Dispute Resolution: Sweden

THE FIRM The dispute resolution practice at this top Swedish firm remains head and shoulders above the rest of the market. It offers unrivalled experience and depth of expertise, with a dedicated team that is able to handle the most complex of mandates. It has particular strength in international issues, regularly handling arbitrations from the former Soviet Union and China. In a recent highlight the team represented Edison in an arbitration against Promgas relating to pricing.

Sources say: “You can be sure that the quality of the work will be second to none. It is the go-to firm for large-scale arbitrations.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department co-chair Kaj Hobér is widely regarded as “one of the best in the industry." Sources say he has "a perfect mix of professional and personal qualities – he is intelligent, always delivers on time and handles complex matters very well.” He has notable experience in Russia-related matters, regularly acting as arbitrator in CEE and CIS regions.

Robin Oldenstam co-heads the team and has a stellar reputation amongst market sources. “He really understands our needs and is extremely helpful when dealing with international arbitrations,” enthused one client.

Olle Flygt is a well-known personality on the Swedish market, with a broad practice that extends from international arbitration to administrative disputes. He recently advised the Swedish National Debt Office on its dispute with D. Carnegie & Co.

Sources say Jakob Ragnwaldh “is reliable and pleasant, and gets along with clients," adding that he has a great future ahead of him. Other commentators recognise his “truly international” practice. He co-heads the firm's Chinese litigation team from his Stockholm base and has extensive expertise in Chinese arbitrations.

Interviewees are quick to highlight Fredrik Andersson as “extremely talented and approachable. He is an impressive counsel who can clearly argue a case.” He handles commercial litigation and arbitration in a wide range of industries, including energy, construction and shipping.

Hans Hammarbäck has enormous experience across a broad spectrum of disputes, with notable expertise in liability, insurance, M&A and environment cases. 

THE FIRM Despite the loss of Lars Edlund to the Supreme Court, this domestic firm maintains an impressive reputation for its dispute resolution capabilities. The team is equally skilled in litigation and arbitration for national and international clients. Areas covered by the group include construction, M&A and commercial contracts.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients describe department head Einar Wanhainen as “positive, constructive and highly skilled.” He is noted for his strength in intellectual property issues. 

Fredrik Forssman has expertise in general commercial matters, and handles both domestic and international litigation and arbitration. Peers observe that he has developed a strong practice in the area and is regularly seen on high-profile arbitrations.

THE FIRM This leading Finnish firm fields an impressive and experienced dispute resolution team, with members who are well versed in all manner of litigations and arbitrations. The practice is active across a range of sectors, including banking and finance, construction and telecoms. It is consistently instructed on complex disputes, recently advising TeliaSonera on a number of disputes arising out of its interconnection with TDC.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commentators praise department head Martin Wallin for his calm, efficient manner. He represented Citroën in a dispute against Bilgallerin regarding a commission agreement.

Magnus Eriksson recently advised SL Finans on a loan agreement dispute with Handelsbanken. He is highly regarded in the market, winning particular plaudits for his experience in IP and IT litigation. 

THE FIRM This full-service firm benefits from a global network and is often active in high-profile international arbitrations. The three-partner team has recently been busy advising on cross-border energy disputes, as well as construction and banking disputes. Highlights include advising Rual Trade on the challenge of an arbitral award, and helping NCC Construction with a number of construction class action suits.

Sources say: “The team is clearly among the best out there. I highly recommend it.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Claes Zettermarck maintains his reputation as a remarkable arbitrator and remains active in high-profile litigations. He advised Handelsbanken on a dispute regarding allegedly wrongful financial advice given by the bank.

Department head Anders Reldén is “a well-established, hard-working lawyer who attracts great clients,” sources note. He has particular experience in CIS-related arbitrations, recently advising Naftogaz on a series of arbitrations.

The experienced Bengt Åke Johnsson has ample expertise in international arbitrations and has handled mandates across the shipping, finance, energy and insurance sectors. 

THE FIRM This well-established Swedish firm continues to command respect for its work in the area. The team benefits from the firm's market-leading TMT practice, enabling it to offer impressive expertise on IP and IT disputes. It also covers insurance, minority shareholder and financial services disputes, with arbitration being a key source of instructions. The group has represented minority shareholders as court-appointed trustees in a number of arbitrations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bo Nilsson chairs the firm's arbitration practice and is highly recommended by sources. He has significant expertise in matters with a Russian element, recently advising the Russian Federation on an arbitration concerning the alleged nationalisation of YUKOS.

Jesper Tiberg is renowned for being “hard-working, knowledgeable and great to deal with.” He advised Kaupthing Bank on numerous claims by previous customers concerning the purchase of Lehman bonds.

