1. By integrating Kluge into the CMS orgnaisation, what main objectives do you hope to achieve?

Joining CMS with its collaborative international structure gives Kluge the opportunity to strengthen its international capabilities, a natural next step in its century-long legacy. With similar strategic growth areas in energy, M&A and technology, our integration into CMS presents an opportunity to expand our offering and accelerate growth, supported by a leading international network. 

2. What will it mean to work hand in hand with a firm as prestigious worldwide as CMS?

We’re excited to join CMS as it continues to expand, working with the best law firms from across the globe and a community of like-minded, independent firms that are focused on the delivery of excellence for clients. A strengthened international profile gives us an opportunity to fuel our already strong growth and gain access to CMS’ international client base. 

3. Will you preserve the traditional spirit of Kluge, in what aspects?

Yes, of course, Kluge’s heritage and spirit will remain intact; we joined forces with CMS because its values very much aligned with our own. Even as part of CMS, CMS Kluge will continue with the same management, staff, and ownership model as before, and we will continue to nurture our almost 100-year-old legacy. Our employees recognise that their place of work is the same, and our clients will still have access to the same trusted advisors as before.  

What makes the integration impactful for us is that the new CMS Kluge and our existing clients will be able to efficiently draw upon a large pool of highly specialised resources, and have access to thousands of CMS lawyers worldwide. This is, we believe, transformational, for our clients.

4. How would you define the essence of Kluge?

The essence of CMS Kluge is our focus on our clients. We see ourselves as a long-term business partner to them, with an immense depth of understanding of the sectors in which we operate. Our goal is to add value by offering deep-industry insight from the best legal advisors in Norway. 

We have a solid reputation in the Norwegian market with highly qualified lawyers and are recognised by Chambers and Legal 500, securing top rankings within all of our focus areas. Our success is recognized by aspiring lawyers, and we were recently ranked  the third most attractive law firm amongst Norwegian law students.

5. What are the challenges you are going to face from now on?

The biggest challenge for all of us will be related to climate change and the shift to the low carbon society.

 At CMS, we are working closely with our clients, both in Norway and globally, on the transition to a world that will be dramatically different from today. This is a huge challenge, but also offers clients who are prepared an opportunity to deliver the many new goods and services that are needed to transform the global economy into a low carbon economy.    

This is particularly true for Norway which is a major oil and gas producer. 

6. Do you have any technological or digital challenges for the future?

Technology is quickly changing how legal services are provided to clients, and we have every intention of embracing a digitally led future. By joining a large global law firm such as CMS, Kluge will be in a position to invest in and utilise the best available legal technology for the benefit of the clients.