Poul Schmith > Copenhagen, Denmark > Firm Profile
Poul Schmith Offices
Kalvebod Brygge 32
1560 København V
Denmark
Poul Schmith > The Legal 500 Rankings
Denmark > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Poul Schmith acts for public and private clients in a broad range of dispute resolution matters, including domestic and international arbitrations, appearing before tribunals, ad hoc panels, and the Supreme Court. Experienced tax litigator Sune Riisgaard heads up the department, which includes Sune Fugleholm, who is known for his representation of the Danish government at an international level, including before the ECJ. Tomas Ilsøe Andersen is a specialist in complex commercial litigation and multi-sector international arbitration work, while Kasper Mortensen is a key name for high-profile disputes relating to construction and real estate projects, IT systems and acquisitions. Elsewhere within the group, Paw Fruerlund is an important point of contact for technology, investment and administrative disputes.Practice head(s):
Sune Riisgaard
Other key lawyers:
Sune Fugleholm; Kasper Mortensen; Paw Fruerlund; Tomas Ilsøe Andersen; Casper Christiansen; Christian Bo Kolding-Krøger
Testimonials
‘The latest legal proceedings that Poul Smith assisted us with were incredibly complex and therefore required no less than exceptional analytical, logical, research and argumentation (verbal and written) skills. The team from Poul Smith displayed all of these qualities and characteristics flawlessly.’
‘Kasper Mortensen has huge knowledge and experience in dispute resolution and is able to advise on strategy as well as legal interpretation. Highly appreciated that he is available for quick assessments and advice on short notice. Has an eye for the (commercial) reality of the client’s situation and offers advice adjusted to this.’
‘The team has more experience with public law litigation than anyone else in Denmark, and no one can demonstrate a higher level of success. This is basically the leading team in the country when it comes to litigation involving public law.’
‘Sune Fugleholm is the senior partner of the litigation team and an extremely experienced lawyer with a keen eye as to what can make or break a case. He is also very innovative and always on the lookout for new ways of developing legal arguments, including by including big data analysis of case law.’
‘The practice work fast and diligently, and with competent and knowledgeable lawyers to support us in cases where we need legal advice.’
‘The group of lawyers have many different competencies which is great as a customer, so we have the best and most competent advice for certain specific questions and cases.’
Key clients
If A/S
The Danish Agency for Education and Quality
Kriminalforsorgen
Municipal of Copenhagen
Greenland Ministry of Resources
AP Pension
Danish Equal Treatment Board
Procuritas Capital Investors Fund IV LP/GP
The Danish Property and Building Agency
Rail Net Denmark
DSB
The Capital Region of Denmark
Altor Fund II GP Ltd
OW Lux S.ár. l
Work highlights
- Representing Danish Medicines Agency in litigation brought against the agency by the holding company of a former owner of a medicines company that had its licensees suspended and later went bankrupt.
- Representing Danish Building and Property Agency in litigation brought against an insurance company concerning a claim for indemnification of two buildings lost in a fire which happened while the buildings were being decontaminated.
- Representing The Danish Agency for Education and Quality and The Working Environment Authority in a case, where 18 former students of a school in Denmark have sued several authorities for having disregarded their positive obligation to take action against violations under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Denmark > Environment Tier 1
Poul Schmith‘s specialist environmental team handles the full range both contentious and non-contentious matters arising out of the space. The team acts as the main adviser to a range of governmental and public bodies, often appearing before the Danish High Court. Kim Christian Højmark, Britta Moll Bown and Jakob Kamby jointly spearhead the practice; Moll Bown is a go-to name for contentious work in the space, whilst Højmark has a strong track record when it comes to advising public and private sector clients in complex, high-profile matters. At associate level, Louise Solvang Rasmussen leverages her knowledge of environmental law to undertake high-profile complex infrastructure and construction project-related matters, while Josephine Fie Legarth advises on environmental regulation applicable to construction and infrastructure projects.Practice head(s):
Kim Christian Højmark; Britta Moll Bown; Jakob Kamby
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Louise Solvang Rasmussen, Britta Moll Bown and Josephine Fie Legarth – as for all of the mentioned, they are highly experienced and specialised, and they all walk an extra mile in order to help out their clients to the highest possible extent. They are also pragmatic, and aware of the circumstances that pose special challenges when a client is of a public nature. They are very experienced when it comes to cases before the courts of law at all levels.’
‘Poul Schmith distinguishes itself through its unique strengths and capabilities. Potential clients would be interested in knowing about the team’s exceptional expertise, unwavering commitment to client help/solutions and the ability to do it quickly.’
‘Poul Schmith has a highly skilled environment practice. The team has in-depth knowledge of environment law in general but certainly also when it relates to major infrastructure projects.’
‘Louise Solvang Rasmussen is a very strong litigator who handles many cases and disputes for our company in environmental matters. Louise is an exceptional lawyer that know the inner workings of our company very well.’
‘The team is strong in environmental law in Denmark and is good at finding practical solutions to complicated questions. The individuals on the team are very easy to work with, solution oriented and highly professional.’
‘We have a particularly good collaboration with Louise Solvang Rasmussen. She is particularly good at providing information on the status of cases, she is always available and continuously aligns the work with expectations. In addition, she has a welcoming personality, which is an advantage for our internal collaboration, but also in situations where, for example, we have to settle a case with a counterparty.’
