Team size: five to seven

Can you briefly explain how the legal team is structured, highlighting key individuals and their role within the department?

Atle Thorsell is the leader of the team. The key individuals have extensive consulting experience within all aspects of questions which arise regarding the co-operative building society Usbl. Our lawyers come from acknowledged commercial law firms and The Norwegian Financial Services Complaints Board.

The legal team consists normally of four to six individuals. The team provides legal advice in all aspects of real estate law. Atle Thorsell has substantial experience within the field of acquisition and development of residential and urban development projects, negotiating and structuring deals.

Furthermore, Thorsell gives advice on all types of contracts and disputes, as well as all aspects of housing law.  Anne Christine Ramsdal has an eye for detail in the due diligence process but is also a solid consultant within housing law and disputes. Magnus Bryn Løberg is versatile, to the clients` satisfaction.

What are the most significant cases and transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Acquisition and sale of shares in Neptune Properties AS, acquisition of Frysjaveien 33 c, Skårersletta 31 and Møllers Gate 1, Sandefjord.

What will be the main focus for the company in the next 12 months and how do you intend to assist with this?

The focus will be to further strengthen the team and to maintain and further develop the impact we have within the company as well as our external partners.

How does the team contribute constructively to the growth and expansion of the company?

We are always a key player in the acquisition of new real estate and real estate companies, essential to our members. Furthermore, on a day-to-day basis we interact with other departments, enabling us to give our customers firsthand advice on disputes and regulatory matters.

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel? 

With the pandemic and the common use of Teams meetings, we must be even more focused on drawing close and understanding the needs of our clients.

Atle Thorsell
Leder Advokatkontoret
USBL