Partner

Paolo Bottini

Lugano, Switzerland
Partner
Paolo Bottini
Lugano, Switzerland

Portrait

Paolo Bottini has broad experience in advising large multinational corporations on tax and legal matters, particularly in establishing and moving international and regional headquarters in and out of Switzerland.

Furthermore, he is very experienced in coordinating legal and tax advice in M&A projects, in particular due diligence procedures and the preparation of contractual documentation. He also regularly assists private clients in legal and tax matters.

Paolo Bottini is a board member of Helsinn SA, a privately held pharmaceutical company and worldwide leader in supportive cancer care products, where he serves as chairman of the audit committee, as well as of HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis SA, a privatively held chemical and pharmaceutical company.

He is ranked Band 5 in Tax in Chambers Global and Europe 2026.

Is pragmatic and is good at finding solutions.
Interviewee in Chambers Global, 2022
Remarkable knowledge of Swiss tax matters and ability to manage very complex cases.
Legal 500, 2022
Very pragmatic and goes to the point.
Interviewee in Chambers Europe 2021
A very open person, with a problem solving approach.
Legal 500 2021
Paolo Bottini is a smart tax lawyer with the ability to understand the background and transactions.
Source in Legal 500 2020
Offer solutions that are practical and professional.
Source in Legal 500 2020
Good international experience.
Client in Chambers Global 2020
He was great in trying to find the right structure to meet the tax requirements.
Client in Chambers Global 2019
Praised for his exceptional understanding and ability to effectively tailor his advice to the industry.
Who's Who Legal 2016
Without a doubt a top player.
Client in Who's Who Legal 2016
Calm way of dealing with any sort of problem, even if a case develops in an unexpected direction.
Legal 500 2016
Accessible and easy to work with.
Client in Who's Who Legal 2015
Consummate expert.
Client in Who's Who Legal 2015
Considered first rate.
Who's Who Legal 2013
Paolo Bottini is a well-known tax lawyer in Switzerland.
Chambers Global 2026
Career
  • Resident Partner of Bär & Karrer Lugano (since 2001)
  • Lecturer on Executive Master in International Taxation at the Université de Neuchâtel (2011)
  • Partner of Bär & Karrer (2000-2001)
  • Associate at Bär & Karrer in Zurich and Lugano (1996-2000)
  • Lecturer on legal and tax matters at Centro di Studi Bancari, Vezia (since 1996)
  • Lecturer Istituto di Diritto Tributario, Lugano (1999-2004)
  • Lecturer on legal and tax matters SUPSI Ticino (1999-2004)
  • Certified Tax Expert (1994)
  • Tax and legal consultant at an international accounting firm (1992-1996)
  • Admitted to the Ticino Bar (1992)
  • Articling at a Swiss law firm (1990-1992)
  • University of Berne: lic. iur. (1990)
Memberships
  • International Fiscal Association (IFA)
  • The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
  • British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce
  • EXPERTSuisse
  • Ticino Bar Association (OATI)
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian

Practice Areas

Paolo Bottini's Deals, Cases & News

All Deals, Cases & News
Ranked as 'leading' by Leaders League
Leaders League 2019

Paolo Bottini's latest Publications