Firm Profile > NJORD Law Firm > Copenhagen, Denmark
NJORD Law Firm Offices
PILESTRÆDE 58
DK-1112 COPENHAGEN K
Denmark
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NJORD Law Firm > The Legal 500 Rankings
EU, competition and public procurement Tier 1
Leveraging its litigation capacities, NJORD Law Firm is instructed on a large number of Danish cases before the Court of Justice of the European Union; the group also frequently advises clients on public procurement and abuse of dominance work. Led by Thomas Rhyl, who is well versed in pharmaceuticals, competition, and public procurement cases, the practice also handles rebate schemes, marketing campaigns, franchise and wholesaler agreements, selective distribution issues, regulatory advice concerning EU and domestic competition law and vertical agreements.
Practice head(s):
Thomas Ryhl
Key clients
Philips
Smith & Nephew
Galenica Group
BoehringerIngelheim
Merial
Alcon
CDK
Sagemcom
Novartis
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Energy Tier 2
Particularly active in offshore installation and structure contract work, NJORD Law Firm has a good reputation in Denmark for its expertise in solar energy, wind power, and other onshore and offshore energy infrastructure projects. Claas Thöle leads the team, which counts green energy companies, oil and gas companies, charging station operators and charging station developers among its clients. Thomas Rhyl assists with regulatory matters and the establishment of cross-border energy networks, while Steffen Hebsgaard Muff handles contentious energy mandates.
Practice head(s):
Claas Thöle
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Ryhl; Steffen Hebsgaard Muff
Key clients
Sonnenkraft
Enerparc
Ewii
Obton
EstatePartner
Envision Energy
SageCom
Polytechnik
Tesla
Shell
Dispute resolution Tier 3
NJORD Law Firm’s team is co-led by Thomas Rhyl, who has particular expertise in EU law cases, including matters involving pharmaceuticals, competition and procurement issues. Other names to note include fellow co-head and copyright infringement expert Jeppe Brogaard Clausen and Ulla Fabricius, who is noted for her capabilities in transport and shipping disputes. The practice has additional capabilities in administrative law litigation and tax disputes, which is a key area for Robert Mikelsons .Practice head(s):
Thomas Ryhl; Jeppe Brogaard Clausen
Other key lawyers:
Ulla Fabricius; Robert Mikelsons
Key clients
Coca-Cola
Louis Vuitton
The European Commission
J. Lauritzen A/S
L’Oréal
Philips HealthTech
IF Skadeforsikring
Codan (RSA)
Bring Trucking (Posten Norge)
Omni Bridgeway (formerly IMF Bentham Group)
Novartis Pharma
Danish Ministry of Justice/Danish Parliament
Information technology Tier 3
Working closely with the firm’s IP department, NJORD Law Firm’s team has a track record in web and system development work, IT and ERP contracts, software licensing issues and the establishment of support services. Practice head Anders Wernblad, who joined from Bird & Bird Advokatpartnerselskab in mid-2019, also has extensive experience in digitisation and IT procurement projects, especially mandates relating to the e-commerce sector.
Practice head(s):
Anders Wernblad
Key clients
Procon Solution A/S
Adapt A/S
Boligsiden A/S
Conxion A/S
Luxplus ApS
Arbit Cyber Defence Systems ApS
Cookie Information A/S
NutraQ ApS
Insolvency Tier 3
Bolstered by its late 2020 merger with Silkeborg-based firm Brockstedt-Kaalund Advokatpartnerselskab, which brought Anders Hammer Hansen on board as the new insolvency and reconstruction group head, NJORD Law Firm advises its client base on a variety of insolvency and bankruptcy matters. Key areas of focus include acting as trustee for companies, filing petitions for bankruptcy and representing clients in legal proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Anders Hammer Hansen
Other key lawyers:
Malene Eigtved; Jørgen Erik Frandsen
Key clients
Jyske Bank
Jyske Finans
Nykredit
Sydbank
Vækstfonden
Intellectual property Tier 3
Jeppe Brogaard Clausen and Thomas Ryhl lead the team at NJORD Law Firm, which represents brand owners in the protection and enforcement of IP rights and is prominent in the life sciences space. Clausen is noted for his expertise in counterfeit and passing off cases, as well as copyright infringement matters in the music and film industries, while Rhyl specialises in life sciences regulations and IP litigation relating to EU-wide law. Malene Fagerberg left the group in mid-2020 to a DPO position.
