Arntzen de Besche‘s ‘highly skilled and professional’ employment team is highly regarded for its strength in handling collective labour law matters, and continues to advise clients from the aviation, media, and oil and gas sectors on a broad spectrum of contentious and non-contentious work. Practice head Frode Martin Toftevåg is ‘very accessible‘ and has expertise in transfer of undertaking issues. Knut-Marius Sture regularly assists aviation, financial and media sector entities with downsizings and reorganisations, and is also sought out for his solid track record in handling collective agreements. Agathe Løwenborg and Mira Tengesdal Torstenbø are active in employment litigation. Pensions law specialist Sven Iver Steen and firm managing partner Håvard Sandnes are also key individuals. In May 2022, Christian Backe moved to Wikborg Rein.
Employment in Norway
Arntzen de Besche
Practice head(s):
Frode Martin Toftevåg
Other key lawyers:
Sven Iver Steen; Håvard Sandnes; Knut-Marius Sture; Agathe Løwenborg; Mira Tengesdal Torstenbø
Testimonials
‘The team communicate well and are on time with deliveries. They work proactively in respect of thinking 2-3 steps ahead.’
‘The individuals are flexible and easy to work with.’
‘Håvard Sandnes: quick feedback and straight to the point. His knowledge and attitude is excellent.’
‘Mira Tengesdal Torstenbø has been a true and solid adviser for our business. She stands out with her capacity to translate complex legal advice to practice, describing step by step actions that are easy to understand for “non-legal” managers.’
‘Mira Tengesdal Torstenbø is a highly skilled lawyer who is quick to understand the intricate details of a case. Her court performance is creative and on-point.’
‘Business savvy, high quality legal advice. Good discussion partner. Great people.’
‘Good business oriented and practical advice.’
‘Agathe Løwenborg is extremely intelligent. Unique, in-depth knowledge on employment legal issues. Great sparring partner. Gives great advice in a cost efficient way, always on time.’
Key clients
Equinor ASA
Seadrill
Nordic Entertainment Group
Widerøe Flyveselskap AS
Vard Group AS
Archer Norge AS
DNB Bank
Avinor AS
Orkla ASA
Sparebanken Vest
Aviator Airport Alliance AS
NOFO
Warner Bros. Discovery
Spordrift
Ruter AS
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Norwegian airline Widerøe’s Flyveselskap AS before the Supreme Court in litigation concerning adaptation measures under section 4-6 of the Working Environment Act.
- Acted for Aviator Airport Alliance AS in three concurrent cases involving claims for compensation brought by over 60 members of Norwegian trade unions Fellesforbundet and Handel & Kontor, for alleged breaches of the transfer of undertaking regulation in connection with SAS’ change of supplier of ground handling services at three major airports in Norway.
- Advised Norsk Helikopteransattes Forbund on negotiating a new collective agreement with the Federation of Norwegian Aviation Industries concerning drone activities.
BAHR
Tarjei Thorkildsen heads up the employment practice at BAHR, which is particularly well known for representing its established employer-side client base in mandates. In a recent highlight, Tor Olav Carlsen led the advice to life sciences company Aleris Røntgen in a dispute arising from the interpretation of a collective agreement concerning a working time arrangement. Peter Hammerich is sought out for his expertise in pensions law, Børre Sofus Arnet is a key contact for private equity issues, and of counsel Geir Mikalsen assists with the employment aspects of transactions. Senior associates Hannah Osberg Andresen and Agnes Inora Marie Strøm Olsen are also key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Tarjei Thorkildsen
Other key lawyers:
Tor Olav Carlsen; Peter Hammerich; Børre Sofus Arnet; Geir Mikalsen; Hannah Osberg Andresen; Agnes Inora Marie Strøm Olsen
Testimonials
‘Highly professional and reliable in their work. Excellent legal qualifications and counselling that makes us feel safe when decisions must be taken.’
‘The team has a high level of competence with a mix of established partners and up and coming lawyers. The team has a high standard in their day to day assistance in ongoing cases.’
‘Tarjei Thorkildsen stands out in the market as one of the most competent employment lawyers.’
Key clients
The Employer’s Association Spekter
Norwegian Airline
Color Line
Aker ASA
Norsk Luftambulanse
Sporveien Oslo AS
NRK (Norwegian Broadcast Corporation – NRK)
Sport 1
Posten Norge/Bring
HitecVision
Sval Energi AS
Work highlights
- Acting as longstanding employment law counsel to Spekter, one of Norway’s leading employers’ confederations.
- Providing ongoing employment law advice to Norconsult, including assistance with collective agreements and pension issues.
Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS
Led by employment expert Gaute Krokann, Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS‘ ‘very talented‘ team has expertise across the spectrum of employment matters. Krokann handles transfers of undertakings, contentious employment issues, reorganisations and restructurings for a solid client base of state-owned companies and public sector entities, while Lars Kokkvold is ‘a highly skilled lawyer‘ with established expertise in advising on pensions law, whistleblowing cases and cross-border mandates. Pål Kvernaas stands out for his ‘in-depth knowledge and experience‘, and the ‘dedicated and passionate‘ Sten Foyn is praised for his litigation expertise. The ‘thorough and extremely competent‘ Kari Gimmingsrud advises on downsizings, outsourcings and privacy issues.
