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Local Excellence and International Perspective

CapstoneLaw stays at the forefront of the financial industry by staying closely involved in legislative and industry developments and initiatives.

Awards & Recognition
Who’s Who Legal,
Global Guide 2021, 2022 & 2023
  • Private Funds – Formation
  • Private Funds – Regulatory
Who’s Who Legal,
Switzerland 2021, 2022 & 2023
  • Investment Management

About us

With offices in Zurich and Amsterdam CapstoneLaw provides advice across the entire spectrum of investment management and financial services law, financial regulation including ESG and sustainable finance disclosures, private  investments, corporate and tax  matters. Members of our team have served in leading positions with some of the most successful financial, legal and consulting firms.

Our team knows the terms of alternative investment strategies, is working across all major fund jurisdictions including Luxembourg, Ireland, Switzerland and Netherlands, have long-standing track records with major law firms, investment management firms as well as financial institutions.

CapstoneLaw stays at the forefront of the financial industry by staying closely involved in legislative and industry developments and initiatives.

You have, at all times, immediate access to leading investment management, corporate, transactional, regulatory, compliance and sustainability advisors whose knowledge and experience span industries and geographies.

People

Our team members are at the forefront of asset management and financial services advisory.

Hans-Moritz
Partner

Hans Moritz

Hans counsels international and domestic asset managers, funds, institutional and private investors, banks, and other financial intermediaries on investment management and corporate matters as well as financial market regulations.

Hans focuses on international and domestic formation, marketing and management of private funds, manager and fund level transactions, operational,  compliance and governance issues as well as regulatory filings. He regularly represents clients in proceedings with the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, Swiss Supervisory Organisations and the Swiss Occupational Pension Supervisory Commission.

He advises institutional and private investors in connection with a wide range of semi liquid and illiquid investments through managed accounts, club deals,commingled products and securitasations and is experienced in fund interest acquisitions and negotiation of co-investments. He has guided clients through multiple commercial challenges including key person events, investor defaults, manager replacements, spin-outs and other strategic corporate transactions.

Hans’ breadth of expertise and leadership of complex fund related transactions across multiple jurisdictions have earned him a reputation as a leader in private fund matters across a wide variety of strategies including private equity, venture capital, renewable power, real estate and private credit including direct lending, corporate private placement as well as mezzanine financing. As a speaker, Hans is addressing audiences at international fund and investor conferences and is involved in developing policy maker initiatives.

Hans received his Doctorate in Law from the University of Lausanne (2004) and his Master in European and International Economic Law from LMU Munich (2003). He is admitted in Zurich (Art. 28 BGFA) and Munich.

Professional Background

  • Partner with CapstoneLaw, Zurich, since 2017
  • BlackRock Switzerland, previously Swiss Re Private Equity Partners: In-House Counsel (since 2015 Deputy Head Legal & Compliance BlackRock Switzerland), Zurich, 2012 – 2017.
  • UBS AG: In-House Counsel and Private Funds Product Expert, Zurich, 2008 – 2012.
  • Equity Trust Fund Services, In-House Counsel, Luxembourg, 2007 – 2008.
  • Bundesverband Alternative Investments, In-House Counsel, Bonn, 2006 – 2007.
  • Ebner Stolz, Associate, Munich, 2004 – 2006.

Activities

  • Member Zurich Bar Association
  • Member Swiss Bar Association
  • Member Munich Bar Association
  • Member of the AMAS working group L-QIF (Swiss Limited Qualified Investor Fund)

Bar Admissions

  • Zurich, Switzerland (Art. 28 BGFA)
  • Munich, Germany (Art. 12 BRAO)

Education

  • Doctorate in Law (Doctorat en Droit), Université de Lausanne, 2004 (Prix de l’Association des Anciens Étudiants de l’Université de Lausanne).
  • Master in European and International Economic Law (LL.M.Eur.), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 2003 (with highest distinction).
  • Bar Exam (Second State Exam), Munich, 2001, Secondments with Lette LLP, Montréal and Drew & Napier LLC, Singapore.
  • Certificate in Financial Accounting and Balance Sheet Analysis, Chamber of Commerce, Munich, 2000.
  • Graduate Law Degree (First State Exam), Munich, 1999, Law Studies at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Université de Lausanne.

