Bech-Bruun’s employment practice group remains one of the strongest in the domestic market, offering expertise across management restructuring, remuneration policies, including share-based incentive schemes, litigation, mass redundancies, outside counsel investigations, trade secrets infringements and collective bargaining agreements. The group also holds a particular specialism in public sector employment law matters, including the defence of public servants. Practice leader Lise Lauridsen is highly regarded for advising domestic and international companies in relation to reorganisations, protection of trade secrets, outside counsel investigations, whistleblower schemes, hiring and termination of executive-level employees, among others. Of counsel and labour law specialist Morten Ulrich chiefly works with employers, with his practice covering both private and public sector labour matters, as well as pension funds. Sandro Ratkovic is a key contact for cross-border employment matters including protection of trade secrets, business immigration, incentive schemes and collective dismissals.
Employment in Denmark
Bech-Bruun
Other key lawyers:
Morten Ulrich; Sandro Ratkovic
Testimonials
‘Sandro Ratkovic is outstanding as a strategic legal adviser. He is clearly one of the best in Denmark in employment law and he has a unique talent for providing business focused legal advise in a clear and timely manner.’
‘Morten Ulrich is an expect in his field. He has great experience and is an excellent litigator, with an overview of all the details of a case and superb judgment.’
‘Bech-Bruun is unique because it is a highly professional and modern law firm. Due to the size and the technical resources of the Bech Bruun, the firm is able to provide specialist knowledge from all areas of law – we therefore feel that we are in very safe hands with our collaboration.’
‘We highly recommend Lise Lauridsen with whom we have a long-standing relationship. We have used the brilliant services of Lise for several years and appreciate her highly qualified expertise, her efficiency and her dedication to our company.’
‘Bech-Bruun’s employment law practice delivers their assistance with an attention to detail while keeping the eye on the ball and with an uncompromising understanding of the need for practical and pragmatic use of their advice. The advice is delivered with the appropriate sense of urgency and an in-depth knowledge of the legal details across the entire team that gives confidence that you always receive the best advice.’
‘Sandro Ratkovic’s practical experience and wide knowledge of both national and international employment law in combination with being forthcoming and readily available to meet our needs is not often found. His advice is direct and to the point and gives an impression that no stones are left unturned.’
‘Morten Ulrich has lots of experience and knowledge. Very good at building up the defence, and processing in court.’
‘Lise Lauridsen is the top employment lawyer in Denmark. She is extremely knowledgeable and has a very practical touch, making her expert advice and support invaluable to clients. Sandro Ratkovic is a great lawyer, always available, providing invaluable support at all times.’
Key clients
Finansforbundet (the Danish Financial Services Union)
Tandlægeforeningen (the Danish Dental Association)
DoorDash, Inc.
ActivumSG Capital Management Ltd.
Copenhagen Municipality
Region Zealand (Region Sjælland)
Bruun Rasmussen
Blast
LÆGERNES PENSION
A.P. Moller Holding
The municipality of Helsingør
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Lønmodtagernes Garantifond
Region Nordjylland
The Royal Danish Household
Work highlights
- Represented A.P. Moller Holding, the parent company of the A.P. Moller Group, with its acquisition of Maersk Supply Service, a leading provider of global marine services and project solutions to the energy sector.
- Conducted an outside counsel investigation for Helsingør Kommune with the purpose of investigating the lord mayor’s behaviour towards a number of employees in the municipality’s whistleblower team.
- Assisted Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) with the acquisition of a major Danish biogas project, expected to be one of the largest plants in Europe, from Anaergia. Anaergia originally acquired and began construction on the Tønder project in late 2021 and injected the facility’s first biomethane into Danish pipelines in November 2022.
Gorrissen Federspiel
Conduction of internal investigations, split work arrangements, and compensation schemes are among the core specialisms of Gorrissen Federspiel’s dedicated labour and employment law practice, who work on behalf of a domestic and international client portfolio that includes LEGO, Maersk, B&O and ISS. ‘Excellent litigator’ and department head Jacob Sand is well-known in the Danish market for his expertise on collective labour law, EU law, litigation concerning the unions’ right to initiate industrial actions, and posting of workers to Denmark. Rasmus Høj Christensen is praised as ‘excellent at employment law’, with a strong track record for advising on the employment aspects of complex M&A transactions, outsourcing and restructuring.
Practice head(s):
Jacob Sand
Other key lawyers:
Rasmus Høj Christensen; Ditte Grundtvig Larsen
Testimonials
‘The team is amazingly responsive. It is efficient and regardless of the time difference, there is an answer within hours.’
‘Jacob Sand is just amazing. He knows what he is talking about. Ditte Grundtvig Larsen is very good too; smart, responsive and efficient.’
‘Ditte Grundtvig Larsen is unique as she always delivers practical advice of a high-value and never shies away from challenging the client. She is very experienced within internal investigations and whistle-blower cases.’
‘Jacob Sand has in-depth knowledge of EU law and is second to none in Denmark in this field.’
‘The team is one of the best in Denmark. They provide pragmatic and legally sound solutions.’
‘I consider Jacob Sand to be an excellent litigator. He is extremely responsive and has a knowledge of EU law that is second to none in Denmark.’
‘Ditte Grundtvig Larsen is excellent, especially in outsourcing matters and TUPE-related aspects of this. Ditte is also strong in incentive schemes and has a general knowledge of employment law that is extremely high.’
‘Rasmus Høj Christensen is excellent at employment law. I appreciate his deep knowledge and business-orientated and people-focused advise.’
Key clients
LEGO
Philip Morris International
Maersk Group
Chr. Hansen
Nordea Group
Salling Group
Intact Financial Corporation
ISS Group
Hafnia Limited
Demant
Royal Arctic Line A/S
Green Power Denmark
Grundfos
Work highlights
- Advised Denmark-based global bioscience company Chr. Hansen Holding A/S on all employment aspects in connection with its USD 25 billion merger with Denmark-based biosolutions company Novozymes A/S.
