Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS > Oslo, Norway > Firm Profile

Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS
Universitetsgata 9
NO-0164 Oslo
PO Box 6604 St. Olavs plass
NO-0129 Oslo
Norway

Norway > Insurance Tier 2

Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS has an insurance practice that is ‘extremely dedicated and competent‘ and frequently advises insurance sector clients on a wide array of contentious and non-contentious issues. Practice head Runar Hansen is a ‘very experienced and solution-oriented‘ practitioner, who specialises in insurance law and liability legislation, as well as frequently acting for international insurers. The group also includes the professional liability specialist Klemet Gaski and Nils Henrik Varmann Jørgensen, who provides ‘excellent assistance‘ to domestic insurers. Harald Strømstad joined from DLA Piper in August 2023 and is experienced in professional liability and D&O cases.

Practice head(s):

Runar Hansen

Testimonials

‘The team has different expertise and experience handling certain legal topics.’

‘Extremely dedicated and competent lawyers.’

‘An expert within insurance law in Norway.’

‘Runar Hansen has deep knowledge of insurance. He is very experienced and solution oriented.’

‘I have had the pleasure of working with Nils Henrik Varmann Jørgensen on several insurance cases where he has provided excellent assistance. He works efficiently and has negotiated excellent results. Assistance of good quality, to the point.’

‘Runar Hansen. Very good knowledge of insurance industry and a very good negotiator.’

Key clients

Arctic Insurance

AGS Forsikring

AIG Europe

Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality

Byggmesterforsikring

Chubb Insurance

CNA Hardy

Icopal BMI

If Skadeforsikring

Landkreditt Forsikring

Lockton

Norwegian Supervisory Council for Legal Practice

Protector Forsikring

RiskPoint

RIF Forsikring

The Norwegian Football Association

Å Energi

Work highlights

  • Representing Å Energi in legal proceedings against Scandinavian insurer Tryg Forsikring in a coverage dispute.
  • Successfully defended Knif Trygghet Forsikring AS and Byggmesterforsikring AS in a lawsuit filed by the owner of high-end staple shopping mall Steen & Strøm in Oslo.

Norway > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3

Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS advises host of private sector companies on corporate and transactions matters, especially in the technology, construction, media and retail sectors. The ‘competent and knowledgeable team‘ is led by Erlend Balsvik, who primarily focuses on venture capital and technology sector M&A. The group also includes the ‘clear and conciseBjarte Bogstad, who focuses on venture capital and private equity work; retail, petroleum and maritime specialist Saloume Djoudat, and Stian Sørensen Schilvold, who assists with matters relating to technology and media clients. Other notable practitioners include Finn Olav R. Elde, who advises on technology and venture capital matters, tax specialist Eivind Bergo-Eriksen, and newly promoted partner Elisabeth Hoffmann.

Practice head(s):

Erlend Balsvik

Testimonials

‘Competent and knowledgeable team that works hard.’

‘Knowledge, diversity and extremely high work capacity combined with effectiveness.’

‘High quality advice. Partners are available 24/7.’

‘Agile, dynamic and business enabling.’

‘We were happy with their pragmatic and efficient approach to things. Plus they are sympathetic people.’

‘Bjarte Bogstad is experienced in M&A transactions. His calm way of handling the negotiations works well.’

‘We worked almost exclusively with partner Bjarte Bogstad. Besides his “legal” skills, he was clear and concise in his dealings with our counterparts, and not afraid to take on difficult matters. As a CFO I further appreciated his skills in our discussions about financial and even accounting matters related to the deal.’

‘Bjarte Bogstad is a nice guy, works hard, and wants the client to succeed. He has both a good overview and full control of all details.’

Key clients

Arkon Energy PTY Ltd

Fasadgruppen

Frøiland Bygg Skade

Endúr

Freyr

Infobric AB

JVG

Krisko Eiendom

Lyfstone

Nova Consulting Group

Schibsted Delivery

Schibsted Norge

Schibsted Tillväxtmedier AB

Shortcut/1242 Apps

Transtema Group

TRY

Uno-X Mobility

Visscher Seafood BV

Work highlights

  • Advised Australia-based Arkon Energy on its acquisition of Hydrokraft AS.
  • Advised Nova Consulting Group on its acquisitions of majority stakes in Egde Consulting and Dekode Interaktiv.
  • Advised Sweden-based Transtema on its acquisition of UBConnect AS.

