This means that the potential for the creation of several big firms is limited. Even the largest firms counting only from 40 to 70 lawyers today have to abstain from participation in several cases, due to conflict of interest. It is also clear that the Norwegian legal profession is mostly a domestic activity. There is only one foreign law firm with a limited presence in Oslo, and this firm is at present winding up its Norwegian branch. Some Norwegian law firms have offices abroad, but there are only four in London and a limited presence in some countries.
Foreign offices are an expensive luxury few firms can afford.
This is in contrast with e.g. Swedish law firms, but it must be seen in the light of the limited number of Norwegian companies with a significant presence abroad. Several Norwegian firms are members of international alliances, associations or groupings, but most of these cooperative ventures are on a non-exclusive basis. The perceived wisdom is that exclusive alliances will jeopardise lucrative referral work. The title advokat is not reserved for lawyers in private practice. Corporate lawyers may also use the title and join the Bar Association as a member.