Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners > Reykjavik, Iceland > Firm Profile
Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners Offices
Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners
KLAPPARSTIGUR 25-27
101 REYKJAVIK
Iceland
KLAPPARSTIGUR 25-27
101 REYKJAVIK
Iceland
Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners > The Legal 500 Rankings
Iceland > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners is renowned for its dispute resolution expertise, particularly in commercial litigation for corporate clients and high-profile cases for individuals challenging the State on fundamental rights violations in domestic and regional courts. In 2024, the firm managed notable and complex cases, including representing the families of victims of the 1995 Súðavík avalanche and a case before the European Court of Human Rights, where the Icelandic State was found guilty of violating electoral rights. The dispute resolution team is co-led by experienced litigators Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson
and Oddur Ástráðsson, with Hilmarsson specialising in commercial and human rights litigation. Alexander Hafþórsson has expertise in resolving disputes through negotiation and settlement in the real estate, corporate, and financial sectors, while Kristrún Ragnarsdóttir focuses on human rights and constitutional law. Practice head(s):
Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson; Oddur Ástráðsson
Other key lawyers:
Alexander Hafþórsson; Kristrún Ragnarsdóttir; Ragnar Aðalsteinsson; Sigrún Ingibjörg Gísladóttir
Testimonials
‘We have worked with Oddur Ástráðsson and he is a great lawyer and has good knowledge. Delivered great work.’
‘They have great communication skills. They are dependable, knowledgeable and they have been easy to work with. Honest and trustworthy.’
‘Alexander Hafþórsson has been great, easy to work with, professional and relatable. Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson took over my case and his work has been great. I’m confident that the law firm has my best interest at heart.’
‘The service is personal and the attitude of the staff is very good. The legal knowledge of cases is very good.’
‘Oddur Ástráðsson is a brilliant lawyer. He is professional and does great work.’
‘The team utilises the expertise of each team member, called in as needed, and ensures these specialists’ ability to work together as a whole. I have had the privilege of working with the following experts: Ragnar Aðalsteinsson, Sigrún Ingibjörg Gísladóttir, and Alexander Hafþórsson.’
Key clients
Union of Icelandic Journalists
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Landsvirkjun (the National Power Company of Iceland)
Family members of avalanche victims in Súðavík in 1995
LBI ehf.
Work highlights
- Advised the UK based Joint Trustees at DLA Piper LLP, acquiring multiple judgments in favour of the trustees and ultimately resolving the case with a settlement with the Icelandic debtor.
- Advised SÍBS in various court cases regarding the ownership of three buildings on SÍBS’ main property in Reykjalundur, where the largest rehabilitation centre in Iceland is located, with a successful result.
- Advised Guðmundur Gunnarsson and Magnús Davíð Norðdahl in a case before the EctHR where the Icelandic State was found guilty of violating electoral laws and discrepancy in the recount of votes in the Northwest constituency in Iceland for the Parliamentary Elections of 2021.
Iceland > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1
Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners, which is recognised for its ‘professionalism’ and ‘client-focused service’, provides expert assistance in insolvency and corporate law, rescission cases, litigation, and settlement negotiations, handling both domestic and cross-border matters. Supreme Court Attorney Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson and newly promoted partner Stefán Örn Stefánsson jointly lead the practice, with Hilmarsson representing major international actors in winding-up and recission proceedings, and Stefánsson focusing on insolvency law, financial regulations, and tax law. Practice head(s):
Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson; Stefán Örn Stefánsson
Testimonials
‘Potential clients should know that the firm is always ready to listen and determine the best approach for each situation. Their teamwork and professionalism are evident in every detail of their service. That’s why we highly recommend engaging their team.’
‘We highly appreciate the team for their client-focused service. Their teamwork and results-oriented approach are also noteworthy from a client’s perspective, which is always pleasant to see.’
‘The team quickly understood the client’s needs and brilliantly resolved the legal issues that arose.’
Key clients
LBI ehf.
Icelandic Water Holdings hf.
Bitfury Holding B.V.
Work highlights
- Advised LBI ehf., formerly Landsbanki Íslands, on various asset management related matters.
- Advised Icelandic Water Holdings hf. and its founders, through the intricacies of a large-scale sale and financial restructuring, in a transaction valued at more than $100m, wherein a majority stake of the company was acquired by foreign investors.