Norway > Construction Tier 3

Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS stands out for its specialised railway, road, and tunnel projects offering. The ‘very attentive and capableThor Wessel oversees the team and advises on large infrastructure projects as well as offshore-related installations, while Bjørn Erik Mørkved is the name to note for construction disputes. At associate level, Andreas Dysthe is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Thor Wessel

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team at Bull & Co is very versatile with experts in fields that are relevant to our operations. They are agile, and you will never have to wait long to get the assistance needed.’

‘Very good collaboration.’

‘Thor Wessel and Andreas Dysthe – We work with both people and value the good collaboration and great competence in the issues addressed.’

‘Thor Wessel, our main contact at Bull & Co, is very attentive and capable of bringing in the right people to make sure we get sound legal advice.’

‘Hands-on partner follow up.’

‘Thor Wessel is excellent at guiding clients in their best interest.’

Key clients

Aurstad Tunnel

Baneservice

Bedre Blokk

Betonmast (and subsidiaries)

BundeBygg

Byggaksess

Endúr

Hent

Mapei

Marti Tunnelbau

Mesta

Posten Norge

Ragn Sells

Sparebank 1 Forsikring

Uno-X Forsyning

Vestre

Østlandske Vei og Betong

Work highlights

  • Representing HENT in a bifurcated court dispute opposite SalMar over construction of the ‘InnovaNor’ salmon processing facility.
  • Assisting Baneservice AS with the national ERTMS-project (European Rail Traffic Management System), where Baneservice is rebuilding the Norwegian national rail signalling system.
  • Representing Uno-X in litigation resulting from the construction of an oil tanker terminal in Mo i Rana in North Norway.

Norway > Intellectual property Tier 3

Closely cooperating with the firm’s TMT practice, the intellectual property and marketing team at Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS acts for a diverse roster of clients across the media, television, and arts and culture sectors on both contentious and non-contentious matters. Practice head Lisa Digernes is dual-qualified in Norway and New York and has significant experience advising on cross-border IP matters, including strategies and protection work. Tom G Eilertsen focuses on intellectual property rights in the film industry, while Jan Morten Evertsen handles copyright work across a range of industries. For clients in the consumer goods industry, Rune Nordengen and Cathrine Grundvig are the key contacts to note. Bente Holmvang left the firm in 2023.

Practice head(s):

Lisa Digernes

Testimonials

‘Professional, quick service, good legal advice within the field of art and film, agreements regarding copyrights and fees, national and international competence.’

‘Strength in international IP law.’

‘Lisa Digernes is skilled and highly professional, and she is a kind person.’

‘For us, Bull stands out with their deep knowledge of both Norwegian and US entertainment law. Additionally, they offer expertise across a broad spectrum of legal disciplines, ensuring we’re covered even when venturing outside our typical legal arenas.’

‘Jan Morten Evertsen I’ve been working with for many years and we both know what’s needed and can work straight to the point when needed. Lisa Digernes, has been a big help in international issues and in negotiations about details in contracts made with international players.’

‘What truly stood out was their commitment to transparent communication – every step of the way, we felt informed and involved. I wholeheartedly recommend this firm for anyone seeking not just legal expertise, but a partner dedicated to a client-centric, fair, and efficient legal experience.’

‘I can’t praise our lawyer Rune Nordengen enough! His flexibility is truly commendable – always adapting to the companies needs seamlessly. Communication with him is also always very good and transparent. He takes proactive measures, going above and beyond expectations. I highly recommend Rune for his exceptional qualities across the board!’

‘Cathrine Grundtvig stands out as one of Norway’s most seasoned and esteemed attorneys within marketing law.’

Key clients

Apcoa

AGICOA

Atea

AutoStore

Blaane Film

Fab001

Friluftsmagasinet

Holocaust Center

Kahoot!

Kärcher

Leave Spildefilm

Nobel Peace Center

Norn Studio

Puma

Qvisten Animation

TRY

UpNorth Film

Varier Furniture

Vestre

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented R21 Arkitekter in a lawsuit against Steil Arkitektur in terms of an architect’s design rights.
  • Assisting Qvisten Animation with IPR issues and preparing agreements for the client’s animation films and other products.
  • Assisting UpNorth Film with IPR issues for the production of several documentaries.