‘Some of the most skilled experts of environmental and energy law – Visionary and addressing and focusing on business opportunities and strategies – Very collaborative. Always available and communicative. Extremely friendly and cooperative. They are top professionals but with a strong focus on personal relationships in an informal tone. Especially Kim Højmark and Louise Solvang Rasmussen stand out. They have the capacity to handle complex judicial, technical and political problems.’
Key clients
The Danish Environmental and Food Board of Appeal
The Danish Planning Board of Appeal
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency
Region Hovedstaden (Capital Region)
The Danish Business Authority
Rail Net Denmark (Banedanmark)
The Danish Energy Board of Appeal
The Danish Road Directorate
The Danish Ministry of Environment
By og Havn (CPH City and Port Development)
Femern A/S
Hovedstadens Letbane (Greater Copenhagen Light Rail)
The Danish Ministry of Transportation
The Danish Energy Agency
The Danish Coastal Authority
The Danish National Agency for Housing and Physical Planning (Bolig- og Planstyrelsen)
Frederiksberg Municipality
Danish Veterinary and Food Administration
Aarhus Municipality
Gentofte Municipality
Danish Ministry of Defence Estate Agency
Work highlights
- Assisted the Danish Energy Agency with planning the Danish energy islands.
- Provided advice and regulatory assistance in connection with the establishment of the legal basis for the fixed link across the Fehmarn Belt and the related land installations in Denmark and providing advice on environmental and regulatory matters throughout the construction stage of the project.
- Assisted the Danish Ministry of Transport with adopting the legal basis for the creation of Lynetteholm, a new peninsula in the Port of Copenhagen between Refshaleøen and Nordhavn.
Denmark > Information technology Tier 1
Poul Schmith maintains its active bracket in the IT space, known for advising governmental bodies on large-scale IT projects, alongside handling cross-border matters involving IT-related issues. Tom Holsøe, Anni Noes Westergaard and Thomas Dithmer collectively lead the department. Holsøe comes recommended for his ‘unique experience’ and as ‘one of the best lawyers within information technology’. Westergaard’s practice emphasises strategic digitalisation projects, major transformation projects, procurement processes and contracts. Dithmer is ‘highly experienced within information technology’ and handles both contentious and non-contentious matters, including contracts, procurement, outsourcing, cloud projects, and IP rights.Practice head(s):
Tom Holsøe; Anni Noes Westergaard; Thomas Dithmer
Other key lawyers:
Anders Thede Bossen; Milena Anguelova Krogsgaard; Emil Bisgaard; Daniel Boye Lassen
Testimonials
‘Tom Holsøe has unique experience and is one of the best lawyers within information technology.’
‘Thomas Dithmer is our trusted adviser when it comes to information technology. His legal and commercial foundation is extremely strong, and his experience from drafting and negotiating the most infrastructural critical IT-solutions in Denmark creates a significant value for us.’
‘Daniel Boye Lassen offers high expertise within IT contracts. His advice is commercially sound and solution-oriented.’
‘Thomas Dithmer is highly experienced within information technology, and he has the ability to explain and give advice in an understandable, down-to-earth way. He is a skilled negotiator and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Milena Anguelova Krogsgaard has knowledge and brings a high level of service and commercial awareness to the table.’
‘The team has been sublime in putting the interest and need of the client as their highest priority, which is just excellent.’
‘Anni Noes Westergaard has great insights into the legal aspects of new technology and has earned the trust of our organisation and management.’
‘The team is very professional, and I have always felt that both the entire firm and the teams are competent and professional.’
Key clients
The Five Danish Regions
Grundfos Holding A/S
The IT and Development Agency of the Danish Ministry of Taxation
Agency for Public Finance and Management – Ministry of Finance
Agency for Governmental IT Services
Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation
Danish Agency for Digitisation
Andel Holding A/S
DSB (Danish State Railway)
Banedanmark (Ministry of Transport)
Statens og Kommunernes Indkøbsservice A/S (“SKI”)
ATP Ejendomme
The Danish Environmental Portal (“DMP”)
Danish Agency for Data Supply and Infrastructure
The Danish Court Administration
Work highlights
- Representing Grundfos Holding A/S and numerous other companies within the group – the world’s leading manufacturer of pumps – in setting up a compliance program to ensure that Grundfos Holding A/S is compliant with NIS2 in October 2024.
- Representing the Danish Agency for Public Finance and Management in a dispute against mayor telecommunications operator, Telenor A/S.
- Representing the Danish Police in the outsourcing of operation, maintenance, support and further development of a portfolio of the Danish Polices existing IT systems.
Denmark > Insolvency Tier 1
Poul Schmith is well-known for its longstanding status as trust adviser to the Danish State, but also works on behalf of a robust private-sector client base on the full spectrum of complex insolvency matters, including inter-creditor agreements and debt restructurings, among others. Practice head Boris Frederiksen’s practice encompasses the entirety of insolvency law, and is praised as a ‘mastermind when it comes to strategy and a cool, straight hitting negotiator’. ‘Wonderful, cool-headed litigator’ Cathrine Wollenberg Zittan is an important point of contact for matters concerning asset tracing work, debt collections and cross-border insolvencies.Practice head(s):
Boris Frederiksen
Other key lawyers:
Jesper Saugmandsgaard Øe; Rune Tandgaard Derno; Cathrine Wollenberg Zittan
Testimonials
‘They have a deep and profound understanding of the insolvency legislation, and were not afraid of going the extra mile.’
‘The team are well-educated and driven to deliver excellence at all times. They are a force to be reckoned with.’
‘Boris Frederiksen is a mastermind when it comes to strategy and a cool, straight hitting negotiator. You want him on your side in any discussion.’
