The law firm Thallaug, spearheaded by partner Ingrid Sandberg, will lead a dedicated session on freedom of expression in academia and the workplace during the World Expression Forum (WEXFO) in Lillehammer on June 2-3.
“I believe lawyers and legal professionals must contribute more actively to protect a free and inclusive climate of expression, which is a crucial prerequisite for legal security and democracy,” says Ingrid Sandberg, lawyer and partner at Thallaug, with experience from NHO, Oslo District Court, and the law firm Selmer. Sandberg has particular expertise in labor law and regularly handles cases in the courts.
“As lawyers, we primarily contribute to public debate and the safeguarding of freedom of expression through our work on individual cases, but these cases also offer us valuable insights on the significance of freedom of expression and the various pressures it faces.”
“Lawyers have the opportunity to spread knowledge about the legal content of freedom of expression, including the responsibilities it entails. By fostering an informed public debate, we can reduce the likelihood of individuals hiding behind the banner of freedom of expression to suppress or silence dissenting voices.”
“The legal profession has a responsibility”
“We see alarming examples of the use of freedom of expression as a weapon in other countries. Such behavior also puts the independence of lawyers—and thus legal security—under pressure. There are many examples of sanctions against lawyers for their professional activities, such as defending regime critics or advising political opponents.”
“As lawyers, we have a responsibility to speak out when the independence and working conditions of our colleagues are under pressure. Reduced independence for lawyers increases the risk of self-censorship both by the lawyer as a professional and by clients out of fear of reprisals or loss of assignments and income, leading to a loss of trust in the legal profession,” continues Sandberg.
Leading international panel at WEXFO 2025
Ingrid Sandberg will introduce and moderate a panel discussion on legal frameworks and challenges for freedom of expression in academia and the workplace during the WEXFO conference — a session particularly relevant for lawyers. The panel will include Sarah McLaughlin from the American Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), Adele Matheson Mestad from the Norwegian National Human Rights Institution (and upcoming partner at the law firm BAHR), researcher Denise Roche from the international Scholars at Risk, and journalist Saurav Das based in New Delhi.
“At WEXFO, we will discuss why an open climate of expression is important and the counter-considerations that arise when one is in an employment relationship or contractual collaboration. How can we maintain and foster a free and inclusive culture of expression in a professional context? I believe all businesses and organizations must have a more conscious approach to this going forward, both to maintain trust among employees, clients, and in society,” elaborates Sandberg.
The law firm Thallaug is the largest law firm in Innlandet, established in 1919. The firm consists of 24 employees, including lawyers with the right to appear before the Supreme Court. Thallaug offers a wide range of legal services and has its headquarters in Lillehammer. Thallaug was the first law firm to become a shareholder in the World Expression Forum.
Photo: Kirsti Hovde
