Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig > Oslo, Norway > Firm Profile
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig Offices

FILIPSTAD BRYGGE 1
PO BOX 2043 VIKA
0125 OSLO
Norway
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig > The Legal 500 Rankings
Norway > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Key sector strengths for the dispute team at Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig include the aviation, banking, media, technology, shipping, corporate and energy industries; the group is also praised by clients for its ‘great depth of knowledge of Norwegian law and precedents in contractual disputes and appeals against government department determinations‘. Christian Reusch, who heads up the practice, is a highly regarded litigator and is well known for appearing before the Supreme Court. Other key names include Ørjan Salvesen Haukaas, who focuses on commercial disputes; Tage Brigt A. Skoghøy, who fields expertise in damages and contractual litigation; and ‘very prompt and efficient‘ associate Marie Bjørk Myklebust.Practice head(s):
Christian Reusch
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Friendly, professional and innovative in their approach. Impressive ability to grasp technical case material.’
‘Ørjan Salvesen Haukaas has impressed me a lot. Communication skills are outstanding, very structured and quick to get overview of complex material.’
‘Very succinct, ingenious and clear advice.’
‘Christian Reusch – very knowledgeable and able to provide clear and precise analysis and advice. Inspires absolute confidence in his experience and skills and that the dispute at hand will be dealt with in the best possible manner. Very promptly attends to all queries with in-depth analysis.’
‘Ørjan Salvesen Haukaas is a very strong lawyer. He gave us very specific and constructive advice throughout the case. He showed a genuine interest in and understanding of the relatively complex subject matter of the case, and had a kind personality. He also argued the case very well.’
Key clients
Andøya Vind AS
Bank Norwegian AS
Coop Norge SA
DNB Bank ASA
Entercash Ltd.
European Gaming & Betting Association
Gjensidige Forsikring
Kruse Smith Entreprenør AS
The Federation of Norwegian Aviation Industries (NHO Luftfart)
Norsk Butikkdrift AS
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
Prime Capital AG
Prime Scandic SARL
Rheinmetall Norway AS and Rheinmetall AG
Rolls Royce Marine
Skarpnes AS
Trannel Inc
Tesla
TV 2 AS
Ullevål Universitetssykehus HF
Yara
Work highlights
- Acted for defence technology companies Rheinmetall Norway AS and Rheinmetall AG in a large contractual dispute with the Norwegian Ministry of Defence.
- Acting as counsel for Prime Capital AG in a cross-border contractual dispute with a Norwegian lawyer concerning an investment in a windmill park.
- Successfully defended Bank Norwegian in a dispute before the Court of Appeal concerning the purchase of Google ads.
Norway > EU and competition Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig has a leading EU and competition practice, which is recognised for its strength in merger control mandates, cartel investigations and state aid work, and fields a team which regularly handles matters before the Norwegian Competition Authority. Department head Jan Magne Langseth is a well-regarded practitioner, and specialises in high-profile EU regulatory disputes and abuse of dominance claims, while managing partner Mona Søyland is well known for assisting government ministries with a broad range of competition and antitrust work. Media and telecoms sector mandates are handled by Karin Fløistad, who focuses on EU law matters, while senior lawyer Erik Klevmo advises on public procurement work and EU and EEA regulatory issues.Practice head(s):
Jan Magne Langseth
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Highly skilled professionals, working in a down to earth environment which provides for very good collaboration between lawyers and clients.’
‘The team’s strengths are their different competencies that complement each other perfectly. Their in-depth knowledge of the subject area means that they are able to solve problems at a very high level.’
Key clients
Alarmkundeforeningen (The Alarm Customers’ Association)
Alsaker Fjordbruk
Bank Norwegian
British American Tobacco
Coop
Fremtind Forsikring
Kindred Group PLC
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
RiksTV
Snusbolaget / Haypp Group
St1 Group
Synnøve Finden
Telia
The Ministry of Children and Equality
The Ministry of Trade, Industries and Fisheries
The Ministry of Transport and Communication
TV 2
Yara International ASA
Signicat AS
Tink AB
Work highlights
- Representing Alarmkundeforeningen in the first class action for damages brought against cartel participants in Norway.
- Acting as competition counsel to Yara, with a focus on ongoing issues concerning compliance and risk analysis related to regulatory competition requirements.
- Acting for Bank Norwegian in an ongoing court case concerning Adwords advertising on the internet; this is the first case where a Norwegian court will assess the legality of coordinating online advertising among competitors under the Competition Act.
Norway > Fishing and aquaculture Tier 1
Working across the full spectrum of the fishing and aquaculture industry, Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig is well-versed in advising on a broad range of disputes, transactions and regulatory work. The ‘always well-prepared‘ Arthur Duus has established strength in handling aquaculture-related cases, particularly in relation to corporate, regulatory and contractual work in the space. Duus jointly heads up the practice with Kenneth Mikkelsen, who is highly regarded for his specialist expertise in fishing-related litigation.Practice head(s):
Arthur Duus; Kenneth Mikkelsen
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge about this industry. Serious and reliable.’
‘Simonsen Vogt Wiig has many lawyers with different special knowledge and experience. Together they can thereby give the best help.’
‘Arthur Duus is reliable, has good knowledge and is a calm person.’
‘I have in this field worked mainly with Arthur Duus. He has shown strong insight and ability to establish a very good overview of each case/issue and great focus on details, as well as drawing on the firm’s capability in ancillary fields.’
