Praised as ‘very competent and knowledgeable’, the SANDS employment practice advises clients from a range of sectors, with noted expertise in corporate change projects. The practice is led by the duo of maritime sector expert Maria Elena Kvalen and Henning M. Heitmann, who is a key name for change processes. The group also includes Espen Johannessen, who advises employers and employees on labour and civil servant law, contract law and construction law; and Malin Stenseth, who takes point on employment relations, protection cases and downsizing processes. Thorkil H. Aschehoug, formerly at Advokatfirmaet Grette AS, joined the group in April 2024.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Sands has a wide range of specialist expertise and experience, which enables them to handle many different legal challenges effectively. Sands has solid experience in handling large and complex HR cases.’
‘Available, fast, good arguments always backed up by examples and paragraphs, professional, well articulated, incredibly good written communication skills, long experience, always looking for a good negotiating tone.’
‘The lawyers in SANDS collaborate easily and deliver relevant information internally for preparation of relevant cases. They have all their separate fields of legal expertise that are involved in the individual case whenever relevant to our challenges or business development.’
‘Henning Heitmann stands out as the best employment law attorney we have ever been using in our company. He has a strategic approach that is not common among lawyers within employment matters, and he manages the cases with ease and simultaneous reporting and explanation for us as the case evolves towards the goals we have set.’
‘Practical approach, and solution-oriented.’
‘Very competent and knowledgeable with highly relevant experience from the segments they represent.’
‘Availability and problem solving. Finding the right solution through sparring.’
‘My experience with Henning Heitmann - Exceptionally competent and confident, taking responsibility not only for actual legal advice and actions but also facilitating client dialogue and interaction by proposing meeting agendas, templates, minutes, etc.’
Key clients
- AF Gruppen
- Fjord1
- Solstad Offshore
- Asplan Viak
- Sport Outlet
- Bunnpris
- Skytanking
- Continental
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Maria Elena Kvalen, Henning M. Heitmann