Energy: Electricity: Norway

THE FIRM This full-service firm is acclaimed for its work in the electricity sector and is strong in transactions, regulatory work and litigation. The large team possesses a wealth of industry knowledge and acts for energy companies on a range of high-profile mandates. Much of its work involves hydropower, wind power, licensing and other issues relating to the Norwegian power grid companies.

Sources say: "One of the leaders in electricity law, without a doubt. It is involved in all the biggest transactions and does a lot of day-to-day work in the industry."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Very practical and knowledgeable," Jens Naas-Bibow is acclaimed for his work on the regulation of grid network companies. His notable recent mandates include representing NorGer in its plans to build a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power cable between Norway and Germany. Gunnar Martinsen is "extremely commercial" and widely acknowledged as one of the leading names in the field. Peers confirm that he is "a very skilled lawyer who is strong on transactions and also known for his regulatory experience," whilst clients report that "he has excellent knowledge of licences and how the government regulates our industry." "Very talented" younger lawyer Bendik Christoffersen is often seen on transactional electricity matters and also has strong knowledge of tax in the sector. He has acted on several noteworthy deals of late, including representing Energy Norway in a substantial court case regarding the taxation of power lines used in hydropower production. Sources hail long-experienced and highly respected Erik Samuelsen as "the grand old man of the electricity sector."

THE FIRM The electricity practice at this prestigious firm is positioned at the forefront of the market. It receives particular mention for its prowess in transactions, and also has robust regulatory capabilities. Clients range from domestic and international power generators to traders and market operators. Key mandates include advising Statnett on all contractual and regulatory issues relating to its projects for five new interconnectors.

Sources say: "Especially strong on transactions in the electricity field." "A big name in this sector."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources highlight team head Inge Ekker Bartnes for his prowess on transactions in the electricity sector, stating that "he is highly active for key clients" and "is very knowledgeable on the hydropower side." Helge Svarva has been a leading figure in the energy world for many years, and continues to receive widespread praise for his skills as a litigator in the field. Younger lawyer Odd-Harald Berg Wasenden is an increasingly prominent name in this area. He has a doctorate in energy and derivatives law, and is "excellent on transactions and the financial side of electricity deals," say peers. He represented Hafslund in the NOK1.5 billion divestment of Hafslund Fibernett.

THE FIRM This team receives particular praise for its regulatory work in the electricity sector, and also has a solid flow of transactional activity. Most of its work is domestic and relates to the wind and hydropower sectors. It regularly advises municipalities, counties hosting power production facilities, and leading power production and grid companies. Key clients include Otra Kraft and Energi Norge.

Sources say: "A brilliant team – we always recommend it to other energy companies." "Traditionally strong in this area."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources recognise group head Johan Fredrik Remmen as an active and well-respected figure in the electricity world. Peers highlight his litigation work. "Excellent, very commercial lawyer" Håkon Bleken is often seen representing municipalities and landowners. He recently assisted Yara International with issues relating to tax and the new Green Certificate scheme. Clients say that he "is direct, clever and pleasant to work with, and has an excellent strategic brain." According to peers, younger lawyer Aksel Tannum is "one to watch – he definitely has lots of potential." He receives glowing praise from clients, who appreciate that "he delivers according to his promises, communicates well, and is very available and easy to work with." Tannum's background at the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy means that he has strong regulatory knowledge and a good relationship with the relevant authorities.

THE FIRM This specialist boutique is renowned for representing various municipalities and landowners in renewable energy, environment and natural resources matters, and is praised for its litigation and regulatory work in these areas. It recently represented eight Norwegian municipalities against Terra Securities, and is the permanent secretariat for The National Association of Hydropower Producing Municipalities and Kommunekraft.

Sources say: "Brilliant at representing municipalities." "The lawyers know this industry extremely well and are great communicators."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stein Erik Stinessen has an outstanding reputation for advising municipalities on regulatory matters in the electricity sector. Peers acknowledge that he is "a great strategist and an extremely good lawyer." Caroline Lund is also well reputed for her long experience and skill at providing municipalities with regulatory counsel.

THE FIRM This large and well-regarded team is best known for its transactional advice, and is also praised for its litigation work. Recent mandates include acting for Nordkraft in litigation with minority shareholders following the acquisition of Fjellkraft, and assisting Aker Clean Carbon with the development and protection of its carbon capture technology.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources applaud "very commercially minded" Rune Svoren for his performance on electricity-related transactions. "Clever, extremely good lawyer" Helge Olav Bugge wins praise for his prowess in regulatory, litigation and tax-related matters in the electricity sector.

THE FIRM This talented team maintains its strength on transactions in the electricity sector, acting on sizeable mandates for high-profile names such as Hafslund Nett and Varangerkraft. Recent instructions include acting for Hamar Energi on the renegotiation of the shareholders agreement for Eidsiva Energi.

Sources say: "Very service-minded and modest, works extremely hard, and combines legal advice with commercial advice." "It is well connected and pushed the negotiations forward brilliantly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers acknowledge Sverre Tysland as a "very well-respected" name for transactional energy work. Clients say that Roy Slettvold has "strong knowledge of the Norwegian power sector, valuable contacts, and an excellent reputation in the field," whilst peers mention that he is "charming, pragmatic and easy to negotiate with."

THE FIRM This firm is best known for its robust transactional practice in the electricity sector, and also handles regulatory work. Due to the firm's overseas network, the team is particularly strong on international matters. Clients include several municipalities and large energy companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Jon Rabben focuses on transactional work in the electricity sector. Peers highlight his strong knowledge of hydropower. Jarle Erik Sandvik wins praise for his regulatory work in the electricity sector. He also handles oil and gas matters.