Photo © Thierry Sermier
The Practice
The practice is independent and Wissam Balays practises there alone. That is a deliberate choice: the person who receives you is the one who drafts, negotiates and pleads. Nothing is lost between two desks, and you always know who you are speaking to.
One person, throughout
Studied law at the University of Fribourg, where he was an assistant at the chair of public international and European law, and went on to earn a master's degree with a specialisation in European law (magna cum laude). After qualifying at the Geneva bar, he practised in a large firm there before opening his own in Valais.
Five working languages: French, Italian, English, German and Arabic.
Wissam Balays also holds a master's degree in literature from Sorbonne Université and chairs the Società Dante Alighieri of Valais. He is, in addition, a semi-professional musician.
How a mandate unfolds
Practice areas
Sales, easements, building rights, condominium rules, construction contracts and defects.
Valley floor and resorts
Building zones, land-use plans, second homes, objections and administrative appeals.
Municipalities and owners
Terminations, rent challenges, defects in the leased property, easements and nuisance.
Tenants and landlords
Contracts, dismissals, references, seasonal and cross-border work, collective agreements.
Employees and employers
Estate planning, divisions, forced heirship, separation and divorce agreements.
Property-owning families
Representation before the Valais authorities and the Federal Supreme Court, debt enforcement, insurance disputes.
All jurisdictions
How it works
You set out the situation and hand over the documents. By the end of the meeting you know whether action is warranted, what it can aim for, and which deadlines apply.
The mandate, the objective and the billing method are confirmed in writing before any work begins. Fees are stated in advance, along with the foreseeable procedural costs.
Negotiation first where it makes sense, proceedings afterwards if they are needed. You receive a copy of everything and an update at every decisive stage.
Get in touch
Set out your situation in a few lines. You will receive a reply within 48 working hours, with a proposed appointment.