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CMS Hasche Sigle advises Lord Justice Jackson on reform of British litigation costs system

20/05/2009

London/Cologne – Lord Justice Rupert Jackson was appointed by Britain’s Court of Appeal to conduct a comprehensive review of civil litigation costs in England and Wales. The aim is to provide a basis for reform of the costs system in civil cases.

A team from CMS Hasche Sigle led by Dr Albrecht Piltz and Dr Torsten Lörcher provided Lord Justice Jackson with advice and support with regard to the international part of the review.

The review was prompted by mounting concerns about the cost of UK civil cases. These costs are considered to be unpredictable and above average. The core of the review is a comparison of the costs regime of England and Wales with those operating in other jurisdictions.

The basis for examination of the German litigation costs system was an intensive exchange of information between Lord Justice Jackson and CMS Hasche Sigle. In the course of a visit to Cologne organised and moderated by CMS Hasche Sigle, Jackson had discussions with the President of Cologne Higher Regional Court, Johannes Riedel, and of Cologne Regional Court, Helmut Zerbes. He also met academics from Cologne University (including Dr Mathias Kilian, Dr Moritz Brinkmann, LL.M. and Dr Michal Stürner).

Jackson was impressed by the efficiency and transparency of the German model. In the words of the Lord Justice, he found the German system “extremely interesting”. He indicated that he was minded to propose introducing a cost reimbursement system in the UK in line with the German model, initially in specific areas of the justice system.

The final report is due to be presented at the end of 2009.

Advisers CMS Hasche Sigle

Dr Albrecht Piltz, Litigation and Arbitration
Dr Torsten Lörcher, Litigation and Arbitration
Dr Hans-Clemens Köhne, Litigation and Arbitration
Thierry Randel, Litigation and Arbitration

Contact:

Dr Torsten Lörcher
Tel. +49 221 7716 200
E-mail: Torsten.Loercher@cms-hs.com

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Dr. Albrecht Piltz