Norway > TMT Tier 3

At boutique technology firm Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS, Lisa Digernes oversees a ‘sharp and attentive‘ team with a strong track record in advising clients in the media and entertainment industry on the full range of mandates. Digernes acts for production companies, directors and writers, advising on distribution agreements, clearance issues and rights negotiations. Data protection advice constitutes a core pillar of work for the team, with the ‘extremely competentKristin Haram Førde and Kristian Foss leading on matters in this area. Christian Bendiksen joined the practice from Brækhus Advokatfirma DA in late 2023.

Practice head(s):

Lisa Digernes

Testimonials

‘Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS is absolutely a fantastic solution partner with sharp sector knowledge and smart commercial approach.’

‘Kristin Haram Førde is an exceptional lawyer with a strong commercial mindset who provides prompt and to-the-point legal assistance to our legal and management team.’

‘A great pleasure to work with, really understands us as customers and has a wide understanding of our business and how we operate.’

‘Great experience and commercial understanding. Thorough understanding of applicable rules.’

‘Sharp and attentive and easy to work with. Top customer-centric firm which really knows technology.’

‘Very good knowledge, useful advice, the ability to contribute to and establish processes for the client that makes compliance easier. Kristin Haram Førde is extremely competent and service-minded.’

‘Kristian Foss has developed a deep knowledge about our needs, and does an excellent job in mobilising and guiding other relevant resources inside Bull when needed. Keeps good oversight, and follows up.’

‘Exceptionally people-oriented, consistently prioritising our needs and concerns. Their accessibility has also been outstanding, making it effortless to reach out and receive the assistance and guidance we require.’

Key clients

Aize

Aptic Norway

Atea

Blaane Film

Bulk Infrastructure

ConnectMyApps

DXC Technology

Egmont

Elton Mobility

Holocaust Center

International Sámi Film Institute

Leave Spildefilm

Monday Media (Monday Production, Teddy TV, and Feelgood)

Nobel Peace Center

Norkon

Normal Norway

Opera

Paradox

Posten Norge

Qvisten Animation

Schibsted Group

Shortcut

Spond

Toyota

Unacast

UpNorth Film

Wallenius Wilhelmsen

Webstep

Wilhelmsen Global Services

Work highlights

  • Advising Wilhelmsen Global Business Services (WGBS) on innovative procurement and development using digitisation, AI and new technology.
  • Assisting Egmont with its multifaceted content offerings, spanning print, digital and multimedia platforms.
  • Assisting Spond’s management on general legal issues, with an emphasis on data protection.

Norway > Employment Tier 4

The team at Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS combines a ‘strong‘ employment practice with sector-specialist expertise in the technology, life sciences and healthcare industries. The practice is led by Anette Mellbye, who advises on both domestic and cross-border employment law issues. The team also includes Kåre Bjørlo, who frequently advises on downsizings, restructurings and pensions; and Jørgen Burdal, who is praised as an ‘extremely flexible and very helpful‘ practitioner and is a specialist in individual employment protection matters. Kjersti Borgen joined the group from Wikborg Rein in August 2023.

Practice head(s):

Anette Mellbye

Testimonials

‘They are a strong team with a focus on the client’s needs. They have excellent communication skills and give clear advice. We are dealing with some difficult cases and they guide us through it with focus and engagement.’

‘They dare to give clear advice.’

‘At Bull, the lawyers are always open for questions and discussions. Any advice given is very well reasoned, backed up and where necessary explained to the layperson. The lawyers we have dealt with are especially skilled in their field, which is easily noticeable when discussing legal matters with them, as they are familiar with all the recent developments in their field as well as precedent from the past.’

‘The team understands the business of the client.’

‘The lawyers interact in a friendly way, and you get the impression of working with a good colleague.’

‘Jørgen Burdal is very professional and his advice is easy to understand. We recommend his services to anyone.’

‘Jørgen Burdal is extremely flexible and very helpful.’

Key clients

Amesto Group

Endúr

EverZink Norway

Makita

Kappa Bioscience

N3Zones Group

Nerostein

Netel

Posten Norge/Bring

Puma

Refinitiv

SGS Group

Work highlights

  • Advising PUMA on data protection, business restructuring and individual employment matters.
  • Providing strategic and legal counsel to Webstep on the full range of employment law issues it encounters in the course of its daily business.
  • Providing strategic and legal counsel to EverZinc following several reorganisation processes.