Other key lawyers:
Lars Kokkvold; Kari Gimmingsrud; Pål Kvernaas; Sten Foyn
Testimonials
‘Dedicated and interested partners with true expertise and a unique sensitivity for the client’s needs. Solution-oriented in their advice.’
‘Sten Foyn: Excellent counsel.’
‘The team is always available when needed. They grasp the problems/challenges quickly and are able to come up with concrete solutions and advice. The team which I have worked deliver high quality, and work in a proactive way for the best of the customer. They also use the strength of the whole firm when needed.’
‘Pål Kvernaas has both the in-depth knowledge and experience that we need. He responds quickly when needed, and he has a tremendous ability to translate the law and paragraphs into usable and practical advice.’
‘Gaute Krokann has a solution-oriented mindset. As his methodology is structured and based on empathy and excellent legal expertise, we have always succeeded in reaching sustainable and good solutions with his guidance.’
‘Kari Gimmingsrud’s service level is exceptional.’
‘Haavind has a highly competent team within employment law. They are good at listening, identifying the problem and finding good solutions. They are also very good to work with.’
‘Lars Kokkvold is certainly one of the best in his field.’
Key clients
Norsk Hydro
The Norwegian Armed Forces
The Norwegian Police/ the National Police Directorate
NRC Group ASA
Randstad
Equinor
Hurtigruten Group
Telenor Group
Norwegian Air Shuttle
Posten Norge
ISS Facility Service
Ryanair
Helse Sør-Øst
NHST Media Group
The Norwegian Consumer Council
Utdanningsdirektoratet / The Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training
Work highlights
- Advising the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Norwegian Cyber Defence Force and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency on the employment aspects of the outsourcing of part of an internal IT operation.
- Assisting Hurtigruten with a large-scale restructuring process.
Advokatfirmaet Hjort
Advokatfirmaet Hjort‘s employment team ‘combines in-depth knowledge of both individual and collective employment law with substantial business knowledge‘. Department head Jens Kristian Johansen is ‘an excellent communicator and strategist‘ and focuses on pensions matters, collective and individual employment law work, and discrimination cases. Firm managing partner Anne Marie Due is ‘an excellent employment law lawyer, business minded in her advice and a good discussion partner in every aspect of employment law issues‘. Lars Styren and Einar Engh are key names for litigation, and Claude Lenth stands out as ‘a very experienced lawyer with a practical approach‘ and regularly handles downsizings, dismissal cases, whistleblowing issues, reorganisations and restructuring matters. Christopher Hansteen is ‘a valuable adviser in employment and labour law matters‘, and Alex Borch is very experienced in advising on employee terminations.
Practice head(s):
Jens Kristian Johansen
Other key lawyers:
Anne Marie Due; Claude Lenth; Lars Styren; Christopher Hansteen; Alex Borch; Einar Engh
Testimonials
‘Hjort is extremely responsive and very good at guiding the client through each step of the process.’
‘Responsive. Solution-oriented. Understand the client.’
‘Claude Lenth delivered excellent advice. He is extremely responsive and always pleasant to work with. We could not be more pleased.’
‘Although a busy and highly popular team, they always manage to make you feel prioritised. A pleasure to work with.’
‘Jens Kristian Johansen is highly skilled, open-minded and pragmatic.’
‘Christopher Hansteen’s advice and follow up is excellent. In addition his long experience and his knowledge makes it easy to trust his advice.’
‘The team is always very attentive and gives fast and practical advice.’
‘Claude Lenth is a very experienced lawyer with a practical approach to complex matters.’
Key clients
Avinor
Sibelco Nordic
Norske Skog
Husqvarna Norge AS
Hordafor AS
Nobina Norge AS
EFC Norge AS
Schindler
Unio
Norsk Sykepleierforbund (Norwegian Nurses Organisation)
Forbundet for Ledelse og Teknikk (The Norwegian Engineers and Managers Association)
Opplysningsvesenets Fond
Boreal
Tietoevry AS
National Oilwell Varco Norway AS
Odfjell Drilling AS
Nordkraft AS
Privatmegleren AS
Novo Nordisk
Kunnskapsdepartementet
Helsedirektoratet
SMB Norge
Siemens
EnTur
Alfa Laval Nordic
AIG Europe S.A.
