James Hope

Advokat (Sweden), Solicitor Advocate (England and Wales)

Partner Advokat (Sweden), Solicitor Advocate (England and Wales)
  • Stockholm
  • Languages:
    Swedish, English

James Hope is a dual-qualified Swedish Advokat and English Solicitor-Advocate, with over 25 years’ experience of working as a dispute resolution lawyer.  He started his career as a solicitor in Scotland and then spent ten years in London – at Simmons & Simmons and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom – before moving to Stockholm in 2006.

James has acted as counsel or arbitrator in more than 90 international arbitration cases, including inter alia under LCIA, ICC, SCC, UNCITRAL, ICDR, Danish Institute of Arbitration, and Finnish Chamber of Commerce arbitration rules.  He is also a CEDR Accredited Mediator.

In addition to arbitration, James also has long experience of litigation from three different jurisdictions: Scotland, England and now Sweden.  Current cases include a number of set-aside cases before the Svea Court of Appeal in Stockholm, competition law litigation before the Swedish Patent and Market Court, and a large construction law litigation before the Solna District Court.

As well as having a busy practice, James is a guest lecturer in arbitration at Stockholm, Uppsala and Edinburgh universities.  He is also a member of the LCIA Court.  From 2013 to 2018, James was a member of the Board of the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, and he was also previously a member of the Executive Committee of the Swedish Arbitration Association.

 

Mentions

James Hope stands out as an experienced and calm advocate.’ Legal 500 2023

James Hope acts on international arbitration cases, including investor-state and commercial disputes governed by ICC and ICSID rules. He is dual-qualified in Sweden and England and Wales."He provides great leadership and management of multiple projects as well as sound practical legal advice." Chambers & Partners 2023

James Hope acts on international arbitration cases. He is dual-qualified in Sweden and in England and Wales. Interviewees report: "Hope is very skilled and very well-known in the arbitration community." Chambers & Partners 2022

James Hope is very experienced; a good advocate and a calm presence.’ - Legal 500 2021

James Hope continues to act on international arbitration cases. He is dual-qualified in Sweden and in England and Wales. Interviewees describe him as "an excellent lawyer who provides very experienced advice." Chambers & Partners 2021

James Hope continues to act on international arbitration cases, with a notable focus on the energy sector. He is dual-qualified in both Sweden and England & Wales. - Chambers & Partners 2020

James Hope is a pleasure to work with. - Legal 500 2020

James Hope leads from the front and is an absolute pleasure to work with- a skilled and thoughtful advocate. He seems to run a happy team with high quality associates including Niklas Berntorp, who I hold in high regard. - Legal 500 2020

James Hope represents clients in international arbitration cases, with a strong focus on the energy sector. One client highlights his efficient approach, alongside his "exceptional legal competency and awareness of the issues at hand." Chambers & Partners 2019

Dually-qualified in the UK and Sweden, James Hope is highly active within the energy sector, particularly on international arbitration cases. He is lauded by sources as a "very skilled and experienced" international litigator and arbitrator, who is "excellent in front of a tribunal and has a very good feel for the sentiment in the courtroom." - Chambers & Partners 2018

James Hope is considered by sources to be "very good in international arbitration" and is described by one as a "calm and clear and precise advocate. You can tell that when he speaks the tribunal really listens."- Chambers & Partners 2017

Head of department James Hope receives praise from clients, who describe him as a "very, very talented litigator." He represents clients in cases concerning compliance, corporate liability and anti-corruption, notably in the energy, IT and telecoms sectors. - Chambers & Partners 2016

Listed in Who’s Who Legal Arbitration.

Listed in Legal Media Group's Expert Guides - Commercial Arbitration as "one of the world’s leading practitioners in this field."