Therese Isaksson is commended by sources as “an excellent young lawyer who will go far.” She focuses on litigation, regularly advising the Proffice Group on civil court actions.

THE FIRM As one of the leading Swedish law firms, Vinge maintains a large and comprehensive litigation and arbitration team. The team excels in international arbitration, and also handles corporate, banking and energy disputes. The group includes lawyers with expertise in Russia, China, the USA and Ukraine.

Sources say: “The team knows everything there is to know and is quick to understand and adapt to our situations. It really understand the client's needs.” “If you need lawyers for complex situations, it is a good team to have on your side."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Johan Gernandt is an enormously experienced litigator and an accomplished arbitrator. He is noted for his expertise in financial services litigation and is regularly instructed by Chinese clients.

 Arbitrator Christer Söderlund remains a premier choice for CIS-related arbitrations, thanks to his fluent Russian and expertise in the region. 

Clients and peers hold Mikael Broomé in high esteem. Satisfied interviewees report that “he is absolutely superb – just a great litigator.”

THE FIRM This international powerhouse rises in the rankings thanks to great feedback and growing visibility in the market. The group offers clients comprehensive coverage, with expertise in insurance, banking, technology and construction. It is regularly instructed on high-profile, high-value disputes. In recent key transactions, it defended the former management team of HQ Bank against a claim of alleged negligence, and represented Chartis in a SEK20 million insurance coverage dispute.

Sources say: “Pragmatic and responsive – when we had a major issue it was brilliant at doing things at short notice. The team was very happy to work towards tight deadlines.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS One happy client reports that Jonas Benedictsson is “knowledgeable, prepared, intelligent and creative. He outperforms them all.”

Stefan Bessman is regularly active in Russian and CIS-related mandates. Sources comment that he “is diligent and instils confidence. He can be left to get on with things and makes sensible judgement calls to avoid seeking instructions at every turn.” 

THE FIRM This practice is noted for its expertise in major international arbitrations, and for its experience in intellectual property, joint venture and commodities disputes. The 17-partner team recently advised Kommunivest on a high-value dispute with a Swedish municipality, and represented D. Carnegie in two parallel proceedings against the Swedish State.

Sources say: “You always get high-quality work from Gernandt & Danielsson.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Karl-Erik Danielsson is "without a doubt one of the best arbitrators in Sweden,” enthuse interviewees. He recently advised ESAB on ad hoc arbitration proceedings against Zurich.

Interviewees are keen to recommend Björn Tude, noting that he has “the experience and skill set to handle any complex matter.” He recently acted for Viasat on a SEK50 million distribution agreement dispute against a TV distributor.

Impressed peers note that Charlotta Falkman “has a strong presence and is visible on some excellent cases.” She also wins plaudits for her arbitration practice. 

THE FIRM This firm offers a sizeable and well-regarded dispute resolution practice. Its work of late has centred on shareholder, insurance and product liability disputes. Recent highlights include acting for Carmeuse on a minority shareholder dispute, and representing Christer Berquist against Yggdrasil, in a EUR3.5 million dispute relating to prospectus liability. Other clients include KPMG, American Express and Danske Bank.

Sources say: “Ten out of ten for service.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Key team member Olof Nilsson has substantial experience in advising accountancy firms. He is frequently seen acting on domestic and international disputes.

Sources note Ola Hansson's strong client base. He covers litigation and arbitration, and recently advised Stavrullen Finans on its claim against the Swedish Consumer Ombudsman, the first class action in Sweden.

THE FIRM The Stockholm office of this Nordic firm continues to receive widespread praise for its high-quality advice. The team handles a broad range of commercial litigation and arbitration matters, including corporate, competition, product liability and white-collar crime disputes. It is particularly active in the energy, infrastructure and technology sectors, and also regularly advises on M&A disputes.

Sources say: “The work we get is absolutely first rate. You really feel like you are in safe hands.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commentators say department head Claes Lundblad is “very smart and tactically strong, with experience in a long list of high-profile cases.” He recently advised HQ on court proceedings against the former directors and the former auditor of HQ Bank.

THE FIRM This flourishing practice covers a broad spectrum of disputes, and of late has been particularly busy advising on shareholder disputes. Other areas of expertise include energy, shipping and financial services. In a notable transaction the team acted for RosUkrEnergo on an appeal by Emfesz against a USD520 million arbitral award it was ordered to pay.

Sources say: “It is a very international practice – the team is well acquainted with the ways and means of international arbitration.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Experienced arbitrator Harald Nordenson is "analytical and experienced. He is highly respected by his peers and is a pleasure to deal with,” say sources.