Languages

  • German
  • English
  • French

Awards & Recognition

Who’s Who Legal says: “Hans is an incredibly smart lawyer with tremendous business acumen across private debt, venture capital, private equity and real estate funds.“ “The brilliant Hans Moritz is held in high esteem as a dominant force in the Swiss private funds market.” “His strong business acumen across the gamut of fund types is further acclaimed.” “He is lauded by clients for his profound understanding of the market and incredible ability to describe complex legal matters in plain English” and is highlighted for his “immaculate knowledge of regulatory and sales compliance” and for his “impressive track record”.

Publications

  • Thorough Due Diligence Required – Legal and Tax Aspects of Private Market Investments, in German, (with Mirjam Staub-Bisang), in Schweizer Personalvorsorge 09/2018, p. 88 – 89.
  • Reforming Hedge Fund Regulation in Germany (with Achim Pütz), in International Investor, Spring 2007, p. 92 – p. 94.
  • German Hedge Fund Regulation – a Perspective on Forthcoming Developments, (with Achim Pütz), in Euromoney – Hedge Fund and Alternative Investments Handbook 2007, p. 57 – p. 63.
  • Amendment of the German Investment Act (with Achim Pütz), in German, in Absolutreport February/March 2007, p. 32 – p. 39.
  • Hedge Fund Regulation in Germany – Some Room for Improvement (with Achim Pütz), in German, in Absolutreport 06/2006, p. 46 – p. 53.
  • The German Sales Prospectus Ordinance: Legal Requirements of the Sales Prospectus of Closed-ended Funds, in German, (with Paul Grimm), in Betriebs-Berater 7/2005, p. 337 – p. 344.
Gabriela-Zimmermann
Executive Assistant

Gabriela Zimmermann

Gabriela Zimmermann serves as executive assistant to CapastoneLaw. She ensures efficient operations of the firm including IT and accounting and provides assistance to the team on various practice areas in their daily work. Prior to joining CapstoneLaw Gabriela worked in similar positions for financial services organizations and industrial companies. Gabriela is fluent in German, English and French.

Nesbit-West
Partner

Nesbit West

Nesbit advises both investment managers and institutional investors engaged in developed or developing market investment strategies. In addition to traditional alternative investment funds (including private equity, infrastructure, private real estate), he has advised on a number of fund launches answering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal themes (including climate, water, food security and forestry) involving governmental institutions, institutional investors such as pension funds, insurers, financial institutions, private and public companies and development finance institutions.

He advises and supports investment managers during different phases of the fund life cycle including fund formation and documentation, investor contract negotiations and onboarding, fund service provider contracting, developing and documenting fund governance and internal compliance policies and processes and executing fund portfolio investments.

He advises and supports investors in fund/co-investment reviews, legal and related aspects of operational due diligence and special projects including regulatory driven changes, mergers, GP removals, service provider contracting.

Nesbit received his Bachelor of Laws (1996) and his Master of Laws degree (1998) at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Professional Background

  • Partner with CapstoneLaw since 2022
  • Independent Investment Management Consultant, Amsterdam, since 2012
  • Ownership Capital, COO (ad interim), Amsterdam, 2012 – 2015
  • PGGM Investments, Senior Legal Counsel, Zeist, 2008 – 2012
  • ABN AMRO, Vice President – Senior Legal Counsel, Amsterdam, 2005 – 2008
  • Loyens & Loeff, Senior Associate, Amsterdam, 2001 – 2005
  • Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, Associate, Cape Town, 1999 – 2001

Education

  • Finance for Lawyers, Amsterdam Institute for Finance, 2009.
  • Valuations, Amsterdam Institute for Finance, 2007
  • Master of Laws, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, 1997 – 1998.
  • Bachelor of Laws (Political Science, English literature), University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, 1994 – 1996.

Languages

  • English
  • Dutch
Franz-Meßner
Senior Associate

Franz Messner

Franz advises international and domestic asset managers, funds, institutional and private investors, banks and other financial intermediaries on investment management and corporate matters as well as financial market regulations. Franz focuses on formation, marketing and management of funds. In addition, he advises on regulatory law issues (e.g. licence, compliance, distribution and ESG).

Franz received his Doctorate in Law from the University of Heidelberg (2022) and his Bar Exam (Second State Exam) in Frankfurt (2021). He is admitted in Zurich (Art. 28 BGFA) and Frankfurt (Art. 12 BRAO).

