Frankfurt Dispute Resolution Symposium

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

One year ago, we inaugurated the new premises of the Commercial Court Frankfurt and the Commercial Chambers. Much has happened since then: the new judicial panels have commenced their work, valuable initial experience has been gained with the new procedural tools, and a lively exchange has developed among the judiciary, legal practitioners, businesses, academia and the arbitration community.

We would like to continue this dialogue – and broaden the perspective.

The Hessian Ministry of Justice, the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main and the Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main therefore cordially invite you to the

at the premises of the Commercial Court Frankfurt and the Commercial Chambers.

Following a welcome address by the Hessian Minister of Justice, Christian Heinz, we will explore different approaches to modern dispute resolution in three panel discussions:

Commercial Court & Commercial Chambers – From a New Procedural Framework to Everyday Practice

How are case management conferences and the new procedural options changing the way complex commercial disputes are conducted?

Ulrike Willoughby, Presiding Judge of the First Senate of the Commercial Court Frankfurt, will lead the opening session and, together with other participants, share insights gained from the Court's experience to date.

Not Every Commercial Dispute Needs a Judgment – ADR and Judicial Mediation in Dialogue

What opportunities does consensual dispute resolution offer, particularly in complex commercial disputes?

Myriam Gruß, Vice-President of the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main, will discuss the opportunities, limitations and appropriate timing of negotiated settlements with Holger Bürskens, LL.M. (McGill), attorney-at-law.

Frankfurt – Karlsruhe – Brussels: Arbitration in a Changing Legal Landscape

How is arbitration-related case law evolving? What new directions might emerge from the planned reform of German arbitration law, and what role does European Union law play?

Judge Odörfer of the Federal Court of Justice and Professor Dr Tim Maxian Rusche, Director in the Legal Service of the European Commission, will discuss recent developments in arbitration-related case law in Frankfurt and Karlsruhe, its interaction with EU law, and the future role of the Commercial Courts in relation to arbitration.

The discussion will be moderated by Jens-Daniel Braun, Presiding Judge of the Second Senate of the Commercial Court Frankfurt and also Presiding Judge of the Arbitration Senate at the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main, who will contribute the perspective of the Frankfurt judiciary.

Three perspectives, one common question:

How can commercial dispute resolution be made efficient, responsive to the needs of the parties and effective in both national and international contexts?

Following the symposium, we would be delighted to continue these conversations at a reception and look forward to exchanging views with you in person.

We very much hope to welcome you to Frankfurt on 24 November 2026.