidance.

Experience

  • Has acted as counsel and arbitrator in arbitrations under the ICC, DIS, CEPANI, VIAC, CAS and Swiss Rules
  • Has represented clients in litigation proceedings before Swiss courts including before the Swiss Supreme Court
  • Main areas of specialization include construction and engineering as well as sales and commercial tenancy and lease agreements

Career

Professional Experience
2022
Partner at Schellenberg Wittmer
2014
Associate, Senior Associate and Counsel at Schellenberg Wittmer
2012
Law Clerk and Chairwoman of the Conciliation Authority for Disputes Relating to the Tenancy and Lease of Property at the District Court of Horgen
2011
Legal Intern at the High Prosecutor’s Office of the Canton of Bern
2007
Legal Analyst / Contract Manager Supply Chain EMEA at an international healthcare company in Zug
Education and Admission
2015
Bar Admission in Switzerland
2011
Master of Law, Universities of Bern and Stockholm
2009
Bachelor of Law, University of Bern
Additional Professional Activities
  • Co-Vice Chair of the Dispute Resolution Sub-Committee of the International Bar Association's International Construction Projects Committee
  • Co-Chair of the ASA Construction Group
  • Next Generation Member and Arbitrator of the International Construction Arbitrators Association (ICAA)
  • Lecturer at Campus Sursee Educational Centre for Construction (Construction Law)
  • Vice-President and Member of the Board of ArbitralWomen
  • Regular publications in the areas of dispute resolution and construction
  • Member of several professional institutions, including the Swiss and Zurich Bar Associations, the Swiss Arbitration Association (ASA below 40), ArbitralWomen, YIAG, ICC YAF, IBA International Construction Projects, YConstruction and The Society of Construction Law
 

Stay up to date!

*Required fields

Newsletters & Newsflashes

Monthly selected key topics from our practice areas, sectors and industries, plus newsflashes on recent developments.

Publications

Monthly email with the latest updates and summaries of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court's case law in arbitration matters.
Regular insights into Swiss and international trends and legal developments in the construction industry.
Regular insights and updates on key developments in the rapidly changing landscape of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance disputes.
Concise analysis of key trends in the fast-moving world of corporate governance for board members of Swiss companies.
A regular look from a unique M&A perspective at legal changes, economic developments and societal trends in Switzerland.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.