- Advised Danish offshore drilling operator Maersk Drilling on all employment aspects in relation to its EUR 3.8 billion merger with US-based offshore drilling contractor Noble Corporation.
- Assisted the Nordic region’s largest financial group, Nordea, with employment related advice in connection with its EUR 270 million acquisition of Danish life and pension company TopDanmark Life from Topdanmark Forsikring A/S.
Kromann Reumert
Kromann Reumert’s employment practice group is known for its ‘unique combination of extremely skilled individuals and great collaboration’, and handles the entire gamut of employment issues, with demonstrable strength when it comes to restructurings and the setting up of schemes and policies under the Whistleblower Act, as well as incentive and retention structures. Practice head Marianne Granhøj is vastly experienced advising financial-sector clients on regulatory matters and collective agreements, and possesses a wealth of knowledge of the rules governing listed companies. Experienced litigator Jens Lund Mosbek’s specialist expertise includes includes equity-based pay, pension schemes, managers’ legal rights, and the special regulation of public employers. Claus Juel Hansen tries cases before civil courts and arbitration tribunals regarding complex employment issues, directors and officers liability and professional liability, among others.
Practice head(s):
Marianne Granhøj
Other key lawyers:
Jens Lund Mosbek; Maria Bekke Eiersted; Claus Juel Hansen
Testimonials
‘Brilliant people skills which enables them to provide advice not only based on legal considerations. This is crucial when working with employment and labour law. They work structured and are always well prepared. Great competences in relation to internal investigations, employment law disputes, and incentive schemes.’
‘Very good accessibility and willingness to take on adjacent tasks beyond the legal contribution in a delicate matter.’
‘Marianne Granhøj assisted in a labour dispute and performed to the highest level.’
‘Jens Lund Mosbek has unrivalled legal knowledge in his area of expertise.’
‘Marianne Granhøj is an excellent attorney with an extraordinary good feeling of what is needed from a legal and commercial point of view.’
‘Kromann Reumert’s employment practice is a unique combination of extremely skilled individuals and great collaboration.’
‘Marianne Granhøj has been an immeasurable partner in all our disputes.’
‘Jens Lund Mosbek is absolutely brilliant. He is always well-prepared. Steady hands and strong authority when talking and arguing. He is second-to-none in contentious employment matters.’
Key clients
Ørsted
FLS
Bestseller
Danmarks Nationalbank (the Danish Central Bank)
Danish Confederation of Trade Unions (FH)
Jensens Bøfhus A/S
Nordea
Danske Bank
Tryg
Videnskabernes Selskab (Royal Academy of Sciences)
LEO Pharma
Pandora
P+ Pension
Karnov Group
Implement Consulting Group P/S
Kosan Gas A/S / UGI Corporation
Novo Holdings A/S
William Cook Europe ApS
Gorillas
Altor
Rambøll
LEGO Foundation
Catacap
Work highlights
- Led on a high-profile employment law investigation. Following mandate from the confederation of Trade Unions (FH), the firm carried out the investigation against the former female Chair of FH who through extensive media coverage was accused of inappropriate conduct.
- Appointed by the Danish Ministry of Justice in the Commission on the Inquiry regarding SKAT (the Danish tax authorities). Prepared and conducted public hearings of 162 witnesses, including 17 former Danish Ministers and Prime Ministers.
- Assisted Nuuday A/S in all employment related aspects related to the outsourcing of application development services and application maintenance services for its legacy system.
Labora Legal
Boutique employment law firm Labora Legal are praised for having ‘honed their skills and knowledge in this niche area, making them experts in the field’ whilst clients highlight ‘their deep understanding of employment regulations, case precedents and emerging trends’. The group advises companies of all sizes, from up-and-coming enterprises to large corporations, on HR operations, re-hiring processes, and the posting of temporary workforces. Tina Reissmann has over 30 years’ experience in the arena and is particularly well-experienced when it comes to reorganisations and collective dismissals, negotiation of collective agreements, harmonisation of employment terms and conditions as well as employment condition issues. Litigator Jeppe Høyer Jørgensen is an expert on TUPE issues, while Signe Renée West is a key contact for matters concerning daily operations of HR and employment law, as well as collective employment law.
Practice head(s):
Tina Reissmann; Jeppe Høyer Jørgensen; Signe Renée West
Testimonials
‘Labora Legal practice is distinguished by its unwavering focus on employee law. They have honed their skills and knowledge in this niche area, making them experts in the field. Their deep understanding of employment regulations, case precedents, and emerging trends is invaluable.
‘Jeppe Høyer Jørgensen, the lawyer I have had the pleasure of working with in the field of employee law, truly stands out among his competitors.
‘Jeppe Høyer Jørgensen is a strategic thinker. He approaches each case with a well-thought-out plan and adapts his strategies as necessary to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients. This ability to anticipate challenges and navigate legal complexities is a key differentiator. ’
‘Tina Reissmann is very effective and pragmatic, so the legal advice is given while taking the commercial aspects into consideration. That knowledge and talent is very useful and makes it easier to implement the decisions in the business. She understands the the mechanisms within her clients companies.’
‘High understanding of my position and issues, and thus delivering haute-couture solutions of very high quality.’
‘Labora Legal has in-depth and highly detailed knowledge of Danish employment law and practices across different sectors, company sizes and regions.’
‘Signe Renée West always responds immediately to any urgent matter even outside office hours.’
‘Signe Renée West is proactive, provides great advice, is professional and has broad knowledge.’