Key clients
Alliance Seafoods Inc
Alsaker Fjordbruk AS
Alsaker LFC Drift AS
Alsaker LFC Holding AS
Alsaker LFC Spain S.L.U
Andreassen Rederi ANS
Arctic Pioneer AS
Berg Fiskeriselskap AS
Bjølve Bruk AS
Eidsvaag AS
Eimskip
Fjon Bruk AS
Fosen Yard AS
Grimsholm Fiskedrift AS
Hermann Export AS
Hermes AS
Karls Fisk og Skalldyr AS
Kvitungen AS
Lenangen Fiskeriselskap AS
Lerøy Norway Seafoods AS
Midsund Fiskebåtrederi AS
Nergård Havfiske AS
Norges Sildesalgslag SA
Optimar AS
Royal Greenland AS
Salar Bruk AS
Viking Fjord AS
Westcon Yards AS
Work highlights
- Acted for Midsund Fiskebåtrederi in a claim against Norway concerning a dispute over a fishing quota.
- Assisting Alsaker Fjordbruk and its subsidiaries with the 2021 applications for growth under the government’s aquaculture growth regulatory framework, known as the ‘traffic light system’.
- Assisting Alsaker LFC Holding AS with negotiations and the building of a NOK500m well-boat.
Norway > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s restructuring and insolvency team garners praise for its ‘very considerable experience and technical expertise‘, with an established track record in acting as administrator counsel in large bankruptcy cases. Shipping and offshore restructuring mandates are another core pillar of strength for the practice. The group operates from the firm’s Bergen, Trondheim and Oslo offices; Bjørn Åge Hamre, Nils Håkon Risberg and the ‘very experienced‘ Peter Aall Simonsen are the respective key contacts.Practice head(s):
Peter Aall Simonsen; Bjørn Åge Hamre; Nils Håkon Risberg
Testimonials
‘Peter Aall Simonsen is very experienced. Responds immediately.’
‘Precise, strategic and tactical legal knowledge and experience in this field.’
‘Simonsen Vogt Wiig has a longstanding ship finance practice and is a market leader when it comes to acting for lenders to the shipping and offshore sectors. The firm is equally comfortable with large corporate style restructurings as it is with smaller “workouts” or restructurings.’
Key clients
ABN AMRO Bank
The bankruptcy estate of Bergen Bunkers AS (a subsidiary of O.W. Bunkers)
Bergen tingrett
DVB Bank SE
GIEK (The Norwegian Export Credit Guarantee Agency)
ING Bank N.V.
The bankruptcy estate of Kleven Verft AS
Nordea Bank Abp
The bankruptcy estate of Norske Skogindustrier ASA
The bankruptcy estate of Nordic Personell AS (IMO Offshore AS)
The bankruptcy estates of Sesam Parkering, Separk Tech AS and Separk Holding AS
Work highlights
- Acting as Norwegian counsel to the bankruptcy estate of Norske Skogindustrier ASA, with claims exceeding NOK10bn, concerning ongoing, cross-border proceedings under Chapter 15 of the US Bankruptcy Code.
- Providing ongoing assistance to three syndicates (comprised of 12 international banks) regarding the high-profile second reorganisation of Seadrill Limited.
- Assisting ING Bank N.V., DVB Bank SE and Sparebanken Møre with the ongoing second restructuring of Island Offshore.
Norway > Maritime law Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s practice ‘ranks among the absolute best in Norway - the team covers everything, and is perhaps at its very best on cargo-related topics and disputes‘, according to a client. Oslo-based Erlend Lous and Bergen-based Hågen Hansen are noted for their expertise in sale and lease back transactions, financings and restructurings, while Jan Vablum, also in Bergen, counts litigation as a core strength. High-profile marine insurance matters have been prominent in the group’s recent workload. Christine Rødsæther, who regularly advises international banks and shipyard entities on a wide range of transactional work, and the ‘superb‘ Frithjof Herlofsen, who is sought after for his litigation and arbitration expertise, are also recommended.Practice head(s):
Erlend Lous; Jan Vablum; Kenneth Mikkelsen; Gunnar Espeland
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They keep calm under pressure and handle the situation very confidently.’
‘Frithjof Herlofsen is a superb lawyer. His understanding of the Norwegian, Scandinavian and international shipping and cargo industries is first class.’
‘The Simonsen maritime law team ranks among the absolute best in Norway. The Simonsen team covers everything, and is perhaps at its very best on cargo-related topics and disputes.’
Key clients
Blystad/Songa Group
Clarksons (Oslo)
DNB Bank
Eidsvaag AS
Fearnley Securities AS
Fosen Yard AS
GC Rieber Shipping
Gjensidige Forsikring ASA
Grieg Star
Maritime Asset Partners Limited
Mitsui-Soko Co. Ltd.
Ness Risan & Partners
Australis Maritime
Offshore Merchant Partners
Pareto Maritime Services
RF Tankers
Standard Club
Skuld
Tindall Riley (Britannia Limited)
Utkilen AS
Westcon Yards AS
Allseas S.A
K2 Project Forwarding AS
Work highlights
- Advising Nordea on the $596m financing of 14 vessels owned by subsidiaries of DHT Holding Inc.
- Assisted Pareto Securities AS and Partankers XVII AS with founding a holding silent partnership for investors in (and a $55m financing for) a two-vessel (tanker) project company.
- Advising Fosen Yards on the ongoing construction of a passenger ferry at its yard in Norway; the vessel is owned by the Siem Group.
Norway > Offshore construction and shipbuilding Tier 1
Operating out of the firm’s multiple offices, Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s offshore department has established expertise in handling offshore construction contracts and high-profile shipbuilding projects. In Stavanger, Gunnar Espeland advises oil companies and contractors on prominent offshore construction projects. Oslo-based Erlend Lous has longstanding expertise in shipping and offshore transactions, financings, M&A and restructuring work; and shipping expert Jan Vablum in Bergen is very experienced in dispute resolution. Lars Inge Ørstavik, also based in Bergen, advises ship owners, shipyards and supplier companies on a range of contractual matters, and Oslo-based Yannis Litinas is noted for his expertise in assisting with shipbuilding and construction contracts, including contracts for specialised vessels.Practice head(s):
Erlend Lous; Jan Vablum; Kenneth Mikkelsen; Gunnar Espeland
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Seatankers Management Company Limited
Offshore Merchant Partners
DVB Bank SE
Endur ASA and its subsidiaries
Westcon Yards AS
ABN AMRO Bank N.V., DNB Bank ASA, NIBC Bank N.V.