Practice head(s):
Jeppe Brogaard Clausen; Thomas Ryhl
Other key lawyers:
Frank Jørgensen
Key clients
Estrella Maarud AS
The Whole Company – including Castus, Fredsted, Heidelberg, and Jemo-pharm
Novartis Pharma
Volkswagen
Coca-Cola
Coty – including Davidoff, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs etc.
Galenica Group
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Astellas Pharma
Smith & Nephew
Philips HealthTech
Allergan
Hermès
Louis Vuitton
Gucci
Coloplast
Media and entertainment Tier 3
Headed up by Jeppe Brogaard Clausen, the team at NJORD Law Firm has recently has a particular focus on illegal file-sharing cases, representing IP rights holders including film producers in copyright infringement claims and information injunction cases against domestic and Nordic internet service providers. The team also advises media and entertainment clients on commercial, corporate and employment contracts.Practice head(s):
Jeppe Brogaard Clausen
Key clients
Momondo
HBO (Home Box Office Ltd and HBO Nordic)
Resultmaker A/S
Copyright Management Services Ltd
Rovio Entertainment Oy
Philips Denmark A/S
Real estate and construction Tier 3
Bolstered by its 2020 merger with Brockstedt-Kaalund Advokatpartnerselskab, which brought multiple real estate lawyers on board, NJORD Law Firm is primarily instructed on construction-related contract and insurance issues, property transactions, lease mandates and matters in the non-profit social housing sector. In 2020, Christian Schwarz-Hansen, who previously worked at LEAD, Rödl & Partner, joined to spearhead the practice. The group also acts for clients in disputes, project financing work and real estate portfolio issues. Steffen Hebsgaard Muff specialises in international civil engineering contracts.
Practice head(s):
Christian Schwarz-Hansen
Other key lawyers:
Steffen Hebsgaard Muff; Søren Egstrand Thomse; Erik Larsson
Key clients
Arpe & Kjeldsholm A/S
Nordea
KAJ O. Madsen A/S
Rasmus Friis A/S
University of Copenhagen
HPH Totalbyg A/S
Omega Gruppe / Residential Berlin I GmbH
HDI-Gerling insurance
University College Absalon
The Foundation for the Preservation of Vitskøl Abbey
Prince Henrik’s school’s property fund
Aluflam international A/S
Ekona A/S
Ceraco A/S
Nordbo Huse
Bo-vita
Bertelsen & Schevig architects
Municipality of Haderslev
Elisabeth Schwartz f. Tafdrups family foundation, and Ellen & Carl Tafdrups memorial trust
Shipping and transport Tier 3
Praised for her ‘extremely analytical’ approach, Ulla Fabricius spearheads NJORD Law Firm’s group, which advises clients on a range of shipping, road transport and logistics issues. The group’s contentious expertise spans cargo claims, collisions and groundings work; it also handles insurance and reinsurance matters, regulatory work concerning cabotage issues, driving and rest time mandates, and the EU Mobility Package, as well as the sale and financing of ships, shipbuilding matters and complex logistics contracts. Christian Benedictsen-Nislev left to join DLA Piper Denmark in late 2019.
Practice head(s):
Ulla Fabricius
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Ryhl; Marie Steen Mikkelsen
Testimonials
‘The team is very close to the industry and is always upfront in informing and advising on new or coming legislation and the implications such legislation may have.’
‘The communication style of the team is clear, direct and to the point but always in a nice and sober tone that does not increase tension with opponents. The approach is sharp, pragmatic and very solution-oriented.’
‘Ulla Fabricius is extremely analytical, has a huge knowledge of the industry and the legal issues at stake. She has a pragmatic approach and does not overcomplicate matters.’
‘Ulla is very friendly and diligent and her focus is always on the ball. Therefore, she is liked by both colleagues and opponents, which makes it easier to reach conclusions to disputes. She is very solution-oriented and creative in finding ways to bridge gaps so that useful solutions are reached.’
‘Ulla Fabricius has a very high degree of expertise in International Transport and the Danish regulations vs. the EU regulations. She is very professional with a high degree of knowledge in this field. We also work with Marie Steen Mikkelsen and here again we have experienced a high degree of knowledge, thorough work in analysing previous cases and a very clear and sound way of expressing the issue.’