Key clients
PA Consulting
NCC Group
Euro Accident
Bonnier Publication
Banijay
Colgate
Lockton Brokers
Leapwork
Carl Zeiss
Jobindex
Kelsen Group/Fine Bisquit Group
FORCE Technology
Nuskin
Dansk Dyrlægeforening (The Danish Association of Veterinarians)
Bruun Rasmussen Kunstauktioner (Bonham)
Acne Studios
BMC Software A/S
Copenhagen Medical A/S
Copenhagen Global A/S
Forælder Fonden
Globetrotter Hotel A/S
Green Hydrogen Systems A/S
Ineos E&P A/S
Louis Nielsen (Specsavers)
Newsec Property Asset Management A/S
Nopa Nordic A/S
PlanBørnefonden (Plan International)
Servicefirmaet Renell A/S
Swarco Denmark A/S
Uneeg Medical A/S
Vitabalans
Ambu
Viaplay Group A/S / Viaplay Sports
Teva
Checkout
Work highlights
- Assisted Copenhagen Medical in its establishment of Denmark’s largest private covid-19 testing facility, taking the company from a few employees to 8000 employees, restructuring the firm throughout the corona-crisis.
- Acting as legal counsel for the temporary working agency, Adecco, in the largest labor law dispute in Denmark in recent years involving app. 1,000 temporary workers on the Copenhagen Metro.
- Assisted the British company, the NCC Group on a highly successful mass-dismissal and restructuring process in the spring of 2023, which left only a handful of employees in the Danish branch.
Norrbom Vinding
Boutique labour and employment law firm Norrbom Vinding focuses exclusively on management-side mandates, with core specialisms of the team including litigation, advice on industrial relations, discrimination claims, bonus and incentives, post-termination restrictions, pensions, tax and social security, data protection and occupational health and safety, among many others. Managing partner Christian K. Clasen heads up the team and is a key contact for all things pertaining to with a special focus on industrial relations, collective bargaining, strategic conflict management, collective redundancy processes, transfer of undertakings and sports law. Highly experienced litigator Jørgen Vinding routinely assists clients operating in the public or semi-public sectors, advising on all aspects of labour and employment law in the process. Yvonne Frederiksen comes highly recommended for her ‘deep knowledge of labour law’ and as an ‘exceptional adviser in her field’ of discrimination law.
Practice head(s):
Christian K. Clasen
Other key lawyers:
Jørgen Vinding; Yvonne Frederiksen; Torben Mølgaard Hededal; Søren Skjerbek; Rasmus Linding; Sara Baldus
Testimonials
‘Norrbom Vinding is highly specialised in labour law. They understand your business and give solid advice in a way the clients can understand.’
‘Yvonne Frederiksen stands out as an excellent lawyer, and I can only give her my highest recommendations. She has a deep knowledge of labour law and is an exceptional adviser in her field. She is my most trusted sparring partner in cases concerning labour law.’
‘The team is composed of very knowledgeable lawyers, who are experts in their fields. They have a good and technical knowledge, which they combine with a good understanding of the business in order to offer practical solutions.’
‘Yvonne Frederiksen is the expert in Europe in discrimination and equality law. Torben Mølgaard Hededal is very strong on compensation and benefits.’
‘Yvonne Frederiksen and Torben Mølgaard Hededal do not only provide excellent advice, but also with a practical approach.’
‘Søren Skjerbek is a valued partner for discussions related to collective agreements and general employment law.’
‘Leading specialists on employment law matters.’
‘Yvonne Frederiksen, Torben Mølgaard Hededal and Christian K. Clasen are competent lawyers and advisers in employment law.’
Key clients
SAS Group
Local Government Denmark (KL)
Danish Railways (DSB)
Nordea Group
JP/Politikens Hus A/S
Leo Pharma A/S
TV 2 Danmark A/S
Nykredit Realkredit A/S
Coop Danmark A/S
Ramboll Group
Work highlights
- Advised the SAS Group in a group action involving a claim for back-payment of pension supplement amounting to hundreds of millions of Danish kroner
- Conducted an external legal investigation for the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) on possible offensive behaviour in the Danish National Girls’ Choir (DR Pigekoret).
- Advised Air Greenland on various employment law issues and represented them in several collective bargaining processes, including lengthy negotiations in the Danish Conciliation Board.
Accura Advokatpartnerselskab
Accura Advokatpartnerselskab is extremely experienced at advising on the HR and employment law aspects of large M&A transactions, but also advises across the entire gamut of employment law issues, with the team receiving praise as ‘very professional’ and delivering ‘high quality solutions and advice within a short period of time’. The ‘responsive, commercial and technically excellent’ Morten Langer has over 30 years' experience representing businesses in the private labour market. Langer co-leads the practice group with Nicolai Hesgaard, who handles employment agreements, terminations and bonus and share based incentive schemes on behalf of both domestic and multi-national corporations, as well as private equity funds and senior executives. At associate level, Sebastian Alexander Buchwald advises on TUPE, consultation obligations and incentive schemes.
Practice head(s):
Morten Langer; Nicolai Hesgaard
Other key lawyers:
Sebastian Alexander Buchwald
Testimonials
‘Accura is a trusted adviser. We are very satisfied with their services, deliveries and capability to understand and support us.’
‘The employees at Accura are very professional and can deliver high quality solutions and advice within a short period of time. They walk an extra mile to understand the issue being addressed and have a collaborative culture and mind-set.’
‘Morten Langer is responsive, commercial and technically excellent.’
‘Accura has a great understanding of the business and they are always available for legal assistance and discussions. They deliver input of great quality quickly and make sure to “cut to the chase” and provide necessary information.’
‘Nicolai Hesgaard provides legal advice of great quality and he understands our need to receive solid legal advice that still reflects the reality of our everyday business. He makes himself available when needed.’
‘Responsive, commercial and technically excellent.’
‘Excellent accessibility, subject matter expertise, straight talk and consideration for cost-benefit.’
‘Morten Langer is pragmatic, solution-focused and very experienced. His team is easy to work with and always replies and delivers quickly.’