Residio
Nordic Retail Group
Espira Gruppen
Samlerhuset AS
Norwegian Soccer Coach Association
Samskip
Maersk Drilling
Garmin AB
Negotia
Handel og Kontor
Foodora
Bibliotekarforbundet
Norsk Filmforbund
Siemens Mobility AS
Belam
Ministry of Employment and Inclusion
Tilhengernor AS
Hempel
ODEON
Tetra Pak
Hodejegerne AS
SWECO
PRA Group
Utleiemegleren Forvaltning AS
Kompan Norge AS
Zenitel Norway AS
Norwegian Maritime Authority
ISS WORLD SERVICES AS
Work highlights
- Acting for Boreal Norge in a €10m pension costs dispute with the Finnmark and Troms municipalities.
- Advised TietoEvry AS on a downsizing process, involving over 150 employees.
- Assisted Sibelco Nordic AS with its national reorganisation and redundancy processes.
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS houses ‘a strong employment law team‘ and focuses on advising a client base made up of oil and gas, technology, banking and food industry companies on the full spectrum of employment matters. Collective labour law issues and contentious mandates are key drivers of work for the group. Litigator Stein Kimsås-Otterbech heads up the department, and Tron Dalheim garners praise for his ‘broad experience‘ in the space. Specialist counsel Håkon Berge, who leads the employment team in Bergen, handles dismissal cases, whistleblowing issues, restructurings and reorganisations. Senior associate Alexandra Refsnes is also a key name in the team.
Practice head(s):
Stein Kimsås-Otterbech
Other key lawyers:
Tron Dalheim; Håkon Berge; Alexandra Refsnes
Testimonials
‘Thommessen has a strong employment law team with long experience, great understanding of business needs, and is service-minded and hands-on. When we need external legal advice in complex cases they offer relevant and practical advice on short notice.’
‘Alexandra Refsnes is an emerging talent.’
‘Professional team.’
‘Professional, integrity, experienced, availability.’
‘Availability, experienced, quick response.’
‘The combination of knowledge and the ability to be clear in their advice. You feel you are taken care of.’
‘Tron Dalheim is very helpful.’
Key clients
AS Norske Shell
Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS)
Bane NOR SF
Petoro
Wintershall DEA Norge AS
Klarna AB
MDE Group AS / MDE Personnel AS
Agilent Technologies
Boost Ai
Zalando SE
NVIDIA
Læringsverkstedet
Equinor ASA
Microsoft Norge AS
B2Holding ASA
Kahoot!
Maersk Drilling Norway AS
Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
NorgesGruppen ASA
Bama Gruppen AS
Yara International ASA
Roche Norge AS
University of Bergen
Vestland county authorities
FH Gruppen AS
Höegh Autoliners Management AS
CGG Services
CapMan Infra and CBRE Caledon
DOF Subsea
Etac AB/Etac AS
Frydenbø AS
Framo AS
Oceaneering AS
Tidal
Autostore AS
NIKE
Boliden
Nestlé
Kahoot!
Work highlights
- Represented SAS in multiple disputes brought against the client by two unions arising from the company’s reorganisation.
- Represented Coop Norge SA in an investigation related to whistleblowing matters.
Wiersholm
Wiersholm‘s ‘outstanding‘ team has ‘very good knowledge within employment‘ and garners praise for being able to ‘truly understand the client’s perspective‘. Transfers of undertakings, disputes regarding employee dismissals, whistleblowing cases and restructurings have been prominent in the group’s recent workload. Christel Søreide, who heads up the practice, is ‘especially practical, and provides advice that is spot-on legally, but also strategic‘. Jan Fougner is ‘among the very best in his field‘ and is well known for his established strength in acting in investigations. Eli Aasheim has an excellent reputation for her expertise in cross-border employment work, and Ellen Røyneberg is a key name at managing associate level.
Practice head(s):
Christel Søreide
Other key lawyers:
Jan Fougner; Eli Aasheim; Ellen Røyneberg
Testimonials
‘High level of service, practical legal advice, strong knowledge in HR law, good knowledge of the business and the client.’
‘Good communication and good cooperation with the client.’
‘Wiersholm’s communication with the client, ensuring strategy-based advice and litigation, is extraordinary.’
‘Responsiveness, availability, very capable, friendly, direct and honest, good discussion partner and trustworthy.’
‘Always available for discussing urgent matters. Able to explain legal aspects in an easy-to-understand manner. Take time to listen and truly understand the client’s perspective.’
‘High competence, good cooperation skills, very good knowledge of legal practice.’
‘Easy to work with, very accessible.’
‘Professional and very pleasant to work with.’
Key clients
Schibsted
Orkla
Statkraft
ABB
Bane Nor
Okea
Lundin Energy
Aller Media
Felleskjøpet
SATS
Fellesordningen for avtalefestet pensjon
Conoco Phillips
DNO
Formue AS
Work highlights
- Represented the Vestfold and Telemark municipalities in a high-profile investigation related to whistleblowing matters.
- Representing Bane NOR SF in multiple employment disputes before the Norwegian courts, including a dismissal dispute.