Iceland > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
Praised as an ‘exceptional firm with a distinctive approach’, Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners‘ practice assists companies with M&A, corporate governance, management incentive plans, regulatory matters, and a wide array of corporate law related matters. The practice is co-led by Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson, who specialises in domestic and cross-border commercial litigation and insolvency proceedings. He is supported by Stefán Örn Stefánsson, who focuses on the financing, acquisition and sale of companies, and Oddur Ástráðsson, who is well-versed within corporate and commercial law, tax, and labour law. Key associate Alexander Hafþórsson handles high-profile corporate-related matters. Practice head(s):
Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson; Stefán Örn Stefánsson; Oddur Ástráðsson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We have primarily worked with Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson and Stefán Örn Stefánsson from the firm. Both have handled their responsibilities with the utmost professionalism. In recent months, Stefán has been our main point of contact, and his contributions have been incredibly valuable to the company. I can’t recommend him highly enough.’
‘I have been in close contact with the team at Réttur and I find myself lucky to have found them, very customer oriented, professional and fair. Réttur helped me every step of the way in the process of selling my company and I always felt that I had a 100% dedication from them, always ready to and quick response.’
‘Stefán Örn Stefánsson has stood by my side every step of every way that I have taken, very easy communications and professional advice and work.’
‘Rettur is an exceptional firm with a distinctive approach. What truly sets their team apart is their ability to handle complex issues promptly and effectively. Their proactive approach and deep understanding of the financial aspects of legal matters are impressive. We look forward to choosing them again and again.’
‘The team at Rettur have worked out all documents for a few M&A deals. They have proved to be very professional and the deal has gone through with no problems.’
‘We have been working with the firm for several years now. They respond to our matters promptly and make us feel well taken care of. All the work they have done for us, from agreements to other legal aspects of our operations, has consistently been of the highest quality.’
‘We highly appreciate the team for their client-focused service. Their teamwork and results-oriented approach are also noteworthy from a client’s perspective, which is always pleasant to see.’
‘Stefán Örn Stefánsson and Alexander Hafþórsson. Young, up and coming lawyers with experience in M&A belying their relatively few years of practice. Disciplined and always available. They get the job done.’
Key clients
Landsvirkjun
Arion Banki hf.
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Work highlights
- Advised Icelandic Water Holdings hf. (and its founders) on a large-scale sale of a majority stake to foreign investors, which included its financial restructuring and securing a $10m convertible from BlackRock.
- Advised Monerium ehf. in respect to $2m bridge financings by way of issuance of convertible notes, and on various cross-border commercial agreements concerning its expansion abroad.
- Advised GODO (Flekaskil ehf.) on a M&A transaction where GODO acquired the travel software segment from Origo hf.
Iceland > EEA and competition Tier 2
Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners excels in EEA and international human rights law, with significant experience representing cases before the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the European Court of Human Rights. Oddur Ástráðsson, who leads the EEA and competition practice, specialises in litigation, tax, and labour law. Key member Védís Eva Guðmundsdóttir provides expert advice on EEA law, focusing on safeguarding the rights of individuals and companies benefiting from the internal market’s four freedoms.Practice head(s):
Oddur Ástráðsson
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Arion Bank hf.
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Teleios Capital Partners LLC
Icelandic Nature Conservation Association
Work highlights
- Advised multiple landowners (Skagastál ehf., At Iceland ehf., et al.) in cases brought to the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the ECtHR regarding property rights.
- Advised landowners (Reykjaprent ehf., et al.) in a dispute regarding a planned transmission line on their lands, including court representation and potential requests for an ESA advisory opinion on possible violations of the EEA Agreement.
- Advised the Icelandic Nature Conservation Association in its opposition to whaling in Iceland, which included challenging the licensing of a whaling company and filing a complaint with the EFTA Surveillance Authority regarding potential violations of the EEA Agreement related to animal welfare, food safety, and carbon obligations.
Iceland > TMT and IP Tier 2
Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners ‘offers advice of the highest quality’, focusing on safeguarding the interests of the core creators of art, such as artists, authors, and screenwriters, along with the interests of their respective unions. Praised for his ‘sharp negotiation skills’, practice leader Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson has extensive experience in IP law with a focus on trade mark and copyright issues. Kristrún Ragnarsdóttir is well versed in complex IP and TMT matters, particularly copyright law. Practice head(s):
Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Réttur’s copyright team is very responsive and offers advice of the highest quality. Their consistent performance is a testament to their expertise and dedication.’
‘Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson is a standout advocate and known not only for his sharp negotiation skills but also for his deep commercial insight. His ability to grasp the nuances of complex issues gives him a unique edge in navigating towards successful outcomes.’