Key clients
Genmab
Biogen
Hapaq-Llyod
SSP Group
Weibel Scientific
GN
Helly Hansen
ABB
Lundbeck
Ferring
Ipsos
BGC Partners
Ældresagen
Radiometer (Danaher)
Azolver
Vækstfonden
PKA Ejendomme
MSD
Rema1000
HelloFresh
Work highlights
- Assisting Rema 1000 in the take-over of the majority of Aldi’s business in Denmark, including 1,000 employees.
- Securing a win for Top-Toy (under bankruptcy) before the Supreme Court regarding the enforceability of a retention bonus.
- Assisted PE fund FSN on the employment aspects of the acquisition of eleven technical installation companies to form the new group IntallatørGruppen.
Bruun & Hjejle
Bruun & Hjejle’s employment team has a robust track record in the labour and employment sphere, advising across the entire range of matters in the area whilst also working as an integrated part of the firm’s offering on M&A, IPO and real estate transactions as well as high-profiled investigation, construction, and litigation matters. Elise Ross-Hansen and Flemming Strømme Martinussen jointly head up the practice. Ross-Hansen is a go-to name for all things relating to incentive schemes, co-investment, business transfers, restructuring and rationalisations, as well as financial sector regulation in relation to employees. Martinussen is frequently engaged on labour and collective bargaining issues, as well as dispute resolution, and is praised for his ‘very deep legal knowledge within labour law’.
Practice head(s):
Elise Ross-Hansen; Flemming Strømme Martinussen
Testimonials
‘What sets Flemming Strømme Martinussen apart is not only his legal acumen but also his unwavering commitment to successful outcome. Flemming Strømme Martinussen has gone above and beyond.’
‘I have worked with B&H on HR law matters. They have a small but very committed team. Their advice is practical and easy to use.’
‘Flemming Strømme Martinussen is one of a few Danish employment lawyers who are able to provide qualified counselling in Danish collective labour law, particularly in connection with mergers and acquisitions.’
‘Elise Ross-Hansen has a good approach and combines the law and business perspectives well. I feel safe in her hands. She has been a great support in multiple matters.’
‘Flemming Strømme Martinussen has very deep legal knowledge within labour law and strong experience within collective labour law matters and union relations.’
‘Extremely service-oriented, competent, always available and fast turnaround.’
‘Flemming Strømme Martinussen is my trusted adviser. His high standards and thoroughness ensures quality of work every time. He also understands our approach to working and adapts the legal advise to our settings, ensuring we do enough and a bit more than needed but not way much more than necessary.’
Key clients
Danske Bank A/S
Goldman Sachs
Analog Devices
Igneo Infrastructure Partners
Ring International Holding
Treville
Ingka Investments Ventures Europe B.V.
Kerry Group
Man Capital LLP (Mansour Group)
Peakon (now Workday)
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP)
Amgen
NREP
Nets Group
AIP management
Danske Shoppingcentre, owned by ATP and Danica Pension
A.P. Moller Holding
Salini Impregilo S.p.A./Copenhagen Metro Team (CMT)
Waterland Private Equity
Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP)
Better Collective
G.S.V. Materieludlejning
Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S
Nordcloud (IBM)
Storebrand Asset Management A/S
Roku Inc.
Karnov Group
Storstroem Bridge Joint Venture
ServiceNow
Axcel Management A/S
Gro Capital
All4Labels Group GmbH
TV2 Danmark
PensionDanmark Pensionsforsikringsaktieselskab
Nordea
Home.Earth
Arbejdernes Landsbank
Shell
Work highlights
- Advised CIP on employment matters in connection with CIP’s newest flagship fund, CI V, estimated to be CIP’s largest fund ever with a target fund size at EUR 12-15bn.
- Advised CIP’s construction partner Copenhagen Offshore Partners, a leading global provider of project development, construction and operations management services to offshore wind and energy island projects worldwide on various employment issues.
- Advising Danske Bank, the largest bank in Denmark, in connection with three high-profile and heavily media-covered investigations.
Horten
Horten handles a broad range of matters across the employment sphere, known chiefly for the team’s work pertaining to executive liability, TUPE legislation, handling of collective agreements, disputes with former employees, M&A and M&A-related employment law matters. The team also assists a large number of Danish municipalities, including the City of Copenhagen and the City of Aarhus. Thomas Christian Thune heads up the department, after the departure of Finn Schwarz in January 2023. Thune advises national and international companies on all aspects within labour and employment law, including special focus on salaried employees, transfer of businesses and transaction-related employment law. Erik Wendelboe Christiansen is another important contact for incentive schemes, restrictive covenants, executive service agreements and all matters related to public employment and civil servants.
Practice head(s):
Thomas Christian Thune
Other key lawyers:
Erik Wendelboe Christensen
Testimonials
‘They answer questions on the spot and are very professional. They definitely know what they are talking about.’
‘All individuals have been very professional in their responses. They answer quickly and are precise. They articulate the answer so it is understandable.’
‘Erik Wendelboe Christiansen has an outstanding strategic understanding of our company, and he is excellent in court.’
Key clients
The Municipality of Copenhagen
Hovedstadens Beredskab (The Emergency Services of Copenhagen)
Panasonic
Toyota Insurance Management
BW Epic Kosan Ltd
Grundejernes Investeringsfond (The Landowners’ Investment Foundation)
The Region of Southern Denmark
Banking Circle Denmark, branch of Banking Circle S.A.
SeatGeek ApS
Frey Commodities P/S
The Danish Labour Market Insurance (Arbejdsmarkedets Erhvervssikring)
The municipality of Fredericia
Bain & Company
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing advice to the Municipality of Copenhagen on all legal matters pertaining to employment law and assists the municipality with all court cases and all industrial arbitration proceedings regarding employment law.
- Advised Kiloo A/S in connection with a mass termination process involving all employees in Denmark being made redundant. Assisted Kiloo in all aspects of the mass termination process, including the consultation meetings with the employees and the conclusion of a joint severance agreement together with the employee representatives and their unions.