CMS Kluge
Led by litigation expert Anders Stenbrenden, the employment practice at CMS Kluge continues to act for an established client base of public sector companies in a range of employment matters. Recent instructions include representing the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation in a contractual dispute brought by TV presenter Line Andersen. Johan Krabbe-Knudsen is regularly instructed by oil and gas entities on restructurings and cross-border transfers of undertakings. Nina Gundersen Sandnes has ‘excellent knowledge‘ of pensions law, and Ole André Oftebro ‘has good communication skills, is tough in negotiations, strategic and finds good solutions‘. Marco Lilli has an excellent reputation for handling complex contentious mandates, and Nils Kristian Lie acts for employers in disputes and regulatory work.
Practice head(s):
Anders Stenbrenden
Other key lawyers:
Johan Krabbe-Knudsen; Nina Gundersen Sandnes; Nils Kristian Lie; Ole André Oftebro; Marco Lilli
Testimonials
‘Good skills and pleasant to work with.’
‘Always great support from the team!’
‘Very skilled lawyers, answers fast and relevant. Finds solutions.’
‘They are very available.’
‘Johan Krabbe-Knudsen is very knowledgeable and explains the legal terms in a simple and clear way.’
‘Ole André Oftebro is service-minded and always ready to help.’
‘Very good business understanding and quality delivery in every aspect.’
‘Nils Kristian Lie is an excellent partner. Outstanding delivery.’
Key clients
Agder Fylkeskommune
Electrolux Home Products Norway AS
Eviny AS
Innovation Norway
Norsk Skiforbund (NSF) /The Norwegian Ski Federation.
Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK)
Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration
Sportsklubben Brann (SKB)
Littler advokatfirma AS
Ole Kristian Olsby heads up the team at boutique employment firm Littler advokatfirma AS, which acts as the Nordic coordinator for Littler Mendelson, P.C.‘s global group. Merete Furesund regularly advises on reorganisations and workforce reductions. Collective labour law matters form the backbone of Trond Erik Kvalsnes‘ workload, and Tore Lerheim is admitted to appear before the Norwegian Supreme Court. Mari Vindedal and Maria Skuggevik Slotnes are also active in the group. Runar Homble and Trond Erik Solheim left the firm in May 2023 to set up Homble Solheim advokatfirma AS together.
Practice head(s):
Ole Kristian Olsby
Other key lawyers:
Tore Lerheim; Merete Furesund; Trond Erik Kvalsnes; Mari Vindedal; Maria Skuggevik Slotnes
Testimonials
‘A strong employment firm.’
Key clients
Askim og Spydeberg Sparebank
Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers Association (Trade Union)
Saipem Drilling Norway AS (Group of Companies)
Riksrevisjonen (The Norwegian Auditor General)
Postnord AS
Fjellinjen AS
Globalization Partners Ltd
GK Norge
Lily Hospitality Group AS
Politiets Fellesforbund (the Norwegian Police Union)
OM Digital Solutions
Villa Skaar
Work highlights
- Providing employment advice to Saipem Drilling, including acting as legal counsel for Saipem Drilling Norway.
Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS
At Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS, recent work for the ‘strong team‘ includes advising insurance company Tryg on its integration with Codan and a subsequent reorganisation and redundancy process – the group had previously assisted the client with the employment aspects of its acquisition of RSA Group. Senior lawyer Kristin Slørdahl Hjort, who heads up the practice, is a key contact for contentious employment issues, and Martin Jetlund has an excellent reputation for handling transfers of undertakings and pensions matters. Magnus Lütken is active on restructuring mandates, while senior associate Marie Hagberg has a niche focus on the ownership and transfer of intellectual property rights within the employment space. Ingrid Cathrine Nielsen joined the practice in 2023 from Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS, and is noted for her post-acquisition experience.
Practice head(s):
Kristin Slørdahl Hjort
Other key lawyers:
Martin Jetlund; Magnus Lütken; Marie Hagberg; Ingrid Cathrine Nielsen
Testimonials
‘Martin Jetlund is responsive, smart, and a good strategist on contentious matters, supported by a strong team. Collaborative approach, listen to clients.’
‘All round service, collaborative approach, good instincts in contentious matters.’
Key clients
Tryg
TietoEVRY
Euronext
ExxonMobil
Mestergruppen
Moreld
Entra
Zolva
Earth Science Analytics
DeepOcean Group
Work highlights
- Advised Entra on a transfer of undertakings process following its acquisition of a major real estate company.
- Represented DeepOcean in pension litigation, involving issues of time-barred pension claims.
Selmer
Led by senior lawyer Fredrik Punsvik, Selmer‘ employment practice has a strong track record in advising on pensions issues and cross-border matters. Hans Jørgen Bender is ‘a hands-on, street smart and solution-oriented lawyer‘ who focuses on the employment aspects of transactional mandates and whistleblowing claims. André Istad Johansen is ‘very knowledgeable within labour law and pensions, and is very commercially oriented‘, and Are Fagerhaug focuses on cross-border employment matters and restructuring work.
