Maria Elena Kvalen

Maria Elena Kvalen leads SANDS’s labor law practice group. With over 15 years of experience as a labor law advisor, she has worked with both Norwegian and international companies across various industries. Her expertise encompasses downsizing, restructuring, change processes, business transfers, conflict resolution, employment protection cases, documentation and compliance work, and ongoing strategic advice. Additionally, she has assisted employers with maritime employment law matters and supported several shipping companies with downsizing efforts.

Maria is particularly skilled in investigations, compliance, and risk management. She has experience with large-scale investigations and assists companies in handling suspicions of misconduct and wrongful acts, whistleblowing cases, and other situations requiring fact-finding. She also supports companies in their compliance efforts, including work related to the Transparency Act.

A sought-after speaker and lecturer, Maria shares her expertise at NTNU and with various industry associations and leadership development programs.

Maria holds honorary positions as a board member of the Norwegian Professional Football League and the football clubs AaFK and AaFK Fortuna.

"Maria Elena Kvalen is a highly professional lawyer who always gets back to us even though we are late and the request has a short deadline. She is always timely and reliant."

- Client, Legal 500 2024