Profile
Dr. Gurovits has, in particular, the following areas of expertise: transactions, arbitration/litigation, compliance as well as crisis management, with a particular focus on the technology and sports industries. He exercises the following legal functions in the institutions listed hereafter: FCIArb (Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators); Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport TAS/CAS; Member of the Panel of Arbitrators of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre HKIAC; Member of the Legal Committee of the International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF; President of the Judicial Administration Supervisory Commission of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation SIHF. He holds the following management positions in the entities listed hereafter: President of the Grasshopper Football Foundation; Vice-President of Grasshopper Football Ltd; Member of the Board of Grasshopper Club Zurich, football department; Member of the Board of Phoenix Consulting and Trading Ltd.
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Dr. Gurovits specialises in transactions, dispute resolution, compliance as well as crisis management, with a particular focus on the technology and sports industries.
He is distinguished as a leading lawyer by various legal directories such as Best Lawyers, Who’s Who Legal, Legal 500 and Chambers. His extensive practical experience in the technology sector (more than ten years as software engineer and marketing manager) allows him to cover a wide range of transactions (such as acquisitions, outsourcing, restructurings, development, procurement and distribution) as well as compliance matters including data privacy, data security and regulatory. In the sports sector he not only acts as legal advisor, but also holds management positions in various sports organizations. In the field of dispute resolution, he serves for almost two decades as an arbitrator in sports and commercial proceedings as well as a legal advisor in arbitration, litigation, white collar proceedings and internal investigations. As a result of his practical experience as a turnaround manager, he is qualified to help companies that find themselves in a crisis situation.
At present, he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), a listed arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport TAS/CAS, a member of the Panel of Arbitrators of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre HKIAC, a member of the Legal Committee of the International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF, and the President of the Judicial Administration Supervisory Commission of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation SIHF. In addition, he is the President of the Grasshopper Football Foundation, Zurich, and the Vice-President of Grasshopper Football Ltd (which is the corporation operating professional football of Grasshopper Club Zurich.
- AI, Machine Learning & Big Data: Switzerland 2021 in: Global Legal Insights, 3rd Edition
- The Sports Law Review: Preface and Switzerland, 2020 in: The Sports Law Review, 2020, Edition 6
- International Arbitration 2020 – Trends and Developments: Switzerland in: Chambers Global Practice Guides – International Arbitration 2020, September 2020
- AI, Machine Learning & Big Data: Switzerland 2020 in: Global Legal Insights, 2nd Edition
- The risk-based approach under the GDPR and Swiss data protection laws, 2020 in: The In-House Lawyer, Spring Edition 2020, pp. 90-91
- Cyber attacks – preventive measures and notification obligations in Switzerland, 2020 Moderation of NKF Client Breakfast Event held on 27 February 2020
- Cybersecurity – A practical cross-border insight into cybersecurity work, 2020 in: The International Comparative Legal Guide (ICLG) to Cybersecurity 2020, A practical cross-border insight into cybersecurity work; 3rd Edition
- AI, Machine Learning & Big Data: Switzerland in: Global Legal Insights, 1st Edition
- Modifications of the PILA: implications for sport arbitration, 2019 in: Bulletin TAS / CAS Bulletin This article was first published in the CAS Bulletin following a presentation made by Mr Gurovits at the seminar organized by the CAS in Budapest on 24-25 October 2019
- The risk-based approach under the GDPR and Swiss data protection laws, 2019 in: The In-House Lawyer, Spring 2019
- NKF Client News February 2019 (FDPIC publishes Guidelines on technical and organisational measures (TOMS) for the protection of personal data) Online Publication, 4 February 2019
- The Technology, Media and Telecommunications Review: Switzerland, 2019 in: The Technology, Media and Telecommunications Review, 2019, P. 342 – 359
- Outsourcing 2019 – Switzerland Law and Practice, 2018 in: Chambers Global Practice Guide, December 2018
- DSGVO Roundtable Workshop: Erste Erkenntnisse nach Sechs Monaten Moderation of NKF Client Breakfast Event held on 27 November 2018
