Bernd specialises in international arbitration, with extensive experience as both counsel and arbitrator in over 100 high-stakes disputes conducted under various arbitration rules and governed by civil and common law. His experience includes serving on dispute adjudication boards.

Bernd advises and represents clients in complex disputes, with a focus on large-scale construction and infrastructure projects, intricate joint venture agreements, M&A transactions and sales and distribution contracts. He is committed to dispute resolution and related capacity building, in particular in Africa, to which a significant portion of his work is related.

Recognised as a “leading light in the next generation of international arbitration practitioners in Switzerland”, Who’s Who Legal Global Leaders, Arbitration, 2022, Bernd also assists and represents clients in the enforcement of arbitral awards and other arbitration-related proceedings before state courts.

Recognition

Ranked Band 2
Chambers Global Arbitration Counsel, 2023

“Bernd is held in high esteem by peers who say he is ‘particularly skilled and experienced in construction arbitration’”.
Who’s Who Legal National Leaders, Arbitration, 2023

“A great arbitrator who knows his stuff.”
Who’s Who Legal Global Leaders, Arbitration, 2021

Recent publications

Expanding the Toolbox: Expert Determination as a Mechanism for Resolving Construction Disputes in Africa
BERND EHLE
In: Africa Construction Law (ACL) Blog, 26 July 2023

Mitigating the costs of potential disputes in Africa through third-party funding
BERND EHLE, AUGUSTIN BARRIER
In: SABC Member Legal Insights Newsletter, 2023

Better safe than sorry: risk management and dispute avoidance through efficient contractor due diligence
BERND EHLE, ALAIN LE BERRE
In: Construction Law International, Vol. 18, Issue 1, March 2023

Recent conferences

Africa Construction Law, 4th Conference: “Building Resilience in Africa’s Construction Sector”
BERND EHLE, Speaker: Construction arbitration claims – A teach-in session from leading construction and industry practitioners
Nairobi, 4 June 2024

ICC Africa, 8th Conference on International Arbitration: “Emerging Trends in ADR in Africa”
BERND EHLE, Speaker: Future of construction dispute resolution in Africa
Nairobi, 30 May 2024

ASA Construction Group Roundtable
BERND EHLE, Moderator: Change is the Only Constant – Navigating Changes in Construction Projects
Geneva, 14 March 2024

Current memberships

  • Member of the Arbitration Court of the Swiss Arbitration Centre
  • Member of the Advisory Board of Africa Construction Law (ACL)
  • Member of the Executive Committee of the Foundation for International Arbitration Advocacy (FIAA)
  • Co-chair of the Construction Group of the German Arbitration Institute (DIS)
  • Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)

Career history

  • Partner, LALIVE, 2009 – present
  • Associate, LALIVE, 2003 – 2008
  • Associate, Graf von Westphalen, Freiburg, Germany, 2000 – 2003

Academic qualifications

  • PhD in Law, University of Heidelberg, 2001
  • LLM, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, Chicago, 1999 – 2000
  • Studies in International Law, University of Geneva, 1993 – 1994