Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Our Approach: Thorough Preparation, Integrity, No Shortcuts

At Hjort, cases are handled by the lawyers who know the subject matter. When a dispute arises, we do not transfer the case to a separate litigation department. This ensures the lawyer arguing your case in court has both deep substantive expertise and proven litigation experience. We believe the combination of specialist knowledge and courtroom skill produces the best outcomes for clients.

For complex, large-scale proceedings, we assemble cross-disciplinary teams that draw on expertise across practice areas.

Our lawyers may not always generate the largest media headlines. What we do have is a substantial reputation with the courts: we are well-prepared, conduct ourselves with integrity, and do not take procedural shortcuts. We also regularly assist other lawyers who are themselves parties in legal proceedings.

Practice Areas

Mediation & Negotiated Resolution

Mediation aims to reach a solution all parties can accept. In the vast majority of mediated cases, agreement is reached — and surveys consistently show that parties who choose mediation are satisfied with the process, even when full resolution is not achieved.

Mediation is typically faster and less costly than arbitration or court proceedings. It also allows for tailored, creative solutions that a court cannot impose, and — critically — it keeps decision-making authority with the parties rather than delegating it to a third party. This makes mediation well-suited for managing litigation risk in high-value disputes and for giving parties a clearer assessment of litigation risk before proceeding to arbitration or court.

Hjort has extensive experience with both court-connected mediation and private out-of-court mediation. Our lawyers have been involved in some of the most significant mediation processes conducted in Norway, including what has been described as the country’s most extensive court mediation. We also led the mediation process following the Fosen wind energy dispute, a landmark case in Norwegian dispute resolution. 

Several of our lawyers have been appointed as mediators in commercial disputes, and our team includes certified mediators.

Commercial Litigation

We provide full litigation services to all client groups: commercial businesses, public sector bodies, and private individuals. Our goal is never to make a case more complicated than it needs to be — we present arguments clearly and persuasively.

Civil disputes continue to grow in complexity and scope. We regularly represent some of Norway’s largest organisations in commercial disputes and have argued a number of leading cases with broad precedential value across multiple areas of law.

Large-Scale & High-Stakes Proceedings

Major litigation is growing in scale and complexity, often involving extended trial periods, substantial documentary evidence, significant financial exposure, and questions of broad legal principle. Such cases frequently attract significant public and media attention.

These proceedings require rigorous organisation, strong project management, and close client collaboration — as well as, in many cases, a multidisciplinary approach with expert witness support.

Hjort has been involved in several major proceedings in recent years and has developed considerable experience managing this type of mandate. A dedicated team, led by a senior partner, works toward the best possible outcome — drawing in specialists from relevant practice areas as needed.

Arbitration

Arbitration is the preferred method for resolving many commercial disputes, particularly in sectors such as construction, energy, shipping, and international trade. It offers flexibility, expert adjudication, confidentiality, and — by reference to the New York Convention — international enforceability of awards.

Hjort has substantial experience representing parties in domestic and international arbitration under a range of procedural rules, including the Norwegian Arbitration Act and institutional rules (ICC, UNCITRAL, SCC). Our lawyers also serve as arbitrators.

Public Law & Administrative Disputes

Public law disputes — including challenges to administrative decisions, regulatory matters, and the rights of individuals and businesses in relation to public authorities — require specific expertise combining procedural law with substantive public and administrative law knowledge.

Hjort has significant experience with cases before administrative tribunals and courts, including judicial review proceedings. We represent both public authorities and private parties.

Enforcement & Interim Relief

Obtaining or resisting interim injunctions, attachment orders, and other enforcement measures requires rapid legal response combined with strong procedural judgment. We advise clients on enforcement strategy and represent them before the enforcement courts and appellate bodies.

Private Individuals & Personal Disputes

Unlike most large Norwegian law firms, Hjort also represents private individuals in disputes and court proceedings. This includes:

• Family law matters: estate division, divorce, child custody, and inheritance
• Asset-related disputes
• Family-owned businesses
• Employment disputes
• Tax matters
• Property disputes