Employment law

Employment law covers the rights and obligations of employees and employers in an employment relationship. Our employment law lawyers have strong expertise in this field and understand the rules of working life—both legally and in practice. Below, we explain how we can assist.

What is employment law?

Employment law is the area of law that governs the relationship between employers and employees. It covers a wide range of topics, including employment contracts, pay, working hours, holidays, sick leave, termination of employment, and more. The primary statute is the Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven). Employment law is a dynamic legal field that is continually evolving. Case law from the EU Court of Justice also influences Norwegian legislation and, in particular, how it is interpreted. Norwegian employment law is characterised by strong employee protection, and the legislation imposes extensive obligations on employers.

What does an employment law lawyer do?

An employment law lawyer specialises in the rules that govern the employer–employee relationship. This includes, among other things, hiring, dismissals, employment contracts, salary, holidays, layoffs, and workplace disputes. The lawyer assists in interpreting and applying the Working Environment Act, the Holidays Act, the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act, and other relevant regulations. The aim is to ensure that both parties’ rights are safeguarded, to prevent employment disputes from arising, and—when disputes do occur—to help achieve effective and constructive solutions.

The role of an employment law lawyer

Employment law lawyers provide legal advice and representation to both employers and employees in employment-related matters. “Employment law lawyer” is not a protected title, but delivering high-quality advice in this area typically requires solid experience and specialist competence. An employment lawyer can assist in negotiating employment contracts, resolving workplace conflicts, and representing clients in litigation. Because employment law can be complex, specialist expertise is often necessary to ensure accurate and efficient guidance.

Rights of employees and employers

Both employees and employers have clear rights and duties:

• Employee: The right to a safe working environment, correct pay, holidays, and protection against unfair dismissal. The Working Environment Act also provides rights such as access to one’s own personnel data and the right to be involved in workplace changes.

• Employer: The right to manage, allocate, and supervise work within the limits of the law, and to set performance expectations. At the same time, the employer must ensure that the working environment is fully sound and that laws and agreements are complied with.

If there is uncertainty about rights or obligations, it is advisable to consult an employment law lawyer for a proper assessment.

Practical advice for employment-law issues

• Gather and carefully review all relevant documents, such as your employment contract, correspondence, and any notices.

• Note key dates, events, and persons involved.

• Contact an employment lawyer early for an assessment—especially if you risk losing your job or have received notice of workplace changes.

• Avoid signing agreements or accepting termination terms before obtaining legal advice.

How our employment law lawyers can assist

• Drafting employment contracts tailored to your business

• Compliance under the Working Environment Act, including:

  • Flexible working hours

  • Form of engagement (employee, freelancer/contractor, scope of work)

  • Preferential rights (re-employment priority)

  • And more

• Termination and summary dismissal

• Downsizing and operational cutbacks

• Handling whistleblowing matters and whistleblowing procedures

• Dispute resolution through negotiations or court proceedings

• Severance packages and settlement agreements as alternatives to termination

• Assistance with redeployment of employees

• Legal costs in employment law matters

Legal costs in employment law cases

In employment disputes, the general rule is that each party should expect to cover their own legal costs. For employers, there are typically no exceptions—unless the case is decided by the courts, the employer wins, and is awarded legal costs. Employers may, however, be able to deduct these costs, and often also recover VAT (where applicable).

For employees, there are three key exceptions:

1. Legal aid: Employees who meet the income and asset thresholds may be entitled to free legal aid in termination or summary dismissal cases.

2. Compensation for costs: The Working Environment Act section 15-12 provides a specific legal basis for compensation in whistleblowing, termination, and summary dismissal cases. This may cover costs the employee has incurred, but typically requires a court judgment or an agreement between the parties.

3. Settlement agreements: In practice, as part of an amicable settlement for voluntary resignation, employers often agree to cover the employee’s legal fees.

Employees may also be able to deduct legal costs as an expense related to earning income, provided the case concerns termination or summary dismissal.

Whether you are an employer or an employee, our employment law lawyers can advise on cost coverage and tax deductibility.

Check whether you qualify for free legal aid using the legal aid calculator at rettsrad.no.

Read this article in Norwegian Arbeidsrett advokat

Read about Termination of Employment

Contact us – free initial assessment

You are welcome to contact us for a free and non-binding assessment of your employment law matter. Our lawyers have broad experience with employment-related issues and provide quick and professional guidance. We are also bound by duties of confidentiality—so you can be confident your enquiry remains private. Send an email to post@verito.no or call us on 24 02 21 20 for a non-binding conversation. You may also use the submission form available on our website.

Common questions about employment law