Nordea Bank AB
Yinson Production
Fjord 1 AS
Volstad Maritime AS
Fosen Yard AS
Oma Baatbyggeri AS
Marinacc AS.
Songa/Blystad group
WLR/TRF
Maersk Supply Services
GC Rieber Shipping AS
G2 Ocean AS
Wergeland Group AS (including Solund Yard)
Yara Norge AS
Eidsvaag AS
Grieg Logistics
Kleven Yard
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing advice to Yara Norge AS regarding its autonomous cargo solution system project, including the construction of the Yara Birkeland, the world’s first autonomous zero emission vessel.
- Assisting Fosen Yards with the ongoing completion of a RoPax vessel at its yard in Norway.
- Advising Westcon Yards on a shipbuilding contract entered into with Rimfrost AS concerning the building of a krill factory trawler vessel.
Norway > Oil and gas Tier 1
At Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig, the team provides ongoing assistance to Gassnova SF on a range of Norwegian and EU regulations concerning Norwegian environmental legislation, environmental and state aid guidelines, CCS and contract/EPC law; petroleum law expert Frode Berntsen is lead partner on this matter. Practice co-head Bjørn-Erik Leerberg is ‘very professional and innovative‘, and Stavanger-based co-head Gunnar Espeland specialises in decommissioning matters, offshore and onshore construction matters, and oil and gas procurement work.Practice head(s):
Bjørn-Erik Leerberg; Gunnar Espeland
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The support we received from Bjørn-Erik Leerberg was great and very professional and innovative.’
Key clients
Neptune Energy Norge AS
Eni S.p.A / Eni International B.V
Vår Energi AS (previously Eni Norge AS)
Eni Insurance DAC
Saudi Aramco Development Company
Aramco Overseas Company B.V./ Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures LLC
Gassco AS
Gassnova SF
Capricorn Norge AS
ONE-Dyas Norge AS
OMV (Norge) AS
Norwegian Petroleum Directorate
Faroe Petroleum Norge AS
Petroleum Safety Authority Norway
Instituto Nacional de Petroleo, Mozambique
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Petroleum Exploration and Production Department, Petroleum Authority, Uganda
Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mozambique
Horisont Energi AS
Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority, Tanzania
Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Tanzania
National Environment Management Council, Tanzania
Zanzibar Environmental Management Authority, Tanzania
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing advice to Saudi Aramco Development Company, Aramco Overseas Company B.V. and Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures LLC on M&A/corporate issues regarding the purchase of shares in several Norwegian oil technology companies.
- Assisting the PSA with its circumpolar study of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) regulatory practices concerning offshore petroleum activities.
Norway > TMT Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s ‘responsive and client-focused‘ team is led by Nicolai Halbo, who is praised as ‘one of the best lawyers within IT law in Norway‘; he has particular expertise in IT procurement mandates and digitalisation projects. Tor Stokke is a highly regarded practitioner who ‘combines tech law knowledge with vast public procurement knowledge‘, and Espen Tøndel (‘a legend within the area‘) has extensive experience advising on prominent technology transactions and procurement mandates. The client base includes multinational corporations and industry leaders in the technology, telecoms, media and public sectors. Trine Vabog is a key name in the practice for contracts law, and senior associate Øyvind Akerholt is another key practitioner.Practice head(s):
Nicolai Halbo
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The individuals always give you good advice.’
‘Trine Vabog has an impressive combination of integrity, intelligence and resilience which makes her invaluable in our work.’
‘In my view Simonsen Vogt Wiig probably has the strongest and largest team within TMT in Norway. They are extremely efficient and to the point. The team is comprised of top skilled partners and also younger lawyers which enables them to deliver with cost efficiency. I have worked with them for many years and they are always easy to work with.’
‘Espen Tøndel is a true business lawyer with top legal skills.’
‘A pragmatic team which gives us very good legal advice.’
‘Simonsen Vogt Wiig’s team is responsive and client-focused. Leveraging on the size of the team, it can provide in-depth advice on a wide range of matters comprising tech law as well as adjacent areas of law, including public procurement and intellectual property.’
‘Trine Vabog brings heaps of IT project experience to the table, enabling her to identify and mitigate possible client pitfalls.’
‘Deep knowledge of the telecoms sector, hands on advice and really excellent response times.’
Key clients
Akers Solutions ASA
BDO AS
Space Norway AS
Central Norway Health Region RHF
Sopra Steria AS
Helseplattformen AS
Hewlett Packard
Jakob Hatteland Computer AS
Kongsberg-gruppen ASA
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
Novelda AS
Pilaro AS
Play Magnus AS
RiksTV AS
Telia Norge AS
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration
Tomra Systems ASA
Zwipe AS
Yara International ASA
Fjorden Electra AS
Apple
Work highlights
- Advising healthcare company Helseplattformen AS on negotiating a comprehensive service agreement for the delivery of a common EHR system.
- Advised Telia Norge AS, the largest Nordic telecoms provider, on the drafting and negotiation of a national roaming agreement with mobile operator ICE, which allowed ICE access to the client’s mobile network in Norway.
- Advised Yara International ASA on the process of creating an open data exchange platform in the digital farming field.
