Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network. For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Tom Carsten Troberg of our member firm, Okland & Co in Norway!

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
I work in a mid-size law firm, focusing on all aspects of Norwegian business law.

Who would be your typical client?
Small and mid-sized companies with a minimum of intellectual property basis, like IT-firms, private investors etc.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That I am really good at finding good solutions, not always based on a strict interpretation of the applicable legislation.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
That was back in the 90’s, when the US decided that all fishing vessels had to be US owned, throwing a lot of Norwegian ship owners into great trouble. Selling, restructuring and negotiating internationally for two years, travelling around the world. Great fun.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
I really do hope that is yet to come.

What do you do when you’re not practicing law?
I try to keep in good shape, cycling, running and skiing when I can. I spend a lot of time with my daughter and her horse, and the rest of the time I spend with family and friends.

What would surprise people most about you?
Probably that I am pure working class – the first in my family (both sides) to go to college.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
No doubt, that was the kitchen escape in Madrid, when we had to go through the internal corridors of the Westin in order to avoid the demonstrations.

What career would you have chosen if you weren’t a lawyer?
Actually, law was my third choice. I always wanted to be a naval officer, but my colour sight did not meet the Navy’s requirements. Then I wanted to become an archaeologist, but that did not seem to offer a very well paid future.

If a movie were made of your life, who would you want to play you?
John Travolta. Remember, I was young when the 70’s hit the 80’s

How would you like to be remembered?
As a person who could be trusted.