Dispute resolution in Iceland

Juris

With strong experience in dispute resolution, the team at Juris handles work across a variety of sectors, including banking, fishing, broadcasting, and insurance. The practice is led by Andri Árnason, who provides long-standing experience in disputes and particular expertise in financial litigation. In addition, Andri Andrason plays a key supporting role, advising on commercial and construction matters, with previous experience representing major Icelandic banks.

Praxisleiter:

Andri Árnason


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Andri Andrason


Referenzen

‘Juris’s dispute resolution team stands out for its exceptional cross-border expertise, industry-specific knowledge in construction, maritime, and insurance matters, and a collaborative team structure tailored to each case. Clients benefit from their proactive risk management, practical advice, and the ability to coordinate complex, multi-party disputes efficiently.’

‘This firm delivers exceptional client service with a diverse team that possesses specialized skills to address specific client needs effectively. Their professionalism throughout our engagement was outstanding, and our overall experience with them was excellent. What sets them apart is their ability to match the right expertise to each matter – for instance, one team member’s strong analytical and numerical skills proved invaluable for our case.’

‘The two lawyers who worked on our case demonstrated exceptional capabilities.‘

Kernmandanten

Icelandic Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs


RÚV ohf.


Landsbankinn hf.


University of Iceland


Drífa ehf.


Gamma Capital Management hf.


Eyvi AS


The National Church of Iceland


Huginn ehf.


Rekstrarfélag Kringlunnar ehf.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Búsæld in relation to the validity of laws exempting certain merger situations from merger control requirements.
  • Represented the University of Iceland in damages claims following a major water leak.
  • Represented Huginn in a case regarding the legality of distribution of mackerel fishing quotas.

Lex Law Offices

The dispute resolution team at Lex Law Offices continues to lead in the space, with key clients including major banks and governmental institutions, and recent work in a variety of industries, including aviation, fishing, and engineering. Practice head Arnar Þór Stefánsson has argued before the Supreme Court and brings strong experience in disputes with international components. Óskar Sigurðsson and Guðjón Ármannsson provide support with property, real estate, and energy issues, and Garðar Víðir Gunnarsson continues to be an arbitration expert. Another key name in the team is Fjölnir Ólafsson. Stefán A. Svensson joined the firm in February 2026.

Praxisleiter:

Kristín Edwald; Arnar Þór Stefánsson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Óskar Sigurðsson; Guðjón Ármansson; Garðar Víðir Gunnarsson; Fjölnir Ólafsson; Stefán A. Svensson


Referenzen

‘The team at Lex is highly diverse, bringing together a wide range of expertise. Over the years, they have been able to provide us with all the legal support we have needed, always with professionalism and reliability.’

‘What truly makes the team at Lex stand out is their depth of knowledge and breadth of expertise across all areas of law. They are consistently able to provide clear, practical solutions tailored to our needs. Our main contact, Óskar Sigurðsson, has been outstanding—always responsive, efficient, and quick to deliver high-quality advice that fully meets our requirements. We greatly value the combination of professionalism, reliability, and personal attention that Lex provides, which sets them apart from competitors.’

‘The team has great experience in dealing with disputes and gives practical advice in terms of dispute resolution and is able to represent our interests in full, when applicable.’

Kernmandanten

Bondholders of WOW air hf.


Samherji hf.


Landsbankinn hf.


EFLA hf.


Þórður Már Jóhannesson


Bláfugl ehf.


Former shareholders of Valka hf.


Baader Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH


N4A ehf.


Landsvirkjun sf.


Kópavogur municipality


Lífeyrissjóður Verslunarmanna


Teya hf.


Icelandic Association of Local Authorities


Bankruptcy Estate of Torg ehf.


Mosfellsbær municipality


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted the Icelandic Association of Local Authorities in a dispute over the legality the Icelandic Teachers’ Association’ strike.
  • Represented Kópavogur municipality in a case centred on the expropriation of the highly valuable land at Vatnsendi.
  • Representing Baader Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH in a legal dispute concerning their acquisition of an Icelandic high-tech company from the Icelandic party.