‘Cathrine Wollenberg Zittan is a wonderful, cool-headed litigator. She understands all the issues and looks at the big picture rather than always being caught up in the weeds.’
Key clients
The Danish Tax Authorities
The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority
The Commissioners for HMRC
The Employees’ Guarantee Fund
The Danish Guarantee Fund for Non-life Insurers
The Travel Guarantee Fund
Vækstfonden (The Danish Growth Fund)
Nordea A/S
Sydbank A/S
Danske Bank
Jyske Bank A/S/
Nykredit Bank A/S
Altor Fund II
Work highlights
- Assisted the client in relation of a) the development of a new IT system for collection of taxes; and b) the assessment of claim validity and data quality in respect of claims that have been transferred to the Danish tax authorities in its capacity as debt collection authority.
- Advising the Danish tax authorities on the recovery of unjustified refunds of withheld dividend tax for a total amount of DKK12.7 billion.
- Representing Altor Fund II (the general partner) and the holding company that owned the shares in OW Bunker A/S their combined Danish litigations, which are currently ongoing before the Danish High Court and Supreme Court.
Denmark > Real estate and construction
Poul Schmith’s real estate and construction team is praised for providing ‘high-level legal advice on complex juridical matters’ and advises across the entire gamut of real estate transactions and projects, including commercial, industrial, residential and infrastructure-related issues. Four lawyers jointly head up the Copenhagen-based practice group: Rasmus Holm Hansen, Kasper Mortensen, Rikke Hoffensetz Andresen and Philip Prochownik. Hansen undertakes both contentious and non-contentious matters on behalf of both consultants and contractors, while Mortensen is a go-to name for a wide variety of work representing governmental agencies and public bodies, Prochownik focuses on transactional work, and Andresen comes highly recommended by clients for his ‘very good commercial understanding with a focus on finding solutions that get the deal done’.Practice head(s):
Rasmus Holm Hansen; Kasper Mortensen; Rikke Hoffensetz Andresen; Philip Prochownik
Other key lawyers:
Henrik Puggaard; Bo Schmidt Pedersen; Emil Baumann Geist; Henrik Meden; Magnus Bjerre Clausen
Testimonials
‘The department is always available and provides great service from all employees. The entire department is very professional and highly competent.’
‘Employees in the department are quick to identify problems and find solutions. Reporting is measured and precise.’
‘Very skilled, professional and focused on solutions. Quick response. Broad experience – and competences.’
‘Relational skills and quick understanding. Rasmus Holm Hansen and Kasper Mortensen are competent and experienced partners.’
‘Partner Rasmus Holm Hansen is outstanding. He is an excellent legal adviser with great commercial knowledge. He is easily accessible, trustworthy and always pleasant to work with.’
‘Rikke Hoffensetz Andresen – Very good commercial understanding with a focus on finding solutions that gets the deal done. Rikke has a huge network in the real estate market that one benefits from as a client.’
‘In-depth knowledge of the customer’s cases and challenges. Availability and very pleasant cooperation.’
‘Best in class on legal knowledge, been in the game for a very long time and that gives an edge.’
Key clients
PFA PENSION, FORSIKRINGSAKTIESELSKAB
Amber Infrastructure Group Limited
AP PENSION LIVSFORSIKRINGSAKTIESELSKAB
AkademikerPension
PenSam Pension forsikringsaktieselskab
PKA
Birch Ejendomme A/S
Copi Group ApS
Capital Region
Region of Southern Denmark
ATP Ejendomme A/S
Velliv, Pension & Livsforsikring A/S
1927 Estate ApS
KAB
Municipality of Frederiksberg
Municipality of Aarhus
Blue Capital A/S
Domea.dk
Nordarken Holding A/S
Tasfo Investments A/S
Municipality of Køge
Udviklingsselskabet By & Havn I/S
CPHInvest ApS
Per Aarsleff Group
Domea.dk
Femern Bælt A/S
Enemærke & Petersen A/S
NREP A/S
Municipality of Ballerup
NIRAS A/S
Bladt Industries A/S
Vestforbraending (I/S Vestforbrænding)
Emcon A/S
Metroselskabet I/S
Municipality of Helsingør
fsb
Norconsult A/S
The Danish Building and Property Agency
Nordstern ApS
By & Havn (Udviklingsselskabet By & Havn I/S)
Billund Airport (Billund Lufthavn A/S)
Banedanmark
Work highlights
- Advising the Danish Energy Agency on a broad range of legal issues in connection with the building of an artificial island in the North Sea, particularly those related to construction, operation and maintenance and procurement, among others.
- Advising Femern Bælt A/S in connection with the construction of the ‘Fehmarn Belt Link’.
- Advising Metroselskabet I/S in connection with a number of projects, most recently the construction of a new metro line in the city of Copenhagen, the ‘M5’, and the development of the area around the railway station at Ny Ellebjerg (Copenhagen South) – a hub for public transport to and from Copenhagen, situated west of the city centre.
Denmark > Banking and finance Tier 2
Poul Schmith advises a broad client base including major Danish financial institutions, national pension schemes and funds, government investment funds, and credit institutions on the entire suite of complex transactional and regulatory banking and finance work. Jakob Bernhoft heads up the practice group, having joined the firm from Kromann Reumert alongside Kim Rasmussen, and lends his expertise to complex debt capital financings, including acquisition financings, mezzanine financings, bond issuances and securitisation work, among others. Pre-eminent Danish practitioner Rasmussen is a go-to name for syndicated loans, acquisition and structured finance work, bond issuances, including EMTN programmes, derivatives, and banking restructurings. Peter Hedegaard Madsen is a financial regulatory and funds expert, known for his specialist knowledge of the intersection between EU and Danish financial regulation.Practice head(s):
Jakob Bernhoft
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Amazing team with deep domain knowledge. Super high work capacity and very diligent at getting back to you and keeping you updated. Our go-to firm for any advice within compliance, GDPR, financial crime and sanctions, and overall advice on regulated industries.’