Key clients
Codan Forsikring A/S
DFDS A/S
Anders Nielsen & Co. A/S
DSV Group of companies
H.P. Therkelsen A/S
Bring Group of Companies
Johs. Rasmussen, Svebølle A/S
BHS Logistics A/S
SAL Heavy Lift
United Heavy Lift
Tax Tier 3
Noted for its VAT knowledge in particular, NJORD Law Firm primarily handles contentious and non-contentious matters concerning indirect taxes. The group is headed up by Robert Mikelsons, who has a notable track record in negotiating and litigating VAT cases before the Supreme Court and the EU Court of Justice. In addition, the practice assists clients with the tax implications of M&A, corporate structures and restructurings, inbound investment structures and incentive programmes.
Practice head(s):
Robert Mikelsons
Other key lawyers:
René Lykke Wethelund; Niels Gade-Jacobson
Testimonials
‘Very broad practice areas and strength in depth. High calibre lawyers who are dedicated to achieving an exceptional outcome for their client.’
‘Robert Mikelsons and Niels Gade-Jacobson are both highly knowledgeable and effective.’
Key clients
ABN Amro Group
Bauhaus
United Chemi-CON
Ress Life Investments
Saint-Gobain
Sanofi-Aventis
Dansk Shell
Parken Sport and Entertainment
Bonnier Publications
COMSA
Banking and finance Tier 4
Under the leadership of Kim Høibye, NJORD Law Firm is 'very responsive, commercial and knowledgeable in the areas of asset management, fund distribution and financial services in particular'. It frequently handles cross-border investment fund structures, related regulatory issues, investment project due diligence, fintech matters and acquisition, property and project financing mandates.
Practice head(s):
Kim Høibye
Other key lawyers:
Jakub Zakrzewski
Testimonials
‘The team have a very broad knowledge about the financial sector and can best be described as generalists within a specialised area.’
‘Kim Høibye and Jakub Zakrzewski are very responsive, commercial and knowledgeable in the areas of asset management, fund distribution and financial services in particular.’
‘The team works well together to deliver results. Very flexible approach and a “can-do” problem-solving attitude, which is refreshing.’
Key clients
Nykredit
Bank of New York Mellon
Nordea: Bank, Nordea Realkredit
BlackRock
Realkredit Denmark
PFA Pension, PFA Asset Management
Google Pay
AP Pension
Janus Henderson
Sydbank
Schroder
Aberdeen Asset Management
Jyske Bank
Sparinvest
Stoneware Capital LLP
ISS
Ricoch Europe Plc
UTI Goldfinch Funds Plc
DEAS Asset Management
EM Quest Ltd.
Ardevora Asset Management LLP.
Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 4
NJORD Law Firm has a track record in domestic and cross-border M&A and has seen a recent uptick in private equity and venture capital investment work. Spearheaded by Jens Christian Dreyer, the group also receives equity fundraising, corporate restructuring and shareholder instructions; it has particular experience in drafting shareholder agreements for its cross-sector client roster.
Practice head(s):
Jens Christian Dreyer
Other key lawyers:
Lars Lokdam; René Lykke Wethelund
Testimonials
‘Great and competent team. They prioritise getting to know the client in order to get a full understanding of the company needs and provide the best legal advice. Njord had advised us on different legal aspects of our business, always with great professionalism and competence in a way that fully met our needs.’
Key clients
Philips
AP Pension
Bauhaus Danmark A/S
Forenede Service
3M
Boehringer Ingelheim Danmark A/S
Vailant A/S
V2 Tobacco
TREFOR Energy
HandiMobil A/S
Enghouse Systems A/S
CompuGroup Medical Denmark
Karl Storz Endoskopi A/S
Lind Invest ApS
Aarhus Airport
JS World Media A/S
Reinh. van Hauen ApS
Employment Tier 4
NJORD Law Firm's practice, which is headed up by Miriam Michaelsen, specialises in the employment aspects of M&A transactions, the implementation of incentive schemes, restructurings and outsourcing issues, most notably for Nordic and German clients. Another key practitioner is Anders Worsøe, who is frequently instructed on collective bargaining issues.
