Immigration
Public counsel in Sweden
Public counsel is a lawyer appointed to protect your rights in certain government proceedings and court cases. We can explain the process, present your position and represent you before the relevant authority or court.
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What is public counsel?
In Sweden, public counsel is appointed by a government authority or court when the law gives a person the right to legal representation. The lawyer acts independently and represents the individual, even though the cost is paid by the state.
Public counsel may:
- explain the rules and the legal process
- review decisions and supporting documents
- help you submit relevant information and evidence
- prepare written statements and appeals
- represent you before an authority or court.
Your right to public counsel depends on the type of case and the rules that apply to it.
When may public counsel be appointed?
Public counsel may be appointed in certain migration cases and compulsory care proceedings under Swedish law. This can include cases involving immigration detention, removal or deportation, compulsory care of a child, compulsory treatment for substance use or compulsory psychiatric care.
The rules for asylum applicants changed in 2026. In many new cases, an applicant first receives a limited amount of free legal assistance. If an asylum application is denied and the decision is appealed, public counsel may be appointed depending on the procedure that applies. The Swedish Migration Agency or the court decides whether the requirements are met.
Can you choose your lawyer?
You may request a particular lawyer as your public counsel. If the lawyer is qualified and suitable, that person should normally be appointed unless there are specific reasons against it.
Give the authority or court the lawyer’s name and contact details as early as possible. The authority or court makes the final appointment.
If public counsel has already been appointed, changing lawyers normally requires specific reasons. A serious breakdown in communication or trust may be relevant, but every request is assessed individually.
How we can help you
We review your circumstances, protect your rights and represent your position throughout the proceedings.
Case review
We review decisions, investigations and other records and explain each stage of the process.
Contact with authorities
We assist in communications with the Swedish Migration Agency, social services, healthcare providers and other public authorities.
Written submissions and appeals
We prepare legal arguments, submit relevant evidence and appeal decisions when there are grounds to do so.
Court representation
We present your case and make sure that your position and circumstances are addressed at the hearing.
Get support throughout the proceedings
Schedule a 15-minute meeting with a lawyer to review and discuss your situation.
If you need further assistance, we’ll explain your options, how we can assist you, and what it would cost. If you hire us for your case, the cost of the first 15 minutes will be deducted from your final bill.
Talk to a lawyer
15-minute legal consultation
A brief meeting for quick guidance. Get answers to your questions, understand your rights and options, and learn how to move forward.
Need more help? You can also schedule a longer meeting with a lawyer for assistance with a specific task or a more complex situation.
Concerned about the cost? In some cases, part of the cost may be covered by legal expenses insurance or legal aid. We also offer payment plans through Klarna. Learn more about costs and financing →
Get help from our lawyers
Contact us if you want to request one of our lawyers as public counsel or need help understanding whether you qualify for state funded legal representation.
Wazima M. Aga
Lawyer
Wazima is deeply committed to protecting individual rights and practices immigration law, administrative law, social welfare law, family law, and contract law. She speaks Swedish, English, Persian, and Dari.
Florita Telhaj
Lawyer
Florita specializes in migration law, business law, contract law, and employment law. In addition to Swedish and English, Florita is also fluent in Albanian and Greek.
Matilda Selander Persson
Lawyer
Matilda primarily works with employment law, business law, contract law, family law, and migration law. She speaks Swedish and English.
Aja Wadii
Lawyer
Aja specializes in migration law, family law, and criminal law. In addition to Swedish and English, Aja also speaks Arabic.
Nadja Hatem
Lawyer
Nadja works within family law – mainly custody disputes and international child abduction cases. She has also worked in criminal law. She speaks Swedish, English, and Arabic.
Anuta Sjunghamn
Lawyer
Anuta works in migration law – primarily handling asylum cases. She also assists with family law disputes and criminal cases. Anuta speaks Swedish, English and Persian.
Adib Hosseini
Consulting lawyer
Adib specializes in migration law, business law, competition law, and EU regulations for businesses. He speaks English, Farsi, and Kurdish.
Rebwar Fakhry
Consulting lawyer
Rebwar Fakhry has particular expertise in asylum law, work permits, and family reunification matters. He speaks Swedish, English, Kurdish, and Persian.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about public counsel
When a government authority or court appoints public counsel, the state normally covers the cost. As a general rule, you do not pay the lawyer’s fees yourself.
No. The assistance available depends on when the application was filed and which procedure applies. In newer cases, an applicant may receive free legal assistance during the initial process and public counsel for an appeal if the requirements are met.
Tell the Swedish Migration Agency, the court or the authority handling your case that you want a particular lawyer. Provide the lawyer’s name and contact details as early as possible.
You may request a change, but you normally need specific reasons. The authority or court will assess your reasons and decide whether a different lawyer should be appointed.
Let a lawyer contact you
Tell us briefly about your situation, and we’ll get back to you within one business day to schedule a video consultation.