‘Kristrún Ragnarsdóttir is an up and coming copyright lawyer at Rettur. She is very smart and has deep understanding of copyright law. Her deep knowledge of the field and her ability to anticipate potential challenges have been invaluable to us.’
Key clients
The Writer’s Association (RSÍ)
Hagþenkir (the Association of Icelandic Non-Fiction Writers)
The Icelandic Dramatists Union (Félag leikskálda oghandritshöfunda)
Tintinimaginatio S.A.
Federation of Icelandic Artists (Bandalag ÍslenskraListamanna, BÍL)
Work highlights
- Advised the Icelandic Writers’ Association and its members on all legal matters for over 30 years, including contract reviews, intellectual property and publishing law, support for authors facing IP challenges, and representation in arbitration concerning fair compensation allocation, and in ongoing disputes over cable payment allocations for retransmission rights involving 12 copyright associations in Iceland.
- Advised Tintinimaginatio S.A. in halting the distribution and sale of counterfeit products based on a famous comic book series, securing copyright protection and pursuing damages.
- Advised Hagþenkir (the Association of Icelandic Non-Fiction Writers) in ongoing disputes over cable payment allocations for retransmission rights, involving 12 copyright associations in Iceland.
Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners > Firm Profile
The firm: Réttur traces its origins back to 1969 when Ragnar Aðalsteinsson, one of Iceland’s leading attorneys, started his private practice in Reykjavík. Today, the firm is led by partners Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson, Sigrún Ingibjörg Gísladóttir, Oddur Ástráðsson, and Stefán Örn Stefánsson. Additionally, former partners, Ragnar Aðalsteinsson, Kári Hólmar Ragnarsson, and Védís Eva Guðmundsdóttir, continue to serve as valuable counsel, contributing their extensive expertise and experience.
Renowned for its professionalism, ethical standards, and efficiency, Réttur provides its clients with clear and pragmatic legal advice in a timely manner.
Areas of practice: Réttur’s core practice areas include litigation and dispute resolution, constitutional- and administrative law, insolvency law, tort law, commercial and corporate law, M&A, contract law, intellectual property law, employment law, banking and finance, capital markets law, EEA & competition law, tax law, and real estate & construction law.
Litigation and dispute resolution: Réttur is widely recognized as a leading firm in litigation and dispute resolution in Iceland. The firm represents clients before all levels of the Icelandic court system, including the District Courts, the Appeal Court, and the Supreme Court. Réttur also advises clients in high-profile disputes, frequently providing expert opinions for the media. The firm’s attorneys are skilled negotiators and assist clients in settlements and alternative dispute resolution methods.
Commercial and corporate law and M&A: Réttur has vast experience in the field of commercial and corporate law and M&A, and has represented large and small companies, financial institutions, investment funds, professional investors and individual shareholders. The commercial and corporate law team provides legal advice on matters such as mergers and acquisitions, company and shareholder disputes, listing on regulated stock exchanges, corporate- and financial restructuring, due diligence, general representation of companies, shareholders and investors, large-scale business negotiations, the formation and dissolution of legal entities, drafting of contracts and other transactional documents, international trade and other cross-border transactions and debt collections.
Human rights: The ideological basis for Réttur is protection of human rights. Ragnar Aðalsteinsson, Supreme Court Attorney, founder and former name partner of Réttur, has for decades been considered a pioneer in terms of human rights protection in Iceland. Réttur is focused and committed to preserving this heritage to the utmost degree. Réttur’s lawyers have vast experience in pleading cases both before the domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights, most recently in the highly publicized case of nine female victims of violence against Iceland.
Insolvency and restructuring: Réttur provides expert legal advice on debt restructuring, bankruptcy proceedings, rescission cases, and other insolvency-related matters for companies and individuals. The firm has significant experience in international winding-up proceedings of financial institutions.
Intellectual property and copyright law: Réttur’s attorneys have decades of experience in intellectual property law, assisting clients with copyright protection, trademark registration, patents, and contract negotiation. The firm represents, among others, major cultural institutions, artists, and rightsholder organizations in Iceland.
Property rights: The firm’s attorneys have vast experience in litigating private and public land disputes as well as other disputes arising from interference with private property rights. Furthermore, Réttur’s attorneys have written numerous academic articles in this area of law.
Administrative law: Réttur has wide-ranging experience in administrative proceedings with official authorities, independent administrative committees and the Althing Ombudsman. Réttur‘s creative, comprehensive and client-oriented approach to government decisions continuously yields excellent results.
