Konferenzen, Seminare & Workshops

HCCH a|Bridged: Innovation in Cross-Border Litigation and Civil Procedure

Edition 2020: GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE HCCH 1970 EVIDENCE CONVENTION

2 December 2020 – Online

 

• a|Bridged Edition 2020 Publication
• Agenda
• Concept Note
• Speakers & Convenors

How have 50 years of HCCH Evidence Convention facilitated cross-border proceedings in civil or commercial matters? Is there a best practice when taking evidence under Chapter I of the Convention? What are the best means of obtaining evidence that can be effectively utilised in proceedings in the state of origin where proceedings are pending? What are the challenges and opportunities raised by the “direct” taking of evidence by a commissioner? What are the lessons to be learned from the Covid-19 pandemic?

These and other questions concerning cross-border litigation and civil procedure were already being discussed at international forums around the world. In this context, the German EU Council Presidency and the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) jointly organised HCCH a|Bridged – Edition 2020. This event commemorated the golden anniversary of the HCCH Evidence Convention, and brought together international experts and stakeholders from different backgrounds to discuss practical challenges on the cross-border taking of evidence and possible solutions to further facilitate cross-border proceedings in the next 50 years.

The HCCH a|Bridged format ensured the event remained true to its name, being short and sharp. After a keynote speech entitled “50 years of the HCCH Evidence Convention – Facilitating cross-border proceedings”, the first panel discussed the question of “Effective Taking of Evidence under Chapter I of the Convention: A Requesting State’s Perspective”. The second panel discussed challenges and opportunities as regards the “Taking of Evidence under Chapter II of the Convention”.

Welcome Note and Practical Information on the Meeting Dr João Ribeiro-Bidaoui First Secretary, HCCH Mr. Thomas KLIPPSTEIN Federal Ministry of Justice and for Consumer Protection
Opening Remarks Dr Margaretha Sudhof State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection, Germany
Word by the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) Dr Christophe Bernasconi Secretary General, HCCH
50 years of the HCCH Evidence Convention Facilitating Cross-Border Proceedings Professor Dr Michael Stürner Professor, Universität Konstanz and Judge, Higher Regional Court, Karlsruhe
Effective Taking of Evidence under Chapter I of the Convention: A Requesting State’s Perspective Convenor: Ms Kerstin Empt Judge, Higher Regional Court of Cologne, Germany Ms Colleen McMahon Chief Judge, U.S. District Court, Southern District New York, United States of America Dr Marcelo De Nardi Federal Judge, Federal Court of First Instance of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Ms Haerang Lee Judge, Suwon District Court, Republic of Korea
A(bridged) Presentation Showcasing the Guide to Good Practice on the Use of Video-Link under the Evidence Convention Ms Elizabeth Zorrilla Legal Officer, HCCH
Effective Taking of Evidence under Chapter II of the Convention: Challenges and Opportunities for Cross-Border Proceedings Ms Convenor: Mr Alexander Blumrosen Partner, Polaris Law Ms Nicola Engels Judge, Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf, Central Authority for North RhineWestphalia, Germany Ms Noëlle Lenoir Avocate à la Cour, Partner, Attorney at law, Noëlle Lenoir Avocats, France Mr Willem A. Visser Court Registrar & Senior Law Clerk, Netherlands Commercial Court – Utrecht District Court, the Netherlands Ms Paula Pott Judge, Court of Appeal, Lisbon, Portugal Mr Michael Baylson, Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, United States of America
Closing Remarks Ms Ruth Schröder Head of Directorate General Civil Law at the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection, Germany Dr João Ribeiro-Bidaoui First Secretary, HCCH