Norway > Banking and finance (including shipping finance) Tier 2
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig ‘has a longstanding ship finance practice and is a market leader when it comes to acting for lenders to the shipping and offshore sectors‘, according to clients, who also praise the department’s ‘strong combination of legal expertise and commercial acumen backed by industry understanding and know-how‘. Renewable energy financing matters have been prominent in the group’s recent workload. The practice is jointly led by the ‘hugely experienced‘ Peter Aall Simonsen, the ‘extremely dedicated and solution-oriented‘ Halvor Klingenberg and Eivind Eliassen. Christine Rødsæther is a key contact for shipping and offshore transactions, and senior associate Sunniva Kinsella is an ‘outstanding, talented young lawyer‘.Practice head(s):
Peter Aall Simonsen; Halvor Klingenberg; Eivind Eliassen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Halvor Klingenberg is extremely dedicated and solution oriented. He possesses the unique quality of being very thorough but also efficient. He is very pleasant to work with.’
‘Highly skilled team which seeks solutions rather than only pointing out obstacles and difficulties.’
‘SVW has a large and experienced banking and financing team which we have worked with for many years. They are effective and easy to work with and they have also a pragmatic and commercial approach which makes them stand out from some of the other law firms.’
‘Halvor Klingenberg is truly a rising star in this market and is one of the Norwegian lawyers that we prefer to appoint for new financings. He is extremely effective and always focuses on finding workable solutions.’
‘Peter Aall Simonsen – hugely experienced, his knowledge and insight is invaluable for clients at both legal and commercial levels.’
‘Sunniva Kinsella is an experienced and very effective associate, with a great focus on key issues.’
‘Agile in their approach in solving issues. Sees solutions to problems quickly and has a unique insight in the banking and finance sector.’
Key clients
DNB Bank ASA
Nordea Bank Abp
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB
Swedbank AB
FSN Capital
ING Bank N.V.
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Export Finance Norway (Eksfin)
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Prime Capital AG
NIBC Bank N.V.
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
Bank Norwegian ASA
BNP Paribas
Pareto Bank ASA
Maritime & Merchant Bank ASA
SpareBank 1 SR-Bank ASA
DVB Bank
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Work highlights
- Acting as longstanding counsel to Eksfin on multiple financings in relation to offshore wind projects.
- Assisted a syndicate of banks in connection with multiple financings and refinancings of vessels owned by subsidiaries of Golden Ocean Group and Frontline Ltd.
- Advised SkandinaviskaEnskilda Banken AB as agent on a €160m senior secured refinancing loan facility to hydropower plant company Småkraft.
Norway > Capital markets Tier 2
The capital markets practice at Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig operates out of the firm’s corporate, and banking and finance departments. Key pillars of strength for the team include high-profile IPOs and listings, private equity capital markets matters and high-value private placements. The practice is particularly strong in the real estate, finance, retail, technology and pharmaceuticals sectors. Christoffer Bjerknes and Halvor Klingenberg jointly head up the department, which includes ‘stellar lawyer and legal adviser‘ Amund Fougner Bugge, and ‘highly competent and client-focused‘ associate Ingvild Walle Skraastad.Practice head(s):
Christoffer Bjerknes; Halvor Klingenberg
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Highly competent, always available to help, customer and solution oriented. From our end, using Simonsen Vogt Wiig increases the likelihood that we make it to the finish line with a happy client.’
‘Amund F Bugge: A stellar lawyer and legal adviser. Would recommend him to anyone in relation to M&A and ECM in and outside Norway. Our clients always comment positively, solicited or unsolicited, on his work during the process and the results he achieves.’
‘Deep understanding and experience in the sector, focusing on commercial logic and the usefulness towards the task of the legal input.’
Key clients
Huddly AS
Harmonychain AS
Skitude Holding AS
Play Magnus AS
Zwipe AS
Jinhui Shipping and Transportation Limited
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
Bank Norwegian ASA
Næringsbanken ASA
Aquaship AS
HBK Holding AS
Novelda AS
Skitt Fiske AS
Your.MD AS
Work highlights
- Assisted Huddly AS with its NOK4.4bn listing on Euronext Growth, and a NOK767m private placement.
- Assisted Play Magnus AS with its NOK1.1bn listing on Euronext Growth Oslo, and a NOK450m private placement.
- Advised Skitude Holding AS on its NOK550m listing on Euronext Growth, and on a NOK270m private placement.
Norway > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
The commercial, corporate and M&A group at Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig, led by Christoffer Bjerknes, counts private equity and venture capital work as core areas of expertise, and the practice reports an increase in work from clients in the TMT sector. M&A deals, divestments and platform investments are also key drivers of work for the team. Mathias Teir specialises in private equity matters, and senior lawyer Kristoffer Birkeland advises on venture capital and industrial M&A.Practice head(s):
Christoffer Bjerknes
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Highly engaged partners. Strong commercial skills and overview of what is happening in the market. Small dedicated team that invests in understanding and knowing their clients.’
‘Strong experience in technology related businesses.’
‘Strong people skills, engaged, flexible, deep commercial understanding.’
Key clients
FSN Capital
Accel-KKR
Adelis Equity
Core Equity
Valedo Partners Fund
Prime Capital
Litorina
Franz Haniel & Cie GmbH
OpenGate Capital
Credo Partners
CapMan
MVI Advisors
Trill Impact
Providence Capital
Work highlights
- Assisted private equity company Adelis Equity with its first Norwegian platform investment in the Kanari Group.
- Advised Physical Medicine Group AS/Klinikk for Alle AS on its acquisition of Naprapatlandslaget, a provider of naprapathy treatments.
- Assisted Håndverksgruppen with its acquisition of Buer Gruppen.