Poul Schmith
Acquisitions, restructurings, labour clauses, and working condition issues are among the specialisms of the robust labour and employment law team housed by Poul Schmith which comes recommended for its ‘professional and balanced help’, as well as ‘deep legal knowledge’. Jonas Blegvad Jensen and Marianne Lage head the practice group out of Aarhus and Copenhagen, respectively. Jensen has experience advising on employment issues arising from large-scale M&A, outsourcing and capital markets transactions, whilst Lage dispense specialist advice to clients on issues relating to membership of employer organisations.
Practice head(s):
Jonas Blegvad Jensen; Marianne Lage
Testimonials
‘Great knowledge and team.’
‘Professional and balanced help. Deep legal knowledge.’
‘High legal quality and advice. Collaboration is smooth and effective. Quick to understand problem and context.’
‘Marianne Lage is exceptional. Legal advice is always to the point and of high quality, and she is always there when needed.’
‘Very competent, professional and a pleasant team, whom we regard as trusted advisers.’
‘Jonas Blegvad Jensen stands out for his ability to provide both very competent and professional legal advise, but also be a good sparring partner on options/scenarios in a given situation.’
‘My experience is that the team are knowledgeable and swift to reply. My dealings with them concerned international contracts and we felt we were in good hands and that the team found and flagged many relevant items and guided us through important decisions with a thorough understanding of what we needed.’
‘Jonas Blegvad Jensen is a pleasure to work with. Very broad knowledge and expertise within the domain. Great in engaging and creating a trusting environment.’
Key clients
APM Terminals A/S
Norwegian (Norwegian Crew Resources Denmark ApS)
Exerp ApS
CSC Primo P/S
Himmerland Forsikring G/S
Gensam Data A/S
TechCollege S/I
The Board of Equal Treatment (in Danish “Ligebehandlingsnævnet”)
The Department of Prisons and Probation (in Danish “Direktoratet for Kriminalforsorgen”)
Work highlights
- Assisted CSC Primo P/S with all employment-related matters in connection with the acquisition of 33% of the shares in Scanmetals A/S.
- Advised Gensam Data A/S in relation to a CEO substitution including advice regarding termination, hiring of an interim CEO, and hiring of a new CEO.
- Advised on the entire collective dismissal process, including the drafting of an action plan as well as assisting with the relevant documentation for the steps required in order to ensure compliance with the Danish rules on collective dismissals.
SIRIUS advokater
SIRIUS advokater covers both the employer and the employee aspects of employment law, often advising on complex cross-border issues including business of transfers and employment abroad. The group also has a robust employment law disputes practice and represents both large and mid-size public and private businesses and organisations. Helle Nøhr Larsen heads the department and has over 30 years experience within both individual and collective labour law. Pernille Backhausen has extensive experience within executive compensation and benefits, and she has vast experience in handling and advising in strategic and tactical business matters and restructuring.
Practice head(s):
Helle Nøhr Larsen
Other key lawyers:
Pernille Backhausen; Peter Breum; Jacob Goldschmidt; Benjamin Lundström
Testimonials
‘Quality and availability, with a high degree expertise. A strong labour law team.’
‘Helle Nøhr Larsen has a personable approach. Strong knowledge in specialised areas of employment she makes operable.’
‘The team is very experienced and commercially savvy. In terms of number of specialists and experience, it is one of the leading teams in Denmark.’
‘Pernille Backhausen and Benjamin Lundström are strong practitioners in employment law.’
‘They are the best in their field arguing the employees’ right and goes all the way for their clients’
‘Peter Breum is sharp and experienced in labour law.’
‘Besides being one of the most knowledgeable law firms, their approach to both matters and clients are with curiosity and respect, seeking to find not only the best solution but also the most valuable solution for both parties.’
‘Benjamin Lundström and his team are extremely professional and we feel very confident and safe working with them.’
Key clients
Danske Hospitalsklovne
BLS Capital A/S
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Novavi Foundation
Red Cross Asylum Department
Socialpædagogernes Landsforbund
HK Privat
Herlufsholm Skole & Gods
Dagbladet Børsen A/S
Yngre Læger
DLA Piper Denmark
DLA Piper Denmark’s expertise extends across employment aspects of M&A and transactional work, including cross-border transactions, alongside outsourcing, incentive schemes, data protection, union issues and collective agreements, among others. Contentious employment matters and dispute resolution is another key focus of the team comprised of ‘experts within the field’. Nina Wedsted heads up the department represents Danish and international clients in cases concerning incentives, share-option plans, dismissals and restrictive covenants, among others.
Practice head(s):
Nina Wedsted
Other key lawyers:
Michael Klejs Pedersen
Testimonials
‘High availability, flexibility and experts within the field.’
‘Michael Klejs Pedersen knows his clients and their needs.’
‘Reliable and fast replies. Fulfils tasks within the deadlines.’
‘Nina Wedsted replies fast with high quality. She gives valuable advice also from a business perspective.’
Key clients
ARKEN
Kongens Sløjd ApS
Sonoco Products Company
Arkitekternes A-kasse
Dansk Sygeplejeråd
AP Pension f.m.b.a.
itm8 Holding A/S (formerly IT Relation)
Polaris Equity
ABN AMRO Sustainable Impact Fund PE B.V.
Re-Match Group (Denmark)
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (US)
Abbott Laboratories (US)
NEC Corporation (Japan)
Nordic Eye Private Equity (Denmark)
Rekom Group (Denmark)
Broad Horizon B.V. (The Netherlands)
Work highlights
- Assisting ARKEN museum of modern art in all legal questions including in employment matters, including a dispute between the museum management and an anonymous group of employees.
- Provided assistance to AP Pension in legal matters related to non-discrimination issues in insurance policies applicable on the labour market, particularly in regard to non-discrimination of pregnant insurance takers.
