Diploma Course for International Arbitrators

Every year Sweden and Stockholm host hundreds of international arbitrations as a hearing venue and as the legal seat. Therefore, the SCC Arbitration Institute and the Swedish Arbitration Association (SAA) are providing training for international arbitrators who would like to gain a thorough knowledge of arbitrating disputes in Sweden and under the SCC Rules.

The course normally runs for approximately three days and includes interactive modules led by leading Swedish arbitration specialists. The program is focused on key features and recent Swedish case law and is directed at arbitral specialists with experience in international arbitration. Upon completion of the course, the participants will be awarded an SAA/SCC course diploma.

By the end of the course, the participants will have learnt how to conduct the procedure and to deal with specific procedural issues in compliance with the Swedish arbitration law and best practices. The syllabus covers, inter alia, an introduction to the regulatory framework, formal and subjective validity of the arbitration agreement, the doctrine of assertion, the SCC Rules and policies, the arbitrator’s powers to conduct the proceedings and to manage guerrilla tactics. Most of the modules include group exercises aimed at developing your skills in managing each stage of the proceedings, such as oral and written communications with the parties and co-arbitrators, conduct of the hearing, writing of the award and managing the post-award developments.
 

"The SCC/SAA Diploma Course on International Arbitration was very useful for my practice as an arbitrator. It allowed me to gain invaluable insight into Swedish arbitration law, practice and culture within a short period of time. A further highlight of the course was the possibility to exchange thoughts and ideas within a small and intimate group of senior arbitration practitioners from around the world." 

– Dr Niklaus Zaugg, LL.M. Attorney at Law | Partner, CMS
 

”The SCC/SAA Diploma Course on International Arbitration is outstanding. Over a few days, experienced foreign arbitrators from around the globe gather in Thoresta Herrgård (near Stockholm) to learn about mandatory provisions of Swedish law that might be relevant to ensure that your award, issued in Sweden as the seat, will be enforceable and resist challenges. The insight gained was invaluable and the quality of speakers – leading Swedish practitioners and academics – superb. The program as an idea and in its execution is a testament to the innovative, forward-thinking approach for which SCC is known. It will assist in widening the pool of arbitrators while ensuring top quality, and is a worthy investment for anyone seeking to distinguish themselves as an arbitrator for Sweden-seated arbitrations.”

– Ema Vidak Gojković, Independent Counsel & Arbitrator, Vidak Arbitration

Course programme

The course consists of modules covering evergreen and timely topics such as the arbitration agreement, appointment and challenge of arbitrators, sanctions and drafting of the arbitral award. Each module includes a lecture and a practical exercise or a plenary discussion. The course will start with an introductory dinner at the venue and will end with a diploma ceremony. For more details, see the course programme from 2024.

Tutors 2024

Charlotta Falkman, Robin Oldenstam, Ginta Ahrel, James Hope, Maria Nisell, Caroline Falconer, Patricia Shaughnessy, Johan Sidklev, Kristoffer Löf, Kaj Hobér, Crina Baltag, Johan Strömbäck, Madeleine Thörn, Magnus Eriksson, Sandra Kaznova, Daniel Vargö and Fanny Gleiss Wilborg.

Who is eligible and how to apply? 

The maximum number of course participants are 30 arbitration lawyers with experience in international arbitration. We expect that participants have at least 10 years of practice in dispute resolution and are non-Swedish lawyers admitted to the bar in one or several jurisdictions.  

SCC and SAA select the participants after free examination.You are therefore asked to attach your CV to your application and in a personal letter justify why you should be accepted.  

By applying to the course, you accept the cancellation terms and conditions as stipulated below.  

The application process is currently closed but if you wish to register your interest for the next course start, please contact arbitration@sccarbitrationinstitute.com.
 

See all the pictures from 2024. 

Next course in 2026

The next course is planned for 3-6 June 2026. 

Payment and cancellation policy

Following the confirmation of participation, the applicant will be requested to pay the tuition fee.

The organisers may in their discretion change the venue or cancel or postpone the training, informing the participants thereof once the decision on cancellation is taken. The applicant will be refunded in full if the course is cancelled by the organisers. In any case, the organisers shall not be liable for refunding the applicants’ travel or other costs incurred as a result of such cancellation. 

Data privacy policy

Applicants’ personal data will be processed in accordance with current legislation, and with reference to the General Data Protection Regulation, which entered into force on 25 May 2018.

For additional information please see the SCC privacy policy.

Questions and information about the course

For further information please send an e-mail to arbitration@sccarbitrationinstitute.com.