Utilising a cross-disciplinary approach for its fishery and aquaculture department, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is noted for its ‘thorough and deep understanding of the seafood sector’, enabling the firm to advise across patents to reorganisations and financing to administrative law. Department head Mons Alfred Paulsen is particularly adept at M&A, corporate law, and tax law. Rune Ulriksen Steinsland adds in-depth knowledge of contracts relevant to the sector, covering shipbuilding, financing, and operational aquaculture contracts. Trond Hatland oversees litigation in the practice, while Camilla Bergby demonstrates skill in domestic and international tax mandates within this space. Thomas Frølich and Daniel-André Hansen are also key practitioners at the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘High competence, long experience, gives excellent advice on a wide range of different types of cases and is solution-oriented.’
‘Mons Alfred Paulsen has the experience and expertise necessary in an industry subject to strict and complex regulation. He has high integrity and a solution-oriented focus. Always available at short notice, supportive, efficient, and clear in his advice. A good man to lean on.’
‘We find the team to have strong competence in their different fields, and availability and focus are appreciated.’
‘Very thorough and deep understanding of the seafood sector in general. And also, which is critical for us, detailed and long experience within land-based fish farming.’
‘We have retained the same partner over several years, which makes the legal work extremely efficient and productive. Rune Ulriksen Steinsland delivers excellent quality across the board.’
‘Industry/sector knowledge is key to differentiating from other firms, and Thommessen has an extensive and in-depth understanding of the aquaculture sector. Diversity is not important; what is important is competence and the quality of the services received. Availability is also a key factor.’

Key clients

Firda Seafood Group AS
Måsøval AS
Pelagia AS
AS Bolaks
Kobbevik og Furuholmen Oppdrett AS
Endúr Sjøsterk AS
Lingalaks AS
Frøy AS
Blom Fiskeoppdrett AS
Austevoll Melaks AS
Skretting AS
Troland Lakseoppdrett AS

Work highlights

Advised Kaldvik (Icelandic fish farmer) on its NOK 40 billion refinancing.

Acting for multiple fish farmers on the western coast of Norway against the government in a group challenge of the Traffic Light System.

Advising Firda Seafood Group on its acquisition of the majority stake in Landøy and the reorganisation to utilise licenses and resources efficiently within a joint fish farming group.