Employment: Norway

Haavind's sizeable employment team numbers 14 lawyers and covers a wide range of employment matters. Clients highlight the group’s collegiate working approach as a real strength, with many mentioning its “high standards and good teamwork.” Its impressive roster of clients includes Tyco International, Telenor, Aker Solutions and SEB. The group also represents many large employers, including Helse and the Norwegian hospital group Sør-Øst. Head of the practice group Kjell Torkildsen is admitted to the Supreme Court and is renowned for his litigious experience. Pal Kvernaas has assisted large corporations in restructuring and pension matters. He is “a very energetic lawyer, good at negotiating and finding solutions,” say sources. Arvid Ødegård is admitted to the High Court and is commended for his litigation skills. Lars Kokkvold has extensive experience of transfer of undertakings and restructuring matters. He is often supported by senior associate Gaute Krokann. One source remarked: “We completely trust them, and that is essential for us when it comes to legal advice.” With a background of previous experience as a judge, Sten Foyn now works with a range of domestic and international clients who commend the service he delivers. "I have great confidence in him," one client remarked. Peers praise Harald Arnkvaern for “helping to build up knowledge and talent within the team.”

Widely regarded as one of the top firms for employment work, this outstanding team comprises some of the major names in the field. The employment and benefits department advises a broad range of public and private clients on day-to-day matters, restructurings, transactions, pensions and discrimination law. A star player in the field, Lars Holo is described as “truly outstanding” for his skills in the courtroom and his extremely wide knowledge of employment law. He has advised high-profile clients such as SAS Group and Orkla. Recent mandates include assisting Enova SF with a large case regarding working environment. Ingeborg Moen Borgerud maintains his reputation for delivering “top-class work” and knows the oil and gas industry intimately. He advised Hewlett-Packard on employment matters related to its global merger with EDS, along with Tron Dalheim. Dalheim is singled out as having strong practical sense and business acumen: “He's an excellent lawyer for constructive advice. He really stands out,” say sources. Dalheim has advised Norges Bank Investment Management, Maersk Drilling and Shell. Clients describe Knut-Marius Sture as “experienced, professional and productive.” His recent work includes advising Norwegian national newspapers Dagbladet and Aftenposten, as well as P4 Radio Hele Norge.

Wiersholm earns “deep respect” from peers for its experienced employment team and diverse portfolio of work. Clients are primarily corporate and public institutions, as well as an ever-increasing roster of international organisations. In the past year, legal assistance in connection with workforce reductions and reorganisations has formed a significant part of the group’s workload. In addition, the team has assisted with reorganising pension schemes and in presenting cases involving principled pension issues. Other highlight work includes negotiating and settling individual employment disputes at managerial level. The team wins high praise from sources describing the lawyers as adaptive, responsive and “a pleasure to work with.” A true standout player in the market, Jan Fougner has been described as “one of the best employment lawyers in Norway.” He successfully represented the employer organisation Spekter and Sykehuset Innlandet in a case before the Norwegian Supreme Court in May 2009. Sources commend Eli Aasheim for having “solid theoretical knowledge and good negotiation skills.” Marit Frogner is praised for her responsiveness and professional manner.

The credentials of this employment team are demonstrated by its wide-ranging client base and strong portfolio of work. The Norwegian Ministry of Labour & Social Inclusion engaged the firm to review the current Norwegian rules regarding non-compete restrictions for employees, and to assess the need for new legislation in this area. The lawyers advise on all aspects of employment law for clients such as StatoilHydro, Citroën Norge, Skanska and Oslo University. Head of practice Else Bugge Fougner is renowned in the Norwegian market for her experience in employment and litigation. Alex Borch is highly regarded by peers and has advised clients such as Imperial Tobacco Norway. Kristel Heyerdahl regularly advises Tyrilistiftelsen, one of Norway's largest private suppliers of healthcare services. Claude Lenth is commended for the service he delivers to clients: “He understands our culture and the way our company works. We really could not have managed without him.”

