Leif Silbersky, one of Sweden's most prominent lawyers, has passed away after battling illness. His family reported to the Swedish news agency TT, stating he died peacefully at home, surrounded by his nearest family members, including his wife, Rita, and children, Eva and Thomas, along with his grandchildren.
Born in Malmö in 1938, Silbersky spent much of his professional life practicing law. He founded his own law firm back in 1969 and quickly became well-known for defending clients involved in high-profile cases. Some notable cases he handled include the Trustor scandal, the Gothenburg nightclub fire, and the Sigvard Marjasin case, which brought him national attention.
"Through his long and successful career, he became an advocate for individual rights and a voice for those who often stood alone against the system," his family remarked, emphasizing his commitment to legal defense and human rights.
Besides his law career, Silbersky dabbled in writing, authoring several crime novels, including the popular series about the lawyer Rosenbaum. These literary endeavors showcased his passion for storytelling and his deep engagement with the legal profession.
Many colleagues have paid tribute to Silbersky since his passing. Anne Ramberg, the former Secretary General of the Swedish Bar Association, remembered him fondly, stating, "He was a very sympathetic person who had great significance for the defense lawyers of Sweden." She acknowledged his strong advocacy skills, which earned him considerable respect within the legal community.
Thomas Bodström, who worked alongside Silbersky during their careers, expressed his admiration saying, "I have strong memories and many strong cases together with him. He was always kind to us younger lawyers." This reflects Silbersky's mentoring approach toward younger practitioners and his lasting influence on them.
Silbersky's legal career spanned decades, earning him the reputation of being not just a lawyer, but also an astute legal expert frequently consulted by the media. He participated actively as a legal commentator, especially during significant trials, contributing to public discussions on various legal matters.
His family has announced plans for the funeral, which will be held privately, attended by close relatives and friends, thereby honoring the man who had such a substantial impact on both legal practice and his community.
Leif Silbersky's passing at the age of 86 marks the end of an era, reflecting on his remarkable contributions to law and justice. His presence will be deeply missed by those who knew him and by clients and colleagues whose lives he touched throughout his notable career.