‘Flemming Pristed has unique knowledge and experience within banking and compliance. Both on a theoretical level but also on a very practical level. He is extremely diligent and has high integrity. Therefore I am always sure to get honest and clear advice. What sets him apart is his commitment to ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and regulations in our field. This expertise allows us to provide innovative and effective solutions to us as clients.’
‘Kim Rasmussen provides balanced and practical advise and handles the process with the counterpart smoothly.’
‘Kim Rasmussen is a very talented and skilled lawyer with client focus. Kim provides useful advice in a balanced manner.’
‘Flemming Pristed is highly knowledgeable not only in Danish regulatory law, but also experienced in and knowledgeable in Norwegian regulatory law. Strongly solution focused. Being low key and friendly, he is also a pleasure to work with.’
‘Peter Hedegaard Madsen has valuable insight in our organisation’s history, governance and stakeholders that makes him our trusted adviser.’
Key clients
Sydbank
Jyske Bank
Nordea
The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority
Danish Ministry of Finance
Nationalbanken (the Danish Central Bank)
AP Pension
Danske Bank
Vækstfonden
Danmarks Grønne Investeringsfond
Danmarks Eksport- og Investeringsfond
IFU
Lægernes Pension & Bank
Everfuel A/S
DSB
Danske Bank
ATP
Nykredit
Finansiel Stabilitet
Altor
Axcel
Capital Four Management Fondsmæglerselskab A/S
European Energy A/S
SEB
Work highlights
- Advising on the design and legal structure of the new investment fund, Denmark’s Export and Investment Fund.
- Advising on the legal design and financial structure of an investment vehicle with a capacity of DKK16bn to invest in offshore wind farms including advice on the nature of the investment and capital structure.
- Advising Vækstfonden regarding the Direct Guarantee from the European Investment Fund of DKK2.3bn.
Denmark > Data privacy and data protection Tier 2
Poul Schmith has extensive experience across all aspects of data protection and privacy law as well as the related cybersecurity legislation, including the EU Data Governance Act, AI regulation and the regulation of digital services. Practice head Jakob Kamby handles business-critical data compliance matters, while Martin Sønnersgaard is go-to name for advice on AI issues and is praised for his ‘unique knowledge of data privacy legislation’. At associate level, Kirsten Marie Donato comes highly recommended for ‘her unique ability to present legal obligations in the context of legal risk management and commercial considerations, while always remaining on an eye-to-eye level with the client’.Practice head(s):
Jakob Kamby
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Poul Schmith’s data privacy and data protection team has aided us with understanding and interpreting the field between legislation and technology within Data Protection. Furthermore our industry legislation has also been incorporated and adapted into any advice.’
‘Martin Sønnersgaard worked as our primary contact person and also key adviser. His unique knowledge of data privacy legislation and other related legislation has been outstanding and he is a very trusted adviser.’
‘Kirsten Marie Donato excels within the area of data protection and AI and has a unique ability to present legal obligations in the context of legal risk management and commercial considerations, whilst always remaining on an eye-to-eye level with the client.’
‘High quality of work and capabilities. Quickly to respond.’
‘What we really liked about the collaboration was their ability to make GDPR regulation tangible so we could build a new product and design processes that works in the real world.’
Key clients
Agency for Digital Government
The Danish Agency for Data Supply and Infrastructure
The Danish Building and Property Agency
Statens Serum Institut
Innovation Fund Denmark
Danish Patient Safety Authority
Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science
The Danish Prime Minister’s Office
The Danish Environmental Agency
Coinify ApS
The IT and Development Agency of the Danish Ministry of Taxation
PFA Ejendomme A/S
Flicker Factory
Work highlights
- Assisting the Danish Agency for Digital Government with providing a new national digital post solution (called Digital Post) for public authorities to communicate securely and digitally with citizens and businesses, and vice versa.
- Assisting the Danish Agency for Data Supply and Infrastructure with providing a new data distribution platform (called Den Fællesoffentlige Datafordeler) for the distribution of fundamental register data from several public authorities via one platform.
- Assisting Coinify ApS, a global virtual currency platform, with ensuring compliance with European data protection laws after being acquired by a US-based company in late 2021.
Denmark > Employment Tier 2
Acquisitions, restructurings, labour clauses, and working condition issues are among the specialisms of the robust labour and employment law team housed by Poul Schmith which comes recommended for its ‘professional and balanced help’, as well as ‘deep legal knowledge’. Jonas Blegvad Jensen and Marianne Lage head the practice group out of Aarhus and Copenhagen, respectively. Jensen has experience advising on employment issues arising from large-scale M&A, outsourcing and capital markets transactions, whilst Lage dispense specialist advice to clients on issues relating to membership of employer organisations.Practice head(s):
Jonas Blegvad Jensen; Marianne Lage
Testimonials
‘Great knowledge and team.’
‘Professional and balanced help. Deep legal knowledge.’
‘High legal quality and advice. Collaboration is smooth and effective. Quick to understand problem and context.’
‘Marianne Lage is exceptional. Legal advice is always to the point and of high quality, and she is always there when needed.’