With offices in Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, Ålesund and Trondheim, this firm has a strong presence throughout Norway. The group continues to represent employers in the private and public sectors, but also advises senior employees on an individual basis. Sources commend the firm for “the level of service, quality advice and quick response from the lawyers.” Highlights from the past year include advising on the reorganisation of the construction group PEAB, the newspaper and media group A-Pressen, investment advisers Acta and the media group Egmont. The team provides day-to-day advice on a wide range of employment issues such as incentive schemes, pension arrangements, outsourcing and transfer of undertakings, as well as grievance procedures and dismissals. Trond Stang is rated highly by peers and clients alike. Sources commend his “ability to explain complicated matters in non-legal terms.” Trond is supported by senior associate Birgitte Stenberg Larsen, who makes her first appearance in the rankings. Clients are impressed with the lawyers' “business acumen, professionalism, short response times and quality of advice.”

The group at BA-HR advises many companies within the firm’s prestigious client base. Recent matters have included a considerable volume of complex restructurings and redundancies, often with cross-border elements. The firm acted for the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprises in a case against the governmental tariff board concerning collective wage agreements. The group also has considerable strength in pensions, and has acted for Shell in litigation against a number of its former managers with regards to the interpretation of their pension agreements. Tarjei Thorkildsen is well respected for his expertise. “He is one of the best – a very good lawyer who works hard to find practical solutions,” remarked one client. Thorkildsen handles domestic and cross-border employment and pension issues for blue-chip international companies.

This boutique firm specialises in employment law, especially for individual employees requiring personal legal assistance. The lawyers have assisted with several redundancy processes and transfers of undertakings, as well as matters involving harassment law and social law. The diverse range of clients include the car importer Bertel O Steen, shipowner Høegh Autoliners, IT company Software Innovation and the newspaper Dagens Næringsliv. The firm also represents managers and key employees who are made redundant. Kari Bergeius Andersen is praised by sources for her ability to provide practical advice. Arve Due Lund is highlighted for his experience o representing employees and for his ability to find effective solutions. Clients appreciate Nils Storeng's approach and experience. “I feel that he asks me the right questions and I am confident that he gives me good, sound advice as a result,” noted one.

This firm continues to develop its employment practice both in Oslo and at its very well-regarded Bergen office. The group handles all aspects of employment law, from the specialised fields of pensions and discrimination to larger-scale restructuring and redundancy work. Clients have been very impressed by the lawyers' responsiveness: “They are professional, fast and easy to reach. Their advice was extremely valuable.” Kristine Schei is commended for her thoroughness: “She pays attention to details and asks the questions that need to be asked.” Based in the Bergen office, Trond Hatland is described as “a star in his field. He has a very decisive manner when putting our case forward.” As well as being noted for his rapid responses, Håvard Sandnes is commended for his tactical advice: “He is clear about what needs to be done and works strategically to help us achieve our goal.”

This firm has a well-established presence in the employment field, largely due to the tremendous reputation of Jan Dege. He is awarded high praise from peers and clients alike. “He has been most impressive, diligent and efficient," noted a client. The firm handles a broad range of employment matters for both employers and employees. Sources are pleased with its direct approach: “The lawyers gave us clear advice and options, not pages of risk analysis.” Henning Heitmann is highlighted for his involvement in leading courses for clients and is respected by commentators for being “smart and business-oriented.”

This international firm continues to attract clients due to its expertise in both domestic and cross-border employment issues. The firm has advised clients in relation to downsizing, reorganising and handling bonus schemes. The global capabilities of the firm make it a “one-stop shop” for clients who need advice on subsidiaries across Europe and worldwide. One source remarked: “I trust them and they deliver.” The group has advised Oras, NCC Construction, Veidekke and Logica, among others. Per Benonisen is highly regarded for his work representing employers in cases regarding dismissals, providing advice on downsizing matters and negotiating profiled severance packages. Clients highlight his business acumen as well as his legal skills: "He is very good at finding solutions for our company and our employees.”

