The Consigliere to the Ultra-Rich

She is one of the most sought-after whisperers to the ultra-rich. Swiss lawyer Tina Wuestemann is the «grown-up» in the room when the ultra-wealthy haggle. The finews.com profile.

She is one of the world's most sought-after lawyers in for tricky offshore family matters, but flying beneath the radar suits Tina Wuestemann of Baer & Karrer perfectly: she has led the prestigious Zurich law firm’s practice with private clients for more than ten years, with the secret of her success dependent on working discreetly behind the scenes.

Firms like Baer & Karrer have traditionally worked hand-in-glove with Switzerland’s private-banking sector, though the legal guild is even more discreet than the secretive wealth management industry.

Death, Inheritance, Family

In her more than 20-year-plus career, Wuestemann has advanced to one of the most respected consigliere to delicately tie up loose ends. 

«In private client practice, lawyers are often dealing with very delicate and personal matters such as death, inheritance, and family disputes, and you need a 'grown-up' in the room – a mature, uncomplicated person with both feet on the ground and a lot of experience,» said Felix Ehrat, Baer & Karrer’s longtime senior partner who is now drugmaker Novartis’ chief counsel, in an interview with finews.com. «Tina is very good at that.»

The 53-year-old's hard-working and studious habits have made her one of Zurich’s most decorated lawyers. But while Baer Karrer partners such as Rolf Watter – who advised on ChemChina's $43 billion takeover of Syngenta, one of the largest all-cash deals ever – are stars in business, few would recognize Wuestemann.

 «The people who need to know her do know her, and how to reach her,» as one Zurich private banker puts it. Meaning, Swiss-born Wuestemann is who the ultra-wealthy and their private bankers call for everything from last-minute prenuptial agreements with trophy wives to the surprise emergence of illegitimate heirs – who typically stake a claim to the family fortune.

Mentor for Women

Wuestemann is a star too, at least in legal circles: she was awarded best in trust and estates at the European Woman in Business Law last year, and Lawyer of the Year in wealth management in Zurich two years ago. Most recently, «Citywealth» awarded her the women of the year award for leadership in March – an accolade particularly close to her heart because she has spent much of her career fostering other women.

«My role is now to coach and encourage young female leaders,» she told «Citywealth» when presented with the award. She declined to speak to finews.com for this profile.