The excellence-pursuit mindset has shaped Anton’s career, starting from his early days at Mannheimer Swartling, progressing through the demanding judge track, and eventually returning to the firm, where he now focuses on complex disputes. His time as a judge played a pivotal role in honing his ability to evaluate evidence, prioritize what truly matters, and make decisions rooted in both logic and fairness—skills that remain central to his practice today.

Legal intuition grows through exposure to a variety of situations and the recognition of patterns that sharpen instincts and improve judgment. For Anton, this understanding is closely tied to the creative dimensions of legal work, particularly in dispute resolution. Here, there is rarely a singular “correct” answer, and success often depends on crafting persuasive arguments and presenting them in ways that resonate—an endeavor that requires a balance of discipline and creativity.

Anton’s drive for perfection transcends client outcomes; it is also a personal mission. Setting high standards for himself is a means of growth, pushing him to refine every detail. He sees this commitment as integral to professional development. Looking ahead, Anton is firm in his belief that while tools and methods may change, the core values of the legal profession—good judgment, integrity, and a focus on serving others—will remain at the heart of great legal work.

Can legal intuition be developed?

“Absolutely. It’s not something you’re born with; it comes from experience. By working on diverse cases, you start recognizing patterns and develop a gut feeling for what works. This sharpens over time and helps you make better judgment calls.”

How does your experience as a judge help you in your current role?

“It helps quite a bit. As a judge, you practice evaluating evidence, making logical decisions, and writing clearly—all of which are invaluable in my current role. It’s also about understanding how courts think and how judges reason, which gives me a unique perspective when handling disputes.”

Do judges and lawyers see the law differently?

“Yes, to some extent. At law firms, you learn to think creatively and sometimes push boundaries, while judges often operate within stricter frameworks. The roles are complementary but distinct, and I think my time in both has broadened my perspective.”

Are there differences in how disputes are handled across Europe?

“I don’t think that the basics and essence of how to handle a dispute differs that much between jurisdictions. But Sweden has a strong reputation for arbitration, which has made us good at it. Our former neutrality and our relatively straightforward legal system has made Swedish law a popular choice in international contracts and Stockholm a popular place for arbitration.”

What motivates you?

“It’s about proving to myself that I’ve done everything possible. It’s deeply satisfying when all the pieces fall into place—whether it’s perfecting an argument or solving a complex problem. That drive, I think, is crucial for growth.”

How do you see AI impacting legal work?

“AI is a powerful tool for data analysis and efficiency, but it can’t replace human judgment. If developed well, AI could provide insights into trends or predict outcomes, which would be helpful for both courts and law firms. However, we must use it as a complement, not a substitute, for human expertise.”

What advice would you give the next generation of lawyers, especially those growing up with AI tools?

“Focus on developing good judgment and integrity. These are the core qualities that no machine can replace. It’s important to master the methods and principles of law so thoroughly that they become second nature, allowing you to think freely and creatively. On that note, to become a good lawyer I believe that you should first learn to do the job by yourself and then use AI tools to improve it, not the other way around.”

Is law more creative than people think?

“People often assume legal work is rigid, but it’s highly creative, especially in dispute resolution. You need to craft persuasive arguments, present complex issues simply, and find innovative ways to advocate for your position. It’s as much about understanding the rules as it is about knowing how to apply them creatively.”

What challenges do you see for the legal profession in the next decade?

“An ever-growing body of regulations makes navigating the legal landscape increasingly complex. Another challenge is maintaining fundamental principles like the rule of law amidst political and technological shifts. It’s critical for the legal profession to stay grounded in its values while adapting to change.”