‘Very competent, professional and a pleasant team, whom we regard as trusted advisers.’
‘Jonas Blegvad Jensen stands out for his ability to provide both very competent and professional legal advise, but also be a good sparring partner on options/scenarios in a given situation.’
‘My experience is that the team are knowledgeable and swift to reply. My dealings with them concerned international contracts and we felt we were in good hands and that the team found and flagged many relevant items and guided us through important decisions with a thorough understanding of what we needed.’
‘Jonas Blegvad Jensen is a pleasure to work with. Very broad knowledge and expertise within the domain. Great in engaging and creating a trusting environment.’
Key clients
APM Terminals A/S
Norwegian (Norwegian Crew Resources Denmark ApS)
Exerp ApS
CSC Primo P/S
Himmerland Forsikring G/S
Gensam Data A/S
TechCollege S/I
The Board of Equal Treatment (in Danish “Ligebehandlingsnævnet”)
The Department of Prisons and Probation (in Danish “Direktoratet for Kriminalforsorgen”)
Work highlights
- Assisted CSC Primo P/S with all employment-related matters in connection with the acquisition of 33% of the shares in Scanmetals A/S.
- Advised Gensam Data A/S in relation to a CEO substitution including advice regarding termination, hiring of an interim CEO, and hiring of a new CEO.
- Advised on the entire collective dismissal process, including the drafting of an action plan as well as assisting with the relevant documentation for the steps required in order to ensure compliance with the Danish rules on collective dismissals.
Denmark > Energy Tier 2
Poul Schmith‘s energy supply and offshore energy department provide clients with the full range of advice across every major energy type, including natural gas, renewables, electricity, oil and gas, and water, handling issues along the entire energy value chain. In addition to the team's core strength in traditional energy matters, utilities work, and infrastructure projects, it also has a deep-rooted knowledge of commercial projects. The team is co-led by Klint Klingberg-Jensen, who advises on a wide range of offshore matters; Sune Fugleholm, who is the primary adviser to the Danish Government regarding the energy and utility sectors; and public law expert Jesper Nørøxe.Practice head(s):
Klint Klingberg-Jensen; Sune Fugleholm; Jesper Nørøxe
Other key lawyers:
Cristian Rubanovici
Testimonials
‘Poul Schmith’s team within energy is unique in their capabilities and experiences which benefits us as clients. Their experience from advising on the most extensive and innovative energy projects in Denmark and Europe is highly visible in their advice to our company within the energy sector.’
‘Klint Klingberg-Jensen’s team offers extensive knowledge within the energy sector and applies a solution-oriented approach to the tasks at hand. They always deliver without delays and are always available when needed. The team offers great diversity, which means that there is always a right candidate regardless of the type of task.’
‘We have primarily worked with Klint Klingberg-Jensen and Cristian Rubanovici in the past year and they have both provided valuable counselling regarding offshore project contracts. They are both highly skilled in the field of offshore contracts and know how to apply a commercial approach to create value for the client.’
‘Service-minded and very pleasant to work with.’
‘Klint Klingberg-Jensen has in-depth knowledge and experience in particular with offshore wind which makes him the market leader.’
Key clients
FORCE Technology
Bladt Industries A/S
Bel Air Aviation A/S
BMS Heavy Cranes A/S
Norlys Energi A/S
Horisont Energi AS
Dansk Ingeniør Service A/S
Creadis Wind Solutions A/S
Better Energy A/S
ISC Rådgivende Ingeniører A/S
North Sea Fund (Nordsøfonden)
Niras A/S
Kongsberg Maritime A/S
Danish Energy Agency
Danish Utility Regulator
Shelf Drilling Ltd.
Sainshand Salkin Park LCC
Menck GMBH
Aker Carbon Capture AS
Hybrid Greentech ApS
Andel Holding A/S
Nexel A/S
Frederiksberg Forsyning A/S
Work highlights
- Assisting the Danish Energy Agency with the first-ever aid scheme and tender for the capture and permanent storage of CO2.
- Representing one of the two respondents in a court case initiated by several insurance companies in a matter concerning an engine failure on a chemical tanker.
Denmark > EU, competition and public procurement Tier 2
Poul Schmith is known for acting as key counsel to the Danish state and various public bodies on state aid, competition and public procurement matters before the Danish courts and competition authorities, alongside acting for a wider private sector client list that counts private equity funds, insurance companies and players in the defence and security industries. The Copenhagen-based team is jointly led by Jacob Pinborg , Kristian Hartlev and Rass Holdgaard . Pinborg is praised for his 'special ability to transform his expertise and business understanding into clear and understandable advice on highly complex matters’ - particularly those pertaining to global competition law issues. Hartlev is frequently engaged on large-scale procurement projects and is known for his 'great network in the industry' and understanding of 'the political setting of the public sector'. Christina Heiberg-Grevy acts as lead counsel in complex merger filings, as well as critical competition and procurement law cases before the relevant authorities.Practice head(s):
Jacob Pinborg; Kristian Hartlev; Rass Holdgaard
Other key lawyers:
Christina Heiberg-Grevy; Andreas Estrup Ippolito
Testimonials
‘Poul Smith is solid in its ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters and find solutions that also consider business needs.’
‘Jacob Pinborg advised us on antitrust investigations, as well as on subsequent damages claims. He has a special ability to transform his expertise and business understanding into clear and understandable advice on highly complex matters.’
