Oslo secondment story

I was delighted to be given the opportunity to live in Oslo for six months and work for Bugge, Arentz-Hansen & Rasmussen (known to everyone simply as "BA-HR"). I’ve been given an incredibly warm welcome and was made to feel at home from day one.

BA-HR is much smaller than Slaughter and May but there are many similarities in the culture of the two firms, most notably a commitment to the highest quality legal advice and a proud independence as a firm. However, the smaller size of BA-HR does allow for an incredibly close atmosphere in the office - think firm-wide parties every last Friday of the month and everyone eating lunch together.

I have worked on a range of matters since starting here. I am currently in the Energy and Shipping group (a business sector that was completely new to me but is of great importance to Norway’s economy). In addition, I’ve gained valuable experience in corporate, finance and dispute resolution matters, often concerning areas of law that I’ve never encountered before in London. It can be challenging, but is always very rewarding.

The six months from March to August are an exciting time to be in Oslo. Upon arrival you’re greeted by a foot of snow and people carrying their skis around on the T-Banen - Oslo’s underground system. The changing of the seasons is spectacular and by mid-April the snow has gone, to be replaced by bright spring sunshine and the prospect of long summer days.

Oslo itself is a fairly small city but has an array of interesting museums and art galleries, as well as the usual bars and restaurants. However, it’s the great outdoors that Norway is most famous for, and the scenery on offer throughout the country, particularly the western fjords, is some of the most breathtaking in Europe. I can’t wait to explore Norway further over the coming months.

• Andrew Williams
• Trainee secondment