Dispute Resolution: Norway

This outstanding team includes several leading practitioners and is renowned for the quality of litigation and arbitration it provides. It is frequently instructed on commercial and criminal cases in both the public and private sectors. “We are hugely satisfied with the assistance we have received and can trust Hjort to handle our handle our most challenging and complex matters,” clients confirm. Recent highlights include representing the Oslo Stock Exchange in a noteworthy appeal case against Seadrill. The group has also represented StatoilHydro against the Norwegian state and ExxonMobil in a high-value compensation dispute. Else Bugge Fougner is appreciated for her skill in both criminal and civil matters. “She has the personality to handle big cases,” clients report. Frode Innjord is recommended by clients as “a no-nonsense lawyer with high integrity, a sharp ability to pinpoint the principal legal issues and a remarkably wide and thorough knowledge of his field.” Erik Keiserud is an esteemed litigator, well regarded by peers and clients alike. Halvard Leirvik also continues to maintain a strong reputation in this area.

This leading commercial outfit maintains a 15-strong team dedicated to contentious matters. It has a well-established market position and is frequently engaged on a range of litigation and arbitration cases. Its client base spans a wide range of industries, but mandates from the petroleum and media sectors have been particularly strong work streams of late. Tax, trade mark, compensation, construction and constitutional cases have all featured recently. Key clients include ExxonMobil, ABG Sundal Collier, BW Gas, Farstad Shipping and Ladbrokes. Cato Schiøtz regularly acts in high-profile cases and is noted for his expertise in white-collar crime and civil disputes. Ingvald Falch has a long-standing reputation as a high-quality practitioner in this field. Nils-Henrik Pettersson is applauded by interviewees for his skill in construction disputes and general business litigation. Vidar Strømme heads the firm’s litigation group and is recommended by sources for his “conscientious approach.”

The substantial disputes team at this full-service outfit continues to be distinguished by the quality of its service and expertise. “The firm has acted to our utmost satisfaction,” say clients. The practice includes contentious mandates from a wide range of business sectors and has recently included several major cases regarding structured products. Members of the team successfully represented Tine in a major dispute with the Competition Authority. The group also represented TV Vest and the Pensioners’ Party in a landmark freedom of expression case before the ECHR. Further clients include Norwegian Hull Club, Norwegian Cabin Attendants Union, Aftenbladet and Fokus Bank. Magnus Hellesylt is a distinguished litigator and comes warmly recommended by clients. Stephan Jervell is applauded by sources for the quality of his output. Anders Ryssdal is also renowned for his skill in contentious matters. Helge Svarva  is highly recommended for construction and oil and gas disputes in particular. Thomas Svensen is known for his distinctive litigation style and frequent appearance on high-profile mandates.

This full-service firm receives consistent praise for its well-established and talented disputes team. “The group takes a proactive approach and is very efficient. The lawyers often give me advice on developments relevant to my business before I am even aware of possible changes,” a client commented. A significant portion of the team’s instructions include an international element. It recently represented Telenor against IBM in a dispute concerning a breach of contract, and represented Scandinavian Airlines System in a significant commercial dispute with a competitor. Erik Samuelsen is the firm’s leading disputes practitioner and highly recommended as an arbitrator. Borgar Høgetveit Berg has a rising profile and is praised by clients as “both an excellent academic lawyer and a talented litigator.” Anders Pind is noted in particular for his skill in real estate and construction litigation. Carsten Riekeles is a well-established practitioner and has been especially visible acting in arbitration cases. Frode Elgesem recently joined the team. He “handles the case with a lot of attention and gives swift, precise and relevant replies to any request,” say clients.

Clients consistently praise this dedicated team: “The lawyers are very in tune with the latest developments both nationally and internationally, and very service-minded.” Others praised team members’ specialised expertise in contentious matters, spanning various industries. Key mandates include representing the Norwegian state against StatoilHydro and acting for ExxonMobil in a significant tax case. Jan Jansen is a leading figure within the practice and comes recommended for petroleum tax and insurance disputes in particular. Lars Holo earns consistent praise for his expertise in employment law and related litigation. Fred Gade has a rising profile and is noted by commentators for his knowledge and work in this area. Sources agree that Terje Granvang also remains a significant player.