- Representing Arkitekternes Pensionskasse in a principal case at the Equal Treatment Board where a board member candidate claimed age discrimination after she was rejected as a candidate.
IUNO
The employment practice group at IUNO covers the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters, particularly those involving cross-border issues, including advice on related pensions issues. The group also dispenses niche, specialist expertise in whistleblowing, the interplay between tax and employment law, pensions, collective bargaining and data privacy. The ‘reliable’ Anders Etgen Reitz is an international employment law specialist and co-leads the team in conjunction with Søren Hessellund Klausen, who advises on restructuring, compensation and benefits, business transfers and internal investigations and anti-bribery matters.
Practice head(s):
Anders Etgen Reitz; Søren Hessellund Klausen
Other key lawyers:
Kirsten Astrup
Testimonials
‘An incredible, proactive approach to client support. Always willing to help, providing intelligent and practical solutions.’
‘Anders Etgen Reitz is reliable and always on hand to support the team.’
Key clients
Action Aid Denmark
Warner Music Denmark
British Airways
European Energy
Unisport Scandinavia
KMD
TD Synnex
Wood Wood
Boulebar Denmark
A.P. Møller
Work highlights
- Advising Warner Music Denmark with the full range of employment issues, including terminations and new hires, consultancy agreements, an update of the company’s harassment policy, and employees paid by the hour.
- Assisting KMD with establishing an external whistleblower hotline for all employees, clients, vendors, and other stakeholders, providing an end-to-end whistleblower service that includes receiving reports, following up on reports and communication with both the whistle blower and the client.
- Assisting A.P. Møller on issues including international taxation, and special regulation of sailors and shipping companies.
Lund Elmer Sandager
The ‘extremely professional’ employment group at Lund Elmer Sandager is known for its strength in representing employers on large-scale and complex employment law disputes. Michael Møller Nielsen regularly advises corporations on collective bargaining agreements with trade unions in high-profile led cases and offers niche expertise in the rules governing remuneration for the financial sector and pension fund-related employment matters.
Practice head(s):
Michael Møller Nielsen
Other key lawyers:
Julie Flindt Rasmussen
Testimonials
‘They are extremely professional, but at the same time they know how to relate to a client and build a strong working relationship.’
‘Michael Møller Nielsen is knowledgeable, easy to reach and fast in his work.’
‘They understand the clients business and give well-structured advice. They think outside the box.’
‘Michael Møller Nielsen is highly skilled within the field of industrial relations. He is inventive and will find communal ground if possible otherwise he does not shy away from trying the case in mediation or court.’
‘The team is always up-to-date on the latest, relevant news within employment and labour market.’
‘Julie Flindt Rasmussen and Michael Møller Nielsen are always ready to help. They are both very easy to talk to and eager to help.’
‘They give pragmatic advice on employment law issues and have a good partner network in the other Scandinavian countries.’
‘We have a long standing relationship with Michael Møller Nielsen and I appreciate his responsiveness and pragmatic approach to finding solutions.’
Key clients
Ryanair Ltd
Malta Air
PPG Industries Scandinavia
Resurs Bank
The Danish Food and Agriculture Council
Globalization Partners
Fehmarn Belt Contractors A/S
ABS Europe
De Lage Landen Finans Danmark
Nordicals København
Metro Therm
Vueling Airlines
DEKO
B. Braun Medical A/S
Wattar Gruppen
Foreningen for Folkepensionstillæg uden for Europa
Work highlights
- Assisting Ledernes Søfart in a labour court case.
- Assisted Ryanair in collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
- Assisted Fehmarn Belt Contractors with the negotiations of the collective bargaining agreements.
Mazanti-Andersen
Mazanti-Andersen specialises in advising on employment issues that arise out of the pre-closing and post-closing stages of complex financing deals, IPOs and M&A transactions. Susanne Ingemann jointly heads the practice together with Mette Gahrn-Jensen: Ingemann represents corporations and governmental bodies on a full range of matters, whilst Gahrn-Jensen comes highly recommended as ‘one of the most calm and experienced employment lawyers’.
Practice head(s):
Susanne Ingemann; Mette Gahrn-Jensen
Testimonials
‘The team is diligent and hardworking first and foremost. I feel I work with the most knowledgeable employment law team in Denmark.’
‘Mette Gahrn-Jensen is one of the most calm and experienced employment lawyers; she is exceptional in balancing the risks and the interests the business objectives in the end product.’
‘The discussions are always focussed and solution-oriented.’
‘Mazanti-Andersen’s legal advice is always very professional and with a clear risk assessment.’
‘We have greatly benefited from the advice regarding employment law and sparring with Susanne Ingemann.’
Key clients
LMS365 (eLearningForce)
Sunstone Life Science Ventures, Sound Bioventures, and Industrifonden
Work highlights
- Assisted with various pre-closing actions relative to employment law in connection with Mazanti Transactions Teams’ advice to Sunstone Life Science Ventures, Sound Bioventures, and Industrifonden. This was over the investment of a EUR28 million Series A financing of the biotech company, Teitur Trophics.
- Assisted with various post-closing actions relative to employment law in connection with Mazanti Transaction team’s assistance to the online learning management system LMS365 with the process of raising DKK127 million in series A funding, led by New York City-based Blue Cloud Ventures with the participation of Singapore’s Kamet Capital and existing shareholders.
Plesner
Plesner’s employment and labour law practice group is praised as ‘diligent and detail-oriented, always going the extra mile to help and assist’. The team handles a broad range of mandates concerning the cross-over between employment law and data protection, whistleblower schemes and collective redundancy procedures. Practice head and experienced practitioner Tina Brøgger Sørensen lends her expertise to drafting complex incentive schemes, as well as matters related to M&A transactions and IPOs.