Føyen’s employment practice has gained substantial recognition in the market during the past year. The team advises companies both on a day-to-day basis and in strategic implementations of major processes. The group has been involved in a number of negotiations between chief executives and companies, with the aim of terminating their employment through settlements. It has also acted as adviser in the Tromsø Prison whistle-blowing case. The lawyers advise a wide variety of significant clients, including the Norwegian Police Federation, Kranor, BW Gas and ICT Norge. Clients have been extremely satisfied with the service: “The lawyers are practical, proactive and great value for money. They make our life easier.” Lars Skotvedt has impressed clients with his practical advice. Sources say: “He really understood our objectives and helped us find ways to do what we wanted to do." Clients are pleased with Preben Mo Fredriksen's responsiveness: “He delivers a quick turnaround and is always available.” Observers also view Nina Kroken as “an impressive opponent” who knows the law very well.

With a strong presence in west Norway as well as Oslo, this team provides advice and litigation services to public and private employers, individual employees and labour organisations on a full range of individual and collective employment law issues. Clients include many players relating to the oil and gas industry such as Transocean Offshore, ConocoPhillips, Petro-Canada, Wintershall and DONG Energy. The Bergen team continues to advise LO, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions. Stavanger-based Marianne Higson is praised for her ability to explain complex issues concisely. Head of department Marco Lilli continues to assist large public sector clients, including the Norwegian National Rail Administration and the Ullevål Hospital, and is commended for being “pragmatic, fast and analytical.”

The employment group at Selmer continues to grow in reputation. The group boasts a high-profile client list, including Xerox, Rolls-Royce Marine, Toshiba, Canon, Aberdeen Property Investors and Black & Decker. Sources are pleased with the service: “The lawyers respect the strict deadlines we set, which is crucial in an international project." Jeppe Normann brings 25 years of experience in the area of employment law, along with extensive experience in litigation and negotiations. Team head André Istad Johansen works with his team in representing Hafslund, Norway’s largest hydropower distributor, in an ongoing dispute with one of Norway’s largest pension insurance providers concerning premium obligations. Sources have been impressed with his hands-on approach: “He understands the business aspects of every case.”

The team at Wikborg Rein is focused on advising employers and business enterprises. It has been heavily involved in restructurings and mass redundancies of late. Other strengths include guidance on pensions arrangements and advising the firm’s corporate clients on transfer of undertakings. Heading the group from Oslo, Jan Backer has a wide breadth of experience in employment law. As well as acting for companies, he handles contracts, terminations and other questions relating to corporate management, and has expertise in pensions. Dag Steinfeld maintains his high-profile reputation for litigation work. Based in the Bergen office, he impresses clients in the region: “The way he works is fantastic. He is analytical and can go into the smallest details; he is always trying to find a solution.”

Grette’s growing employment team continues to serve new and existing clients with strategic advice and litigation services. The group’s clients include Bravida, Creuna, Mediaplanet, Cipax and Grønt Punkt Norge. Sources have been extremely pleased with the firm’s approach: “Its support and counsel have been invaluable.” A new addition to the rankings this year, Jens Kristian Johansen wins glowing praise from clients: “He has real substance, understands the context and is good at making deals with the opposition.” Johan Hveding has completed several reorganisations recently. Observers say: “He is very proactive – he explains where we stand and how we need to proceed.”

This practice group continues to develop its standing in the Norwegian market, with employment lawyers based in northern, central and western Norway. It has built a reputation for representing employers and has acted for both Helse Finnmark and Universitetssykehuset Nord-Norge. Recent work has included Supreme Court cases regarding termination of employees and the validity of dismissals, as well as advice on data protection. Clients commend the group’s service: “The lawyers are available and professional. They don’t just tell us what we like to hear – they inform us of the risks and options.” Sources report that Thomas Meinich in the Oslo office is a pleasure to work with. Tromsø-based Espen Johannessen is commended by observers for his "very good knowledge of the law and great ability to make the right strategic moves.”

With offices in Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger and Tromsø, Simonsen is well placed to serve clients across Norway. The team has recently assisted clients such as SATS Norge and Dell in relation to ongoing reorganisations. The group also advises major Norwegian health institutions and hospitals on a variety of employment law-related issues. Ongoing legal advice is delivered to the HR department at PwC, including on redundancies and drafting of contracts. Up-and-coming Lill Christin Egeland is highlighted by sources for her proactive style: “She is very knowledgeable and to the point. She gets things done.”