Schjodt - Bergen
- Founded
- 1936-01-01 in Norway
- Headquarters
- Oslo, Norway
- Phone
- +47 22 01 88 00
Schjødt is a premier Scandinavian full-service business law firm with offices in Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, London, Stavanger, Bergen, and Ålesund. Founded in 1936 by the influential Norwegian attorney Annæus Schjødt, the firm has grown into one of Europe’s most respected legal practices, consistently handling the largest and most complex transactions in the Nordic market. With over 400 legal professionals, Schjødt offers deep expertise across all major commercial law disciplines, including M&A, banking & finance, dispute resolution, fintech, renewable energy, and white-collar crime. The firm is recognised as the only true top-tier firm with a full-service offering across all Scandinavian jurisdictions, complemented by strong UK law capabilities through its London office. Schjødt’s mission is to be the first choice when important values are at stake, and its culture is built on dedication, boldness, and an unwavering commitment to client service. The firm also runs a robust pro bono program focused on freedom of speech and human rights, and it has established an internal educational institution, the Schjødt Academy, to continuously develop its legal talent. In 2025 alone, Schjødt argued nearly 15% of all cases in the Norwegian Supreme Court, underscoring its elite litigation standing.
Detailed Review
History
Schjødt’s history dates to 1936, when Annæus Schjødt – later famous for prosecuting the traitor Vidkun Quisling after WWII – founded his own law firm in Norway. From these roots, the firm steadily built a reputation for handling Norway’s most significant transactions, disputes, and legal developments. A defining moment came with the merger of its London office with Michelet & Co, strengthening its energy, shipping, and offshore practice. In 2020, Schjødt expanded into Sweden by merging with Hamilton Advokatbyrå, establishing a Stockholm office, and in 2022 it opened a Copenhagen office, completing its pan‑Scandinavian footprint.
Today
Today, Schjødt is the largest law firm in the Nordics by headcount and is consistently ranked among the top‑tier European firms by Chambers and The Legal 500. Its 400+ professionals serve international clients across all major industries, with particular strength in energy, shipping, financial services, private equity, technology, and life sciences.
Services and Expertise
The firm’s service lines cover the full spectrum of corporate law: banking & finance, capital markets, M&A, dispute resolution & arbitration, EU & competition, intellectual property, tax, employment, real estate, and emerging areas such as crypto‑assets, digital innovation, and sustainability law. Its fintech team is one of the strongest in Scandinavia, having advised the first crowdfunding companies in 2017, the first crypto‑asset service providers in 2018, and the first PISP/AISPs in 2020.
Governance
Schjødt operates with a partnership governance model. The current Chairman is Jens Mathiasen. The CFO is Mathias Kveim Dønvik, based in Oslo. The firm does not use the titles CEO, CTO, CCO, or COO; instead, a managing partner and an executive board lead the firm. Schjødt is also known for its strong pro bono culture, supporting cultural institutions and human rights causes, and for its Schjødt Academy, which provides continuous legal education.
Key Products
Banking & Finance
Advising on debt and equity financing, regulatory compliance, and structured finance across Scandinavia.
Mergers & Acquisitions
One of the most active M&A practices in Norway; regularly tops Mergermarket league tables.
Dispute Resolution, Litigation & Arbitration
Supreme Court specialists; argued nearly 15% of all Norwegian Supreme Court cases in 2025.
Fintech & Digital Assets
Leading promoter of crypto-asset service providers, payment institutions, and crowdfunding platforms.
EU & Competition Law
Full competition, FDI, and state aid advice including DMA and SMS investigations, e.g., recent work on Microsoft.
Energy, Shipping & Offshore
Strong London-office practice for Scandinavian and international clients.
Renewable Energy
Advising on wind, solar, and hydropower projects.
Corporate Compliance & Crisis Management
AML/CFT, sanctions, data protection, and internal investigations.
Offices & Headcount
400 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- Annæus Schjødt
Founder