LOGOS

One of the preeminent teams for dispute resolution in Iceland, LOGOS regularly handles complex dispute cases for its clients, who range from major banks to telecoms companies. The group has experience advising on damages claims, contract disputes, and data protection disputes. The team is led by Ólafur Eiríksson, who specialises in bankruptcy, employment, and commercial litigation, and has worked before the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights. Additionally, the team includes Halldór Brynjar Halldórsson and Helga Melkorka Óttarsdóttir, who both excel in competition law and have also completed work before the Supreme Court, and Hjördís Halldórsdóttir, who has particular knowledge of IT and copyright law. Another key contact is Maren Albertsdóttir.

Praxisleiter:

Ólafur Eiríksson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Halldór Brynjar Halldórsson; Helga Melkorka Óttarsdóttir; Hjördis Halldórsdóttir; Maren Albertsdóttir


Referenzen

‘Collaborative and innovative approach, professionalism yet personal contact.’

Kernmandanten

Arion Bank hf.


Deloitte ehf.


Eimskip Island ehf.


Goldman Sachs Inc.


HSBC Bank plc.


Icelandair ehf.


Intuens Segulomun ehf.


Istak hf.


Kvika Bank hf.


Landsbankinn hf.


Laxar fiskeldi ehf.


LS Retail ehf.


Lyf og heilsa hf.


Marel hf.


Morgan Stanley Inc.


The National University Hospital of Iceland


Norvik hf.


Origo hf.


Rizzani de Eccher Island ehf. and Rizzani de Eccher S.p.A.


Securitas hf.


Siminn hf.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Icelandic Pension Funds in its debate against the Government of Iceland regarding the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs plans to wind down the Housing Financing Fund (HFF).
  • Represented Siminn hf. in its claim for annulment of a Competition Authority’s decision imposing a fine of ISK 500 million on the company for alleged competition law infringements.
  • Representing Arion Bank hf. in a court case regarding variable interest mortgage bonds.

Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners

Réttur – Adalsteinsson & Partners continues to be a market-leader in the dispute resolution landscape, with recent work covering a wide range of issues, such as property usage, jurisdictional disputes, and aviation work. Additionally, the team continues to advise on issues relating to the 1995 Súðavík avalanche disaster and handles complex matters before the European Court of Human Rights. Leading the practice is Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson, who brings strong dispute experience and particular knowledge of constitutional and human rights litigation. He is supported by Oddur Ástráðsson, who focuses on major aviation work, and by Alexander Hafþórsson, who excels in property and copyright issues. Linda Íris Emilsdóttir is another key member of the team.

Praxisleiter:

Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Oddur Astráðsson; Alexander Hafþórsson; Linda Íris Emilsdóttir


Referenzen

‘The unique breadth of knowledge and clear communications. While each attorney does specialise in their own area, the client always feels like they have a cohesive team behind them.’

‘Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson possesses an unparalleled breadth of knowledge and experience across the Icelandic legal system. His personal warmth and genuine care are quite unique. Alexander Hafþórsson is a competent litigator and negotiator who cares deeply about his clients. His advice would at times be to hold back in order to preserve the client’s funds for when it really matters, which inspires great trust.’

‘I have had an excellent experience working with Réttur. What makes the firm unique is the combination of outstanding legal expertise with a very practical and commercial mindset. They are quick to grasp the context, cut straight to the core issues, and provide clear recommendations that can be implemented in practice. Compared to other firms, I find Réttur to be exceptionally accessible and solution-oriented.’

Kernmandanten

SÍBS


Tintinimaginatio S.A. (Berenboom & Associés (SCRL))


Skagastál ehf. et al.


Deutsche Lufthansa


IUNO advokatpartnerselskab (Vueling and SAS)


Stígamót


Reykjaprent et al.


Icelandic Wildlife Fund, VÁ – Fjord Protection Association, et al.


Landowners of Óttarsstaðir


LBI ehf.


