Our Statement Pursuant to the Norwegian Transparency Act

CMS Kluge law firm (“the firm”) is a Norwegian law firm fully owned by the firm’s partners. The firm has offices in three major Norwegian cities; Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger, and the firm delivers legal services within all business law disciplines. The majority of the firm’s clients are enterprises and stakeholders in the public sector.

The firm is organized in six different specialist departments as well as an administration. The administration includes HR, various support functions, marketing, finance, and IT. The administration and the six departments all report to the Managing Partner and the deputy manager. The Managing Partner and the deputy manager report to the board. The board consists of seven board members, in addition to the chairman of the board. Two of the board members are employee representatives. The firm’s highest body is the partner meeting.

CMS Kluge has a long tradition of promoting social responsibility through the firm’s work. The firm is committed to running the business in an ethical and sustainable manner, by continuously working to ensure that the firm and its business complies with the UN guiding principles for business and human rights as well as the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises. You can read more about CMS Kluge’s various initiatives within human rights and sustainability, under the tab “Responsible business/social responsibility” on the firm’s website.

Furthermore, CMS Kluge continuously work to promote fundamental human rights and decent working conditions in connection with production of goods and provision of services pursuant to the Norwegian Transparency Act. The firm surveys all its suppliers and business associates and continuously carry out due diligence related to potential risks concerning fundamental human rights and decent working conditions, in the supply chain. In carrying out the due diligence, the firm looks to the guidelines formed by the Norwegian Directorate for Public Administration and Financial Management, as well as the sector-specific guidelines from OECD, in addition to other objective sources.

Based on the due diligence carried out by the firm, CMS Kluge has concluded that the firm’s business entails a limited risk of potential negative consequences on fundamental human rights and decent working conditions. The firm’s most important input factor is competent, satisfied and committed employees. CMS Kluge is known for its fair and inclusive working environment, with competitive conditions and a focus on a healthy work-life balance.

CMS Kluge rents office spaces in Oslo, Stavanger and Bergen, as well as Hamar. The tenancies are well-regulated and entered into with reputable and serious landlords. All services provided in connections with the tenancies, including cleaning services, maintenance work and canteen, follow current collective agreements concerning decent wages and working conditions.

Concerning potential negative impacts on fundamental human rights and decent working condition, the firm has identified the acquisition of ICT-equipment, electronics, certain categories of office furniture and office supplies, as the areas posing the highest risk. In order to minimize possible negative consequences pursuant to the Norwegian Transparency Act, the firm seeks to recycle and reuse equipment whenever possible. Additionally, the firm closely monitor its suppliers and business associates, and sets requirements concerning documentation, as mentioned above.

If CMS Kluge is uncertain of how the suppliers and business connections impact fundamental human rights and decent working conditions, requirements concerning documentation and due diligence assessments are imposed on them. If a supplier or business connection is unable to document its impact on fundamental human rights and decent working condition, this circumstance could entail consequences for the contract between the firm and the supplier. Normally, the firm seeks to positively influence the supplier in order to minimize its negative consequences and repair any adverse impacts on fundamental human rights and decent working conditions, this approach is recommended pursuant to the Norwegian Transparency Act.

CMS Kluge’s main aim is that people who deliver input factors to the firm’s business, shall have their basic needs met and a salary that they can live off.

If further information concerning CMS Kluge’s work with the Norwegian Transparency Act is wanted, please contact Janne Felumb via e-mail janne.felumb@cms-kluge.com or by phone at +47 414 02 588.