This team is praised by clients for its “hard-working, analytical approach and high degree of professionalism.” As a full-service outfit, the firm is able to offer specific expertise on contentious matters spanning a wide range of industry sectors. Recent highlights include successfully litigating on behalf of the owners of the Reitan Group in a tax dispute before the Supreme Court. The group also represented Seadrill in a significant dispute. Gunnar Sørlie is lauded by clients for his “combination of commercial skill and technical understanding.” Helge Olav Bugge is highly recommended for his outstanding skill in tax disputes. Sam Harris is a dedicated litigator, warmly recommended by sources. Jan-Fredrik Rafen is a well-known insurance litigator, who maintains an impressive profile.

Clients are hugely satisfied with this firm’s excellent resources and strong cross-border capacity. “We dealt with experienced people who achieved impressive results for us,” they report. The group handles a broad spectrum of contentious matters, including competition, commercial, employment, construction, IP and maritime disputes. Its client list includes Orkla, Norwegian State Railways, Gjensidige Insurance, TGS Nopec and Transocean. Per Ristvedt “takes on difficult cases and succeeds in getting results,” say interviewees. They describe him as “highly energetic and aggressive when necessary.” Ola Haugen is recommended by sources as “a brilliant younger lawyer with outstanding capacity and dedication." Sven Eriksrud pleases clients with his “hands-on approach and depth of experience.” Morten Goller attracts attention with his skill in competition and state aid disputes in particular. Commentators agree on the high quality of his work. Dag Steinfeld is based in Bergen and noted for his “energetic litigation style.” Lars Christensen has impressed with his presence, acting on major commercial and construction disputes.

This outfit is consistently recommended as a strong choice for clients with construction disputes. The team is described as “both skilled and hard-working, with numerous impressive individuals.” Members of the group recently represented the City of Oslo in a real estate dispute before the Supreme Court. Lawyers also represented the Norwegian government in a Supreme Court tax case. Johan Fredrik Remmen maintains a strong reputation for his depth of experience in contentious matters. Harald Arnkvaern may be less visible than in previous years, but both his long-standing experience and high-quality output remain unquestioned. Helge Jakob Kolrud is a senior practitioner recommended for his expertise in arbitration. Rasmus Asbjørnsen has been very active in this area and has impressed commentators with his strength in disputes.

This disputes team works closely with the firm’s corporate and commercial group. It acts on a steady flow of commercial disputes as well as contentious matters relating to white-collar crime. It is engaged in both litigation and national and international arbitration. The lawyers represented a major Icelandic bank in a number of cases relating to the seizure of the bank’s property. It also represented Slumberger against ABG Sundal Collier in a high-value damages case. Senior partner Morten Steenstrup is recommended for his “energetic litigation and great legal expertise.” Bjørn Stordrange handles regulatory and white-collar crime litigation as well as commercial disputes. “He has an analytical approach and a strong understanding of the law,” say commentators.

This already substantial team has been boosted by a number of additions over the past year. Satisfied clients describe the lawyers as “smart and methodical, with good negotiation skills and the ability to find sensible solutions.” Construction disputes are a major feature of the practice. Members of the group successfully represented AF Entreprenør in a high-value dispute with Aibel. Further instructions include litigating on behalf of Veidekke against Trondheim Energiverk Fjernvarme. Christian Galtung is a “trusted and highly skilled general litigator.” Harald Kobbe is recommended for construction disputes.

This compact yet high-quality outfit is known for its popularity within the energy sector. Clients report receiving “excellent service at a reasonable price” and describe the team as “constructive, well prepared and able to provide practical solutions.” The firm has an impressive client base, including both domestic and international entities. StatoilHydro is among the firm’s key clients and regularly instructs the disputes team. Members of the group also represented Bilfinger Berger and Pihl on a number of cross-border contentious matters. Additional clients include Talisman Energy and Karmsund Maritime. Jens Brede is most visible acting on disputes within the oil and gas sector. Clients appreciate his “clear and objective advice.”

This diverse practice covers oil and gas, real estate, contract and IP disputes, among others. Satisfied clients praise the team’s “blend of commercial acumen and legal skill.” Highlights from the past year include instruction on a major tax litigation. Morten Søvik is an esteemed tax litigator.