James Hope "deals with complex disputes in a creative, well-organised and efficient manner, and is excellent in both written and oral advocacy," sources report. He is also highlighted for his background as an English solicitor and his expertise on international cases. - Chambers & Partners 2015

"James Hope combines extremely good legal assessments with outstanding negotiation skills. He is constructive in trying to find a solution," impressed clients say. He heads the Stockholm team. He is UK-qualified and frequently acts for British clients." - Chambers & Partners 2014

 

A selection of some current and recent cases - As arbitrator

SCC arbitration in London under English law: acting as sole arbitrator in an expedited arbitration between parties from Canada and Luxembourg (2020 - )

SCC arbitration in London under English law: acting as sole arbitrator in an expedited arbitration between Chinese and Russian parties (2020 - )

DIA (Danish Institute of Arbitration) arbitration in Copenhagen under Danish law: acted as president of the arbitral tribunal in an arbitration concerning the supply of technical services between German and Danish parties (2020)

ICC arbitration in Dubai under English law: acting as president of the arbitral tribunal in a large construction arbitration between Italian, Turkish and Spanish parties (2019 - )

DIA (Danish Institute of Arbitration) arbitration in Aalborg under Danish law: acted as sole arbitrator in payment dispute between Danish and Canadian parties (2019 - 2020)

Emergency arbitration under the SCC Rules: acted as emergency arbitrator in a dispute between two Jersey entities (2019).

ICC arbitration in Oslo under Norwegian law: acting as President of the Tribunal in a large construction arbitration between Spanish and Norwegian parties (2018 - )

DIA (Danish Institute of Arbitration) arbitration in Copenhagen under Danish law: acted as sole arbitrator in a dispute between Danish and U.S. companies concerning a distribution and franchise agreement (2017 - 2018)

UNCITRAL arbitrations in London under English and Danish law: acted as chairman of the arbitral tribunal in two related arbitrations administered by the LCIA between Swiss and Danish companies arising out of a complex M&A dispute (2016 - 2018)

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under English law: acted as chairman of the arbitral tribunal in a complex construction dispute between Kazakhstan and German companies (2015 - 2016)

Finnish Chamber of Commerce arbitration in Helsinki under Finnish law: acted as sole arbitrator in a dispute between Finnish and Canadian companies (2013 - 2014)

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under Swedish law: acted as co-arbitrator in a dispute concerning a supply contract between German and Chinese companies (2011 - 2012)

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under Russian law: acted as sole arbitrator in a sale of goods case between Russian and Scandinavian companies (2010 - 2011)

ICC arbitration in London under English law: acted as sole arbitrator in a sale of goods case between German and Swedish companies (2010)

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under Ukrainian law:  appointed chairman of the arbitral tribunal in a dispute between two Cypriot companies regarding a cooperation agreement (2010)

ICC arbitration in Paris under Swedish law/CISG: acted as sole arbitrator in a sale of goods dispute between Ukrainian and Swedish parties (2008 - 2009)

A selection of some current and recent cases - As counsel

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under Swedish law: acting as counsel in an M&A dispute between Swedish and Finnish companies (2020 - )

Litigation in the Swedish Patent and Market Court: cross-border litigation concerning a negative declaration in respect of competition law damages (2020 - )

Construction litigation in Solna District Court: acting as counsel for the contractor in a large and complex construction litigation (2019 - )

Challenge proceedings in the Svea Court of Appeal concerning intra-EU investment treaty awards: acting for two different EU States in challenging intra-EU arbitral awards in light of the Achmea decision (2019 - )

Litigation in the Swedish Patent and Market Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court: cross-border litigation concerning a negative declaration in respect of competition law damages (2018 - )

ICC arbitration in Stockholm under Swedish law: acting as counsel for a mobile phone manufacturer in a patent licensing dispute against a large Swedish telecoms company (2018 - )

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under Swedish law: acting as counsel for a large Swedish company in a patent and know-how licensing dispute (2018 - )

ICC arbitration in Stockholm under Swedish law: acted as counsel for a listed IT company in a contractual dispute with a large Swedish telecoms company (2017 - 2018)

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under Swedish law: acted as counsel for a Russian party in a complex construction law case concerning delay claims and related issues (2016 - 2017)

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under English/Swedish law: acted as expert witness for the claimant on issues of English and Swedish law (2017)

