Public Sector

At Wiersholm, we provide expert legal assistance to state and municipal bodies, as well as wholly or partially publicly owned enterprises. We also assist private companies in their interactions with public authorities, particularly in matters involving public law. This includes tender processes, application processes, and administrative law issues.

Our team possesses comprehensive knowledge of the rules of law and the necessary processes, considerations, and expectations that must be attended to. Many of our lawyers have backgrounds from the Office of the Attorney General, municipal attorney offices, or public administration.

The individuals we work with are always available and provide high-quality legal advice within short deadlines. They are extremely service-minded and professional.
Legal 500

Norway’s public sector is significant, employing approximately one-third of the population and accounting for nearly half of the annual mainland GDP. It plays a crucial role in society, influencing the business sector as a purchaser of goods and services, a driver of growth and development, and a competitor to private enterprises. Consequently, the public sector is governed by regulations and guidelines that ensure its conduct is appropriate in relation to businesses and individuals.

Procurement regulations, for instance, aim to optimise the use of public funds and foster a competitive business environment. These regulations also address impartiality and potential conflicts of interest when the public sector acts as an authority, purchaser, and performer. Furthermore, the public sector is a leader in sustainability, social responsibility, and regulatory compliance.The complex interplay between the public sector and the business community presents numerous legal challenges and demands advisors who understand both sides of the table.

Wiersholm’s public procurement team is renowned for its expertise in these regulations. We also have substantial litigation experience in tender law and other administrative and public law matters. Our dispute resolution team is adept at handling various disputes.

Public enterprises are subject to many of the same regulations as private companies. Our employment law team provides advice on employment law issues for public enterprises. Our data protection team assists public enterprises in the lawful processing of personal data. Our technology and digitalisation team supports the public sector in developing and implementing new technologies.

Wiersholm pioneered Norway’s first Public Private Partnership (PPP) project and has since developed significant expertise in this area, including involvement in major PPP road projects.

We also assist private companies and organisations in their dealings with the public sector, such as tendering processes, exemption applications, and compliance with public law and regulatory requirements. Our climate, environment, and sustainability team offers advice on environmental matters. We are well-versed in the complexities of legislation and the political considerations involved. Our clients include publicly owned enterprises, municipalities, and state administrative bodies. Many of our lawyers have experience from public administration, municipal attorney offices, and publicly owned enterprises. Additionally, we have an extensive contact network of relevant people and authorities that enables us to solve challenges swiftly and efficiently.

Our Services

Advice relating to administrative law issues, including impartiality, confidentiality, access to information, case management, and authority matters

Assistance relating to public law and regulatory rules in industries such as energy, transportation, construction, health, food, security, agriculture, and technology, including application processes, hearings, and supervision

Legal and strategic advice for interactions with authorities

Public procurement advice for both public bidders and private companies

Advice relating to cooperation and interaction between the public and private sectors, including PPP projects in areas such as transport

Assistance relating to cooperation, transactions, negotiations, and contractual issues involving the public sector

Advice on human rights, constitutional, EEA, and other legal frameworks for public sector activities, such as state aid rules and the ECHR

Advice relating to the public sector’s processing of personal data, including administrative procedure and service optimisation

Advice relating to the digitilisation of public activities

Dispute resolution involving the public sector

Legislative and investigative work for ministries, directorates, and other public or municipal bodies

Advice and investigations relating to the organisation of public activities

Advice relating to regulations that target the public sector, including corporate criminal liability