Norway > Electricity and renewable energy Tier 2
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s ‘very dedicated‘ team has ‘in-depth knowledge about the energy and utility sector in Norway‘. Wind power mandates remain a cornerstone area of instruction for the group, which also counts energy financing matters, grid projects, and hydro power issues as key areas of expertise. Oslo-based Peter Aall Simonsen ‘has a deep understanding of the market, excellent organisational skills and is a well-experienced negotiator‘; he co-leads the department with Kristiansand-based Robin Aker Jakobsen, who specialises in grid law and electricity transmission issues. Senior associate Sunniva Kinsella acts on electricity and renewable sector projects.Practice head(s):
Peter Aall Simonsen; Robin Aker Jakobsen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Simonsen Vogt Wiig has deep understanding of the rights and duties of power grid companies. They are knowledgeable of the law and various cases in the field. The team is on time, and precise.’
‘The entire SVW team is strongly focused and gives relevant and “straight to the point” advice.’
‘Simonsen Vogt Wiig has a large and strong team covering all disciplines related to the “green shift”, such as solar, hydrogen, offshore and onshore wind power, grid, hydropower, biofuel, tax etc. They are engaged, easy to work with, very knowledgeable and well connected. The team includes a broad range of experts in different areas who work very well together and are great at finding workable solutions.’
‘The whole team delivers with gusto.’
‘Robin Aker Jakobsen has a very good overview of the regulations in the energy industry.’
‘Quick to respond and always clear recommendations.’
‘They are involved in negotiations and guidelines through industry organisations and for this reason they have first-hand knowledge of what is happening in the industry. This gives a great advantage in terms of being able to help the industry.’
‘Comprehensive sector experience with large involvement from partners.’
Key clients
Agder Energi AS/Agder Energi Nett AS
Arva AS
CapMan Infra Oy
DNB Bank ASA
Finnmark Kraft AS
Eksfin – Export Finance Norway
Glitre Energi Nett AS
Hardanger Energi Nett AS
Haugaland Kraft Nett AS
Horisont Energi AS
Kystnett AS
Kvikraft AS
Lede AS
Linea AS
Linja AS
Lofotkraft AS
Mørenett AS
NAEV Solventus S.a.r.l.
NEAS Nett AS
Norgesnett AS
Odda Energi Nett AS
PGEIF
Prime Capital AG
REN AS / Energi Norge AS
RWE Wind Norway
SFE Produksjon AS
Stryn Energi AS
Tensio AS
Vestas Norway AS
Vesterålskraft Nett AS
Vevig AS
Lofotkraft AS
Work highlights
- Advising offshore wind developer RWE on bidding matters concerning the construction and operation of offshore wind farms in Norway.
- Advising Eksfin (as export guarantor) on all matters pertaining to the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Projects, based in the UK.
Norway > Employment Tier 2
Noted as ‘excellent in the area of labour law‘, Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s employment practice has a solid track record in handling employee terminations, whistleblowing cases, transfers of undertakings, restructurings, downsizings and reorganisations, and disputes regarding employee dismissals. Practice head Lill Egeland is ‘always available and responsive‘, with ‘very good judgement‘. Bergen-based Trine Lise Fromreide is ‘a good discussion partner‘, and senior associate Trond Erik Kvalsnes advises on collective and union agreements. Marianne Kartum moved to Advokatfirmaet LAG, and Thomas Talén joined from Deloitte Advokatfirma AS.Practice head(s):
Lill Egeland
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great knowledge & experience in a wide range of areas and the ability to communicate well, also taking business specific challenges into consideration.’
‘Lill Egeland is a star.’
‘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.’
‘Industry knowledge combined with solid academic knowledge. Availability. Good judgement.’
‘Their expertise in the field, their concrete and excellent suggestions to solving problems related to restructuring and their soft but clear approach. In particular, partner Trine Lise Fromreide stands out in this regard.’
‘Lill Egeland is a very valuable partner that knows how to give professional advice with a practical angle.’
‘They are super available and responsive, highly knowledgeable and really tuned in to the issues that we are facing.’
‘Thomas Talén has a strategic mind and excellent communication skills.’
Key clients
Baker Hughes
Egmont
Elkjøp
Go-Ahead
Helse Vest RHF
Hewlett-Packard
Klarna
Mars Norge
Norsk Wavin AS
Orona
Oslo Metropolitan University
PepsiCo
Pinsemenigheten Evangeliehuset Egersund
Schlumberger Norge AS
Telia
The Municipality of Bærum
The University Hospital of Northern Norway
TietoEvry
Velde Industri AS
Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
Videotel Marine International
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing employment law advice to Helse Vest RHF and its subsidiaries, and recently assisted the client with a dismissal dispute.
- Acting for Velde Industri AS and its subsidiaries in employment litigation.
- Assisted Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS with compliance matters regarding the election of employee members to the Board of Directors.
Norway > Insurance Tier 2
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s insurance practice is singled out for its strength in marine insurance matters, with a solid track record in representing insurers in a range of disputes involving cargo, loss of hire, and marine P&I, among other areas. Frithjof Herlofsen is highly regarded for his expertise in marine insurance, and is well versed in acting for international insurers in contentious matters. Lars Inge Ørstavik, who co-leads the team with Herlofsen, is very experienced in compensation law and casualty work. Christian Bjørtuft Ellingsen‘s practice focuses on transport insurance matters, and senior associate Marte Sønstevold is noted for her experience in handling cargo-related matters and coverage disputes.Practice head(s):
Frithjof Herlofsen; Lars Inge Ørstavik
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘High and specialized competence. Efficient. Trustworthy and professional. Service minded.’
‘Frithjof Herlofsen is an exceptionally good lawyer, especially when it comes to disputes and litigation.’
Key clients
Gjensidige
Skuld P & I
Navigators
North of England P & I
Hydor AS
Norsk Hydro/Industriforsikring
Yara Insurance
Codan Insurance
Britannia P & I
KLP Skadeforsikring/KLP Ansvarsforskring
NorSun AS
Work highlights
- Successfully represented If Insurance and Yara before the Court of Appeal, after acting for both clients in a $50m claim before the Oslo City Court following the total loss of the MV ‘Cheshire’ and its valuable cargo following a decomposition event.