Practice head(s):
Miriam Michaelsen
Other key lawyers:
Anders Worsøe
Key clients
LSG Sky Chefs Group
Daiichi Sankyo Oncology Europe GmbH
Gerry Weber Denmark ApS & Gerry Weber Group, Germany
REMS GmbH & Co. KG and their Danish subsidiary REMS Scandinavia A/S
Star Inc. (former Cogniance, Inc.)
Sennheiser HQ and Sennheiser Nordic A/S
Advanced Energy Industries and Danish subsidiary LumaSense Technologies A/S
Teknos OY and Danish subsidiary Teknos A/S
NJORD Law Firm > Firm Profile
The firm: NJORD Law Firm is a leading international full-service law firm with a strong presence in the Nordic and the Baltic Sea area with offices in Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia.
Its 200+ professionals provide legal services within all corporate and commercial law areas and adapt it to any market condition. About half of the world’s top 100 brands are among NJORD Law Firm’s clients.
A large number of natives employed from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany and the US working at the Copenhagen office give NJORD Law Firm access to a wide range of jurisdictions, and the firm continues to add new nationalities to its team. Currently, they think, talk, and co-operate in more than 25 languages – 17 of which are spoken as the native tongue.
Whether the assignment is a Danish transfer of a business or a Pan-Nordic trade mark protection, NJORD’s lawyers bring openness, regional scope, and international knowledge and vision into play.
In summary, NJORD Law Firm offers local know-how, a Nordic approach, and global experience.
Areas of practice: At NJORD, the lawyers combine profound professional expertise with distinct and direct counselling – in plain language – providing value-adding advice to its client’s business. In addition, a number of partners bring solid business experience from in-house positions in large companies.
Due to NJORD’s lawyers’ strong business sense and extensive expertise in working cross-border, they assist clients in navigating the pitfalls of both Danish, Nordic, and international law. This means their clients often only need to seek legal advice in one place.
In addition, NJORD’s specialists have set up several multidisciplinary innovative teams working across the departments – e.g. the drone and robotics group delivering innovative and solution-oriented advice within all technological specialities, and the bilingual German Nordic legal desk, which is the most ambitious and experienced in Denmark and the Nordic region.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and finance | Kim Høibye | ||
| Corporate/M&A | Lars Lokdam | ||
| Corporate/M&A | Henrik Lyhne | ||
| Corporate/M&A | Jens Christian Dreyer | ||
| Corporate/M&A | René Lykke Wethelund | ||
| Dispute resolution | Ulla Fabricius | ||
| Employment and labour | Miriam Michaelsen | ||
| Employment and labour | Anders Worsøe | ||
| German Nordic legal | Stefan Reinel | ||
| German Nordic legal | Dr Claas Thöle | ||
| EU and competition | Thomas Ryhl | ||
| Intellectual property | Jeppe Brogaard Clausen | ||
| Intellectual property | Peter Gustav Olson | ||
| Intellectual property | Frank Jørgensen | ||
| Life sciences and healthtech | Thomas Ryhl | ||
| Insolvency and restructuring | Malene Eigtved | ||
| Insolvency and restructuring | Anders Hammer Hansen | ||
| IT | Anders Wernblad | ||
| Maritime and transport | Ulla Fabricius | ||
| Maritime and transport | Thomas Ryhl | ||
| Private equity | René Lykke Wethelund | ||
| Private equity | Robert Mikelsons | ||
| Procurement and public authorities | Thomas Ryhl | ||
| Real estate and construction | Erik Larsson | ||
| Real estate and construction | Christian Schwarz-Hansen | ||
| Tax | Robert Mikelsons |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Mr Jeppe Brogaard Clausen | Jeppe Brogaard Clausen is a specialist in intellectual property law. For more… | View Profile |
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Mr Nis Peter Dall | Nis Peter Dall is primarily engaged in data protection law, IT law… | View Profile |
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Mr Jens Christian Dreyer | Jens Christian Dreyer is engaged in general commercial law and is rendering… | View Profile |
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Mrs Malene Eigtved | Malene Eigtved is a certified insolvency lawyer, and handles all aspects within… | View Profile |
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Mrs Ulla Fabricius | For many years, Ulla Fabricius has advised both national and international transport… | View Profile |
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Jørgen Erik Frandsen | Jørgen Erik Frandsen is primarily engaged in counselling of financial businesses and… | View Profile |
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Karsten Gudmand-Høyer | Karsten Gudmand-Høyer is one of the leading experts within the field of… | View Profile |
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Kim Høibye | Kim Høibye has special experience in advising Danish and international companies in… | View Profile |
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Mr Anders Hammer Hansen | Anders Hammer Hansen specialises in insolvency law, including insolvency and restructuring. He… | View Profile |
