BAHR‘s employment practice is a reference in the market for the reclassification of personnel from independent to employees, having acted on a Supreme Court case in 2024. The practice benefits from the strength of the firm’s corporate practice, enabling the employment team to act on M&A-related employment work, including employee management incentives. Practice co-head Tarjei Thorkildsen is turned to by trade and employers’ bodies, whereas Tor Olav Carlsen provides advice to international blue-chip companies on both domestic and cross-border employment and pensions issues. Margrethe Meder has extensive experience in advising on hiring, working time, and redundancies. Hannah Osberg Andresen acts on general employment law advice, court cases, and the treatment of employees during corporate transactions.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘BAHR’s employment team combines strong legal expertise with very practical advice. They understand the business context and give solutions that work in practice. We particularly value their ability to handle both complex strategic issues and day-to-day employment questions with the same level of care.’
‘What stood out most in working with Margrethe Meder was her calm, thoughtful, and highly supportive approach. From the outset, she demonstrated a clear understanding of the complexity of the situation — not just from a legal perspective, but also in terms of the people and emotions involved. That ability to balance legal precision with empathy is rare and incredibly valuable, particularly in sensitive employment matters.’
‘What sets this team apart is their ability to combine deep legal expertise with empathy and sound judgment. We sought their support during a sensitive HR matter, and their approach was both reassuring and highly effective. They understood the nuances of the situation immediately and guided us through it with clarity, discretion, and care.’
‘Margrete Meder is easy to trust, understand, and is a good listener. High performer with hard-working skills and has good suggestions for procedures and solutions. Strong collaboration skills.’
‘Margrethe Meder is undoubtedly the best employment lawyer in Norway. Her advice is always spot on - and focus on her clients' interests instead of writing long memos. She is brilliant and also very nice.’
‘The employment team is extremely competent - the best team in Norway. Furthermore, my clear experience is that Bahrs' team is more sufficient than other law firms, and they give clearer advice on the way forward.’

Key clients

Aker BP
Aker Group
CHC Helikopterservice
Equinor
Ikea
Mantena
Norwegian Airline
Offshore Norge
Reitan
Subsea 7
Sval Energi
The Employer’s Association Spekter

Work highlights

Providing litigation services and legal advice for 15+ years to Spekter, one of Norway's leading employers’ confederations. Latest this year for Sykehuset Østfold HF (hospital for the county of Østfold, as employer) regarding social benefits and court cases regarding important interpretation of collective bargaining agreements.

Representing several Aker Group companies and directors in a complex series of legal disputes relating to reimbursement claims and repayment of bonus in relation to a former CEO of a group company and a consultant.

Working with leading airline Norwegian since 2012, including in relation to changes to its corporate business model and restructuring exercises.

Lawyers

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