Professional Background

  • Senior Associate with CapstoneLaw, Zurich, since 2023
  • Clifford Chance, Research Assistant, 2022
  • Dechert LLP, Research Assistant, 2018-2020
  • CMS Hasche Sigle, Research Assistant, 2016-2018

Bar Admissions

  • Zurich, Switzerland (Art. 28 BGFA)
  • Frankfurt, Germany (Art. 12 BRAO)

Education

  • Doctorate in Law, University of Heidelberg, 2022
  • Bar Exam (Second State Exam), Frankfurt, 2021, Traineeships at the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), Goodwin Procter and Clifford Chance
  • Graduate Law Degree (First State Exam), Jena, 2015

Languages

  • German
  • English

Publications

  • Commentary in Emde/Dornseifer/Dreibus, (German) Capital Investment Code, Art. 196, in German, 2023
  • External capital management company and externally managed investment company, in German, Nomos, 2022
Anabelle-Moritz
Chief Operating Officer

Anabelle Moritz

Anabelle Moritz serves as COO and acts as trusted partner for the firms ongoing operations and external service provider management. She supports on ad-hoc tasks, and helps on administrative and logistical matters. She is involved in key marketing projects and business development initiatives.

Bruce-McKay
Senior Counsel

Bruce McKay

Bruce has extensive experience in acting for a wide range of international and domestic investment management clients. He guided numerous funds on formation, fund management and fund-raising activities, primarily in the European, Asian and Australian markets.

In addition, Bruce is counselling on banking and finance including project finance, leasing, lending, structured finance and debt and equity capital markets, as well as on infrastructure including renewable energy, real estate and technology. He also assisted a wide range of corporates, start-ups, real estate companies, family offices, bank and finance corporations and investment managers in all aspects of their business.

Clients are impressed by his extensive experience across multiple jurisdictions coupled with his business focused approach and commercial acumen.

Bruce received his BA/LLB degrees at the Australian National University in Canberra, and since then has worked in Sydney, London, New York and Luxembourg for a number of major international law firms and in house with two of Australia’s largest banks.

Felix-Reinhardt
Swiss Tax Expert Counsel

Felix Reinhardt

Felix is a Tax Counsel and focuses on tax structuring of funds and investments, holdings, managed accounts and securitizations. He is conducting tax rulings and tax compliance in profit and income tax (Federal, State or Community), withholding and stamp tax. He is covering international tax coordination such as tax due diligence of investments, international source and withholding taxes and tax filing obligations and application of double tax treaties.

Professional Background

  • CapstoneLaw, Zurich, Tax Counsel & Swiss Partners Wealth Services AG, Partner, Since 2019
  • Felix Reinhard, Steuer- und Vermögensberatung, Zurich, Tax Counsel, 2015 – 2018
  • Chefinvest AG Zürich, Managing Partner, Head Tax & Legal, 2010 – 2015
  • Amschwander Peter und Partner, Zurich, Rechtsanwälte, Partner, Tax, 2008 – 2010
  • Bank Vontobel AG, Zurich, Head of Tax, 2001 – 2008
  • Schweizerische Treuhandgesellschaft, Zurich – Tax Counsel, 1999 – 2001
  • PWC Zurich (incl. predecessor organisations) – Corporate and Private Tax, Managing Tax Consultant, 1994 – 1999
  • Mercator Treuhandgesellschaft, Zurich Head Tax, 1992 – 1994
  • ADM Steuer- Finanz Beratung AG, Zurich, Tax Consultant 1991
  • District Court Meilen, Clerk and Auditor,1989 – 1991

Activities

  • Institut of Swiss and International Tax Law
  • Guild zu Oberstrass

Admissions

  • Swiss Federal Tax Expert (eig. dipl. Steuerexperte)

Education

  • University of Zurich: Law (lic.iur.), 1983 – 1989
  • Kammerschule, Zurich, eidg. dipl. Steuerexperte, 1993 – 1996

Languages

  • German
  • English
  • French
  • Italian

Publications

  • «Rechte und Pflichten von Arbeitnehmern und Arbeitgebern» together with Walter Furrer and Mirco Del Grande

Careers

We always seek for talents who share our enthusiasm.

