Hjort's Method Ensures High Quality Investigations

Investigations are not regulated by law. Therefore, Hjort has developed its own method of execution to ensure quality and legal protection.

The Hjort method is the result of many years of experience with investigation assignments. Partner and head of our compliance and investigations practice area Kristian Brandt, answers questions about why Hjort has developed its own methodology:

“We have systematized our expertise in a way that we believe leads to better investigations. Actively contributing to the development of this field is an important part of our social responsibility.”

“We are committed to ensuring that investigations are only conducted when absolutely necessary. That means the best investigation is often the one that does not need to happen. If it is possible to resolve or clarify the issues that have arisen, and the accusations that have been made without conducting an investigation, then that is the best outcome,” says Brandt.

Kristian Brandt has been part of the committee organized by the Norwegian Bar Association that has developed new guidelines for conducting investigations.

“Our guidelines are based on those of the Norwegian Bar Association, but they address in more detail the dilemmas and issues one encounters in an investigation assignment, such as how interviews and information gathering should be conducted.”

Hjort has a long tradition of conducting investigations and has a unique combination of lawyers with expertise in business law, public law, and criminal law. This allows the firm to assemble teams in investigation cases that are specialists in the areas relevant to the investigation.

“We are committed to maintaining our professional integrity, and we are known for being thorough and proper in the work we do. These are indispensable qualities in any investigation case,” says managing partner Anne Marie Due. Most investigations affect a large number of people involved, in addition to the business. It is crucial to conduct the investigation in such a way that it causes the least discomfort while also minimally impacting the business’s operations, emphasizes Due.

We are recognized for our thoroughness and propriety in our work.

The world must move on even after an investigation is completed. Therefore, it is important that everyone involved in the process feels that the investigation has been conducted properly. This contributes to the legitimacy of the results and can also help the conclusions to be more readily accepted by the affected parties.

“An investigation is a form of inquiry that greatly affects the business and can be quite uncomfortable for those involved. Therefore, there is a need for standardized processes and methods that ensure that legal protections and the interests of those affected are well taken care of,” concludes partner and chairman Kristin Veierød.

Our Services

For many years, Hjort has assisted businesses in the private and public sectors with the prevention and management of risk and crisis situations. We also support employees and leaders in connection with whistleblowing or suspicion of reprehensible conduct. Our assignments range from smaller investigations in companies, municipalities, and foundations, to large investigation assignments for publicly owned enterprises and listed companies.

The method of an investigation is often used on complex issues. This places great demands on the investigators. Business law expertise alone is often not sufficient. Hjort’s investigation team is therefore broadly composed of our most experienced partners within business law, investigation, and criminal law. This ensures a good understanding of working life and business management in a broad sense, specialized expertise in administrative law, and relevant industry knowledge.