Lawyer in Sweden

Lawyers in Sweden are in private practice, since there are no more public law offices in Sweden. Activities in the field of law are regulated by the Code of Judicial Procedure, Chapter 8. Besides legislation, the Government issues a charter of the Bar Association, giving the Association the statute of a private-law body with public-law character. A particularity of the Swedish legal system is that individuals are permitted to plead their own case in court with no obligation to hire a lawyer in Sweden. However, attorneys in Sweden are the only ones who can act as court-appointed counsel for the defence. By definition, a Swedish lawyer is a member of the Swedish Bar Association, with a certain competence and experience.

Admission

If a person wants to become a lawyer in Sweden and be admitted to the Bar Association, they must have residency in Sweden, in other member states of European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), or be resident in Switzerland. In addition to that, they must have a degree in bachelor of laws or master of laws and they must have completed five years of legal practice, out of which at least three years as an assistant lawyer in a law firm. Moreover, they have to pass an exam and confirm their suitability in all respects for the profession of a lawyer in Sweden. They must also prove that they are not bankrupt or have affairs controlled by an administrator. If a person recommends herself as an authorized attorney in Sweden, they risk a fine.

Forms of practice

Since any individual is capable of defending themselves in the court, anyone can set up a law firm in Sweden and call themselves jurists who offer legal advice to clients. However, a person who committed an illegal act cannot provide legal assistance for no more than ten years. Foreign firms of lawyers do not need any permission to set up a branch in Sweden. Partnerships are also popular, especially because there are no specific requirements regarding their establishment in Sweden. In order to be part of a joint ownership of a partnership, there is no restriction on nationality, but it is compulsory to be a resident in EU, EEA or Switzerland. Lawyers in Sweden cannot make partnerships with accountants or people of other professions than law practitioners. Foreign lawyers may also perform legal services without being established in Sweden

Activities

Lawyers in Sweden are mainly focused on providing legal advice. However, Sweden law firms also perform activities in corporate governance, economic development, emerging companies, contracts and commercial agreements, employee benefit, real estate, transactions, taxes, investments and financial restructuring.

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