Open positions

Lawyer – Investment Management (60% - 100%)

CapstoneLaw – Who We Are

CapstoneLaw is a leading law and advisory firm with a focus on asset management, alternative investments & transactions, financial services, tax and wealth structuring. As onestop shop we provide cutting edge legal and tax services and the world´s most successful entrepreneurs and players in the financial industry. CapstoneLaw is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity.

Your Role

For the ongoing expansion of our Zurich practice, we are looking for a motivated attorney in investment management and transactional services. You will work on Swiss and international matters with a focus on fund formation, corporate and regulatory matters including filings with supervisory authorities.

Your Profile

You have excellent academic credentials with a law degree from a Swiss and/or European law school and are admitted to the bar in Switzerland or Europe. You have 3 – 5 years working experience in corporate or financial services with an international law firm or global asset manager (re-entry into professional life considered). You are strongly entrepreneurial minded with excellent analytical skills and a self-starter mentality. You have the ability to work efficiently and precisely against tight deadlines. You are fluent in German and English (must), French would be a plus.

What We Offer

Opportunity to work in a fast-growing Swiss/international environment. You will be part of a highly specialized team with international exposure. You will work on challenging jobs from day one. If you are interested to join this exciting position please send your application including motivation letter, CV and professional certificates.

Senior Lawyer – Asset Management

CapstoneLaw – Who We Are

CapstoneLaw is a leading law and advisory firm with a focus on asset management, alternative investments & transactions, financial services, tax and wealth structuring. As onestop shop we provide cutting edge legal and tax services and the world´s most successful entrepreneurs and players in the financial industry. CapstoneLaw is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity.

Your Role

For the ongoing expansion of our Zurich practice, we are looking for a highly motivated and outstanding full-time attorney in asset management and transactional services. You will work on Swiss and international matters with a focus on fund formation and investments. In addition, you will advise clients on all aspects of financing, financial market regulation, taxation and proceedings before supervisory authorities in Switzerland and abroad.

Your Profile

You have excellent academic credentials with a law degree from a Swiss and/or European law school and are admitted to the bar in Switzerland. You have 3 – 5 years’ work experience in an internationally oriented law firm or financial services player. You are strongly entrepreneurial minded with excellent analytical skills and a self-starter mentality. You have the ability to work efficiently and precisely against tight deadlines. You are fluent in German and English (must), French would be a plus.

What We Offer

Opportunity to work in a fast-growing Swiss/international environment with excellent possibilities for professional development. You will be part of a highly specialized team with international exposure. You will closely work together with the firm’s partners on challenging jobs from day one. We offer an attractive remuneration package in line with your qualification and experience. If you are interested to join this exciting position please send your application including motivation letter, CV and professional certificates.

Junior Lawyer – Asset Management

CapstoneLaw – Who We Are

CapstoneLaw is a leading law and advisory firm with a focus on asset management, alternative investments & transactions, financial services, tax and wealth structuring. As onestop shop we provide cutting edge legal and tax services and the world´s most successful entrepreneurs and players in the financial industry. CapstoneLaw is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity.

Your Role

For the ongoing expansion of our Zurich practice, we are looking for a highly motivated and outstanding full-time attorney in asset management and transactional services. You will work on Swiss and international matters with a focus on fund formation and investments. In addition, you will advise clients on all aspects of financing, financial market regulation, taxation and proceedings before supervisory authorities in Switzerland and abroad.

Your Profile

You have excellent academic credentials with a law degree from a Swiss and/or European law school and are admitted to the bar in Switzerland. You have 1 – 3 years’ work experience in an internationally oriented law firm or financial services player. You are strongly entrepreneurial minded with excellent analytical skills and a self-starter mentality. You have the ability to work efficiently and precisely against tight deadlines. You are fluent in German and English (must), French would be a plus.

What We Offer

Opportunity to work in a fast-growing Swiss/international environment with excellent possibilities for professional development. You will be part of a highly specialized team with international expo- sure. You will closely work together with the firm’s partners on challenging jobs from day one. We offer an attractive remuneration package in line with your qualification and experience. If you are interested to join this exciting position please send your application including motivation letter, CV and professional certificates to csl@capstonelaw.ch. We are looking forward to getting in touch!

Expertise

CapstoneLaw has finely tuned legal, compliance and business experience along the entire value chain of asset management and financial services.

Experience

Our breadth of industry experience ensures strategic and efficient advice.