- Risikoallokation, Haftung und Haftungsüberwälzung Moderator of the Session “Digitalisierung und IT – Vertragsgestaltung, Daten und Haftung” on 16 November 2018
- Cybersecurity 2019 – A Practical Cross-Border Insight Into Cybersecurity Work in: The International Comparative Legal Guide (ICLG) to Cybersecurity 2019, A practical cross-border insight into cybersecurity work; 2nd Edition
- The double-eagle goal celebration: a legal or rather a socio-political issue?, 2018 in: World Sports Advocate (August 2018)
- Trends and Developments – International Arbitration 2019 in: Chambers and Partners – Switzerland, 23 August 2018
- ITechlaw Asia Pacific Conference, Hong Kong 2018 Moderator of the Session “FinTech and RegTech – Navigating the Latest Trends and Challenges” on 8 March 2018
- GDPR Workshop: Data Protection – Practical Tips, 2018 Moderation of NKF Client Breakfast Event held on 8 February 2018
- Cybersecurity – A practical cross-border insight into cybersecurity work in: The International Comparative Legal Guide (ICLG) to Cybersecurity 2020, A practical cross-border insight into cybersecurity work; 3rd Edition (13 Pages; 1007 kb)
- The Sports Law Review – Chapter about Switzerland, 2017 in: The Sports Law Review, 2017, Edition 3 (Law Business Research Ltd.), p. 262-279
- The Technology, Media and Telecommunications Review: Switzerland, 2017 in: The Technology, Media and Telecommunications Review, 2017, P. 321-436
- ITechlaw European Conference 2017 Moderator of the session “A Corporate Perspective on Data Protection”, 18-20 October 2017 in Stockholm
- Update on the Revision of the Swiss Data Protection Act – Draft Specifies New Duties, 2017 Online Publication, 27 September 2017 (3 Pages; 96,1 KB)
- Data Protection – Why companies in Switzerland need to (re)act! Moderation of NKF Client Breakfast Event held on 28 March 2017 (1 Page; 25.9 kb)
- Changing times in data privacy: What does this mean for your company?, 2017 Moderation of data privacy workshop (hosted by NKF and ACC) on 23 March 2017
- 3rd IBA silicon beach conference – all along the spectrum – from start-up to IPO/exit and beyond, 2017 Speaker at the 3rd IBA Silicon Beach Conference, “How to do an international M&A deal in less than 60 days”, 1-3 February 2017 in Santa Monica
- Revision of the Swiss data protection act – New duties for companies doing business in Switzerland, 2016 Online Publication, 22 December 2016
- The Technology, Media and Telecommunications Review: Switzerland, 2016 in: The Technology, Media and Telecommunications Review, 2016, P. 242-448
- Evidence in IT disputes, 2016 Presentation held at the ITechLaw European Conference on 10 November 2016 in Madrid, Spain
- Litigation / Arbitration bei Cross-Border Outsourcing Projekten, 2016 Presentation at seminar “Cross-Border Outsourcing – Rechtsfragen und Lösungen” organized by the Europa Institut, 28.09.2016
- Litigation or Arbitration in Cross-Border Outsourcing: What is the better fit?, 2016/17 in: Practical Law Global Guide 2016/17 Outsourcing, Thomson Reuters
- Hooliganism: The efficiency of the Swiss legal landscape, 2016 in: World Sports Law Report, August 2016 , page 14-16
- Cross-border outsourcing – Lessons learned, 2016 Presentation held at the IBA ECA FORUM on 17/18 June 2016 in Lviv, Ukraine
- TMT Switzerland – Law & Practice, 2016 in: Chambers Global Practice Guides 2016, pages 3-14
- Retweet mit ehrverletzendem Inhalt nicht strafbar, 2016 Online Publication, 8. April 2016
- The Sports Law Review – Chapter about Switzerland, 2015 in: The Sports Law Review, 2015, Edition 1 (Law Business Research Ltd.), p. 183-200
- Swiss Arbitration – Practical aspects and new developments, 2015 NKF Schriftenreihe Publikation #19 (322 Pages; 1425 kb)
- Swiss Federal Tribunal upholds CAS decision banning Patrick Sinkewitz for doping offense, 2014 Online Publication, http://www.sportslawcircle.com, 2 September 2014
- Riots at sports events – Does a club have the right to apply physical force to prevent damage?, 2014 Online Publication, this article was first published by CorporateLiveWire on 1 August 2014
- Liability in the event of riots at sports events, 2014 Online Publication, June 2014
- Die Gesundheit: Eine Herausforderung für den Sport, 2013 Gesundheitliche Herausforderungen des modernen Sports: Prävention, reglementarische Behandlung, Haftungsfragen und neue Entwicklungen in: Referat am Seminar des SAV, ASDS und IDS für Sport und Recht vom 31. Oktober 2013 in Neuchâtel
- Health: A challenge for sport – health challenges of modern sport: Prevention, regulatory treatment, liability issues and developments, 2013 Presentation at the seminar of the Swiss Bar Association (SAV), Swiss Association for Sports Law (ASDS) and IDS, for Sport and Law on 31 October 2013 in Neuchâtel
- Admissibility of illegally procured evidence in CAS proceedings – Some comments to the Adamu decision, 2013 Online Publication, http//:www.sportslawcircle.com, 14. January 2013