- Representing Britannia and the owners of the MV ‘Sola’ in an ongoing dispute concerning liability for property damage and wreck removal costs against the Norwegian Government/Ministry of Defence.
Norway > Intellectual property Tier 2
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig’s ‘reactive‘ IP team garners praise for its ‘practical advice and critical thinking‘, with notable strength in copyright work. The ‘very service-minded‘ group has also been kept busy with high-profile trade mark litigation, patent matters, and licence and development agreements. The firm is widely recognised for its solid track record in representing clients from the media sector. Practice head Rune Ljostad handles the full range of life sciences, copyright and patent issues, and Espen Tøndel stands out as ‘one of the most experienced and skilled IP attorneys in Norway‘. At senior associate level, Nicholas Foss Barbantonis is ‘efficient‘ and provides ‘pragmatic advice‘ on trade mark and unfair business practices, and Hedda Baumann Heier is ‘always eager to help and very knowledgeable of copyright‘.Practice head(s):
Rune Ljostad
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Simonsen Vogt Wiig has provided invaluable assistance in connection with IP matters. Simonsen Vogt Wiig provides excellent insight both when it comes to commercializing IP, such as in connection with M&A dealings, but also in connection with more traditional IP enforcement, litigation and strategy. The firm is always readily available and show great enthusiasm in rendering their services, which has been second to none. Simonsen Vogt Wiig continues to be my go-to firm.’
‘Espen Tøndel: one of the most experienced and skilled IP attorneys in Norway. Tøndel deals with all types of complex IP legal issues from Norwegian and international perspectives. He is a true joy to work with.’
‘Nicholas Foss Barbantonis: a brilliant mind and problem solver of highly complex IPR matters; project delivery always on time. Highly recommendable and my go-to attorney for intricate IPR matters. No doubt a rising star.’
‘Nicholas Foss Barbantonis (Associate). Pragmatic advice on contentious trade mark matters. Efficient and very good availability.’
‘Hedda Baumann Heier – always eager to help and very knowledgeable of copyright.’
‘The individuals I worked with have been very service minded, and provided useful feedback regarding how to negotiate and secure co-ownership of the IP in question.’
Key clients
Bank Norwegian AS
Zwipe AS
Coop Norge SA
Fotolotto.no AS
Katapult Accelerator/ Ocean
Amedia AS
Huddly AS
The estate of Flimmer Film AS
Kystgjerdet AS
Play Magnus AS (and other companies within the Play Magnus Group)
Motion Picture Association
Norsk Filmdistribusjon AS
SF Norge AS
Norwegian Rights Alliance
Norwegian Air Shuttle
Telia Norge AS (Phonero)
Kolumbus AS
Age Labs AS
Work highlights
- Defending Bank Norwegian AS in long-running trade mark litigation against three competing banks, Komplett Bank, Ikano Bank and Monobank.
- Advising Zwipe AS on IP strategy and contractual matters in connection with a major out-licensing and commercialisation agreement.
- Represented Coop Norge SA before the Norwegian Business and Industry Committee against food producer Mills AS, which alleged that Coop Norge had copied one of Mills’ product packing and as such had breached the Marketing Act.
Norway > Public procurement Tier 2
Anders Thue heads up Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s public procurement team, which operates from within the firm’s EU and competition practice. The group has an established track record in handling large public procurement mandates, and also acts in dispute resolution. Christian Bjørtuft Ellingsen handles litigation, procurement processes and contractual issues. Associate partner Anne Buan focuses on complex IT and technology procurement projects, and senior associate Olav Haukeli advises contractors on tender and award processes.Practice head(s):
Anders Thue
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team explains complex procurement issues in a language understandable for non-lawyers.’
‘High competence and quality. Good knowledge and experience in relevant subject areas.’
‘The person / persons who contributed had both knowledge and experience of a theoretical and practical approach to our challenges. We also experienced solution-oriented service and we were prioritised when necessary in time.’
‘The team’s expertise complements each other in an extraordinary way. The team has always updated knowledge in the field.’
‘Anne Buan always has updated knowledge in the field, and is able to quickly get acquainted with the problem to solve the case for the benefit of the customer.’
Key clients
Baneservice AS
Bombardier Transportation
Central Norway Regional Health Authority
Fosen-Linjen AS
Franzefoss
The Institute of Marine Research
Go-Ahead Group
KLP Forsikring (insurance)
NordicInfu Care AB
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
Sanofi Avensis Norge AS
Statnett SF
The Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency
Stiftelsen Diakonissehuset Lovisenberg
Stiftelsen Norsk Luftambulanse
Telia
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security
The Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom)
The Norwegian Directorate of eHealth (NDE)
The Norwegian Police
Norwegian Government Security and Service Organisation
Troms og Finnmark fylkeskommune
The Norwegian Tax Authority
Sigdal municipality
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing advice to Central Norway Regional Health Authority concerning the procurement of a new system for patient journals and patient administration (EPJ/PAS).
- Representing Bombardier Transportation System AB before the Borgarting Court of Appeal concerning a NOK250m compensation claim against Bane NOR SF, in connection with a public procurement competition for a new digital signal system for the Norwegian railways.
- Acted for Vestland County in an injunction case against KLP, following a procurement of services related to the client’s occupational pension scheme.
Norway > Real estate Tier 2
The real estate team at Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig operates from the firm’s six Norway offices, and is very experienced in real estate financings, planning matters and corporate real estate mandates. Pål Brudvik led the advice to long-standing client Njord Securities on multiple real estate transactions, including nine separate acquisitions with a deal value of over NOK1.8bn, as well as divestments of real estate portfolios. Jørgen Lindboe heads up the practice, which also includes Gøran Mjelde Aarvik, who handles sale and lease bank transactions and syndication projects; associate partner Kjetil Westby Ranum, who advises on financing issues; and senior associate Silje Hangaard.Practice head(s):
Jørgen Lindboe
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Professional, solution-oriented and commercial.’