Practice head Jesper Grünbaum elicits enthusiastic praise from his clients. They say he is "a complete litigator: strong tactically and a sound communicator, with a deep understanding of the commercial aspects of a dispute.”

Johan Sidklev has notable expertise in the shipping sector, where he advises shipowners, insurance companies and banks. “I would single him out as an up-and-comer to watch,” noted one commentator.

Christina Waering is considered to be “diligent and persistent. She is an all-round impressive lawyer,” according to interviewees. She handles litigation and arbitration, covering the insurance, aviation and rail sectors. 

THE FIRM This practice has been busy of late, adding a number of impressive new clients to an already enviable list, including Saab and Payex. Recent highlights include advising Medtronic on an administrative court matter concerning the right to public benefit for pharmaceutical devices, and representing Euromaint in a lease agreement dispute.

Sources say: “The team is experienced and highly skilled, and has a strong and positive commitment to the client. It is also constructive and has in-depth knowledge of our business.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lars-Olof Svensson is considered to be an authority on restructuring and insolvency. He recently represented PwC in a dispute with Prosolvia's bankruptcy estate.

According to sources, Harry Bergman “works hard and gets great results. He has strong analytical skills.” Work highlights include defending the former directors of HQ Bank in claims brought against them by HQ. 

THE FIRM Sources admire the strong team of talented individuals at this litigation boutique. It advises on a wide variety of contentious matters, from banking and finance, energy and TMT to transport, engineering and infrastructure. It also wins plaudits for its strength in domestic arbitration.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Torgny Wetterberg is a respected figure in the market, with sources commenting that he is “an experienced lawyer who handles public disputes very well.” Market observers note his expertise in criminal litigation, as well as public and tax disputes.

THE FIRM This practice is active in both litigation and arbitration, and has particular expertise in finance, M&A and construction disputes. It also handles professional liability claims. Recent highlights include acting for Apoteket and Apoteket Farmaci on a dispute with Abcur, and defending Billerud against a claim for an alleged failure to report greenhouse gas emissions. Other clients include Setra Group and the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority.

Sources say: “The team is extremely trustworthy and the advice is always pragmatic and clear.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Erik Wernberg handles finance, construction, M&A and professional liability matters. Clients praise him as “energetic and responsive. He really knows what he is talking about and does a great job.” 

THE FIRM This well-respected Swedish firm impresses interviewees with its levels of expertise and admirable client service. The 14-strong team advises on competition, M&A, public procurement and marketing law. It is also a frequent choice for financial services and insurance clients. Recent highlights include representing Siemens in a claim under the Protection of Trade Secrets Act, and advising Yarps Network Services on a claim relating to abuse of a dominant position.

Sources say: “I always feel that I am the team's number-one priority.” “It is a perfect mid-sized firm with a high-quality, stable team. There is always someone available to deal with my issues.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Per Sundin is equally skilled in litigation and arbitration, with sources noting his experience in M&A disputes. He recently advised Stadshypotek, a subsidiary of Handelsbanken, on a dispute regarding a long-term loan agreement.

Lars Ulrichs elicits enthusiastic praise from clients, one of whom said: “We hire him for his business sense and legal knowledge. He grasps the issues quickly and can think on his feet and come up with solutions.”

Associate Gustaf Swedlund is a favourite with market sources, who say: “He is always on top of his brief and will put everything in the right context. He can strip a matter down to the essential points, and he's also great in court.” 

THE FIRM This domestic firm firmly maintains its place in the dispute resolution market. The 30-lawyer team handles litigation and arbitration, and its broad spectrum of disputes has recently focused on energy, financial services, reinsurance and intellectual property. The team is also regularly instructed on arbitrations involving countries from the former Soviet Union.

Sources say: “A modern firm with a great ethos. It's a pleasure to deal with.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Olof Rågmark frequently sits as arbitrator and remains involved with the department's key mandates. He has notable expertise in advising on financial services and reinsurance disputes.

Sverker Bonde focuses particularly on arbitration, and regularly handles domestic and international commercial mandates. 

THE FIRM This compact firm is a new addition to the rankings having received ample recognition for the quality of its work. Dispute resolution is a key area of focus, and the team handles litigation and arbitration, serving clients from the financial services, energy, construction and TMT sectors. In a recent standout mandate, the group advised HQ Bank on claims against Investment AB Öresund and KPMG relating to its collapse.

Sources say: "A really strong firm that always seems to have the right people in place.” “A niche firm staffed by young and enthusiastic lawyers.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christer Danielsson is recognised as "one of the most in-demand arbitrators in the market.” He is regarded as a particularly good choice for M&A disputes.