Practice head(s):
Tina Brøgger Sørensen
Testimonials
‘The Plesner employment law practice is outstanding. The quality of the legal advice is clear, confident, pragmatic and technically excellent. Plesner employment lawyers are very well-versed in labour market practice and dynamics, in handling and diffusing contentious and potentially contentious matters and generally positioning their clients to identify and address Danish employment law issues.’
‘The incomparable Jakob Falsner is not only a technically brilliant lawyer and a leading authority in his field of particular expertise, but an entirely sensible, practical person with an excellent understanding of commercial realities and the dilemmas presented to HR Departments.’
‘They show a strong professionalism and are skilled in providing advice based on individual needs. In addition, they are skilled at creating and maintaining relationships with customers.’
‘They are extremely orderly and respectful in their work, both with their own clients and with a counter-party, which contributes to you feeling well-represented.’
‘Diligent and detail-oriented, always going the extra mile to help and assist’.
‘They work fast, challenge your thinking and ensure you arrive at the best possible result.’
‘Very skilled and good business acumen. Pleasant to talk to and can target the responses to the detail need you have.’
Key clients
Zealand Pharma A/S
Gubra A/S
Nets Denmark A/S
Nordic Bioscience A/S
Novozymes A/S
Food Folk – McDonald’s
TDC A/S
Novartis Healthcare A/S
Welltec International ApS
Secure Spectrum A/S
Bonhams 1793 Limited – Bruun Rasmussen Kunstauktioner
TDC Holding A/S – Nuuday A/S – TDC NET A/S
Forenede A/S, Forenede Holding A/S, Forenede Service A/S, Forenede Care A/S, Forenede Service AB and Forenede Care AB
Capidea Management ApS
Meta Platforms, Inc.
Amphenol Cabelcon ApS
Evergas Management A/S
Deel, Inc.
AkademikerPension
Karnov Group
Work highlights
- Represented Per Bank, President and CEO, Salling Group, in his negotiations on a number of various incentive schemes with the Canadian company Loblaw Inc., on the appointment of him as President and CEO of Loblaw Companies Limited.
- Assisted Seapeak Maritime Operating LLC in the acquisition of shares in Evergas Management A/S, involving employment and labour law matters.
- Represented Gubra A/S in connection with an IPO of the company, providing employment law advice in relation to the IPO in general, and in relation to the process.
Clemens
Clemens is praised as ‘a good, strong practice with excellent bench of talent’, providing ‘magic circle standard but at sensible rates’. The team’s impressive client roster includes major Scandinavian and multi-national corporations across a broad range of industries including technology, food and beverage, and transport. Tommy Angermair and Mette Neve jointly lead the practice and are key names for advising large multinationals, and for contentious matters in the arena, respectively.
Practice head(s):
Tommy Angermair; Mette Neve
Testimonials
‘Strong relationship and commitment. Always fast and competent feedback.’
‘Mette Neve is always well-prepared and I never felt like a client but rather a business partner.’
‘Fast and very accurate responses.’
Key clients
Georg Jensen
Pandora
Heidrick & Struggles
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
Emerson Corporation
Work & Co
Guess
PATRIZIA
Securitas
Lauritzen Bulkers
Bureau Veritas
BEUMER Group
Ball Group
Kramp Danmark
Interflora
BAUHAUS
Spirax-Sarco Engineering
McAfee
Uponor
EVRY
Den Jydske Haandværkerskole
Shanghai Electric Windpower Group
Work highlights
- Advised a client on the requirements of Employee Leasing/EOR Services used for the design of and infrastructure in the client’s major warehouses.
- Assisted Work & Co with preparing standard employment contracts, securing work permits for 3rd country nationals and localisation of several staff policies, including employee data protection, as well as diversity and inclusion policies.
Lundgrens
Lundgrens provides a range of employment-related advice, including recruitment and dismissal, whistleblower schemes and post-termination restrictions to international listed companies, SMEs, executives, public authorities and organisations. Practice head Anne Marie Abrahamson is praised as ‘very skilled and professional’, and holds a particular focus on international employment and transactions, including immigration law, alongside public sector and data protection law.
Practice head(s):
Anne Marie Abrahamson
Other key lawyers:
Marie Louise Aagaard
Testimonials
‘Anne-Marie Abrahamsson is very skilled and professional. She listens carefully to the problems and gives valuable advice and insights in a calm and convincing way.’
Key clients
SMIT Subsea Europe B.V.
Amazon UK Services Limited
Miele A/S
Paul Smith ApS
Løgismose Meyer Group ApS
WSP Danmark A/S
Basico P/S
Blücher Metal A/S
LeasePlan Danmark A/S
Work highlights
- Advising SMIT Subsea Europe B.V. on a court case which was tried before the High Court in March 2021 and before the Danish Supreme Court in November 2022 as to whether 200 divers were independent contractors or employees.
- Advising Paul Smith Denmark A/S on all aspects of Danish employment law, including assisting the company with the expansion of its business in Denmark.
- Advising Miele A/S on all matters relating to Danish employment law, including assisting with employments, dismissals and ongoing employment law advice pertaining to the company’s daily operations.
Magnusson Denmark
Magnusson Denmark focuses on employer-side mandates, representing local and foreign corporations, SMEs and large cap listed companies. Advice on incentive schemes for Danish start-ups, dispute resolution, collective bargaining, M&A-related labour issues, restructuring, misconduct investigations, global stock option plans, employment contracts review, and employment of C-level executives are among the specialisms of the ‘great team’. Practice head Tom Froberg has experience in handling collective employment matters, senior executive employment terms and incentive schemes, and TUPE transactions, among many others.
Practice head(s):
Tom Froberg
Other key lawyers:
Sam Jalaei
Testimonials
‘They are a great team.’
‘Tom Froberg is a very knowledgeable lawyer, approachable and service-minded. He has experience himself from working as an inhouse-lawyer, which makes a big difference since he understands the need of pragmatic, non-theoretical and hands-on advice.’
