Noted for its ‘combination of deep legal expertise, strategic thinking, and pragmatic approach to risk’, SANDS is well positioned to assist clients with the full cycle of procurement matters, ranging from design to management of disputes. Co-head Åshild Fløisand  is a key advisor on matters within the construction and technology sectors, as well as being active in contentious procurement matters before the civil courts and KOFA. Fellow co-head Kjersti Holum Karlstrøm is a name of note for procurement litigation, and acts in Supreme Court cases. Eirik Vikan Rise regularly handles injunctions and damages claims, while Lars Sørensen lends his broad knowledge to suppliers and contracting authorities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Kjersti Holum Karlstrøm has a deep knowledge of public procurement and effective communication skills. Her clear communication sets Kjersti apart and inspires confidence in every interaction.’
  • ‘Dedicated, exploratory, strategic and loyal. In addition, a very good knowledge of public procurement. Collaborate well with me as a client. In a legal context - knowledgeable and committed! Handle complex and challenging cases. Simply a very good follow-up!’
  • ‘Kjersti Holum Karlstrøm is an expert in her field and has impressed us with her knowledge, accessibility and professionalism. A trusted advisor in all inquiries related to public procurement.’
  • ‘Good team with high practical skills and competence.’
  • ‘We primarily work with Åshild Fløisand and Eirik Vikan Rise, and together they form what we would describe as our dream team within public procurement.’
  • ‘The team stands out as an exceptionally strong practice within public procurement. What makes them unique is their combination of deep legal expertise, strategic thinking, and pragmatic approach to risk. They provide clear, well-balanced advice with the right risk profile, enabling clients to make informed decisions with confidence.’

Key clients

  • Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet)
  • The Research Council of Norway (NorgesForskningsråd)
  • The Norwegian food research institute NOFIMA
  • Innovation Norway
  • Helse Stavanger HF (health trust)
  • Helse Bergen HF (health trust)
  • BIR AS
  • BIR Infrastruktur AS
  • BIR Ressurs AS
  • Perpetuum Miljø AS (part of the Perpetuum Group)

Work highlights

Represented Consto Anlegg Nord AS in a public procurement case before the Supreme Court of Norway.
Advising Helse Stavanger HF on all procurement and dispute resolution matters relating to the €1.2bn New Stavanger University Hospital.
Appointed by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence to the official committee drafting new national legislation for defence and security procurements.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

Åshild Fløisand; Kjersti Holum Karlstrøm

Other key lawyers

Eirik Vikan Rise; Lars Sørensen; Mia O. Mannsverk