MEET JUNIOR ASSOCIATE MARCO FORTI

As a Junior Associate at SKANDAMIS AVOCATS in Geneva, Marco Forti supports partners and associates across Swiss civil, commercial and criminal litigation, as well as regulatory matters.

Born in Italy and raised in Italy, France and Switzerland, he has also pursued his studies in both Switzerland and Canada, which has given him a strong international outlook. He is also fluent in English, French, and Italian, and gets by well in German too.

Q&A WITH MARCO

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF STUDYING LAW?

My grandfather, Lucio Lanfranchi, was a professor of Civil Procedure and Enforcement Law at the Universities of Macerata and Florence, and then, for over twenty years, at La Sapienza University, in Rome. He also served as director of the Treccani Legal Encyclopaedia for more than a decade and was the author of numerous works.

I wanted to follow in his steps, but with a more practical approach.

Law, with its rigorous and analytical nature, has always seemed to me to be perfectly suited to my personality and my ambitions.

YOUR STUDIES INCLUDED TIME IN BOTH GENEVA AND MONTREAL. HOW DID THAT INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE INFLUENCE YOUR APPROACH?

Canada, and Montreal in particular, is an interesting place because it lies at the crossroads of two legal systems: the civil law tradition and the common law.

Having had the opportunity to learn from practitioners of both systems has been a very rewarding experience. It helped me appreciate how practical issues can be solved in different ways.

YOU STARTED YOUR LEGAL TRAINEESHIP EVEN BEFORE YOU FINISHED YOUR ECOLE D’AVOCATURE (ECAV) – HOW DID YOU MANAGE THAT?

When I returned from Canada at the end of 2024, I was eager to put all the knowledge I’d acquired so far into practice. In March 2025, I joined SKANDAMIS AVOCATS, less than a month after I had started the Ecole d’avocature.

This immediate and intense hands-on experience helped me so much in preparing for the exams in June. You do have to sacrifice a bit of sleep to revise, though.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A JUNIOR ASSOCIATE AT SKANDAMIS AVOCATS?

The chance to see how complex disputes are managed by experienced lawyers and to learn from them.

Also, working with lawyers and clients from different backgrounds constantly broadens my thinking and creativity.

WHAT IS KEEPING YOU BUSY RIGHT NOW?

Now, I am working on several criminal cases, as well as disputes relating to employment and construction law.

WHAT’S ONE MOMENT FROM YOUR TRAINEESHIP THAT YOU’LL NEVER FORGET?

The day I won my first case involving a major Swiss bank. It was a very satisfying moment and a highlight in my traineeship.

WHAT GUIDANCE FROM THE PARTNERS OR TEAM HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY MEANINGFUL?

I couldn’t possibly list all the meaningful guidance I’ve been given. It’s more about trust than guidance. I really appreciate the trust placed in me. I try to repay that trust every day by giving my very best for our clients.

HOW DO YOU SEE THIS TRAINEESHIP SHAPING YOUR PATH AS A FUTURE LAWYER?

This traineeship will allow me to gain hands-on experience in an environment where I can take on meaningful responsibilities and receive direct mentorship from experienced lawyers. It will also help me develop a practical, client-focused approach and a deeper understanding of all aspects of the legal profession, including those relating to entrepreneurship.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING TRAINEE LAWYERS IN SWITZERLAND?

Always be curious and work hard.

YOU ALSO PLAY THE ALTO SAXOPHONE. HOW IMPORTANT IS MUSIC FOR YOU?

I'm passionate about jazz. I've been playing the alto saxophone since I was a kid, and I won't stop until my last breath. I’m still taking lessons at the Conservatoire in preparation for my final diploma, which I hope to take soon. I also perform in concerts from time to time.

Music plays a central role in my life. It helps me clear my head, whilst also helping me to stay fresh and sharp-minded in areas of my life other than my work.

QUICK-FIRE WITH MARCO

COFFEE OR TEA?

Strong coffee.

EARLY START OR LATE-NIGHT FOCUS?

Early start – I’m fresher in the morning, after my coffee, of course.

FAVOURITE FILM?

Gladiator 1.

FAVOURITE SAXOPHONISTS?

Charlier Parker, Phil Woods, Kenny Garrett, Cannonball Adderley and Patrick Bartley Jr.

FAVOURITE PLACE IN GENEVA?

Port Choiseul. It is in Versoix, actually.

GO-TO PLACE FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY?

Going for a walk in Annecy is nice.

DISH OF CHOICE?

Bucatini all’amatriciana.

A SKILL YOU’D LIKE TO MASTER NEXT?

Improve my drop shots at tennis.