ICC arbitration in Stockholm under Swedish law: acted as counsel for a British manufacturing company in a construction dispute with a Swedish company (2017)

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under Estonian law: acted as counsel in a shareholder dispute, together with related Emergency Arbitration proceedings (2016)

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under Cypriot, German and Swedish laws: acted as co-counsel in a dispute concerning fraud and breach of fiduciary duties (2015 - 2016)

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under Swedish law and CISG: acted as counsel for a large Russian party in two multi-billion US dollar gas pricing and competition law arbitrations (2014 - 2018)

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under Swedish law and related court proceedings: acted as counsel in a trademark-law dispute between two well-known consumer brand corporations (2013 - 2015)

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under Swedish law: acted as counsel in a complex IT-law dispute. (2013 - 2014)

Ad hoc arbitration in Stockholm under English law: acted for Russian shareholders in a multi-billion dollar arbitration against a U.K. energy company (2011 - 2012)

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under English law: acted as counsel in a US$38 million dispute regarding a share option agreement.  (2010 - 2012) 

SCC arbitration in Stockholm under Swedish law and related court proceedings: acted for a Chinese energy company in a US$80 million dispute with a US energy corporation.  (2009 - 2014)

ICC arbitration in Stockholm under Swedish law: acted as counsel in a contract dispute between Swedish and Canadian IT companies.  (2008 - 2009)

Ad hoc investment treaty arbitration in Prague: part of the team which acted for the investor in an investment treaty arbitration against an Eastern European State. (2006 - 2009)

News

Vinge lawyers contribute articles on arbitration to Chambers International Arbitration 2024 Global Practice Guide
News October 10, 2024

Vinge lawyers contribute articles on arbitration to Chambers International Arbitration 2024 Global Practice Guide

Advokat James Hope and advokat Anthony Bitar have contributed two articles on international arbitrat…

Vinge top ranked in 12 practice areas in Chambers & Partners Europe Guide 2024
News March 14, 2024

Vinge top ranked in 12 practice areas in Chambers & Partners Europe Guide 2024

Thank you to all our clients who provided important feedback in connection with Chambers & Partners'…

Vinge duo behind article on taking of evidence in international arbitration
News October 27, 2023

Vinge duo behind article on taking of evidence in international arbitration

Advokat James Hope and advokat Marcus Eklund at Vinge have contributed an article entitled Approache…

Vinge lawyers contribute articles on arbitration in Chambers International Arbitration 2023 Global Practice Guide
News October 03, 2023

Vinge lawyers contribute articles on arbitration in Chambers International Arbitration 2023 Global Practice Guide

Advokat James Hope, advokat Anthony Bitar and advokat Marcus Eklund have contributed two articles on…

Vinge top ranked in 16 practice areas in Legal 500
News April 13, 2023

Vinge top ranked in 16 practice areas in Legal 500

Vinge has been awarded top ranking in 16 out of 20 categories in Legal 500’s rankings for 2023, whic…

Vinge retains top ranking
News February 17, 2023

Vinge retains top ranking

The annual results of Chambers & Partners’ global ranking have now been made public and we are delig…

Possible contractual objections under Swedish law as a result of Covid-19
News March 12, 2020

Possible contractual objections under Swedish law as a result of Covid-19

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (“Covid-19”) is having large impacts on people and busi…

James Hope receives three international awards
News September 27, 2019

James Hope receives three international awards

Vinge’s Head of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group in Stockholm, James Hope, has been appointed a…

Is the UK Attorney General’s legal advice regarding the backstop correct?
News December 28, 2018

Is the UK Attorney General’s legal advice regarding the backstop correct?

James Hope, partner and head of Vinge’s Dispute Resolution practice group in Stockholm as well as a…

Articles

Article August 24, 2023

Chambers International Arbitration 2023 | Sweden

Chambers & Partners Practice Guides 2023

Should the Place of Arbitration Be a Factor in Determining the Costs of International Arbitration Proceedings?