- Penalties for non-delivery of shares under shareholders agreements – To what extent will the exceptio non adimpleti contractus principle protect a shareholder?, 2013 Online Publication, http//:www.nkf.ch, 11. January 2013
- UEFA FFP Regulations – Fairplay or Foulplay?, 2012 Online Publication, http//:www.sportslawcircle.com, 28. December 2012
- Is a referee’s decision open for appeal?, 2012 Online Publication, http//:www.sportslawcircle.com, 18. December 2012
- How to transfer registered shares? How and when to challenge decisions of shareholders meetings?, 2012 Online Publication, http//:www.nkf.ch, 14. December 2012
- Can a third party raise claims under an agreement to which it has not entered into? The Swiss Federal Court provides guidance, 2012 Online Publication, http//:www.sportslawcircle.com, 12. December 2012
- Unlimited discretion of swiss courts re remedies in case of organizational deficiencies?, 2012 Online Publication, http//:www.nkf.ch, 10. December 2012
- M&A Transactions: Successful project planning, 2012 Online Publication, http//:www.nkf.ch, 20. November 2012
- Match fixing no crime, 2012 Online Publication, http//:www.sportslawcircle.com, 16. November 2012
- The court of Arbitration for sport TAS/CAS, 2012 Based on a lecture held with the Swiss-Russian Forum on 27 September 2012 in Zurich
- Outsourcing transactions: Managing employee communications in: PLC Cross-Border Outsourcing Handbook 2011/2011, http://www.practicallaw.com/0-505-9387, 2011
- Key Employee Retention in M&A Transactions NKF-Schriftenreihe Publikation #14
- Die zivilrechtliche Haftung bei Zuschauerausschreitungen, 2008 in: Sport und Recht: Sicherheit im Sport, Stämpfli Verlag 2008
- Joint Marketing and Competition law Online Publication, January 2008
- Successful planning in M&A transactions, 2008 Online Publication, 2008
- Organisation und Sponsoring von Sportanlässen, 2006 in: Sport und Recht, Vermarktung und Organisation von Sportanlässen, NKF-Schriftenreihe Band 11, Zürich 2006, S. 75-120
- Organization and sponsoring of sport events, 2006 in: Sports and Law, Commercialization and Organization of Sports Events, NKF-Schriftenreihe Band 11, Zürich 2006, S. 188-232
- Vermarktung und Organisation von Sportanlässen, 2006 in: Sport und Recht, Vermarktung und Organisation von Sportanlässen, NKF-Schriftenreihe Band 11, Zürich 2006, S. 7-73
- Die rechtliche Aufarbeitung des Spieles Türkei – Schweiz, 2005 in: NZZ, Nr. 275, 24. November 2005
- Organisation of international and national sports events, 2005 How to manage legal complexity? Zürich 2005
- IT-Outsourcing Verträge in der Vertragspraxis Zürich 2004
- Major revision of the Swiss cartel act in: Antitrust & Competition Review 2004, p. 62-65
- Service level agreements in der Outsourcing-Praxis, 2003 in: Rolf H. Weber/Mathis Berger/Rolf Auf der Maur (Hrsg.): ICT Rechtspraxis I, Publikationen aus dem Zentrum für Informations- und Kommunikationsrecht der Universität Zürich, Band 23, Zürich 2003, S. 1-19
- Service level agreements, 2003 English Translation of “Service Level Agreements in der Outsourcing Praxis”, Zürich 2003
- ER Sport im Fokus von Politik und Gesetzgebung, 2002 in: Zeitschrift für Europarecht 4 (2002), S. 26-28
- Cross-Border Online-Banking and Online-Brokerage in Switzerland, 2001 in: The European Banking Review IV (2001), S. 189-199
- Gutachten über die Verfassungsmässigkeit der Einführung von direkten Sanktionen im Kartellgesetz, 2001 in: RPW/DPC 2001/3, S. 592 ff.
2010
University of Liverpool, MBA, with distinction
1993
Dissertation, subject IT consulting agreements, magna cum laude
1991
Admitted to the Bar, Rechtsanwalt
1987
Law Faculty of Zurich University, Licentiate/Masters, magna cum laude
Best Lawyers 2010 – 2025
Chambers Europe 2007 – 2024
The Legal500 EMEA 2021 – 2024 – Hall of Fame
Lexology Index – Thought Leaders – Switzerland 2024
Lexology Index – Global 2019 – 2024
Lexology Index – Switzerland 2016 – 2024
Lexology Index – Thought Leaders – Switzerland 2023
The Legal500 EMEA 2020 – Leading Individual
The Legal500 EMEA 2019 – Leading Individual
The Legal500 EMEA 2018 – Leading Individual
- CAS/TAS Court of Arbitration for Sport
- Legal Committee of the International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF
- Board of Directors of Grasshopper Football Ltd
- ASA Swiss Arbitration Association
- ASDS Association Suisse de Droit du Sport
- ISLA International Sports Lawyers Association ISLA
- ITechLaw
- IAAP International Association of Privacy Professionals
- Swiss Bar Association
- Zurich Bar Association
- IBA International Bar Association
2001
Partner, Niederer Kraft Frey
1994
Associate, Niederer Kraft Frey
1990
Sales Manager, then Marketing Manager with an international IT/telecoms provider
1989
Clerk at the District Court of Zurich
1987
Head of IT and Internal Services of leading publishing company in Zurich
1981
Software Developer with an international IT provider (part time/working student)
German
English
French
Hungarian