Practice head(s):
Fredrik Punsvik
Other key lawyers:
André Istad Johansen; Are Fagerhaug; Hans Jørgen Bender
Testimonials
‘Hans Jørgen Bender provides practical and easy-to-follow advice even in the most complex matters. Highly recommended!’
‘Selmer is responsive and able to come up with strong and viable solutions.’
‘Selmer has a valuable commercial approach to all questions, and quickly understands the core issues of a new request.’
‘Are Fagerhaug is extremely client friendly – always responsive, with a deep commercial understanding and a practical and pragmatic approach.’
‘The speed and quality of delivery is outstanding.’
‘André Istad Johansen and Are Fagerhaug stand out.’
‘ Hans Jørgen Bender has outstanding relationship skills.’
‘André Istad Johansen invests the needed time to really understand a situation; he gives clear advice.’
Key clients
XXL
Link Mobility Group
Statkraft
Pexip
Agder Energi
Colosseum Dental Group
Scandi Standard
Sparebank 1 SR-bank
CEPI
Azets
Canon
Addtech Group
Deas Asset Management
Gjensidige Forsikring
Technip FMC
Magseis Fairfield
Mesta
Gasum Oy
WellConnection
Tekniskbureau
Romerrike Sparebank
Nipas
Heroic group
Project Hawksbill (VDD Unilabs)
Staubo Elektro Maskin
Håndverksdata
Marketer Real Estate Technologies
Eltek
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing employment law advice to Pexip concerning its expansion into multiple jurisdictions.
- Assisted Reima with restructuring its operations in Norway.
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig houses ‘a strong, professional legal team within employment law‘. Led by Lill Egeland, who attracts praise from clients as ‘one of the finest legal minds in Norwegian employment law‘, the group continues to handle prominent restructurings, reorganisations and transfers of undertakings for a client base of public and private sector companies. The ‘highly knowledgeable and always available‘ Thomas Talén is very experienced in advising on the employment aspects of transactions, while Bergen-based Trine Lise Fromreide is well known for her litigation expertise, and regularly advises on whistleblowing cases. Specialist counsel Thorgeir Hole and senior associate Ingrid Mjøsund are also names to note.
Practice head(s):
Lill Egeland
Other key lawyers:
Trine Lise Fromreide; Thomas Talén; Thorgeir Hole; Ingrid Mjøsund
Testimonials
‘Lill Egeland combines brilliant legal advice with good humour and responsiveness.’
‘Lill Egeland and her team are distinctly professional, responsive and service-minded – they help you all the way through in a personal and pleasant way. No issue is too big and no issue is too little. The service delivered by SVW has always been excellent and with a personal touch that they are highly valued by. Lill Egeland has the ability to be very professional and at the same time pragmatic and exquisitely friendly.’
‘Simonsen Vogt Wiig’s employment law team are able to quickly assess the problem from our point of view. They are both legally and commercially oriented, and they work efficiently.’
‘Thomas Talén has a proactive and hands-on approach to the issues. He is always client-focused, with strong commercial skills and overview of what is happening in the market.’
‘Accessibility, and quick responses.’
‘Trine Lise Fromreide is an exceptionally good partner to discuss employment law issues with.’
‘Lill Egeland is outstanding in supporting our company. She is also very good in leading the way in complex and difficult cases. She is a person my company can trust in difficult matters.’
‘The firm performs with a confident and professional calmness.’
Key clients
Hewlett-Packard
Telia
Klarna
Mars Norge
PepsiCo
Elkjøp
Orona
Oslo Metropolitan University
The municipality of Bærum
Go-Ahead
Egmont
TietoEvry
Håndverksgruppen AS
Omnicom Media Group Norway AS
IRIS Salten IKS
Flight Park AS
The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries
The Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning
Work highlights
- Acting as longstanding employment counsel to Hewlett-Packard Enterprise.
- Advised the Ministry of Education and Research on a major reorganisation process.
- Acting as longstanding employment counsel to the Directorate of Fisheries, most recently on a large reorganisation process.
Wikborg Rein
The ‘extremely responsive, very friendly and highly knowledgeable‘ employment team at Wikborg Rein is ‘very experienced‘ in assisting with the full range of employment matters. Recent work for the ‘exceptionally professional‘ group includes advising on disputes regarding employee dismissals, collective agreements, and transfers of undertakings. Christian Backe, who joined from Arntzen de Besche in May 2022, heads up the department, and attracts praise for his ‘great understanding of employment law‘. Specialist counsel Kjersti Borgen has ‘a solution-oriented approach‘ and advises on discrimination law, reorganisations and individual terminations. The ‘highly skilled‘ Jan Backer focuses on executive dismissal cases, and is well known for his specialist expertise in pensions law. ‘Dedicated‘ senior lawyer Karoline Moen Brunstad handles the employment aspects of transactions and Simen Lium also contributes to the practice.
Practice head(s):
Christian Backe
Other key lawyers:
Jan Backer; Kjersti Borgen; Karoline Moen Brunstad; Simen Lium
Testimonials
‘You always get quick answers with high quality. If quality and speed is important, Wikborg Rein is the right firm.’