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Mr Steffen Hebsgaard Muff | Steffen Hebsgaard Muff primarily advises the energy sector, construction companies, and insurance… | View Profile |
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Frank Jørgensen | Frank Jørgensen is specialized in intellectual property with main focus on all… | View Profile |
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Therèse Kemp | Therèse Kemp’s day-to-day work consists in the handling of successions, the drafting… | View Profile |
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Mr Erik Larsson | Erik Larsson specialises in construction law, real estate, guarantees, contract law, social… | View Profile |
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Mr Lars Lokdam | Lars Lokdam specialises in the purchase and sale of enterprises, and he… | View Profile |
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Mr Henrik Lyhne | Henrik Lyhne specialises in business law and primarily deals with company law… | View Profile |
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René Lykke Wethelund | Partner René Lykke Wethelund is a corporate and M&A specialist with a… | View Profile |
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Mrs Miriam Michaelsen | Partner Miriam Michaelsen, head of the Employment Law team, is specialised in… | View Profile |
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Mr Robert Mikelsons | Robert Mikelsons is the head of NJORD’s tax specialist group. He gives… | View Profile |
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Mr Peter Gustav Olson | Peter Gustav Olson specialises in EU trademarks, EU designs, and domain names.… | View Profile |
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Mr Stefan Reinel | Stefan Reinel specialises in international and German legal matters and has advised… | View Profile |
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Mr Thomas Ryhl | Thomas Ryhl is a committed and very knowledgeable attorney. He takes pride… | View Profile |
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Mr Jakob Stilling | Jakob Stilling is an authorized administrator with the bankruptcy division of the… | View Profile |
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Claas Thöle | Doctor Claas Thöle advises on Danish and German law, including corporate and… | View Profile |
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Mr Anders Wernblad | Anders Wernblad has a great knowledge of the legal sector and legal… | View Profile |
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Anders Worsøe | Anders Worsøe is well-versed in multiple legal disciplines and mostly with an… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 107Languages
Arabic Bosnian Catalan Croatian Danish Dutch English Estonian Farsi Faroese Finnish French German Italian Latvian Lithuanian Norwegian Polish Portuguese Russian Serbian Spanish Swedish TurkishOther
Other offices : Aarhus Other Offices : Silkeborg Other offices : Riga Other offices : Tallinn Other offices : VilniusDiversity/Community
Diversity:
Diversity is the essence of the atmosphere at NJORD Law Firm.
We think, speak and collaborate in more than 25 languages. We see the diversity of our employees as a strength – both in terms of career, life experience, nationality, religion, and sexuality. This makes us a diverse, international and modern law firm.
CSR:
We are fighting to leave concrete marks through our work.
We are members of the United Nations Global Compact and have, among other things, based NJORD’s ethical guidelines on their ten principles, which are embodied in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The ten principles include social accountability based on internationally agreed conventions on labour and human rights, the environment, and anti-corruption. In addition, we are a member of the Danish Bar and Law Society and have joined the Association of Danish Law Firms’ advokatKODEKS (“lawyer’s code”).
We fight for those whose voices are not heard.
With the law behind us, we take on responsibility by fighting also for those whose voice is not being heard. We do this, for instance, in cases regarding digital violations. We supported the establishment of the association Digitalt Ansvar (”Digital Responsibility”) (DIGA), which we largely assist with pro bono work. The massive total effort by several parties against digital violations has created an increased awareness of the problem in society. We see a tendency towards a change in digital behaviour, increased maximum penalties for digital sexual violations, and an increased focus from the police on digital violations.
NJORD Law Firm, represented by Attorney and Partner Miriam Michaelsen, received the Association of Danish Law Firms’ advokatKODEKS award 2018 for its efforts against digital offences. NJORD received the award for its focused efforts to create fair solutions for its clients and for those whose voice is not being heard.
We are CO2 conscious
NJORD Law Firm was on 1 January 2019 certified CO2-neutral, as one of the first law firms in Denmark.