‘Sam Jalaei is an excellent lawyer.’
‘Tom Froberg brought serenity to the situation and brought additional perspectives that helped seeing the whole case.’
Key clients
Syngenta
Sukup Inc.
Dataminr, Inc.
Brambles CHEP Group
Ogury Ltd
Algol Chemicals OY
ViaBill A/S
The Binding Site Group Ltd.
Cockroach Lab, Inc.
Plug and Play
Sine Wave Entertainment Limited (Through TLT LLP)
Cornerstone OnDemand Ltd.
Rover Group Inc.
Café Trold (Investeringsselskabet af 1. juli 2008 ApS)
Cribl
Mesotech International Inc.
I-Stepforward ApS
Puma
GF Money
Work highlights
- Advising GF Money DK with application for obtaining a licence from the Danish FSA to carry on with issuing consumer loans, fit and proper applications for the managers, dealings with the Danish consumer ombuds man who oversees the financial market for consumers, thorough revision of credit agreement templates, advise in relation to the rules applicable to credit worthiness assessment, procedure to follow when notifying customers of changes to the T&Cs of current loan and credit agreements.
- Advising a client on how to set-up business and legal entity in Denmark, Industry Regulation, Worker Classification Laws, Licensing Requirements, Pet Care & Pet Ownership Laws, Residency Requirements & Telephone Numbers and Consumer Protection & Privacy.
NJORD Law Firm
Nordic specialists NJORD Law Firm remain highly adept at handling matters related to M&A, in-and-outsourcing of work areas, cross-border near and off-shoring, acquisition and sale of business, complex employment transactions related to insolvency, and negotiations with unions and organisations. Lars Lokdam leads the team and is a go-to name for director contracts, resignation agreements, stock options and warrants. Supreme court litigator Anders Worsøe is another key contact for international litigation and arbitration.
Practice head(s):
Lars Lokdam
Other key lawyers:
Anders Worsøe
Testimonials
‘They are always available, competent, and quick to respond and take action.’
Key clients
TRP Stork Fertility
Hays Specialist Recruitment A/S
Marc O´Polo International GmbH
Stiching for Justice
IBSA Nordic ApS
Httpool Denmark
Claes E-systems GmbH
Skau Reipurth
Skau Reipurth has extensive experience in all areas of labour and employment law, seeing an increasing number of international and cross-border transactional work. Head of team Jonas Enkegaard arrived from Horten in December 2022 and is known for his comprehensive knowledge of both Norwegian, Swedish and Danish employment law.
Practice head(s):
Jonas Enkegaard
Testimonials
‘The team has unique experience, ranging from difficult dismissal cases to cross-border, large-scale re-organisations and always provide top-level advice with a business-oriented approach.’
‘Jonas Enkegaard really stands out for his long experience working with a range of sectors, which makes him an excellent adviser. His deep knowledge of the law combined with practical skills is much appreciated.’
‘A smaller firm but offering individualised treatment. Strong, commercial advice.’
‘Jonas Enkegaard is a clear communicator and always looking for sensible commercial solutions.’
Key clients
Warner Bros. Discovery
The Association of Specialist Doctors
GPA Flowsystem A/S
Itinera S.p.A
Croda Denmark A/S
Adobe Denmark A/S
Nordian ApS
Pack Tech
Synopsys Denmark ApS
Apave Group
Femern Link Contractors
Work highlights
- Assisted the Association of Specialist Doctors as representative for a member in an arbitration against the Danish state in a matter of the right to replacement after termination due to redundancy.
Bird & Bird Advokatpartnerselskab
Bird & Bird Advokatpartnerselskab advises domestic and international clients on all aspects of employment, incentives, pensions, employee related data protection, workplace ethics, investigations and immigration law-related matters. Experienced litigator Søren Narv Pedersen leads the team and is equally adept on both employer and employee-side mandates.
Practice head(s):
Søren Narv Pedersen
Testimonials
‘Søren Narv Pedersen assists on various matters regarding employment law. Søren is a very skilled academic lawyer, combined with a good business understanding. He has solid litigation experience and is able to balance legal and business requirements.’
Key clients
Milestone Systems
PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Dentsu Aegis Network
Tradeshift Ltd
Salesforce
Workday
Qliktech
Monster Energy
Tiger of Sweden
TooGoodToGo
Trustpilot
Widex A/S
Agillic A/S
Constructel GmbH, Constructel ApS, Viatel S.A. (group of companies under Artifel – Grupo Visabeira)
Dansk Ornitologisk Forening
Pfizer
Vivino Inc
LIND Advokataktieselskab
LIND Advokataktieselskab, under the leadership of Frederik Brocks and Mads Bendix Skelbæk-Knudsen, handles a large number of disputes before the Danish courts and arbitration tribunals. Negotiations and interpretation of collective agreements, cross-border issues, redundancies and disputes concerning dismissals and workplace discrimination are core pillars of the team’s work.
Practice head(s):
Frederik Brocks; Mads Bendix Skelbæk-Knudsen
Key clients
Djøf – the Danish Union for social sciences, business and law
DM – The Danish Association of Masters and PhDs
Dansk Metal – The Danish Metal Workers’ Union
Akademikerne – The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
Pharmadanmark
3F – United Federation of Workers in Denmark
Danish Union for Electricians
Danish Union for Psychologists
Danish Union for Physiotherapists
Danish Union for Midwifes
Danish Union for Occupational Therapists
Danish Union for Veterinarians
Work highlights
- Involved in litigation concerning payment of bonuses for energy traders (representing the union Djøf on behalf of several traders).
- Handling a claim before the Danish Labour court regarding the understanding and implementation of the Danish legislation on use of temporary agency workers.
- Litigation/dispute in cases concerning breach of collective bargaining agreements in the field of aviation.