EMB500 INC (Harco National Insurance Company)


The Waterworks Association of Indriðastaðir


Gilá ehf.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented family members of 1995 Súðavík avalanche victims, successfully petitioning for parliamentary investigation into authorities‘ risk assessment failures.
  • Represented women applicants in litigation against Iceland at the European Court of Human Rights regarding systemic failures in investigating gender-based violence cases.
  • Defended SÍBS and Reykjalundur endurhæfing ehf. in multiple property ownership disputes.

ADVEL Attorneys at Law

ADVEL Attorneys at Law is home to a strong dispute resolution team that regularly provides key advice to its clients, who come from a range of industries, including banking, energy, and IT, often handling mandates with cross-border elements. As practice head, Guðmundur Siemsen leads and provides a wealth of experience in contract issues, corporate work, and public procurement. Aiding him in the team is Dóra Sif Tynes, who brings particular expertise in European affairs. Another team member of note is Árni Freyr Árnason, who is well-suited to handle international litigation and ad hoc international arbitration.

Praxisleiter:

Guðmundur Siemsen


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Dóra Sif Tynes; Árni Freyr Árnason


Referenzen

‘Very responsive with a deep commercial understanding combined with a high local reputation in the courts.’

‘Guðmundur Siemsen is simply a star.’

Kernmandanten

The Icelandic Government


Arion Bank


Advania Group


Municipality of Hafnarfjörður


N1 hf.


Stræto bs.


Sýn


Vodafone


Askja


Orkuveita Reykjavikur


Bilaleiga Flugleida (Hertz Iceland)


atNorth ehf.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Continuing to represent Arion Bank as the bank’s attorney in a case filed by EC-Clear.
  • Providing legal advice and representing Brim in employment dispute resolution and litigation.
  • Continuing to represent Orkuveita Reykjavikur in disputes concerning the alleged health complications suffered by both an employee of Orkuveita Reykjavikur and an employee of a tenant at Orkuveita Reykjavikur’s headquarters.

BBA//Fjeldco

The disputes team at BBA//Fjeldco has a proven track record in the space, with recent matters covering a range of industries, such as retail, real estate, fishing, and aviation. A recent important case has been an international dispute regarding duty-free stores at Keflavik International Airport. Practice head Thórir Júlíusson has strong experience in litigation across a variety of industries and including domestic and international matters, and Kári Ólafsson brings further experience, specialising in commercial real estate disputes. Other key names in the team are Þorbjörg Ásta Leifsdóttir and Einar Brynjarsson.

Praxisleiter:

Thórir Júlíusson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kári Ólafsson; Þorbjörg Ásta Leifsdóttir; Einar Brynjarsson


Referenzen

‘A strong team of attorneys with specialized expertise in various areas of dispute resolution, including complex litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Their commitment to understanding the client’s perspective is crucial in crafting effective dispute resolution strategies.’

‘You can speak frankly about any issues, and the individuals don’t try to oversell themselves.’

‘Long relationship and excellent cooperation, very qualified team and variety of experts.’

Kernmandanten

105 Miðborg slhf.


Eignamiðlun ehf.


Eik fasteignafélag hf.


Eurocontrol


Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG


Harpa Concert Hall


Íslandssjóðir hf.


Mannverk ehf.


Måsoval Eiendom AS


Miklaborg ehf.


Reiknistofa fiskmarkaða hf.


SAFÍR byggingar ehf.


Seve Iceland ehf. / Seve Ehituse AS


TM hf.


Tryggvagata ehf.


Vesturbugt ehf.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Vesturbugt ehf. in a dispute against Reykjavík municipality regarding the cancellation of an allocation of a development area.
  • Provided legal advice to Gebr. Heinemann ehf. in its successful participation in a tender process for the concession for operating duty-free stores at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) from the spring of 2025.
  • Providing a wide range of ongoing legal services to Íslandssjóðir, including acting for the fund in court proceedings.

Landslog – Law Offices

With clients including large banks and airports, the disputes team at Landslog – Law Offices has an established presence in the market. Co-head Áslaug Árnadóttir brings strong commercial litigation experience, having recently acted in a long-running consumer credit dispute, whilst Viðar Lúðvíksson and Grímur Sigurðsson also co-lead, providing further experience in insurance and corporate law, respectively. Additionally, Jóhannes Karl Sveinsson is a key name in the team and a respected litigator, acting before both domestic and international courts.