‘This firm’s core values are very strong and are permeated in their work. You don’t question the quality, knowledge or service of the work. The employees are very kind, professional and reliable. ’
‘Their size gives this company an opportunity to built strong teams and to have diversity in teams in specific fields.’
‘Andreas Estrup Ippolito is an excellent advisor as he is always available for discussions and his input is always very valuable and constructive. He is well prepared for each meeting and has an excellent sense for the details. Furthermore, he is very pleasant to work with. ’
‘Andreas Ippolito is extremely knowledgeable and has the utmost eye for detail. He delivers very relevant legal advice in an extremely high qualitative level and is always available. Kristian Hartlev provides legal advice on a extremely high level and has an impressive experience which you as a client has great advantage from. He is able to provide advice on both small and complex issues and is always available to find a solution. He has a great network in the industry and understands the political setting of the public sector very well. ’
‘Christina Heiberg-Grevy has high knowledge about competition law – very good communications skills, and a super information level. Right from the first meeting, I felt at ease with Christina. She is extremely professional and with the human touch that provides security for the client – all enquiries were answered quickly and efficiently and at each and every meeting things were thoroughly explained, the options for the further process were described and all in all concerns were removed, which is a relief when you are in an unexpected situation.’
Key clients
DSB
Sund & Bælt Holding A/S
Femern A/S
A/S Øresund
Skånetrafiken (Swedish railway operator)
Billund Airport A/S
Aarhus Airport A/S
Naviair
Rubin Medical AB
Andel Holding A/S (previously SEAS-NVE)
Frederiksberg Forsyning A/S
Norlys A/S
ARC (I/S Amager Ressourcecenter)
I/S Vestforbrænding
Ørsted A/S
HOFOR
Lyngby-Taarbæk Forsyning A/S
ATP (Denmark’s largest pension and processing company)
Danske Spil A/S
Danmarks Radio (Danish Broadcasting Corporation)
SKI A/S
Rejsekort & Rejseplan A/S
WSP Sweden AB
Mutares SE & Co. KgaA
Danish Ministry of Transport
Danish Ministry of Defence
Danish Ministry of Culture
Danish Competition Council/Competition Appeals Tribunal
Danish Ministry of Finance
Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities
Danish Energy Agency
Danish National Police
Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation
Danish Regions
Danish Competition and Consumer Authority/Competition Council
Demant A/S
FAFID (foreningen af danske filmdistributører/association of Danish Film Distributors)
Sund og Bælt Holding A/S
Vækstfonden
EKF (Denmark’s Export Credit Agency)
Nutreco International B.V.
Work highlights
- Advising the Danish Ministry of Finance, Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities and the Danish Energy Agency on the €25 billion Energy Island in the North Sea.
- Advised Femern A/S (Employer to the fixed link to Germany) for the last 18 years on various procurement matters when tendering out the construction contracts for the 18-kilometre tunnel.
- Advising A/S Øresund on a €3 billion project for the development and construction of a tunnel of Copenhagen Harbour, connecting Nordhavn with the new island Lynetteholmen and, further to the South, connecting the tunnel with the highway just North of CPH.
Denmark > Insurance Tier 2
Poul Schmith provides ‘excellent service’ to insurers and their clients across key areas including professional liability, financial lines, D&O insurance, crime insurance, reinsurance, insurance disputes, and underwriting advice. Practice Jacob Christian Sølling advises on matters concerning financial lines, including professional and D&O liability, as well as dispensing specialist advice on construction insurance, post-M&A disputes, and coverage matters. Inge Houe focuses on mandates in the insurance and pension industry.Practice head(s):
Jacob Christian Sølling
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Inge Houe is particularly skilled at cutting down complicated cases, so that the superfluous is cut away and the absolutely essential comes into focus.’
‘They are great professionals with the right approach. They deliver high quality services to their clients.’
‘The team has unique knowledge of insurance insolvencies and understands the issues we encounter.’
‘Jacob Christian Sølling is a highly competent lawyer, with a good strategic overview and extensive knowledge of the insurance sector. At the same time, he is an extremely pleasant person who is able to communicate appropriately with all types of clients.’
‘Jacob Christian Sølling is highly skilled and competent.’
‘Jacob Christian Sølling has a good knowledge of insurance matters, and is excellent at combining this with bankruptcy matters. It is pleasant to work with Jacob and his team, and the service level is excellent.’
‘Provides an excellent service, on time and trustworthy attitude.’
‘Jacob Christian Sølling is a good sparring partner and manages to combine law and business considerations.’
Key clients
Allied World Assurance Company
Arch Insurance Company (Europe)
AXIS Specialty Europe SE
CV Starr – Lloyds Syndicate 1919
If Insurance
Lloyd’s Insurance Co. S.A.
Markel Insurance SE
Per Aarslef A/S
Region of Northern Jutland
Sparekassen Danmark A/S
Talbot
Wakam Insurance
Ankestyrelsen (Social Appeals Board)
AP Pension
Arbejdsmarkedets Erhvervssikring (Labour Market Insurance)
Banedanmark (Rail Net Denmark)
Brookfield Underwriting
Bygningsstyrelsen (Danish Building and Property Agency)
Chubb US
Civilstyrelsen (Civil Affairs Agency)
CNA Hardy
Codan Forsikring A/S
DSB (Danish State Railways)
Erstatningsnævnet (Victims’ Compensation Board)
Garantifonden for Skadesforsikringsselskaber (Guarantee Fund for Non-Life Insurers)
Justitsministeriet (Department of Justice)
Medarbejder- og Kompetencestyrelsen
Municipal of Gentofte
Patienterstatningen (Patient Compensation Association)
Politiet (Danish National Police)
RiskPoint
Styrelsen for Patientklager (Danish Agency for Patient Complaints)
Tryg Forsikring
University of Copenhagen
Willis Tower Watson
Work highlights
- Advising CNA Hardy’s UK and Danish offices on a joint wording project reviewing all Danish PI wordings, including wording regarding Lawyers, Accountants, D&O, Media Liability.
