Dispute resolution & Arbitration

Commercial Dispute Resolution & Arbitration in Finland

Each dispute is different. Our team represents both claimants and respondents across court proceedings, arbitration and administrative authorities in Finland — adapting strategy to the specific commercial and legal dynamics of each case.

We handle the full lifecycle of a dispute: pre-litigation steps including notices, investigation, demand letters and settlement negotiations, through to representation before all levels of the Finnish court system and arbitral tribunals.

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LKOS Law Office dispute resolution team

We regularly advise and possess practical expertise in dispute resolution – general court and arbitration – across various industries and legal fields, including:

Deep Dive into the Topic

  • Arbitration in Finland | A comprehensive guide

Latest cases & expertise

  • We successfully represented the client in a dispute, navigating through negotiations to reach an outstanding settlement that resulted in a noteworthy 83% savings for our client.
  • We successfully represented the client in the District Court and in the Court of Appeal in a complex construction dispute. Disagreements centered around the enforcement of oral agreements and the accuracy of hourly work records. The Court of Appeal upheld all claims from our client, dismissing the appellant's claims entirely.
  • Oscari Seppälä successfully represented an international client in a trade dispute, securing a settlement that fully covered all of our client's monetary interests. Our client achieved everything they sought in the settlement.

Dispute resolution in practise

Successfully managing every dispute for our clients is a hallmark of our day-to-day operations. Our business lawyers, specialised in dispute resolution, deliver precise, high-quality, and practical solutions for resolving complex disputes, both domestic and international, including cross-border issues.

Our firm has extensive experience in representing clients across various courts and dispute resolution bodies. Whether facing contractual, tort, insurance, cargo claims, or international trade-related disputes, our team is here to provide practical advice and effective solutions for dispute resolution. For disputes arising from shipping or logistics matters, we work closely with our Transport, Maritime & Logistics team to secure efficient outcomes. Trust our expertise to guide you through the resolution process with strategies tailored to your unique situation.

Lady Justice – Dispute Resolution, Arbitration and Fair Legal Process
Cross-Border Dispute Resolution and International Arbitration Network

Cross-border disputes

Our firm also has a wide range of contacts around the world with domestic and international law firms to provide dispute resolution services abroad. We regularly assist clients in cross-border commercial, transport and international trade disputes, ensuring that local law aspects and forum issues are carefully managed.

Difficult and demanding situations call for individuals who can act accordingly. Our business lawyers have a passion for law and legislation. We work closely with our clients and partner firms to structure efficient strategies for international arbitration and cross-border litigation, always focusing on commercially sensible outcomes.

Applicable Legislation

The Finnish legal system offers several modern and well-established forms of dispute resolution. The Code of Judicial Procedure (4/1734, as amended, FI: oikeudenkäymiskaari) governs civil litigation and arbitration is regulated by the Arbitration Act (967/1992, as amended, FI: laki välimiesmenettelystä).

Legal Books and Lady Justice – Litigation Strategy, Arbitration Expertise and Legal Analysis
Helsinki Parliament House – Finnish Legal Framework for Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

Court system | Civil and Administrative Courts

As enacted in the Finnish Constitution, judicial power belongs to independent courts of law. At the top of the system are the Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court.

Furthermore, the Finnish court system can be separated into two categories. Firstly, general courts that deal with civil and criminal matters. Secondly, administrative courts that mainly deal with disputes between a public authority and private individuals. Further to this, special courts also exist: the Market Court, the Labor Court, the Insurance Court and the High Court of Impeachment.

Costs

The costs of civil litigation and administrative appeals consist of court fees, witness expenses, and the fees and expenses of the party's counsel. Court fees payable to the State are relatively low in Finland. In civil litigation, the unsuccessful party is usually liable to pay all reasonable legal costs incurred by the successful party.

Under the Administrative Judicial Procedure Act, a party must compensate the other party for their legal costs, either in full or in part, if it is deemed unreasonable for the latter to bear its own costs based on the outcome.

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Related services and expertise

Disputes rarely occur in isolation. They are often connected to contracts, corporate structures, employment relations, transport or international trade. Explore related services:

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