Business areas in focus

Employment and Labour Law

Challenges and requirements

During the past 30 years, the labour market has been intensely regulated with the result that employment and labour law is, today, both complex and extensive. In addition, many Danish businesses are subject to collective agreements, which can prove difficult to decipher when applied to specific circumstances. The internationalisation of an increasing number of conditions of employment has resulted in cross-national dimensions, which among other things, presents businesses with challenges which can only be resolved by obtaining qualified legal assistance.

How we can help

Our greatest strength is that we have, during 30 years, advised companies listed on the stock exchange, international concerns, small and medium-sized businesses as well as public authorities and local councils on all aspects of employment and labour law. Our clients benefit from our constant focus on cross-disciplinary competencies and effective resource allocation, which ensures that all relevant matters are incorporated into our advice.

We have, moreover, conducted numerous principled cases before the regular Danish courts, the Danish Industrial Court, the Danish Unfair Dismissals Tribunal, as well as arbitrational tribunals.

Our advice encompasses, among others:     
  • Public employment and civil service law
  • Collective labour law
  • Matters relating to directors
  • Employment matters
  • Personnel regulations and policies
  • Employee appointed board members
 
 
  • Mergers & acquisitions
  • Expatriation and inpatriation
  • International employment law
  • Non-discrimination laws
  • Working environment
  • Information and hearings

Our ratings

Chambers Europe Rating 2012

Employment

This leading full-service firm was further strengthened by its merger with Philip in January 2012. It has continued to see an increase in standalone employment law work, particularly contentious matters and instructions relating to bonus schemes and discrimination cases. This supplements the firm's traditional focus on collective labour law and the transactional employment law advice that it provides to its regular high-profile clients, such as A.P. Moller - Maersk. Sources say: "This team provides truly superb expertise."

Clients rate Morten Ulrich as "second to none and extremely diligent," whilst peers describe him as being in the top league of employment lawyers. Sources report that department head Mette Klingsten has a "commercial, business-focused" approach, and particularly praise her work on transfer of undertakings. Clients describe Bjarke Vejby as "creative and thorough," and Steen Rode is well reputed for his significant employment law experience.

Chambers and Partners Europe, Employment

Legal 500 Rating 2012

Employment

Clients appreciate Bech-Bruun’s five-partner practice for its ‘pragmatic approach, and negotiation and mediation strength’ across a range of issues. ‘Outstanding’ practice head Mette Klingsten assisted Clipper Group and Cimber Sterling with incentive programmes, and Bjarke Vejby represented Amagerbanken in the Supreme Court concerning claims by retired former employees. Morten Ulrich successfully represented TDC in the High Court regarding pension rights of secondees, and Mads Krarup successfully defended JS Danmark in a Supreme Court case regarding dismissal on grounds of language capability. Lars Svenning Andersen now handles legal matter for ADP Group.

Legal 500, Employment

Infostream

Brochure 15 May 2012

CSR Report 2012

Bech-Bruun News 14 November 2011

Mette Klingsten receives H.G. Carlsen’s Award

Books 21 January 2010

Danish Business Law 9th Edition 2010

Bech-Bruun News 30 June 2009

Mette Klingsten joining Bech-Bruun as partner