‘The team is very experienced and has deep knowledge, they are very reachable and deliver quickly.’
‘Outstanding knowledge, solution oriented, service and quality far beyond expectations.’
‘Excellent knowledge. Good understanding of client needs and good response time.’
‘Great people with high collaborative skills.’
‘Christian Backe is very present and responsive to our needs. He guides in a precise and accurate way, making us feel calm and safe in legal matters. He has good knowledge and is collaborative.’
‘The overall level of service is excellent, with quick response times and strong industry knowledge. The team is very good at advising when the position is unclear.’
‘Christian Backe is very service minded and has an enormous knowledge of employment law.’
Key clients
Telenor
Transocean
Vygruppen
Norsk Hydro
Eidsiva Energi
Humana
Øgreid
Norsk Gjenvinning
Politiets Fellesforbund
Nordic Semiconductor
Flyr
Arcane Crypto AS
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Work highlights
- Represented the Norwegian Police Union in litigation before the Supreme Court concerning the administrative appointment of state employees.
- Acted as employment law counsel for healthcare company Humana in a dispute before the Labour Court regarding working time arrangements.
- Defended real estate company Merkantilbygg against a high-profile dismissal claim, brought against the client by a former employee.
Deloitte Advokatfirma AS
Deloitte Advokatfirma AS‘ department has established strength in advising a solid client base of global corporations on a wide range of mandates, encompassing whistleblowing cases, GDPR-related matters, international employment issues, pensions work, redundancies and restructurings. Practice co-heads Gro Forsdal Helvik and Bjørn Ofstad are the key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Gro Forsdal Helvik; Bjørn Ofstad
Key clients
TechnipFMC
Handelsbanken NUF
The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV)
Mercell
Møller Group
Megaflis AS
University of Oslo
DNB
Nordea
Element Logic
Hurtigruten
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, S.A.
Telenor
Schlumberger AS
The Municipality of Oslo
Kristiania University College
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing employment law advice to Element Logic relating to its operations in multiple jurisdictions.
- Providing ongoing employment law advice to Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.
DLA Piper
Employment specialist Per Benonisen heads up DLA Piper‘s ‘dynamic and experienced‘ team, which has a solid track record in advising on the employment aspects of transactional matters. The group is also adept at handling reorganisations and restructurings, collective labour law issues and cases involving discrimination claims. In recent work for the group, Rajvinder Singh Bains and lead lawyer Kaja Kaarby assisted Japanese electronics manufacturing company Sharp with the employment aspects of its business operations in the Nordics, including a reorganisation of the client’s Norwegian business. Associate Anniken Sjøvold is sought out for her expertise in advising on employment agreements.
Practice head(s):
Per Benonisen
Other key lawyers:
Kaja Kaarby; Anniken Sjøvold; Rajvinder Singh Bains
Testimonials
‘Rajvinder Singh Bains is unique in this industry. He provides precise, tailor made, valuable advice.’
‘They give good and timely advice – very knowledgeable within their field.’
‘Per Benonisen is very knowledgeable within his field of expertise and is a very good discussion partner. He is very responsive, and always reverts back immediately if there is an urgent matter.’
‘Per Benonisen is very thorough, knowledgeable, accessible and flexible. He provides a good service and produces good results.’
‘Dynamic and experienced team with notable attention to clients needs.’
Key clients
Møller Mobility Group
Geelmuyden Kiese
Dentsu Norge
Sony Music Entertainment Norway
Skretting
HeidelbergCement
Betonmast
NoA Ignite
Seenthis Norway
HCL Technologies Norway
Henkel Norden
SoftwareoneAG
Chitra Nordic
Mediabrands
Sharp Business Systems Norge/Sharp NEC Display Solutions
Gyro AS
Advokatfirmaet Føyen AS
The employment practice at Advokatfirmaet Føyen AS attracts praise for its ‘top-notch legal know-how combined with commercial tactical advice‘. The team is well known for advising a client base of retail, arts and entertainment, technology and public sector entities on a wide spectrum of employment issues. Practice head Marianne Klausen is a key contact for workforce reductions and reorganisations, and Lars Skotvedt regularly assists with restructuring work. Preben Haugmoen Mo focuses on business transfers, litigation and investigations, while associate Ragnhild Louisa Loen Rafto handles employment contracts and dismissal cases. Anniken Astrup left the firm in November 2022.
Practice head(s):
Marianne Klausen
Other key lawyers:
Lars Skotvedt; Preben Haugmoen Mo; Ragnhild Louisa Loen Rafto
Testimonials
‘Serious and deliver when they say they’ll deliver. Always available and give quick feedback.’
‘They understand quickly what is important, and have a professional approach to the challenge with interesting strategies.’
‘Føyen is a very professional and business oriented law-firm with strong analytical and industry expertise. They are flexible and always respond very quickly to our requests. Our confidence in Føyen is very high.’