Finances in International Arbitration – Liber Amicorum Patricia Shaughnessy

All Eyes on Sweden: Swedish Challenge Cases post Achmea

The Future of Investment Treaty Arbitration in the EU
Article July 10, 2019

Can a Robot be an Arbitrator?

Swedish Arbitration Yearbook 2019
Article July 02, 2019

Investor-State Arbitration Before The SCC Institute

ICLG Guide to Investor-State Arbitration 2019
Article July 02, 2019

Awards: Form, Content, Effect

Global Arbitration Review – The Guide to Challenging and Enforcing Arbitration Awards
Article November 16, 2018

Investor-State Arbitration 2019

Global Legal Group, The International Comparative Legal Guide, edition 1, Chapter 7
Article September 05, 2018

A Swedish solution to Achmea?

Commercial Dispute Resolution, September 2018
Article September 05, 2018

Skiljeförfaranden – dags för självsanering? En replik

Advokaten, Nr 4 2018 Årgång 84
Article November 20, 2017

Jura novit arbiter in Swedish arbitration law

European International Arbitration Review, Volume 6, No. 1, 2017
Article November 20, 2017

Witness Statements in International Arbitration

Scandinavian Studies in Law, Volume 63, 2017
Article March 31, 2016

Transparency in international arbitration

Commercial Dispute Resolution, March-April 2016
Article November 02, 2015

Arbitration World 5th Edition

International series - Sweden Chapter
Article September 01, 2015

A rare case of potential violation of public policy

Commercial Dispute Resolution News
Article September 01, 2015
Article May 07, 2015

Avtalt prosess

Voldgift i praksis
Article May 01, 2015

Proposed changes to the Swedish Arbitration Act

Lexis Nexis (Lexis PSL Arbitration)
Article April 04, 2014

Witness statements: the cost of gilding the lily

Commercial Dispute Resolution, April-May 2014
Article March 07, 2014

Arbitration in Stockholm

Article written for the Practical Law Institute, U.S.A., March 2014
Article November 05, 2013

Arbitrators: a law unto themselves?

Commercial Dispute Resolution, November-December 2013
Article July 02, 2013

A call for reason(s)

Commercial Dispute Resolution, July-August 2013
Article May 03, 2013

Playing by the rules in international arbitration: what are the rules?

European International Arbitration Review, (Vol. 1, No. 2, 2013)
Article October 18, 2012

Sweden fights back

Commercial Dispute Resolution, 1 October 2012
Article May 01, 2012

Swedish Supreme Court rules on the ‘group of companies’ doctrine

Global Arbitration Review, May 2012
Article November 02, 2010

The reasonable man in international arbitration

Arbitration, Vol. 76, Number 4 (November 2010)
Article May 07, 2010

Fighting in fog – when a party does not know the case against it

Global Arbitration Review, Volume 5, Issue 1 (2010)
Article January 01, 2010

Avoiding Service Nightmares

Global Arbitration Review, Volume 5, Issue 3 (2010)
Article January 01, 2010

International Arbitration in Scotland: a View from Abroad

(2010) 76 Arbitration 16-20
Article January 01, 2009

Why choose Stockholm: reflections of an English lawyer

Stockholm International Arbitration Review, 2008:2, 21-38, January 2009
Article January 09, 2008

The ECJ reference in “The Front Comor”: Much ado about nothing?

Arbitration International, Volume 24 (2008), Issue 2
Article January 08, 2008

Law & Language in the Global World

International Law Practicum, the journal of the International Section of the New York State Bar Association, Autumn 2008 (Vol. 21, No. 2)
Article May 01, 2006

Costs – the sting in the tail

Global Arbitration Review, Volume 1, Issue 2, May 2006
Article June 30, 2005

ECJ causes consternation in the English courts: Is the anti-suit injunction a dying breed in Europe?

Legal Week, 30 June 2005
Article January 01, 2002

Case reviews of Scottish arbitration cases, Orkney Islands Council, Petitioner and Bruce v. Kordula

[2002] Int. A.L.R. Issue 1, News Section