Commercial Court and Commercial Chambers commence operations

“With the establishment of the Commercial Court and the Commercial Chambers, we are creating specialized judicial panels for commercial disputes. This strengthens Frankfurt as a center of judicial excellence and advances the development of commercial law,” said the Minister of Justice. He added: “We have created a new, attractive offering for companies, enabling them to resolve their disputes within the public court system. My sincere thanks go to everyone who contributed to the establishment of these new panels – a remarkable team effort by the Hessian judiciary.”

A new model of commercial dispute resolution

The Commercial Courts are specialized civil law panels at Higher Regional Courts. They adjucate certain commercial disputes with an amount in controversy of at least EUR 500,000 to be heard at first instance — provided that the parties agree. If the parties do not choose to bring a case before the Commercial Court, the disputes may be brought before the specialized Commercial Chambers at the Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main, provided that the court has jurisdiction under general rules. Appeals against decisions by the Commercial Chambers will be heard by the Commercial Court Frankfurt at the Higher Regional Court.

“The Commercial Court, comprising two dedicated panels at the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main, expands the dispute resolution system with an innovative element designed for complex commercial disputes. It further enhances Germany’s position as a center of legal excellence,” said Dr. Alexander Seitz, President of the Higher Regional Court. “Cases will be heard at first instance by highly qualified, independent judges—and, upon the parties’ request, also conducted in English. Where appropriate, matters may be referred to experienced conciliation judges of the Higher Regional Court.”

Frankfurt: a natural hub for international commercial litigation

Prof. Dr. Carsten Paul, President of the Regional Court of Frankfurt, added: “Frankfurt’s central location, its transport and infrastructure, and its legal expertise make it the ideal venue for significant and international commercial disputes. Many of our judges at the Regional Court have gained several years of experience in international law firms prior to joining the judiciary. Frankfurt is therefore exceptionally well-positioned to serve as the venue for the cases to be heard before the Commercial Chambers.”

Experienced and specialized expertise

The Commercial Court panels are chaired by Presiding Judge at the Higher Regional Court Ulrike Willoughby and Presiding Judge at the Higher Regional Court Jens-Daniel Braun. The Commercial Chambers are chaired by Presiding Judge at the Regional Court Yvonne Gräfin von Bassewitz and Presiding Judge at the Regional Court Dr. Felix Bergmeister.

The eleven judges of the Commercial Court and the seven judges of the Commercial Chambers bring many years of experience - often with international background - in the relevant areas of commercial law, either through prior judicial roles or legal practice. “The judges appointed to these new panels are experienced and highly qualified experts in their fields,” emphasized the Minister of Justice.

Modern facilities and English-language proceedings

The proceedings are to be conducted in newly renovated courtrooms located under one roof in close proximity to the Frankfurt Justice Center. The property has already been leased and is currently being converted to meet the needs of the court.

The new premises will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and additional consultation rooms, allowing the parties to retreat for joint or separate discussions. Upon request, proceedings may be conducted in English, and written submissions, including annexes, may also be filed in English.