‘They are always to the point contextually, intellectually, and legally. They are strong in negotiation and litigation defence. They are very transparent in all dealings. Lawyers with a really good attitude.’
‘Preben Mo stood out by his client commitment/dedication. He shows he cares for the client’s case.’
‘Quick response, concrete answers.’
‘Extremely service minded and cooperative. Commercial when it comes to seeking solutions adapted to the business. Friendly and always available.’
Key clients
The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet
The National Museum
Gresvig AS/Intersport Norway Drift AS
The Norwegian Police Federal Union
Statens Vegvesen, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration
Accenture AS
Clear Channel Norway AS
Bouvet ASA
BMI/Icopal Norge AS
Snøhetta Group
REEL International SA
Hero Norge AS
Municipalities of Fredrikstad and Hvaler
Nettpartner AS
Work highlights
- Assisting REEL International with the employment aspects of its purchase of part of GE Power Norway AS, including employee transfers and establishing a new Norwegian subsidiary.
- Providing ongoing assistance to retail company Intersport Norway on individual terminations and large-scale downsizings.
- Providing ongoing employment law advice to the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet.
Kvale Advokatfirma DA
The ‘highly professional‘ team at Kvale Advokatfirma DA is particularly well known for its expertise in advising on contentious employment matters, however non-contentious mandates also form a key driver of work. Practice head Nicolay Skarning has ‘unique knowledge of the area‘ and provides ‘solid guidance‘ on collective agreements, while Monica Gjerde Sperre has extensive experience in advising clients drawn from the maritime sector on downsizings, dismissal cases and reorganisations. Employment specialist Jan-Erik Sverre regularly assists with pension matters, temporary lay-offs, collective labour law issues, whistleblowing claims and transfers of undertakings.
Practice head(s):
Nicolay Skarning
Other key lawyers:
Jan-Erik Sverre; Monica Gjerde Sperre
Testimonials
‘Jan-Erik Sverre demonstrates high competence and involves us as the customer in finding good solutions.’
‘Nicolay Skarning is an appreciated talking partner and assists us in finding solutions.’
‘Very high level of service. Responds very quickly. Eager to find good solutions that works well for us as customers.’
‘Kvale is, in every aspect, professional.’
‘With Nicolay Skarning, Kvale has a unique position in the area for work rights and what you need for both the employers’ side as well the employees.’
Key clients
DNMF
Hegnar Media
Lerøy Havfisk
Ervik & Sævik/Christina E
Jets/Jets Vacuum
Caverion Norge
IKEA Norway/IKEA International
SMB Norge (Business Norway)
TyloHelo
KGK Retain Industries
Monday Production
PostNord Strålfors
Jernbanedirektoratet
MMC First Process
SANDS
Per Ragnar Bronken heads up SANDS‘ employment department. In a recent highlight, the team successfully acted for the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in an employee termination dispute; the embassy claimed immunity against the claim brought by the employee. The client base also encompasses companies from the retail, technology and construction sectors. Henning Heitmann and Tromsø-based Espen Johannessen are highly regarded practitioners in the space.
Practice head(s):
Per Ragnar Bronken
Other key lawyers:
Henning Heitmann; Espen Johannessen
Work highlights
- Defended Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1 against a damages claim brought against the client by a former employee.
Brækhus Advokatfirma DA
Brækhus Advokatfirma DA‘s team has expertise across the gamut of employment issues, and regularly handles instructions from an established client base of labour unions and domestic and international companies. Associate partner Kristine Slotnæs, who leads the team, is very experienced in advising on downsizings, restructurings and termination matters. Associate partner Ida Braband acts for clients from the media sector on employment work, and is well-versed in handling whistleblowing claims. In 2022, Johan Hveding and Eirin Simonsen left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Kristine Slotnæs
Other key lawyers:
Ida Braband
Testimonials
‘The team is genuinely interested in employment law, and in solving the problems the clients have.’
‘Associate partner Ida Brabrand has wide experience with negotiations and court proceedings, which is a strong asset to her skills in giving advice in the employment field.’
‘Kristine Slotnæs always makes herself available, follows up, is a good sparring partner and gives concrete feedback. Her legal expertise and advice is always reliable. She does an excellent job for us as her client.’
Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS
Headed up by Anette Mellbye, the employment practice at Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS assists technology, media, healthcare, and life sciences companies with pension law matters, termination agreements, reorganisations and transfers of undertakings. Mellbye is well known for handling cross-border employment mandates, while Kåre Bjørlo advises on restructuring issues. Jørgen Burdal was promoted to partner in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Anette Mellbye
Other key lawyers:
Kåre Bjørlo; Jørgen Burdal
Testimonials
‘The team has been excellent in giving clear and concrete advice in this area. They are fast working and the expertise is also on a very high level.’
‘The team has the ability to see solutions instead of problems, and be very clear on advice. Very easy to get in contact with.’