Norway > Tax Tier 4

Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS' practice ‘always delivers‘ and advises on tax issues in the construction, aquaculture, real estate, technology and energy sectors. Leading the practice, Einar Heiberg is a seasoned litigator who specialises in general corporate tax, tax controversies and transactional tax work. The group also includes ‘brilliant tax lawyerJan Martin Fjellestad, who focuses on transactional tax and general corporate tax mandates, and the ‘thorough, technical and commercialMorten Fjermeros, who advises on general corporate taxes, tax controversies and indirect tax work, particularly in the energy and real estate sectors.

Practice head(s):

Einar Heiberg

Testimonials

‘The Bull & Co tax team is great, knowledgeable, thorough and creative. The advice is very clear, and the team has very strong analytical skills. Extremely client service focused. This is a tax group that always delivers.’

‘Very good at solving practical tax issues. Customer intimacy is a key word.’

‘Solution-oriented and always available.’

‘Straightforward and efficient.’

‘One-stop shop, a law firm that prioritises the customer and can put together the expertise that ensures success in our transactions.’

‘Works 24/7 to ensure the customer’s success.’

‘Morten Fjermeros is thorough, technical and commercial. He’s a highly regarded and experienced tax lawyer.’

‘Jan Fjellestad is a brilliant tax lawyer, one of the best. He’s practical, incredibly knowledgeable and has a really good head for the economics of deals. He provides excellent client service and is able to clearly explain technical tax issues.’

Key clients

Arkon Energy PTY

BA5 Invest

Evercom

Fasadgruppen Norden

Kudos Eiendom

Myrdahl & Sveen

Schibsted Tillväxtmedier

Transtema Group

Øksheim R

Work highlights

  • Represented Kudos Eiendom in a court case regarding property tax issues resulting in a key victory for the real estate industry.
  • Assisted Australia-based Arkon Energy with the acquisition of cryptocurrency mining facility Hydrokraft AS and with the subsequent financing agreement.
  • Assisted Sweden-based Transtema with its acquisition of UBConnect AS.

Norway > Insolvency and corporate recovery

With notable expertise in acting as administrators for bankruptcy estates, Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS has expanded its insolvency practice with the recruitment of Vegard Øien from Økland & Co in April 2023. Kristoffer Aasebø leads the team, and is particularly active in real estate-related matters.

Bull was founded in 1864. Our lawyers are experts within business law and private legal matters. We put together multidisciplinary teams tailored to the size and character of each assignment. This enables you to draw on our broad expertise and experience—with a responsible partner at the helm.

We also offer special services such as Lawyer as a Serviceemergency assistance for cyberattacks, and Data Protection Officer (DPO) as a Service.

Through our international networks, we have access to local legal expertise worldwide.

Our core values

  • engagement
  • courage
  • respect
  • generosity

We take ownership of tasks with enthusiasm and aim to bring out the best in ourselves to deliver good service and client experiences, as well as develop the firm and each other further. We are curious and create the best solutions and results when we work together. We take pleasure in success experienced by our clients, colleagues, and our own firm.

Our goal is to provide advice that is clear, honest and practical, so that we create value for our clients. We invest time in understanding the clients’ needs and challenges, and we bolster our clients and each other by sharing our knowledge proactively and generously. By collaborating closely, in-house and externally, we seek to resolve challenges in the best possible way.

We are open to change and dare to challenge established practice to try out new methods, principles, and business models. Our decisions are based on creating value long-term, and selfish interests must yield to the needs of the firm as a whole. Although it may be difficult, we say what we mean when this is in the firm’s best interest.

Our aim is to create an equal, inclusive and diverse work environment. We listen to and respect different perspectives and points of view and aim to understand before we act. One of the pillars of the business is to deliver quality in all aspects, and therefore, we strive to give each other honest and constructive feedback.

It is important to make time for family and leisure activities, as we believe this makes us better advisers, lawyers, and individuals.

