Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners

The firm: Réttur traces its origins back to 1969 when Ragnar Aðalsteinsson, one of Iceland’s leading attorneys, started his private practice in Reykjavík. Today, the firm is led by partners Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson, Sigrún Ingibjörg Gísladóttir, Oddur Ástráðsson, and Stefán Örn Stefánsson. Additionally, former partners, Ragnar Aðalsteinsson, Kári Hólmar Ragnarsson, and Védís Eva Guðmundsdóttir, continue to serve as valuable counsel, contributing their extensive expertise and experience.

Renowned for its professionalism, ethical standards, and efficiency, Réttur provides its clients with clear and pragmatic legal advice in a timely manner.

Areas of practice: Réttur’s core practice areas include litigation and dispute resolution, constitutional- and administrative law, insolvency law, tort law, commercial and corporate law, M&A, contract law, intellectual property law, employment law, banking and finance, capital markets law, EEA & competition law, tax law, and real estate & construction law.

Litigation and dispute resolution: Réttur is widely recognized as a leading firm in litigation and dispute resolution in Iceland. The firm represents clients before all levels of the Icelandic court system, including the District Courts, the Appeal Court, and the Supreme Court. Réttur also advises clients in high-profile disputes, frequently providing expert opinions for the media. The firm’s attorneys are skilled negotiators and assist clients in settlements and alternative dispute resolution methods.

Commercial and corporate law and M&A: Réttur has vast experience in the field of commercial and corporate law and M&A, and has represented large and small companies, financial institutions, investment funds, professional investors and individual shareholders. The commercial and corporate law team provides legal advice on matters such as mergers and acquisitions, company and shareholder disputes, listing on regulated stock exchanges, corporate- and financial restructuring, due diligence, general representation of companies, shareholders and investors, large-scale business negotiations, the formation and dissolution of legal entities, drafting of contracts and other transactional documents, international trade and other cross-border transactions and debt collections.

Human rights: The ideological basis for Réttur is protection of human rights. Ragnar Aðalsteinsson, Supreme Court Attorney, founder and former name partner of Réttur, has for decades been considered a pioneer in terms of human rights protection in Iceland. Réttur is focused and committed to preserving this heritage to the utmost degree. Réttur’s lawyers have vast experience in pleading cases both before the domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights, most recently in the highly publicized case of nine female victims of violence against Iceland.

Insolvency and restructuring: Réttur provides expert legal advice on debt restructuring, bankruptcy proceedings, rescission cases, and other insolvency-related matters for companies and individuals. The firm has significant experience in international winding-up proceedings of financial institutions.

Intellectual property and copyright law: Réttur’s attorneys have decades of experience in intellectual property law, assisting clients with copyright protection, trademark registration, patents, and contract negotiation. The firm represents, among others, major cultural institutions, artists, and rightsholder organizations in Iceland.

Property rights: The firm’s attorneys have vast experience in litigating private and public land disputes as well as other disputes arising from interference with private property rights. Furthermore, Réttur’s attorneys have written numerous academic articles in this area of law.

Administrative law: Réttur has wide-ranging experience in administrative proceedings with official authorities, independent administrative committees and the Althing Ombudsman. Réttur‘s creative, comprehensive and client-oriented approach to government decisions continuously yields excellent results.

Criminal defense: All defendants are entitled to a fair trial. Réttur considers defending clients an important part of the role of the attorney. Réttur’s expertise in human rights law plays an intricate role in this area. Réttur has handled various and diverse cases ranging from complex commercial and economic criminal charges, to highly publicized court cases such as the so-called “Reykjavik Nine” and the “Deportation Protesters”.

Immigration law: Réttur’s expertise extends to the legislation on foreign nationals, immigrants and asylum seekers. The firm’s attorneys pride themselves on being committed to the protection of foreign nationals in Iceland. The firm’s attorneys frequently work on applications for Icelandic citizenship as well as applications for non-residents who are interested in acquiring a residence or work permit, or investing in Iceland.

Employment law: Réttur advises employers and employees on all aspects of employment law, including employment contracts, workplace disputes, wrongful termination claims, collective bargaining agreements, and regulatory compliance.

Banking, Finance, and Capital Markets: Réttur provides legal services to financial institutions, investment funds, and corporate clients in the field of banking, finance, and capital markets. The firm assists in regulatory compliance, lending transactions, financial restructuring, securities offerings, and capital markets transactions.

EEA & Competition: Réttur has significant expertise in EEA and competition law, advising clients on antitrust compliance, merger control, state aid, and market regulations.

Tax Law: Réttur offers comprehensive tax law services, advising clients on corporate tax planning, VAT compliance, tax disputes, and international tax structuring. The firm represents clients in negotiations with tax authorities and litigation before the courts.

Real Estate & Construction: Réttur assists clients with real estate transactions, land use regulations, construction contracts, zoning disputes, and development projects. The firm represents developers, property owners, and investors in litigation, negotiations, and regulatory compliance matters.