The MS International Law Firm

MS International Law is run by its founder, Melanie Schärer, and is an established and independent Swiss law firm near Lake Zurich with a strong international focus.

Why MS International Law

5878

CASES/ ASSISTANCE FOR PLAYER TRANSFERS

5

LANGUAGES

701

COURT PROCEEDINGS

59

COUNTRIES

The MS International Law Team

Melanie Schärer

Law firm founder /Attorney-at-law

Nationality: Swiss
Languages: German, Spanish, English, French, Italian
Melanie Schärer

«It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.» Winston Churchill

Melanie Schärer is a Swiss sports lawyer admitted to the Swiss Bar. She acquired her knowledge about football law from the first and best possible source, where the rules are made, and the cases are decided: FIFA. After leaving FIFA, Melanie Schärer established her own law firm, MS International Law. Since more than eleven years, Melanie Schärer has been representing football players, coaches, clubs, federations and agents from over 57 countries in more than 600 arbitration processes and in several languages and has supported and advised clients on countless football transfers and eSport projects, all with an exceptionally high success rate.

CURRICULUM
• Managing partner at MS International Law (since 2010)
• Executive Master in Art Market Studies at the University of Zurich (2013)
• Associate at Greenberg Traurig LLP (2008/2009)
• Group Leader Players’ Status Dpt. at FIFA (2005-2008)
• Admission to the Bar (Canton of Schwyz, 2004)
• Law clerk at the Administrative Court of the Canton of Schwyz and at the District Court Höfe
• Intern at a law firm in the Canton of Schwyz
• Law studies at University of Fribourg, Switzerland (2000)

ENGAGEMENTS & MEMBERSHIPS
• UEFA Pro Bono Legal Counsel
• FIFA External Legal Mandatee
• Co-Founder of WISLaw (Women in Sports Law)
• Member of the Swiss Bar Association
• Member of Swiss Association for Sports Law (ASDS)
• Member of the International Association for Football Lawyers (AIAF)
• Member of the Geneva Art Law Foundation

RIGHTS OF AUDIENCE
• All courts in Switzerland (registered in the Bar Register of the Canton of Schwyz)
• All international arbitration bodies (e.g., FIFA & CAS).

WHY I AM DOING MY JOB
I can’t stand it when people are being ripped off or their rights disregarded. This is where I want to help. I also love finding the solution and the necessary strategy for my clients’ legal problems and defending them in court.

WHAT I CARE ABOUT
Family, justice, trust, diligence, respect.

WHAT I ALSO FEEL PASSIONATE ABOUT
Discovering new countries; learning languages (at the moment I am enthusiastic about the Russian language); fashion, i.e. I would need a bigger wardrobe again; interior design; music is always playing at my place; I can’t resist a good meal and a good book; and I like to recharge my batteries during a walk through the city or a hike through the beautiful natural landscape of Switzerland.

Andrea Cercamondi

Head of Office

Nationality: Swiss
Languages: German
Melanie Schärer

«You have to try the impossible to achieve the possible.» – Hermann Hesse

Andrea Cercamondi is responsible for the Human Resources department at MS International Law. She is also passionate about organising and coordinating meetings, interviews, events and trips. She is meticulous in managing the firm’s accounts and ensures that all documents and files comply with MS International Law’s high quality standards.

Andrea Cercamondi manages MS International Law’s website and social media and is known for her great presentations and creative ideas for corporate material. Andrea Cercamondi is a facilitator and trouble shooter in MS International Law’s multi-layered office life and conquers all recalcitrant office devices.

CURRICULUM
• Head of Office at MS International Law (since 2018)
• Head of Events & Care at a Centre for the Elderly in the Canton of Schwyz (2 years)
• Self-employed saleswoman (14 years)
• Mother of a son
• Swiss certified hotel governess (6 years of business experience)

WHY I AM DOING MY JOB
For me there is nothing better than working with my sister, supporting her in the office and taking care of little things. I enjoy being creative and it gives me great pleasure to implement new ideas in a team. It is incredibly beautiful to see how our clients thank Melanie Schärer for helping them securing their rights. I also like my job at MS International Law very much, because I can learn a lot of new things here and constantly improve my skills.

WHAT I CARE ABOUT
Family, Health, Mindfulness, Honesty

WHAT I ALSO FEEL PASSIONATE ABOUT
Seniors, because they have a lot to tell; handkerchiefs, because they are good for us and the environment; I have a weakness for beautiful hotels; I get strength from the sun and I love the wind and water; I am always available for a social evening with good friends.

Our Law Firm is in the heart of Switzerland, approximately 35 Km. from the Home of FIFA in Zürich and around 2.5 hours by train from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.