- Acting as sole curator for the Danish insurance companies Alpha Insurance and Qudos Insurance and co-curator for the Danish insurance company Gefion Insurance all three of which operated mainly outside Denmark predominantly in different European countries.
- Advising RiskPoint A/S regarding the assessment of claims from passengers and surviving relatives following the train accident on 2 January 2019 on the Great Belt Bridge (Storebæltsbroen).
Denmark > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3
Poul Schmith advises on complex and cross-border M&A transactions as well as covering the entire spectrum of corporate and commercial work. Alongside acting as the main adviser to the Danish state, the team represents large corporates, venture and private equity funds, family offices, pension funds and major banks. Practice head Ronnie Kandler advises on all aspects of public and private transactions, including deal strategy and structuring work and negotiations. Carina Vang Kristoffersen is a key name for cross-border carve-out transactions and infrastructure investments.Practice head(s):
Ronnie Kandler
Other key lawyers:
Carina Vang Kristoffersen; Thomas Bento-Nystad; Jacob Bier; Peter Neve
Testimonials
‘Poul Schmith is a dynamic, proactive and efficient practice. The firm has taken the time to truly understand our business, therefore proving appropriate, tailored services to us.’
‘The individuals we deal with are down-to-earth, hardworking and very knowledgeable. They take the time to listen and truly understand our needs, and deliver apt solutions. They are also responsive, commercially-aware and meticulous in their approach. Special mention goes to Ronnie Kandler.’
‘Combination of highly knowledgeable, personally engaging, and equal urgency in handling small as well larger assignments.’
‘Partner Ronnie Kandler is just great. He is calm and so talented within his field of expertise. I love his approach to various situations where his behaviour towards all in the process is positive and creates a better playing field.’
‘Jacob Bier is very commercially minded and actually has a wealth of business experience which in combination with his legal skill set makes him stand out; you can tell that he has been confronted with a lot of complex situations over the years. Creative!’
‘Peter Neve: Available, on-time, trustworthy and goal-oriented.’
Key clients
Visma Danmark Holding A/S
Verdo Holding A/S
DSB SOV
Nutreco International B.V.
Oleter Group AB
ROI Media Ltd.
PenSam Pension Forsikringsaktieselskab
Shelf Drilling Holdings Ltd.
AddPro Danmark
Dalbo A/S
Cylindo ApS
Core Sustainability Capital
Mutares
UPS Danmark A/S
MonTa Biosciences ApS
Adtraction Group AB
Work highlights
- Advising the sellers on the contemplated sale of the entire share capital of Dalbo A/S.
- Advised the German stock listed private equity investment company Mutares SE & Co. KgaA on its acquisition of the Danish business activities of the Arriva Group.
- Advised Swedish KLAR Partners-backed Oleter Group on its acquisition of the entire share capital in ISV/Trinava Industry og skadeservice ApS.
Poul Schmith > Firm Profile
Firm overview: Poul Schmith is a full-service law firm, widely recognized as one of the largest and most experienced legal practices in Denmark with a rich history spanning over 80 years. From its offices in Copenhagen and Aarhus, Poul Schmith advises clients on the public and private market on all aspects of public, corporate, and commercial law.
Since 1936, Poul Schmith has served as the preferred legal advisor to the Danish government. Over this extensive period, the firm has provided comprehensive legal counsel within all aspects of the law to the government including corporate and commercial law.
Poul Schmith’s work often extends beyond national borders, reflecting the increasingly international nature of legal challenges. Poul Schmith has cultivated valuable relationships with leading law firms worldwide, allowing us to provide clients with a global perspective while maintaining our focus on local expertise.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Capital markets | Kim Rasmussen | kr@poulschmith.com | |
Capital markets | Jakob Bernhoft | jbe@poulschmith.com | |
IT and digitisation, telecommunications | Tom Holsoe | hol@poulschmith.com | |
IT and digitisation, telecommunications | Anni Noes Westergaard | anwe@poulschmith.com | |
Construction | Rasmus Holm Hansen | rhh@poulschmith.com | |
Construction | Kasper Mortensen | kmo@poulschmith.com | |
Contracts and tenders | Jens Bødtcher-Hansen | jbh@poulschmith.com | |
Corporate compliance and investigations | Peter Hedegaard Madsen | hed@poulschmith.com | |
Corporate matters | Kim Rasmussen | kr@poulschmith.com | |
Corporate matters | Jakob Bernhoft | jbe@poulschmith.com | |
Data protection and privacy | Jakob Kamby | jka@poulschmith.com | |
Dispute resolution | Tomas Ilsøe Andersen | ils@poulschmith.com | |
Dispute resolution | Sune Fugleholm | sfs@poulschmith.com | |
Employment | Jonas Blegvad Jensen | jona@poulschmith.com | |
Employment | Marianne Lage | lag@poulschmith.com | |
Competition | Jacob Pinborg | pin@poulschmith.com | |
EU and international, state aid | Rass Holdgaard | rho@poulschmith.com | |
EU and international, state aid | Jacob Pinborg | pin@poulschmith.com | |
Environment and energy | Klint Klingberg-Jensen | kkli@poulschmith.com | |
Finance and financial regulation | Peter Hedegaard Madsen | hed@poulschmith.com | |
Foundations | Peter Hedegaard Madsen | hed@poulschmith.com | |
Infrastructure | Kristian Hartlev | har@poulschmith.com | |
Insurance | Jacob Christian Sølling | jcs@poulschmith.com | |
Life science | Carina Vang Kristoffersen | cavk@poulschmith.com | |
MedTech | Jens Bødtcher-Hansen | jbh@poulschmith.com | |
