Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS‘s fishing and aquaculture department has recently seen an uptick in clients seeking assistance on regulatory matters within this space and on commercial agreements. The firm exhibits skill in transactions, among its comprehensive practice. Practice head Bjørn Sørgård has notable proficiency in regulatory mandates within the industry, ably assisting clients on cases against public authorities. Ida Espolin Johnson is engaged by commercial parties and trade associations in commercial and corporate matters. Christopher Grøvdal Rønbeck’s lends his regulatory background to clients, acting on administrative matters within this space. Jørgen Blix Nicolaysen joined from Kvale Advokatfirma DA in June 2025, strengthening the firm’s presence in Bodø.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Extensive knowledge about the regulatory framework of the industry. Good relations with the governmental bodies involved and the associations related to the industry.’
- ‘Bjørn Sørgård and Ida Espolin Johnson have tremendous experience within the field and have a varied approach to the different issues, giving value to the customers.’
- ‘The team have an extensive knowledge of the several Norwegian regulations related to seafood activities, fisheries, as well as aquaculture or onshore processing activities. There are few - if any - Norwegian law firms that have more knowledge on seafood-related regulations than Haavind.’
- ‘I would add the easy access and availability for lawyers, such as Bjørn Sørgård and Ida Espolin-Johnson. They are there when you need them - on very short notice.’
- ‘Haavind’s fishing and aquaculture team stands out through its deep industry knowledge, professionalism, and strong client engagement. They combine solid legal expertise with a genuine understanding of the biological, operational, and commercial aspects of aquaculture.’
- ‘Ida Espolin Johnson stands out as an exceptional adviser. She combines deep legal competence with an impressive ability to understand both the technical and strategic dimensions of aquaculture.’
Key clients
- The Norwegian Seafood Federation
- Nordlaks Havbruk AS
- Nova Sea Havbruk AS
- Wilsgård Fiskeoppdrett AS
- Sporbarhet AS
- Jarle Bergs Sønner AS
- STIM AS
- Gildeskål Forskningsstasjon AS
- Benchmark Genetics Norway AS
- Norcod AS
- Skår og Østervold Invest AS
- Blom Fiskeoppdrett AS
Work highlights
Advised Norcod AS on a NOK 175 million capital raise consisting of a NOK 170 million private placement.
Assisting fishing company Kransvik Kystfiske in an administrative complaint concerning the withdrawal of licenses for the catch of snow crab.
Advising a group of shareholders in a contentious dispute about control over a fishing company.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Christopher Grøvdal Rønbeck
Practice head
Bjørn Sørgård
Other key lawyers
Ida Espolin Johnson; Christopher Grøvdal Rønbeck; Jørgen Blix Nicolaysen; Knut Inge Engelbreth; Waleed Ahmed