Equality and diversity
Equality and diversity are key to Bull’s core values. We strive to recruit employees and develop a corporate culture characterised by a good balance between the genders and a reasonable age distribution. We will work against any arbitrary discrimination on the basis of religion or belief, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, age, political opinion, etc. Bull shall be an inclusive and diverse workplace, where all employees are given the same opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Department Name Email Telephone
Company law and transactions Erlend Balsvik egb@bull.no +47 934 90 713
Construction Thor Wessel tw@bull.no +47 419 16 574
Dispute resolution Harald Strømstad hast@bull.no +47 913 19 627
Electricity, nuclear and renewable Erlend Balsvik egb@bull.no +47 934 90 713
Employment law and pensions Anette Mellbye am@bull.no +47 934 33 682
Family and inheritance law André M. Carlsen amc@bull.no +47 975 46 458
Insurance Runar Hansen rh@bull.no +47 908 95 006
Intellectual property and TMT Stian Sørensen Schilvold sss@bull.no +47 958 93 464
Patents Rune Nordengen rn@bull.no +47 951 07 590
Real estate Nils Henrik Varmann Jørgensen nhj@bull.no +47 934 80 256
Restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy Kristoffer Aasebø kaa@bull.no +47 995 23 554
Tax Einar Heiberg einar.heiberg@bull.no +47 932 23 602
Photo Name Position Profile
Erlend Balsvik photo Mr Erlend Balsvik Erlend Balsvik has extensive experience in transactions and corporate restructuring, especially within…
Kåre Bjørlo photo Mr Kåre Bjørlo Kåre Bjørlo assists with issues and matters within employment and real estate…
Bjarte Bogstad photo Mr Bjarte Bogstad Bjarte Bogstad primarily works with transactions (M&A), company law, and contracts. He…
Jørgen Burdal photo Mr Jørgen Burdal Jørgen Burdal works primarily within the field of employment law and has…
Lisa Digernes photo Ms Lisa Digernes Lisa Digernes provides advisory services and enforcement and clarification of rights within…
Saloume Djoudat photo Ms Saloume Djoudat Saloume Djoudat works mainly with company law, transactions, contract law, risk management,…
Tom G Eilertsen photo Mr Tom G Eilertsen Tom Eilertsen works mainly with intellectual property law, with a particular emphasis…
Jan Morten Evertsen photo Mr Jan Morten Evertsen Jan Morten Evertsen has extensive experience with contract negotiations in connection with…
Anders Evjenth photo Mr Anders Evjenth Anders Evjenth has a wide practice in the field of real estate,…
Jan Martin Fjellestad photo Mr Jan Martin Fjellestad Jan Martin Fjellestad’s main expertise lies within taxation, company law, and transaction…
Morten Fjermeros photo Mr Morten Fjermeros Morten Fjermeros has extensive experience within the various areas of tax law,…
Kristian Foss photo Mr Kristian Foss Kristian Foss assists with technology agreements and privacy issues. This includes agreements…
Klemet Gaski photo Mr Klemet Gaski Klemet Gaski offers consultancy within business law, with a main emphasis on…
Runar Hansen photo Mr Runar Hansen Runar has more than 30 years’ experience as an adviser to international…
Kristin Haram Førde photo Ms Kristin Haram Førde Kristin Haram Førde provides legal advice within technology and privacy. Throughout her…
Einar Heiberg photo Mr Einar Heiberg Einar Heiberg has extensive experience within the practice areas of tax law…
Elisabeth Hoffmann photo Ms Elisabeth Hoffmann Elisabeth Hoffmann primarily assists with questions regarding company, business, and contract law,…
Anette Mellbye photo Ms Anette Mellbye Anette Mellbye has broad legal experience, especially within employment law, intellectual property…
Bjørn Erik  Mørkved photo Mr Bjørn Erik Mørkved Bjørn Erik Mørkved works with construction law with a main focus on…
Rune Nordengen photo Mr Rune Nordengen Rune Nordengen assists with commercial law issues, particularly relating to marketing and…
Finn Olav R Elde photo Mr Finn Olav R Elde Finn Olav Elde’s practice involves transactions and company law, as well as…
Stian Sørensen Schilvold photo Mr Stian Sørensen Schilvold Stian Sørensen Schilvold works within technology law and transactions. Within technology law,…
Nils Henrik Varmann Jørgensen  photo Mr Nils Henrik Varmann Jørgensen Nils Henrik Varmann Jørgensen works primarily with negotiations and dispute resolution and…
Thor Wessel photo Mr Thor Wessel Thor Wessel has broad expertise within Norwegian and international contract law and…
Number of lawyers : 75
Administration : 13
Association of European Lawyers (AEL)
ALFA International
GALA (Global Advertising Lawyers Associational)