Mergers and acquisitions | Carina Vang Kristoffersen | cavk@poulschmith.com | |
Mergers and acquisitions | Ronnie Kandler | rka@poulschmith.com | |
Private equity | Ronnie Kandler | rka@poulschmith.com | |
Private equity | Carina Vang Kristoffersen | cavk@poulschmith.com | |
Public | Jakob Kamby | jka@poulschmith.com | |
Public | Sune Fugleholm | sfs@poulschmith.com | |
Public-private partnership | Jens Bødtcher-Hansen | jbh@poulschmith.com | |
Real estate | Rikke Hoffensetz Andresen | rian@poulschmith.com | |
Real estate | Philip Prochownik | proc@poulschmith.com | |
Restructuring and insolvency | Boris Frederiksen | bor@poulschmith.com | |
Restructuring and insolvency | Rune Derno | der@poulschmith.com |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of partners : 94 Number of lawyers : 384 (including assistant attorneys) Staff : 840+ (all included)Languages
Danish EnglishOther
Other offices : AarhusDiversity
FOCUS ON GREEN TRANSITION
As a firm, we take on corporate social responsibility by contributing to the green transition and the am-bitions in the Danish Government’s Climate Act. We wish to reduce our own carbon footprint, and we would also like to contribute through our legal advice. As far as we know, we are the first Danish law firm that has presented a carbon footprint report. We are proud of this, and it is a testament to sus-tainability being very important to our top management and that sustainability is also one of the benchmarks of our board of directors.
PART OF THE COMMUNITY
As the first law firm in Denmark we joined the green think tank CONCITO in 2019. Our attorneys work pro bono in a number of working groups to drive the climate agenda.
We have also agreed to the ten principles of sustainability of the UN Global Compact and support the 17 sustainable development goals. We have consequently committed ourselves to report annually on our progress in the area of sustainability in the broad sense.
We are a member of AdvokatKODEKS where we have committed to report annually on how we work with sustainability and ethics in the broad sense, including anti-corruption, environmental and climate considerations, equal rights, diversity, etc.
CARBON FOOTPRINT REPORT
70% REDUCTION IN 2030
Based on our internal CO2 mapping that has resulted in a carbon footprint report, we have undertaken to reduce our total emission per employee by 70% by 2030. This is why our carbon footprint report does not only include our own direct emission but also our indirect emission, ie the emission from the means of transport that we use, the emission by our sub-suppliers from their production of the products that we buy from them, etc. We choose to be completely transparent about our baseline and progress with 2018 as the base.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THAT MAKES SENSE
WE ACT FROM DAY ONE, AND TAKE ON RESPONSIBILITY IMMEDIATELY
As a firm, we have launched a large number of initiatives to help us fulfil our ambition:
- increased separation of waste for biofuel
- focus on food waste in our canteens by introducing “The Surplus Box” where employees can buy surplus food to take home
- establishing a strategy for green purchases and green supplier management (utilities and build-ings, office expenses, furniture and equipment, merchandise, IT and server hosting, etc)
- focus on phasing out disposable packing
- more than 80% of our office space now receives power from wind turbines which means a reduc-tion in our carbon emission. The remaining areas are leased premises, and we are in dialogue with our landlord about a transition to green power
- reducing print and printouts
- starting the work of drafting an offsetting and transport policy
All the initiatives are employee-driven. Fulfilling our ambition of a 70% reduction by 2030 will be a long haul. But already from 2020, we have decided to offset, on an annual basis, the gap that we have up to the 70% target.
OFFSETTING DOES NOT REPLACE ACTION, BUT IS A SUPPLEMENT
It is our primary focus and firm position to concentrate on an organic (actual) reduction towards 2030, ie the long haul, so that only what cannot be reduced or cannot be reduced in the short run is offset. This is why we will also see a reduction over time in our offsetting as we start to see the effects of our organ-ic reduction initiatives.
THE OFFSETTING FOCUS WILL BE ON ENSURING AN EFFECT
As a principle, we will only invest in Gold Standard-certified offsetting projects that comply with our values of verification, transparency and “additionality” (the project had not been carried out if we had not invested in it). All this contributes to making sure that our offsetting has the biggest possible effect for the benefit of society.
FOUR DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY
As a firm, we deal with sustainability within four dimensions
- Responsibility for the environment and the climate
- Responsibility for humans. Governance code, equal rights, diversity, working conditions, supplier responsibility, etc
- Responsibility for data security and tech solutions
- Social responsibility.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY/CLIMATE RESPONSIBILITY
RESPONSIBILITY FOR HUMANS
RESPONSIBILITY FOR TECH/DATA
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Legal Briefings
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Corruption, procurement and self-cleaning in Denmark
In 2015 Denmark’s image as one of the world’s least corrupt nations came under scrutiny as Atea A/S, the Danish subsidiary of the Norwegian IT supplier Atea ASA, came under investigation for bribing several public officials employed in IT departments of various Danish public authorities, including the national police and the regional authority, Region Zealand. …