Our Team
AsyLex is powered by people. From our dedicated office team to more than 200 volunteers worldwide, we bring together expertise in law, translation, IT, social work, and more - all united by one goal: defending access to justice.
The Collective Expertise Driving Our mission
AsyLex is powered by a diverse and dedicated team of legal professionals, operational experts, and passionate advocates. Our unique strength lies in the synergy between our strategic board, which guides our long-term vision, and our vast network of volunteer experts who deliver critical legal support every single day. Together, we are committed to making access to justice a reality.
Our Office Team
Our office team of 17 staff manages the day-to-day operations that are essential to our success. This core group ensures quality, training, and coordination across all AsyLex activities. They oversee legal representation, operations, and international projects, supporting volunteers in Switzerland and beyond.
- Michel Brülhart - Head of Legal Advisory
- Elena Liechti - Head of Crimmigration
- Clara Böttinger - Co-Head of Operation
- Delphine Salaverry - Co-Head of Operation
- Joanna Freiermuth - Co-Head of Operation
- Lea Hungerbühler - Attorney
- Arianna Ortelli - Project Coordinator International Human Rights Litigation
- Lena Schulthess - Project Coordinator Legal Information & Advocacy
- Vittoria Catalfamo - Project Coordinator Outreach, Partnership Management and Communications Global
Our Board
The AsyLex Board is responsible for the strategic governance and oversight of the organisation. Comprised of experienced leaders and legal experts, the board ensures our long-term sustainability, upholds our mission, and guides our commitment to providing high-impact, innovative legal aid.
- Nathalie Vainio - Co-President
- Mei Yi Lew - Co-President
- Patrizia Birchler - Quality Management
- Adrian Zwicker - IT/Tech
- Thomas Hugi Yar -Legal Advisor
- Marcel Werdenberg - Finance
- Jessica Gauch - External Advisor
- Julie Frei - Legal/Actuary
- Emirhan Darcan - Translation
- Leila Schmid - HR
- Markus Mader - Fundraising
Our Volunteers
Over 200 volunteers are the heart of AsyLex. They bring legal expertise, language skills, and deep care to people and families who were forced to flee. From reviewing documents and drafting guidance to translating, researching, and answering messages with patience, they make rights real in everyday life. Students, lawyers, alumni, and professionals from many fields give their time after work and on weekends, quietly standing beside our clients with dignity and respect. Their commitment keeps our services free, independent, and human. Our work would not be possible without them.
The AsyLex Advisory Council
The AsyLex Advisory Council is a body of distinguished experts from the fields of migration and asylum law, academia, and civil society. They provide invaluable guidance, ensuring that our volunteers always have the possibility to consult an expert regarding difficult questions or cases.
- Dr. Iur. Fanny De Weck - Expert on Migration Law and International Human Rights Protection
- Curtis F. J Doebbler - Expert on International Proceedings regarding Refugee Protection
- Jyothi Kanics - Expert on Rights of Migrants in a Vulnerable Situation
- Roman Schuler - Expert on Rights on Asylum Law
- Prof. Dr. Iur. Francesco Maiani - Expert on the Dublin III Regulation
- Walter Stöckli - Former Judge of the Swiss Federal Administrative Court
- Dr. Iur. Marc Spescha - Expert on Migration Law and Migration Criminal Law
- Dr. Iur. Stephanie Motz - Expert on Migration Law and International Human Rights Procedures
- Dr. Constantin Hruschka - Expert on European Asylum Law and the Common European Asylum System (CEAS)
- Maja Lysienia - Expert on Migration and Human Rights Law
The AsyLex Committee
AsyLex is supported by numerous personalities from civil society, culture, business, and politics. Learn more about the members of our AsyLex Committee and their reasons for supporting us.
- Tommy Vercetti - Rapper
- Martin Landolt - former Member of the National Council (Center Party)
- Samira Marti - Member of the National Council (Social Democrats)
- Bertrand Piccard - Explorer, Doctor and Opinion Leader
- Lisa Mazzone - President of the Green Party
- Marc Jost - Member of the National Council (Evangelical People's Party of Switzerland)