Key clients
Amesto Group
Aprila Bank
Endúr
EverZink Norway
Fire Fighting Systems
Makita
N3Zones Group
Netel
Posten Norge/Bring
SGS Group
Work highlights
- Represented telecoms company Netel in a cross-border investigation concerning compliance issues within employment law.
- Advising Aprila Bank on employment agreements.
- Acting as longstanding employment law counsel to Posten Norge.
Ræder Bing
The employment team at Ræder Bing attracts praise for its ‘extensive knowledge‘, and the ‘very service-minded‘ group has notable strength in advising on whistleblowing cases, dismissal issues, temporary lay-offs, transfer of undertakings and redundancies. The ‘excellent‘ Siri Falch-Olsen heads up the practice and is well known for her track record in advising on large-scale whistleblowing matters. Ragnhild Nakling ‘understands the client’s needs and has extraordinary communication skills‘. Annette Reinsberg Vernan and Sindre Buer are names to note at associate level.
Practice head(s):
Siri Falch-Olsen
Other key lawyers:
Ragnhild Nakling; Annette Reinsberg Vernan; Sindre Buer
Testimonials
‘Very detailed knowledge and very service-minded.’
‘Outstanding legal expertise within employment law.’
‘Ragnhild Nakling has great legal expertise within employment law. She is always available and her advice is clear. She works very cost-efficiently.’
‘The employment team delivers advice efficiently. They are very pleasant to work with.’
‘Siri Falch-Olsen and Ragnhild Nakling are highly skilled on employment law and are willing to go the extra mile for the client. They are very positive and service-minded with a great attitude. They work very well as a team.’
‘Always prompt and pleasant whenever we need assistance.’
‘Ragnhild Nakling combines the safety of an excellent lawyer and the skills of a good dialogue partner for a CEO that needs to work within financial constraints. Pleasant, swift and creative.’
‘I was highly impressed with Ragnhild Nakling. The combination of expertise and service was outstanding. She went out of her way to be flexible, accommodating and solution-oriented during a stressful period. I would also like to add that her ability to understand the client’s needs was exceptional, and she was both engaged and professional.’
Key clients
Frontline Management AS
Food Folk Norge AS
Colliers International AS
Vipps AS
Gateway Digital AS
Ryde Technology AS
180.no
InsightOne Nordic AS
Tag Sensors AS
WorkMan AS
Taxi Depot AS
Torp Hotel AS
Work highlights
- Represented technology company Tag Sensors in a dispute with the client’s former CEO, concerning the CEO’s summary dismissal.
Advokatfirmaet Helmr AS
Led by Olaug Merete Dybedal, Advokatfirmaet Helmr AS‘ team is praised by clients as ‘strong in employment law‘ and is well known for assisting public sector companies with a range of employment matters; restructurings and reorganisation mandates have been prominent in the group’s recent caseload. Kari Bergeius Andersen is ‘a wise and service-minded partner and expert in employment law‘, and Thor-Arne Wullum is experienced in acting for executive-level employees. Nils H Storeng is sought after for his expertise in handling whistleblowing issues, and Thomas Braut Svendsen is ‘a skilled lawyer and trusted adviser‘. Transfers of undertakings, downsizings and pensions work are key areas of instruction for Håkon Andreassen. Arve Due Lund left the firm in May 2022.
Practice head(s):
Olaug Merete Dybedal
Other key lawyers:
Nils H Storeng; Thomas Braut Svendsen; Håkon Andreassen; Thor-Arne Wullum; Kari Bergeius Andersen
Testimonials
‘Academically strong. Experienced in different challenges.’
‘Fast service and good support in cases.’
‘The company has a good reputation in the market, especially when it comes to labour law.’
‘Kari Andersen – sound judgement and a trusted adviser, based on excellent legal knowledge and skills.’
‘Professionally skilled, always deliver on time.’
‘They always deliver with professional quality. Customer and service oriented.’
‘Well-informed and knowledgeable about many issues within employment law.’
‘Good at understanding the client’s situation.’
Key clients
Statped
Kartverket
OsloMet
Hammer & Hanborg AS
Tolga kommune
FIAS Fjellregionen Interkommunale Avfallsselskap
Bedriftshelsetjeneste AS
Den Norske Tannlegeforening
ChyronHego Norge AS
Fairwind Offshore
Reitan Convenience
Unicon AS
Cembrit AS
HR Norge
Stiftelsen AHUS Boligselskap
Peab AS
Agilia AS
Gothia
Bertel O. Steen AS
AS Norske Shell
NITO
Tolga-Os Sparebank
Ramudden
Akershus Eiendom
BW Offshore
Gabler
Pareto Securities
Meskano
Stene Stålprodukter AS
Tynset kommune
Vicario
Egil Hesland
NVE
Work highlights
- Assisted Unicon AS with a reorganisation and subsequent redundancy process.
- Assisted Statped with the restructuring of the company, involving all employees.
- Acting as longstanding employment law counsel to Reitan Convenience, and recently assisted the client with a reorganisation.