Profile

Frank acts as counsel before arbitral tribunals as well as state courts. He regularly sits as co-arbitrator, sole arbitrator and chairman. He also assists parties in pre-arbitration or pre-litigation phases, as well as in annulment proceedings against awards before the Swiss Supreme Court. His cases relate among others to M&A, joint ventures, distribution, agency, licensing, service agreements and international sales. His industry experience includes among others energy, telecommunications, trading, machine industry, automobile, pharma, luxury industry, robotic, construction, oil and gas, bank and finance, sport industry and real estate. Frank is a member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR.

Client Says

«Frank Spoorenberg stands out as one of the best arbirators in Switzerland.»
Legal 500 2024
«What makes Frank Spoorenberg very pleasant to work with is that he is very calm, he is always on top of the issues and he is very straightforward.»
Chambers Global 2022
«Frank Spoorenberg possesses “extensive knowledge of the arbitration process” and provides a “strategic and professional approach” in M&A, financing and contract disputes.»
Who’s Who Legal 2021

Practice Areas

Experience

Frank has acted as counsel and arbitrator in over 100 arbitration proceedings. He has published and spoken in the area of contract and arbitration law.

Before focusing on international arbitration and commercial litigation, Frank developed a strong expertise in M&A, financing, general corporate and commercial contracts.

Experience highlights include:

  • Counsel in an ICC arbitration in a trust dispute, representing a private client*
  • Counsel in an LCIA arbitration in the oil and gas industry, representing an African bulk distribution company against a leading commodity trading company*
  • Counsel in a CiArb arbitration in the shipbuilding industry, representing a top tier European shipbuilder and shipyard operator*
  • Counsel in an Emergency arbitrator proceeding (ICC) in the steel industry, representing a top tier international group*
  • Counsel in a Swiss Rules case in the air travel food and beverage industry, brand owner against a multinational group*

 

*Transactions handled before joining Niederer Kraft Frey

1995 Admitted to the Swiss Bar
1993 LL.M., College of Europe, Bruges, Belgium
1991 Master of Law, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Best Lawyers 2014 – 2025
Chambers Global 2020 – 2024
Chambers Europe 2020 – 2024
The Legal500 EMEA 2024 – Recommended
Lexology Index – Thought Leaders – Switzerland 2024
Lexology Index – Global – Arbitration 2023 – 2024
Lexology Index – Switzerland – Arbitration 2021 – 2024
Lexology Index – Thought Leaders – Switzerland 2023
The Legal500 – Arbitration Powerlist: DACH Region 2023
  • Geneva and Swiss Bar Associations
  • Swiss Arbitration Association (former board member)
  • Member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR
  • International Bar Association
  • Inter-Pacific Bar Association
  • Court of the Swiss Arbitration Centre (former Vice-President and former court member)
2023 Partner, Niederer Kraft Frey, Geneva
2007 Partner, Swiss law firm, Geneva
2002 Associate, Swiss law firm, Geneva
2001 Foreign Associate, White & Case, New York and Washington, D.C.
1997 Associate, Swiss law firm, Geneva
1993 Trainee, Associate, Swiss law firm, Geneva

French

English

German

Market Perception

«Frank Spoorenberg stands out as one of the best arbirators in Switzerland.»
Legal 500 2024
«Frank Spoorenberg was extremely well prepared in the hearings.»
Chambers Global 2024
«He is an excellent arbitrator with a pragmatic approach and a sound legal judgement.»
Chambers 2023
«What makes Frank Spoorenberg very pleasant to work with is that he is very calm, he is always on top of the issues and he is very straightforward.»
Chambers Global 2022
«Frank Spoorenberg possesses “extensive knowledge of the arbitration process” and provides a “strategic and professional approach” in M&A, financing and contract disputes.»
Who’s Who Legal 2021
«Frank Spoorenberg is an excellent professional, he is quick and reliable and he has a bright spirit.»
Chambers Global 2021
«Frank Spoorenberg possesses a thorough analysis and ability to develop the best strategy and, even under pressure, he is able to remain on top of things.»
Chambers Global 2020

Awards & Rankings

06.02.2024

Nineteen NKF lawyers listed as “Thought Leaders Switzerland 2023” by Who’s Who Legal

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03.05.2023

Three NKF lawyers included in The Legal 500’s “The Arbitration Powerlist: DACH 2023”

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Firm News

18.01.2023

NKF continues to grow and opens new offices in Geneva

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14.06.2022

NKF, Tavernier Tschanz and a team of partners from Python join forces

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In the Media

17.03.2023

Conducting arbitration-related court proceedings in English will make Switzerland a more attractive ar…

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Publications

28.09.2023

The 2023 Supplemental Swiss Rules forCorporate Law Disputes

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Speaking Engagements

21.10.2024

The Benefit of the Neutral Forum – Exploring the Attraction of Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore …

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30.11.2023

International Arbitration and Corporate Governance

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15.03.2023

La révision du droit de la société anonyme et l’arbitrage, Règlement suisse supplémentaire …

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