Praxisleiter:

Grímur Sigurðsson; Áslaug Árnadóttir; Viðar Lúðvíksson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jóhannes Karl Sveinsson


Referenzen

‘Provided service by Landslog is extremely important for my institution. They have been able to give us professional advice on both the commercial and business sides as well as the legal side.’

‘Our lawyer is intelligent, strategic, concerned with our business, and very skilled in the field of law.’

‘The individuals that I have worked with are among the best I have worked with, in any country, and compare favorably with top lawyers in the USA, UK, and Luxembourg. They bring knowledge, efficiency, and ethics.’

Kernmandanten

Central Bank of Iceland


Hagar hf.


Isavia


Bru II Island hf.


University of Iceland Lottery


Islandsbanki – bank hf.


Icelandic Prime Contractors – IAV


Orkuveita Reykjavikur


TM Insurance Company


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Isavia against Air Lease Corporation, regarding Isavia’s impounding of ALC’s Airbus A320 aircraft at Keflavík International Airport.
  • Represented the former owners of Brunegg ehf. in a case following the company’s bankruptcy.
  • Led a class action on behalf of a group of shareholders in the collapsed bank Landsbanki, against one of the bank’s former owners, for allegedly deceiving and withholding information from the bank’s shareholders.

Deloitte Legal ehf.

Deloitte Legal ehf. houses a competent dispute resolution team that specialises in tax disputes and leverages its expert knowledge of the field to provide strong advice to its clients. The team is co-led by Símon Þór Jónsson, who brings decades of experience in tax law in both domestic and international matters, and Pétur Steinn Guðmundsson, who provides broad litigation experience across a range of areas, including real estate, retail, and labour. Guðbjörg Þorsteinsdóttir is a further key name in the team.

Praxisleiter:

Símon þór Jónsson; Pétur Steinn Guðmundsson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Guðbjörg Þorsteinsdóttir


Referenzen

‘Reliable and analytical.’

‘Knowledgeable and committed.’

‘We worked with Guðbjörg Thorsteinsdóttir. She is organized and competent, and she is well up to speed in both Icelandic tax law and corporate law.‘

Kernmandanten

Íslenska kalkþörungafélagið ehf.


Arctic Technologies ApS


Spakur Invest


KSÍ (Icelandic Football Association)


Bru II Venture Capital Fund S.C.A., SICAR


Bílaumboðið Askja


Tjörneshreppur


All Verk ehf.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented the shareholders of Arctic Technologies ApS in a complex tax dispute against the Icelandic state.
  • Represented Bru II Venture Capital Fund S.C.A., SICAR in two complex cases related to the liquidation process of Brú II Ísland hf.
  • Assisted the shareholders of a retail company in a dispute before the Icelandic Tax Authority and the Internal Revenue board regarding interpretation of inheritance tax.

KPMG Law in Iceland

Leveraging the firm’s strong tax background, the disputes team at KPMG Law in Iceland focuses on complex tax work, regularly representing clients before the Icelandic Board of Internal Revenue. The three co-heads of the team, Ásgeir Skorri Thoroddsen, Ágúst Karl Guðmundsson, and Kristinn Jónasson, each provide deep tax experience, with Ágúst particularly bringing his strength in cross-border, multi-jurisdictional matters, and Kristinn excels in VAT and other indirect tax matters.

Praxisleiter:

Ágúst Karl Guðmundsson; Ásgeir Skorri Thoroddsen; Kristinn Jónasson


Kernmandanten

Leitar Capital Partners ehf.


Másbúðir ehf.


Embla Medical hf.


Kraftur hf.


Upp-sláttur ehf.


Adomat


Genesis Mining


Lagerinn


ÞG Verk (Arcus ehf.)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Lagerinn in a VAT-related dispute before the Icelandic Board of Internal Revenue (Yfirskattanefnd).
  • Representing PEGA ehf. in a high-stakes VAT dispute with the Icelandic Directorate of Internal Revenue.