Steen is a highly driven, commercially focused litigation and business lawyer with a proactive and solution-oriented approach. He is known for prioritising constructive outcomes and value creation for his clients.

Accessibility, trust, innovation, and the creation of added value are central themes in Steen’s long-standing practice as an experienced commercial and private law litigator. With more than 30 years of experience conducting litigation in all types of civil disputes and criminal cases before all levels of the Danish courts, including the Supreme Court, Steen appears frequently in court—sometimes 10–15 times per month depending on the size and complexity of the cases.

He also teaches at JUC, including European fundamental rights, and contributes to JUC e-learning on case law concerning Supreme Court practice in areas such as board liability, compensation following acquittal in criminal cases, double jeopardy under EU law, and family reunification—Biao v. Denmark before the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Steen acted as counsel in the landmark Grand Chamber case Biao v. Denmark before the European Court of Human Rights in 2015, heard before 17 judges. In April 2016, the Court ruled in favour of his clients by 12 votes to 5, leading to the annulment of the Danish “24-year rule” on family reunification and subsequent legislative changes in Denmark.

Between 2019 and 2021, Steen represented a number of innocent internet users sued across all 24 Danish judicial districts by foreign film production companies for alleged illegal downloading of films. He secured acquittals in a significant number of cases at both district and high court level.

He also acted as defence counsel in the so-called “Umbrella cases” (2019–2021), where approximately 1,000 young individuals across Denmark were charged with illegal downloading and sharing of child sexual abuse material. In a number of cases, he achieved acquittals or significant reductions in sentencing.

From 2017 to 2025, Steen represented property owners in proceedings concerning properties subject to a registered right of repurchase by the City of Copenhagen, under which the municipality could acquire properties at significantly below market value. In 1996, the municipality introduced a scheme allowing owners to defer or buy out of the repurchase rights against payment.

On 1 April 2017, the municipality unilaterally changed its valuation principles for buy-outs, resulting in increases of more than 400%. As a result, very few owners were able to afford buy-outs and remove the encumbrances from the land register.

Because similar cases brought by a homeowners’ association were filed earlier, Steen’s clients’ cases were stayed pending the outcome of those proceedings. They subsequently joined as intervening parties in both the district and high courts. The complex trials lasted two separate four-day hearings in 2022 and 2025. The association ultimately did not succeed, and the stayed cases were withdrawn in autumn 2025.

Throughout the period, Steen’s clients were fully covered by legal expenses insurance under their home insurance policies.

In a separate case against the City of Copenhagen, Steen’s clients succeeded in May 2026 in establishing their right to retain a carport built on approximately 40 m² of protected woodland area, based on adverse possession. The municipality did not appeal the judgment.

CV

• • Baker Tilly Legal Law Firm – Attorney-at-Law (H)
  • Ret & Råd Glostrup ApS and Wivi Larsen, 1999–2024
  • Right of audience before the Danish High Court, 1984, and the Danish Supreme Court, 1989
  • Admitted to the Danish Bar since 1982

Client Testimonials

Advokat Steen Petersen

Advocate Steen Petersen from Baker Tilly Lawyers in Valby has assisted me for several years in a complex defect case concerning my bathroom in a cooperative apartment.

We successfully won the case regarding isolated evidence proceedings with expert survey and inspection, but we have since had to bring proceedings against the former seller, who continues to refuse to remedy the significant defects in the bathroom with shower area in accordance with the expert report.

Without Steen Petersen’s strong commitment, efficient professional handling, and personal support, my son and I would never have been able to endure this highly burdensome case, which is still ongoing.

We continue to pursue the matter and are confident that Steen will bring it to a successful conclusion, so that my son and I can soon return to a normal everyday life.

I therefore give Steen my warmest recommendation as a highly skilled and professional adviser and a highly effective and strong litigation lawyer.

Egon Kristensen

Anbefaling af advokat Steen Petersen:

Recommendation of Advocate Steen Petersen

We have had the great pleasure of having Attorney Steen Petersen represent us in a complex legal dispute concerning defects in real property. From the very first contact, Steen demonstrated exceptional professionalism, thoroughness, and dedication.

We were served with proceedings on 23 December 2022 and immediately contacted Steen during the Christmas holidays. Despite being on leave, he promptly took on the case, reviewed the relevant documents, and quickly began working on the matter. His commitment and swift action gave us a sense of security in an otherwise uncertain situation.

Throughout the entire process, Steen has been an invaluable support. He has kept us continuously informed, participated in expert inspections and surveys, and has always been available whenever we needed legal advice. His ability to take responsibility and act proactively has been decisive for the outcome of the case.

It has been clear that Steen has fought for our case with great professional skill and persistence. His efforts ultimately led to the opposing party withdrawing and closing the case. Even without legal expertise, it has been easy to see that he has defended our interests with great professionalism and strength.

We can highly recommend Steen Petersen to anyone in need of a competent and committed lawyer. His legal expertise, strategic approach, and personal dedication make him an exceptionally valuable legal adviser.

On a scale from 1 to 10, Steen receives a 10 from us.

Best regards,
Lise & Egon