Regularly working alongside colleagues in London, Singapore and China, Wikborg Rein is sought after for cross-border disputes, and particularly noted for its activity in international arbitration. The practice group is co-led by experienced partners Ola Nisja, who specialises in complex construction project and contractual disputes, and Marie Nesvik, who focuses on commercial arbitration and litigation with a cross-border nexus. Kaare Andreas Shetelig is a name to note for litigation and arbitration cases spanning post-M&A, transfer pricing and public sector disputes. Ola Haugen is another key name, with thirty years of experience representing clients in litigation and arbitration. Jørgen Vangsnes has demonstrable experience in international arbitration, particularly relating to energy and commodities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Kaare Andreas Shetelig is at the top of the market and exceptionally easy to work with despite his high profile.’
- ‘This has been a consistently excellent professional experience, marked by exceptional legal quality, strategic insight, and genuine collaboration. The firm is not only highly skilled in the conduct of complex, high-value disputes, but also understands the regulatory and commercial realities underpinning such matters.’
- ‘Kaare Andreas Shetelig and Peder Alvik Sanengen both worked diligently and efficiently with great legal authority to reach a settlement arrangement favorable to alternative litigation with its inherent uncertainties and costly procedures.’
- ‘Our favourite firm in the Nordics. Exceptionally experienced in energy disputes and international arbitration in general. Impressive advocacy.’
- 'Aadne Haga has amazing technical skills and is extremely efficient.’
- ‘Jørgen Vangsnes - highly intelligent, combined with outstanding communication skills. Ability to explain complex matters in a simple and understandable way. Stellar knowledge of Norwegian legislation for legal proceedings.’
Key clients
- Naftogaz of Ukraine
- Volvo/Renault
- Telenor ASA
- Norwegian Ministry of Defence / the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency
- Seadrill
- Petoro AS
- Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge
- Petter Stordalen
- MAN Energy Solutions SE
- Lunar Bank A/S
Work highlights
Successfully acted as lead counsel for Naftogaz in a $1.37bn ICC arbitration against Gazprom concerning payment for rendered services of organising natural gas transportation through the territory of Ukraine.
Acting as counsel for Petoro AS, who manages the Norwegian State holdings in oil and gas fields on the Norwegian continental shelf, in a case regarding the size of the share in the Visund field, with an amount in dispute well over NOK 1bn.
Acting as counsel for the Norwegian Government in proceedings against NHIndustries (Airbus, Leonardo, Fokker) concerning termination for default of a contract for 14 NH90 military helicopters due to delivery delays and other non-compliances.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading Partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Ola Nisja
Kaare Andreas Shetelig
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Ola Nisja; Marie Nesvik
Other key lawyers
Kaare Andreas Shetelig; Ola Haugen; Jørgen Vangsnes; Aadne Haga; Peder Alvik Sanengen; Haakon Bingen; Anne-Karin Nesdam; Ane Vilnes