‘Jørgen Lindboe is a deal maker.’
‘Gøran Mjelde Aarvik delivers promptly.’
‘The team is very well qualified. They all are very quick in their response.’
‘Jørgen Lindboe is a highly regarded, all-round real estate lawyer. He is a likeable person and has a commercial, but practical mindset. He is very intelligent and sees the big picture where others get lost in details. Works very quickly with quality, which is important.’
Key clients
Njord Securities AS (formerly Castelar Corporate Finance AS)
Colliers International Corporate AS
Malling & Co, Project Finance AS
Rimfeldt Eiendom AS
Oslo Finans AS
Realkapitial Investor AS
LogCap AS
Fazenda Utvikling AS
DNB Næringseiendom AS
Seabrokers AS
Zurhaar & Rubb AS
Bertel O. Steen Eiendom AS
Coop Norge Eiendom AS
Birger N. Haug Holding AS
DNB Bank ASA – DNB Markets Investment Banking Division
RAC NORWAY AS (part of the AVIS group)
Stadsporten AS
The municipality of Bergen
Realforum AS
Prospective AS
JM Norge AS
Hero Eiendom AS
Gaustadbekken AS
Forus Næringspark AS
Karlander Invest AS
Rolf Olsen Eiendomsselskap AS
Miris AS
Buffin Real Estate Norway AS
Jakob Hatteland Bygg AS
Backer AS
BKK Nett AS
RV Holding AS
Trolltun Investering AS
Ragde Eiendom AS
Work highlights
- Advised Sparebanken Vest on a NOK1.6bn sale and lease back of its headquarters.
- Advised Zurhaar & Rubb AS on a large transaction including a purchase and corresponding sale of a property, with a value of over NOK1bn.
Norway > Tax Tier 3
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s tax practice is perhaps best known for assisting a solid roster of public and private sector clients with the structuring of transactions, restructurings and valuation assignments. Department head Fredrik Haberer Anfinsen counts M&A-related tax work as a key part of his practice, while Pål Brudvik has expertise in advising on the tax aspects of transactional mandates, particularly for real estate clients. Vidar Kleppe is a key name in the firm’s Bergen office.Practice head(s):
Fredrik Haberer Anfinsen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘High and specialised competence. Efficient. Trustworthy and professional.’
‘SVW’s tax practice provided clear, thorough and well reasoned advice on the applicability or not of various taxes to a proposed international investment structure in Norway, giving us the reassurance and confidence needed to proceed with a significant investment in Norway on behalf of our clients. It is rare to find such clear advice in tax issues.’
Key clients
Amtech AS
Aquaship AS
Asker og Bærums Budstikke Holding AS
Bjørvika Infrastruktur AS
Compact Carbon Capture AS
Coop
Egmont
Eni S.p.A / Eni International B.V
Fazenda Securities
FSN Capital
Kindred Group PLC
Malling og Co
Njord Securities AS
NorthCape Capital
Norwegian Airshuttle ASA
Pareto Securities AS
Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures
Telia Company
Zwipe AS
Work highlights
- Advised Njord Securities on the tax and VAT aspects of the acquisition and syndication of Ski Eiendomsinvest.
- Assisted Asker og Bærums Budstikke Holding AS with its sale to Amedia AS.
- Providing ongoing assistance to the founders and management of new Norway-based impact VC-funds Katapult Accelerator, Katapult Ocean, and Norwegian AI with the funds’ formation, fundraising, and execution of the funds’ first investments.
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig > Firm Profile
The firm: Simonsen Vogt Wiig (SVW) is one of the largest law firms in Norway with its 180 lawyers. The firm has a strong international focus on advising leading national and global companies for decades from its offices in Norway and Singapore.
Areas of practice
Maritime: SVW is recognised as one of the leading law firms within shipping and offshore. Several lawyers are internationally ranked as leaders within maritime law, shipping transactions and ship building/offshore construction.
Dispute resolution: SVW is one of few Norwegian firms with a standalone dispute resolution team that dedicates 100% of its time to contentious matters. It has extensive experience and expertise in handling complex matters before both the Norwegian and European courts, arbitration tribunals and a variety of boards, councils and committees.
Oil and gas: SVW has one of Norway’s broadest and most internationally-oriented oil and gas groups and the largest asset transaction volume by number of transactions in Norway for the last five years.
Banking and finance: SVW operates a full-service banking and finance practice. The firm represents agents in major syndicated facilities and clients include some of the most active foreign banks in Norway. SVW is also a market-leading firm within the energy sector and aviation finance.
Commercial, corporate and M&A: SVW operates an expanded standalone transactional department, with partners solely handling public and private M&A work. The team has reported an increasing order volume and presence in the Norwegian transaction market in recent years.
Intellectual property and TMT: SVW is widely acknowledged by clients and peers for its leading TMT practice. It is the only firm in Norway that has a broad coverage in all TMT areas: IT, media, telecoms and data protection.
Insolvency and corporate recovery: SVW has a well-respected restructuring and insolvency team. They assist with credit security, restructuring of business enterprises, and the handling of the clients’ creditor and debtor interests, and as trustee in major bankruptcy estates.
Offshore construction and shipbuilding: SVW is recognised as one of the leading law firms within shipping and offshore and is one of the few to offer strength across the board in shipping and maritime law. Several lawyers are internationally ranked as leaders within maritime law, shipping transactions and ship building/offshore construction.
Capital markets: SVW offers a very strong capital markets team and has key expertise in the areas of public M&A. The firm assisted recently on the largest private stock exchange listing in Norway since 2010.