At NJORD, consideration and accountability are integrated into the small and simple choices of everyday life. We reduce travel activity and CO2 emissions by hosting online face-to-face meetings in digital meeting rooms. In addition, we have a number of office bicycles, which we use for meetings in the local area to minimize short-distance driving. Several departments have been digitized to minimize printing.
Interviews
Ulla Fabricius, Attorney at Law, Partner
The Legal 500 Hall of Fame highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence.
Attorney at law and partner Ulla Fabricius talks about her successful work as a lawyer and predicts the biggest challenge for clients over the next year. What has been your greatest achievement, in a professional and personal capability?
As a female lawyer specialized within Shipping- and Transport law, I am proud to have made my way to become a highly trusted and recognized legal adviser for many clients in the industry. I take particular pride in having worked closely together with the industry to obtain the changes in the regulation on driving and rest time, which were so essential for the industry. On a personal level, I am happy having been able to have a family and raise our wonderful children besides having a career.
What do you do differently from your peers in the industry?
I have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of my client’s business and situation for which reason I have a very good background for reaching the best possible solution to legal issues presented to me by clients.
I have drafted the Danish legal commentary to the CMR Convention, which gives me a very solid basis for advising on CMR matters including logistics and project cargo.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Do not worry so much – you will be able to become a trusted adviser within your field.
Can you give me a practical example of how you helped a client add value to the business?
I have advised a client on how to negotiate a balanced logistics contract which resulted in the client winning the contract because they could see possibilities where most of their competitors saw obstacles.
Within your sector, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for clients over the next 12 months?
Competition is still fierce. The upcoming new EU regulation on, amongst others, Cabotage is expected to create new challenges as it is essential for the transport companies to find hauliers and drivers to carry cargo within Europe.
Interviews
Thomas Rhyl, Attorney at Law, Partner
The Legal 500 Hall of Fame highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence.
Attorney at law and partner Thomas Ryhl talks about his successful work as a lawyer and predicts the biggest challenge for clients over the next year. What has been your greatest achievement, in a professional and personal capability?
To win all the cases I’ve litigated before the Court of Justice of the European Union – whether representing the EU Commission, global corporations, or private individuals – has been a welcome reward for the countless hours spent on specializing and keeping up to date in the dynamic field of EU law. Keeping ahead in a field where the finest lawyers from all of Europe compete requires a constant and dynamic interaction with both clients, scholars, and my own team, and to build such relationships has been very rewarding, in each and every case fought over the years. On a personal level, it has been a great pleasure to see pro bono work being rewarded with the Grand Chamber of the CJEU overturning Danish immigration law in 2016, reversing more than 12 years practice of illegally refusing children of migrant workers to live with their parents: All refusals have now been reversed, and the families reunited.
What do you do differently from your peers in the industry?
Although I have to delegate work to members of my team, I take pride in knowing and understanding every aspect of my clients’ business and situation, keeping in constant close touch. My clients are my friends, and quite a few of them have become personal friends as well. These close relationships constantly provides me with new insights and in-depth knowledge, making me well-prepared to deal with all kinds of legal problems, as a generalist and not just as an extremely focused specialist.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To have faith in the fact that dedication, solid expertise, and professionalism will win you the best clients in the longer run: Networks aren’t the only key to winning business. And to specialize early on in an area of law where you are not limited to a small jurisdiction like Denmark in your work as a lawyer: Mastering EU competition law, you can help clients all over Europe and the world.
Can you give me a practical example of how you helped a client add value to the business?
By limiting parallel imports of pharmaceuticals. Persuading the CJEU to overturn a judgment of the German Supreme Court and ruling against the EU Commission, I succeeded in reminding courts around Europe of the importance of protecting the rights of trademark owners, allowing original manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices to limit the detrimental re-packaging and re-branding of parallel imported products. The whole industry eagerly welcomed the 2016 judgment.
Within your sector, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for clients over the next 12 months?
To ensure that the competition authorities, as well as the regulatory bodies of the different Member States, do not become omnipotent, but are constantly reminded to respect the rule of law and the rights and privileges of undertakings. Aiming to please those currently in power, rather than to ensure a correct implementation of EU law, seems to be increasingly important to many enforcers in both the Nordics and around Europe.