Dispute Resolution
Wikborg Rein is a world-class provider of dispute resolution services, with a proven track record of handling all types of disputes, from high profile court litigation, arbitration through to various forms of alternative dispute resolution. Our team has worked on some of the largest and most complex legal disputes in numerous jurisdictions worldwide, making us a trusted legal partner.
In Norway, our litigation practice is among the foremost in the country, regularly pursuing cases before all levels of Norwegian courts, including the Supreme Court. Our English law team has significant breadth and depth of experience in successfully acting in litigation before the London High Court, especially the Commercial Court, as well as the appeal courts up to the Supreme Court. Both teams often act as global lead counsel handling international litigation and enforcement proceedings across multiple jurisdictions.
As well as being court litigators our disputes lawyers are market leaders in international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. We have decades of international experience and through our offices in major dispute resolution centres, we offer seamless international arbitration services, especially under Norwegian and English law. Our team has vast experience conducting arbitration proceedings governed by numerous different governing laws and under a range of rules, including the ICC, OCC, LCIA, HKIAC, UNCITRAL, LMAA, DIA, DIAC, SCC, and SIAC rules.
Wikborg Rein is top-rated in dispute resolution in all national and international rankings and we are proud to be the only Norwegian law firm ranked in Global Arbitration Review.
We offer
Assistance in legal disputes across a broad range of areas and sectors, including:
- Private international law (jurisdiction, choice of law and recognition/execution)
- General contract law
- Compensation law
- Company law
- Maritime law
- Insurance law
- Tax and fee law
- Public law (common administrative law, public procurements, etc.)
- Intellectual property rights
- Right of energy and natural resources
- Contract law (faculty contracts)
- Real estate
- Employment law
Dispute in climate and environmental issues
Disputes related to sustainability, climate, and the environment have become increasingly prominent in today’s society, as both public and private entities seek to navigate a complex landscape of legislation and regulations. We have extensive experience in handling disputes in specialised areas such as climate, environment, and pollution. Our team of skilled lawyers has a proven track record of success in handling legal disputes of this nature, both in administrative proceedings and before the courts.
Wikborg Rein is currently representing the Sámi Parliament in its lawsuit against the state concerning the decision to electrify a petroleum field in the Barents Sea. The case touches on critical issues surrounding the societal transition we are undergoing. The green shift brings inherent challenges related to the use of natural resources, the need for CO2 emission reductions, and energy efficiency, all of which require broad engagement from affected parties, including through environmental impact assessments. In this context, Wikborg Rein leverages its extensive expertise in environmental and natural resource law. Notably, we were involved in the landmark "Hempel case" (Rt-2010-306), which established a key precedent for corporate liability in cases of pollution, including the responsibilities of parent and subsidiary companies. Other high-profile cases include the "Server case" (HR-2017-331-A), which involved several principle questions regarding the Coastal Administration and affected municipalities' significant expenses for cleaning up oil spills caused by a shipwreck.
In the future, a rise in disputes related to sustainability risk management and non-compliance with climate and environmental regulations is anticipated. This will impose new demands on all stakeholders, and we are well-equipped to help clients navigate these challenges.
Read our articles on Dispute Resolution
“Ever Given” – Court of Appeal upholds that no salvage contract was concluded
The English Court of Appeal has recently rendered judgment in the dispute between salvors and the shipowners as to whether a salvage contract on commercial terms had been made in connection with the re-floating of the “Ever Given” in the Suez Canal in March 2021 (SMIT Salvage & Ors v. Luster Maritime SA & Anr (The Ever Given) [2024] EWCA Civ 260). The judgment illustrates the importance of the parties making clear during negotiations whether they intend to be bound.
Wikborg Rein only Norwegian law firm in the GAR 100 survey
Global Arbitration Review has unveiled its annual ranking of the world’s leading international arbitration practices.
Wikborg Rein top ranked in Chambers Europe
We are delighted to announce that we have once again achieved top rankings in Chambers Europe in a total of 19 categories, which is more than any other Norwegian law firm.