The ‘highly skilled and service-minded’ employment practice at Selmer advises on issues relating to pensions, investigations and whistleblowing claims across a wide range of sectors, including the IT, oil and gas, hydropower and construction industries. The practice is co-headed by Hans Jørgen Bender, who is a specialist in non-compete and non-solicit issues and whistleblowing matters, and Fredrik Punsvik, who advises clients on termination processes, workplace disputes and employment issues relating to M&A. The group also includes pension specialist André Istad Johansen, and Are Fagerhaug, who is an expert in transfer of undertakings and downsizings. Anja Lange, who is an expert in matters at the nexus of data compliance and employment, and whistleblowing specialist Eldrid Huseby Gammelsrud are also key contacts. Ragnhild Nakling and Siri Falch-Olsen both joined the practice in early 2024 from Ræder Bing.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘I have worked with Selmer for years and the team is highly skilled and service minded. They have experience and knowledge on both employment matters and other areas that might have an impact on us as a company.'
‘Top legal skills, strategic and clever.’
‘In summary, what makes this law firm unique is its exceptional client service, expertise in employment law, global reach, consistent main contact person and personal approaches.'
‘The lawyers have a high level of expertise in employment law.'
‘The individuals we collaborate with possess a remarkable blend of qualities that truly set them apart from competitors. Their extensive expertise, experience, deeply personalised approach, and profound understanding of our business and service are key factors that make them exceptional.'
‘Hans Jørgen Bender is a street smart and pragmatic lawyer who offers practical suggestions and solutions even in the most complex matters. He always answers all inquiries swiftly, and never fails to share his opinion in an easy understandable way.'
‘Are Fagerhaug is highly skilled and very experienced. He understands our business and mindset which makes it easy to discuss issues with him. He has good solutions to complex mattes and he explains them understandably. He has a quick response time and is very service minded.’
‘André Istad Johansen is a perfect discussion partner for all employment related topics, easy to get in touch with and always responds swiftly to questions. During a major change to our employment routines, André's advice widened our range of possible solutions, helping us implement the change with minimal noise in the organisation.’

Key clients

Addtech Group
Agder Energi (now Å Energi)
Canon
CEPI
Colosseum Dental Group
Deas Asset Management (formerly Aberdeen Standard Investments)
Delta Electronics Norway
Gasum
Gjensidige Forsikring
Link Mobility Group
Magseis Fairfield
Mesta
Mnemonic
Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI)
Pexip
Saint-Gobain Group
Scandi Standard
Sparebank 1 SR-bank
Technip FMC
Wella Norway

Work highlights

Advised Agder Energi in connection with the comprehensive merger process with Glitre Energi.
Advised Canon on litigation before the courts involving claims from an employee of unfair dismissal.
Advised Optimera on a case involving claims from a previous employee regarding non-competition obligations in the applicable shareholder's agreement.