Advokatfirmaet Schjødt
- Headquarters
- Sentrum, Oslo, Norway
Advokatfirmaet Schjødt is a leading Scandinavian full-service business law firm that ranks among the top-tier legal practices in Europe. With an uncompromising dedication to professional expertise, business understanding and client service, Schjødt aims to be the first choice when important values are at stake. The firm operates from seven offices across Norway (Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, Ålesund), Sweden (Stockholm), Denmark (Copenhagen) and the United Kingdom (London), and is recognised as the only true top-tier firm with a full-service offering in all Scandinavian markets, combined with strong UK law capabilities. Headquartered in Oslo, Schjødt employs more than 400 professionals, including around 320 lawyers, and has built a century-long tradition of excellence in transactions, disputes and legal developments. The firm regularly advises on the largest and most complex cross-border matters in the region, serving international clients as well as domestic companies with interests abroad. Its London office specialises in energy, shipping, commodities and offshore sectors, while the Scandinavian offices cover the full spectrum of corporate law. The firm’s mission is to be a strong contributor to society, and it maintains a robust pro bono program focused on freedom of speech and human rights. Schjødt also runs its own educational institution, the Schjødt Academy, to continuously develop the knowledge and skills of its legal professionals.
Detailed Review
History & Founding
Advokatfirmaet Schjødt traces its roots to Annæus Schjødt (1888–1972), one of the most influential Norwegian attorneys of his generation, who founded the firm. The firm’s name honours his legacy and a “dedicated and unafraid tradition” that remains central to its culture. Over the decades, Schjødt has grown organically and through strategic expansions, including the merger with Swedish law firm Hamilton Advokatbyrå in 2020, which established its Stockholm office, and the opening of a Copenhagen office in 2022.
Offices & Geographical Reach
The firm operates from Oslo (headquarters), Stavanger, Bergen, Ålesund, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London. The London office serves as a centre of excellence for key segments, particularly energy, shipping, commodities and offshore. The Danish and Swedish offices are fully integrated into the pan-Scandinavian platform, allowing Schjødt to advise clients seamlessly across Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the UK.
Practice Areas & Expertise
Schjødt covers all aspects of corporate law, including Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Dispute Resolution, Litigation & Arbitration, Real Estate, Tax, Employment & Pension, EU & Competition, Data Protection & Privacy, White-Collar Crimes, Restructuring & Insolvency, Shipping & Oil Services, Renewable Energy, Fintech, and many more. The firm is particularly recognised for its work on complex transactions – over the last decade it has advised on more transactions than any other Norwegian law firm (source: Mergermarket).
Reputation & Rankings
Schjødt is consistently ranked among the top-tier law firms in Europe by independent legal directories such as Chambers and Partners and ICLG. It is described as “internationally recognised and respected as one of Scandinavia’s top-tier law firms” (Chambers) and noted for its strong UK capabilities.
Culture & Social Responsibility
The firm places a strong emphasis on a one-firm, client-oriented philosophy and a performance-based culture. It invests in talent development through the Schjødt Academy, an internal educational institution. Schjødt is also committed to social responsibility, undertaking pro bono cases that have prioritised freedom of speech and human rights, and collaborating with charitable organisations.
Recent Performance
In the latest reported fiscal period, Schjødt posted revenue of approximately NOK 2.5 billion (source: Advokatwatch). Managing Partner Magnus Lütken noted that the fourth quarter was somewhat affected by partner departures, but overall the firm remains on a strong growth trajectory.
Key Products
Schjødt Academy
An internal educational institution dedicated to enhancing the legal knowledge and skills of the firm’s professionals.
Club Schjødt
A student-oriented platform for recruitment and engagement with future legal talent.
Full-service business law offering
Comprehensive legal services covering all major corporate and commercial disciplines, delivered through a unified pan-Scandinavian platform.
Offices & Headcount
400 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- Thomas Nordby
Speaker
- Annæus Schjødt
Founder (historical)
- Magnus Lütken
Managing Partner