Criminal defense: All defendants are entitled to a fair trial. Réttur considers defending clients an important part of the role of the attorney. Réttur’s expertise in human rights law plays an intricate role in this area. Réttur has handled various and diverse cases ranging from complex commercial and economic criminal charges, to highly publicized court cases such as the so-called “Reykjavik Nine” and the “Deportation Protesters”.
Immigration law: Réttur’s expertise extends to the legislation on foreign nationals, immigrants and asylum seekers. The firm’s attorneys pride themselves on being committed to the protection of foreign nationals in Iceland. The firm’s attorneys frequently work on applications for Icelandic citizenship as well as applications for non-residents who are interested in acquiring a residence or work permit, or investing in Iceland.
Employment law: Réttur advises employers and employees on all aspects of employment law, including employment contracts, workplace disputes, wrongful termination claims, collective bargaining agreements, and regulatory compliance.
Banking, Finance, and Capital Markets: Réttur provides legal services to financial institutions, investment funds, and corporate clients in the field of banking, finance, and capital markets. The firm assists in regulatory compliance, lending transactions, financial restructuring, securities offerings, and capital markets transactions.
EEA & Competition: Réttur has significant expertise in EEA and competition law, advising clients on antitrust compliance, merger control, state aid, and market regulations.
Tax Law: Réttur offers comprehensive tax law services, advising clients on corporate tax planning, VAT compliance, tax disputes, and international tax structuring. The firm represents clients in negotiations with tax authorities and litigation before the courts.
Real Estate & Construction: Réttur assists clients with real estate transactions, land use regulations, construction contracts, zoning disputes, and development projects. The firm represents developers, property owners, and investors in litigation, negotiations, and regulatory compliance matters.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constitutional law | Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Constitutional law | Oddur Ástráðsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Commercial and company | Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Commercial and company | Stefán Örn Stefánsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Competition | Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Competition | Stefán Örn Stefánsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| EU/EEA | Oddur Ástráðsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| EU/EEA | Sigrún Ingibjörg Gísladóttir | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Insolvency and restructuring | Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Insolvency and restructuring | Stefán Örn Stefánsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Immigration | Oddur Ástráðsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Intellectual property and copyright law | Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| International human rights | Oddur Ástráðsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Litigation and dispute resolution | Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Litigation and dispute resolution | Oddur Ástráðsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Natural resources and property | Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Administrative law | Oddur Ástráðsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Administrative law | Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) | Stefán Örn Stefánsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) | Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Tax law | Oddur Ástráðsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
| Tax law | Stefán Örn Stefánsson | [email protected] | +354 547 2000 |
Meet The Team(s)
Lawyer Profiles
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Ms Inga Birna Ársælsdóttir | Paralegal and Lawyer. | View Profile |
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Ms María Bogadóttir | Paralegal and Lawyer. | View Profile |
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Ms Svala Davíðsdóttir | Associate and lawyer | View Profile |
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Ms Anna Katrín Hálfdanardóttir | Paralegal and Lawyer. | View Profile |
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Ms Kristrún Ragnarsdóttir | Associate and Attorney at law. | View Profile |
Solicitor Profiles
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Mr Ragnar Aðalsteinsson | Of Counsel and Supreme Court Attorney. | View Profile |
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Mr Oddur Ástráðsson | Partner and District Court Attorney. | View Profile |
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Ms Linda Íris Emilsdóttir | Senior Associate and Attorney at Law. | View Profile |
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Ms Sigrún Ingibjörg Gísladóttir | Partner and Appeal Court Attorney. | View Profile |
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Mr Arnar Gauti Grettisson | Associate and Attorney at Law. | View Profile |
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Ms Védís Eva Guðmundsdóttir | Counsel and Attorney at Law. | View Profile |
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Mr Alexander Hafþórsson | Senior Associate and Attorney at Law. | View Profile |
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Mr Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson | Managing Partner and Supreme Court Attorney. | View Profile |
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Ms Katrín Oddsdóttir | Counsel and Attorney at Law. | View Profile |
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Mr Kári Hólmar Ragnarsson | Counsel and Attorney at Law. | View Profile |
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Mr Stefán Örn Stefánsson | Partner and Attorney at Law. | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of partners : 4 Number of lawyers : 14Languages
Icelandic English Danish Norwegian Swedish FrenchOther
Contacts : Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson Contacts : Oddur Ástráðsson Contacts : Stefán Örn Stefánsson- Dispute resolution
- Restructuring and insolvency
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- EEA and competition
- TMT and IP