Construction: SVW’s clients include several national and regional contractors, including three of the top ten contractors on the recently published list of the 100 largest construction companies in Norway.
EU and competition: SVW’s team has extensive experience with EU and EEA regulatory matters and competition law, and the firm assists with all aspects of competition law.
Tax: SVW fields a standalone tax team, with resources across six offices that advise clients on a wide variety of tax-related matters involving corporations, partnerships and their owners and investors. The team has extensive experience in handling audit and controversy matters.
Real estate: the firm fields a standalone real estate team of 40 lawyers across its network of six offices and assists parties in the property sector throughout the whole value chain with a special focus on transactions, raising capital, development projects and regulatory matters.
Employment: SVW assists clients in both the private and public sector. Human resources departments, legal departments and management of major Norwegian and international companies regularly seek assistance from the firm with restructuring, workforce reductions, transfers of undertakings and individual personnel matters.
Electricity and renewables: the firm is one of Norway’s premier law firms in the area of renewable energy and assists major players in both regulatory and finance matters. Its lawyers within this sector have extensive industry knowledge and expertise about energy and watercourse law due to long experience from the power industry regulatory authorities and private practice.
Insurance: SVW’s insurance practice handles both contentious and non-contentious work on behalf of conventional and marine insurers. The firm is a recognised leader in marine insurance, and acts for all major marine insurers in Norway.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Administrative (Managing Partner) | Mona Søyland | mos@svw.no | +47 922 93 651 |
Banking and Finance | Halvor Klingenberg | hkl@svw.no | +47 922 42 116 |
Capital Markets and Corporate and M&A | Amund Fougner Bugge | afb@svw.no | +47 911 45 982 |
Dispute Resolution | Christian Reusch | chr@svw.no | +47 975 02 247 |
EU and Competition | Jan Magne Langseth | jml@svw.no | +47 966 44 440 |
Electricity and Renewable Energy | Peter Aall Simonsen | pes@svw.no | +47 920 23 789 |
Employment | Lill Egeland | leg@svw.no | +47 934 90 834 |
Insolvency and Corporate Recovery | Bjørn Åge Hamre | bah@svw.no | +47 402 49 104 |
Insolvency and Corporate Recovery | Peter Aall Simonsen | pes@svw.no | +47 920 23 789 |
Intellectual Property | Rune Ljostad | rlj@svw.no | +47 911 21 180 |
TMT | Tor Stokke | tst@svw.no | +47 932 11 581 |
Maritime Law | Christine Rødsæther | cro@svw.no | +47 950 74 898 |
Shipping | Erlend Lous | elo@svw.no | +47 992 16 772 |
Oil and Gas | Bjørn-Erik Leerberg | bel@svw.no | +47 934 90 683 |
Real Estate | Jørgen Lindboe | jli@svw.no | +47 918 03 814 |
Construction | Tage Brigt A. Skoghøy | tas@svw.no | +47 975 27 279 |
Tax | Vidar Kleppe | vkl@svw.no | +47 940 12 512 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Henning Øvrebø | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Christoffer Bjerknes | Partner and Head of Corporate and M&A | View Profile |
![]() | Pål Brudvik | Partner and Head of Transactions | View Profile |
![]() | Lill Egeland | Partner and Head of Employment | View Profile |
![]() | Christian Bjørtuft Ellingsen | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Amund Fougner Bugge | Partner and Head of Capital Markets and Corporate and M&A | View Profile |
![]() | Ingar Fuglevåg | Partner and Head of Aviation | View Profile |
![]() | Frithjof Herlofsen | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Halvor Klingenberg | Partner and Head of Banking and Finance | View Profile |
![]() | Jan Magne Langseth | Partner and Head of EU and Competition | View Profile |
![]() | Bjørn-Erik Leerberg | Partner and Head of Oil and Gas | View Profile |
![]() | Jørgen Lindboe | Partner and Head of Real Estate | View Profile |
![]() | Rune Ljostad | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Erlend Lous | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Christine Rødsæther | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Christian Reusch | Partner and Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
![]() | Mona Søyland | Managing Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Peter Aall Simonsen | Partner and Head of Renewable Energy | View Profile |
![]() | Tor Stokke | Partner and Head of Technology and Media | View Profile |
![]() | Espen Tøndel | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mathias Teir | Partner, Head of Private Equity and Board Member | View Profile |
![]() | Anders Thue | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Morten Wilhelm Winther | Partner and Head of Financial Regulatory | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 180Languages
Scandinavian languages English French German Greek Icelandic Mandarin PortugueseMemberships
World Services Group (WSG)Other
Contacts : Mona Søyland (Managing Partner) Contacts : Jan Vablum (Bergen) Contacts : Gunnar Espeland (Stavanger) Contacts : Nils Håkon Risberg (Trondheim) Contacts : Asbjørn Breistein (Kristiansand) Contacts : Ørjan Nilsen (Tromsø) Contacts : Torgeir Willumsen (Singapore)Comparative Guides
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Norway: International Arbitration
Published: October 2021
Authors: Ørjan Salvesen Haukaas Tage Skoghøy Marte Sønstevold Christian Reusch
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to International Arbitration laws and regulations that may occur in Norway.
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Norway: Energy – Oil & Gas
Published: December 2021
Authors: Bjørn-Erik Leerberg Gunnar Espeland Nikolai Brøvig
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Energy – Oil & Gas laws and regulations that may occur in Norway.
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Norway: Merger Control
Published: October 2021
Authors: Jan Magne Langseth Karin Fløistad Erik Martinius Klevmo Haakon Rønn Stensæth
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Merger Control laws and regulations that may occur in Norway.
- Dispute resolution
- EU and competition
- Fishing and aquaculture
- Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Maritime law
- Offshore construction and shipbuilding
- Oil and gas
- TMT