Praised by clients as ‘highly competent and professional’, the EU and competition team at Advokatfirmaet Schjødt stands out for its cross-border capabilities and strength in the natural resources and energy sectors. Johanne Førde heads up the practice and specialises in EEA law, while Olav Kolstad heads the competition sub-practice and is a key name for complex mergers and regulatory compliance, with particular strength in the oil and gas industry. The group also includes experienced litigator Thomas Nordby and Elsa Brandt Stensrud, who advises local and international companies on competition and state aid issues. Jans Kristoffer Høiland joined the group in January 2024 from the Norwegian Competition Authority.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is well aligned, which gives the experience that as a client I am not that dependent on speaking to the specific individual.’
‘Olav Kolstad and Elsa Brandt Stensrud are both excellent advisers. They can give "to the point" advice, combining the theoretical with an operational and commercial mindset.’
‘The time they put in to understand the profession I work in, to understand every detail to make the perfect arguments to win was exceptional. I felt we worked as a team, not two different companies. Perfect collaboration.’
‘I worked a lot with Elsa B. Stensrud and Line Fagermo and they both were doing a brilliant job. Also had the pleasure to see Olav Kolstad "in action" when he presented our case.’
‘Good professional knowledge and practical understanding.’
‘Personal follow up. Quick responses to any question. Practical and commercial understanding of our company's challenges in respect of the restrictions of EU and competition law.’
‘Highly competent and professional team.’
‘In-depth knowledge about both law and corporate practice giving manageable and practical advice.’
Key clients
- Harbour Energy Norge AS
- Cappelen Damm AS
- Mowi ASA
- Orkla ASA
- Ringnes AS
- SalMar ASA
- Schlumberger Limited (SLB)
- TGS ASA
- TietoEVRY Oyj
- Vår Energi ASA
Work highlights
Advised Harbour Energy Norge AS on its $11.2bn acquisition of Wintershall DEA’s upstream assets from BASF and LetterOne.
Advised Nordea Bank Abp on its NOK1bn acquisition of Danske Bank's Norwegian personal and private banking business, managing Phase II approval by the Norwegian Competition Authority.
Acted for Cappelen Damm ASA in overturning a NOK545m fine by the Norwegian Competition Authority.
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 associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Johanne Førde; Olav Kolstad
Other key lawyers
Thomas Nordby; Elsa Brandt Stensrud; Jans Kristoffer Høiland; Line Fagermo; Ingeborg Øverås; Morten Henriksen