Daniel Bader provides national and international tax, social security and legal advice to individuals and corporate clients. He comprehensively advises private clients, executives and entrepreneurs in tax and legal-related questions including succession planning, compensation plans and private wealth structures. Daniel develops solutions, particularly related to cross-border structuring and to corporate and private relocations from and to Switzerland. He assists clients in questions regarding income and wealth tax, estate and gift taxes, real estate tax and social security.

What interested you in pursuing a career in private client law?

Personal interaction is key in the private clients area. Not only do you build a strong personal connection with your client, but you can also seek more customised solutions. Most exciting is the diversity and range of matters, as no two cases or clients are the same.

The frequent exchange with like-minded people and recognised experts in the field is exciting and motivating. You never stop learning.

What recent developments in national and international tax are most affecting your clients?

The last two years were mostly driven by covid-19 related developments. Despite the lockdowns and restrictions in travelling, we have noticed a sustainable increase in wealthy individuals looking for a new or second residence. Switzerland has attracted a significant number of new residents over the last year from all over the world.

If you could introduce one reform in the areas of law you operate within, what would it be and why?

Tax law is mainly driven by political factors and the need for financial resources in the different jurisdictions. In particular, the significantly increased spendings of almost all jurisdictions led to several new laws and reforms in the field of taxation. A number of those laws should be re-adjusted once the economies find themselves in a hopefully more stable situation in order to support economic development and welfare.

As a frequent speaker at tax and private clients’ conferences, to what extent would you say virtual events are just as effective from a learning and networking standpoint?

In my opinion, networking still happens best in person and on site. During the pandemic, of course, many opportunities were created to hold virtual events that resembled a live event as much as possible. Knowledge transfer is thus well possible and, in some cases, even better, as many events are recorded and can be accessed again retroactively. The future will show which format will cover which needs.

To what extent is the increasing client scrutiny over costs affecting your practice, and how are you adapting accordingly?

The private client practice is typically less cost sensitive than other areas but the quality of our service is paramount. The value of the service our clients receive from us is of higher importance. We provide our clients with advice that goes beyond just plain legal advice, and they appreciate the value they receive.

How are ESG concerns affecting private clients?

ESG topics affect our clients more and more, be it from a legal perspective, or from personal concern. We are constantly keeping up-to-date on legal and social developments and advise them in their best interest.

What aspect of your practice do you enjoy the most?

The personal exchange with my clients and being an important contact person for them. I appreciate the trust of my clients and do my best to satisfy them.

As a member of the managing board of Bär & Karrer, how are you looking to develop the firm over the next few years?

We place a lot of emphasis on diversity and sustainability, so we have specific targets in this area that we want to achieve by 2023. In addition, it is a constant concern of ours to recruit the right professionals and to provide our employees with the best working conditions. The customer journey experience of our clients is also always at the centre of our planning.