Experience Across Generations and New Ambitions

A Life-Changing Call

Just before boarding a flight to attend INTA, the world’s largest conference on IP rights, Kristine Aarflot received the call no one wants to get.

"A little less than a year ago, just as I was heading out the door, my phone rang. I heard the doctor say, ‘You have breast cancer.’ My first thought was, ‘Not again?!’ But before I knew it, the surgery was scheduled, and my plane tickets were canceled," says Kristine Aarflot, Managing Director and Senior Partner at Bryn Aarflot.

Her first battle with cancer was back in 2011. It left a lasting impact, and she was on sick leave for nearly a year. As a mother of two, chemotherapy was tough.

"But I worked when I could—I needed to, and it felt right for me. I had already decided I was going to come back, so I kept up with my clients as best I could. After all, they would still be my responsibility once I recovered," she explains, looking at Associate Lawyer Hanna Gisholt.

"The second time, I never doubted that I would get better. I had already made up my mind that I would beat this again. Of course, I was scared and exhausted, but I managed to stay positive. The exciting work at the firm also helped me through the second round."

Kristine has always been open with her employees about her illness, believing that transparency is crucial for a leader.

“The need for our expertise is increasing, especially as more companies recognize the value of IP rights," says Kristine Aarflot.

Generation Z in the Workplace

"When a leader is so open about their personal challenges, I think it brings colleagues closer together. It fosters greater understanding, and I feel reassured that if I ever face illness or difficulties, I will receive support and empathy," says Hanna.

Hanna worked part-time at the firm during her studies and is a textbook example of Generation Z—demanding meaningful work while also prioritizing a healthy work-life balance.

"I probably work less overtime than many of my friends from law school. At the same time, I enjoy a great deal of professional freedom. I’ve been interviewed by the media, and shortly after being hired, I handled my first case in court. These experiences have helped me grow," she says.

Hanna earned her master’s degree from the Faculty of Law at the University of Oslo in 2024, specializing in patent law. Her thesis earned her a scholarship from the Norwegian Association for the Protection of Industrial Property (NIR), and she is one of several young talents at Bryn Aarflot.

The Evolution of Women in IP

The two women share a smile. One entered the firm when young female hires were primarily tasked with making coffee and running errands, while men dominated the legal and patent advisory sectors.

"When I joined the firm, there was actually a job title called ‘office girl’—someone who served coffee, prepared sandwiches, and assisted the advisors," Kristine recalls.

When Hanna started in 2024, over 70% of law students at the University of Oslo were women. She now works in a company where 75% of leadership positions are held by women, including most partners and colleagues.

Today, Hanna is the youngest employee and also a woman—but that is where the similarities with the old "office girl" role end. Now, it is qualifications that matter.

Independence and Long-Term Vision

The IP industry is experiencing mergers and the rise of larger firms. Bryn Aarflot has received multiple acquisition offers from entities interested in its specialized services.

"Our answer is always ‘no.’ We are Norwegian and partner-owned. That’s something we take pride in, and it’s how we intend to stay. This independence makes Bryn Aarflot a great place to work, offering solid career opportunities for top talent. It also allows us to think long-term instead of focusing on short-term profits. We invest in our employees, ensuring they stay with us for many years", Kristine explains.

Although acquisition talks have never progressed far, the firm remains an attractive target in an industry where many competitors in the patent and IP field have either disappeared or been absorbed by larger players.

With the same surname as the firm and representing the fourth generation in IP (and the third within the company), Kristine shoulders a great deal of history and responsibility.

"But I didn’t inherit this position, if that’s what you’re wondering," she says, laughing.

Kristine’s grandfather, patent attorney Harald Aarflot, co-founded the firm with his brother-in-law, Tom Bryn, in 1947. Both had extensive experience in industrial property rights before launching Bryn & Aarflot. In 1998, it became a partner-owned company—a structure that continues today.

"My great-grandfather, Alfred Jørgen Bryn, founded one of Norway’s first IP firms" Kristine explains while showcasing some of the books he wrote.

"I never planned to spend my entire career at Bryn Aarflot, but after securing my first full-time job here, I never looked back."

She started as a trademark attorney before leading the trademark department. Since 2009, she has been the Managing Director. As both a middle manager and a senior executive, she has been a female leader in a male-dominated industry for over 20 years.

She recalls instances where clients and contacts remained seated in meetings, waiting for "the boss," not realizing she was already in the room. Despite such situations, she has generally been treated equally to her male colleagues.

"Bryn Aarflot has always been ahead of its time. We had Norway’s first female patent attorney, and even before me, we had a female Managing Director. This progressive culture is deeply ingrained. And it’s not just about gender equality—it’s about being a workplace that continuously evolves and embraces new challenges. Technology is another great example of this," she says.

The firm has invested in AI models to streamline operations, helping with analysis, document processing, and other time-consuming tasks.

"We are at the forefront in this field, and with technology, we can dedicate more time to strategic work for our clients. This investment is essential for maintaining competitiveness. We are committed to building a company that remains strong for at least another 80 years," says Kristine.

Ambition and Future Leadership

Like in many industries where billing and sales are crucial, many young professionals aspire to become partners.

"I plan to become a partner here—that’s my ambition," Hanna states confidently, looking at Kristine.

"We have a shorter partner track compared to other law firms," Kristine replies. "Here, you can become a partner while you’re still young. That’s something we are very conscious of. Absolutely!"

– Follow your interests and do what you enjoy. That’s what will make you grow and thrive. And most importantly – work somewhere you can see yourself staying for many years, not just the next five, says Managing Director and Senior Partner Kristine Aarflot at Bryn Aarflot to Associate Hanna Gisholt.

Among both students and young professionals, there are ongoing discussions about work hours, career success, and maintaining a balanced life.

"At this firm, having a life outside of work is a given. You can handle exciting clients and climb the career ladder, regardless of your personal choices—whether you decide to have children or not," Hanna says.

During her studies, she received a prestigious scholarship and had opportunities at several major law firms, where long hours are the norm. Yet, she chose an IP firm instead.

"As an employer, we need to consider the whole picture and accommodate employees’ life situations. I’ve been there myself—I have two kids. A modern workplace must adapt to its employees. We have excellent policies and a supportive environment. And we don’t hesitate to hire women in their 30s due to concerns about maternity leave—quite the opposite," Kristine adds.

Written by Nikolaos Farmakis
Photos by Janne Møller-Hansen