Business disputes involving Swedish companies, contracts, or investments are common in international trade.
If you are a foreign company or individual facing a commercial disagreement in Sweden, you can easily obtain representation from a Swedish lawyer (advokat) — even if you are based abroad.
This article explains how to contact a Swedish lawyer, what to prepare, and how business disputes are typically handled under Swedish law.
1. Determine Whether the Dispute Falls Under Swedish Law
Before contacting a lawyer, check whether the contract or relationship has a link to Sweden.
Typical factors include:
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The contract is governed by Swedish law,
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The Swedish courts or arbitration are chosen in the contract,
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The company you are in dispute with is based in Sweden, or
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The relevant transaction or performance occurred in Sweden.
Even if none of these are explicit, a Swedish lawyer can quickly review your documents and confirm whether Swedish jurisdiction applies.
2. Contact a Licensed Swedish Advokat
In Sweden, only members of the Swedish Bar Association (Advokatsamfundet) may use the title advokat.
This designation ensures professional standards of:
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Confidentiality and client loyalty,
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Independence from business partners or authorities, and
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Professional liability and oversight.
When contacting a law firm, verify that the lawyer handling your matter is a registered advokat, not merely a “jurist” or consultant.
3. How to Reach a Swedish Lawyer
You can contact Swedish lawyers directly via:
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Email or website contact forms (many firms have English-language pages),
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Referrals from your local lawyer or business partner, or
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The Swedish Bar Association’s online directory, which lists all licensed advokater by specialisation and location.
In your initial message, include:
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A brief summary of the dispute (type of contract, parties involved, and key issue),
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Copies of relevant agreements or correspondence, and
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Your location and time zone for scheduling a call.
Most Swedish lawyers respond promptly and can arrange an initial consultation by video meeting.
4. What to Expect from the First Consultation
During the first meeting, the lawyer will typically:
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Review your description of the dispute,
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Identify applicable Swedish laws or international conventions,
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Assess the available evidence, and
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Advise on whether court or arbitration proceedings are appropriate.
The consultation may also cover estimated costs and procedural steps.
All communication is covered by client confidentiality.
5. Advance Payment and Fee Arrangements
For new or international clients, Swedish lawyers usually request an advance payment (retainer) before starting work.
This is standard business practice, especially in commercial disputes where cross-border payment enforcement can be difficult.
The retainer is held in a client account and deducted from later invoices.
You will receive a written engagement letter describing fees, scope of work, and applicable terms before representation begins.
6. How Business Disputes Are Handled in Sweden
Commercial disputes in Sweden may be resolved through:
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Negotiation and settlement,
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Civil court proceedings, or
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Arbitration, often under the SCC (Stockholm Chamber of Commerce) rules.
Swedish law emphasises documentary evidence and written submissions, and proceedings are typically efficient and procedurally clear.
Your advokat will handle filings, communication, and representation throughout the process.
7. If You Are Based Outside Sweden
You do not need to be physically present in Sweden.
Once you sign a power of attorney (fullmakt) — often electronically — your lawyer can act fully on your behalf.
Meetings, evidence exchange, and even hearings can often be managed remotely.
Summary
To contact a Swedish lawyer for a business dispute:
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Confirm that Swedish law or jurisdiction applies,
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Choose a licensed advokat,
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Prepare documents and a short case summary, and
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Expect to arrange an initial consultation online.
Sweden’s legal system is transparent, digital, and internationally accessible, allowing business disputes to be handled efficiently for foreign clients.
