Whilst the year ahead is marked with a great deal of uncertainty for businesses in Europe and around the world, what seems certain is that it is shaping up to be one of the most challenging years in living memory.  For some, the economic circumstances will produce great opportunities.  For many international businesses, however, there will be an increase in the likelihood of disputes, and an increase in the litigation risks they face.

Since 2005, we have in Germany the possibility to enter into mediation in pending court proceedings. This is a new possibility offered by some–not all–regional courts (Landgerichte) in Germany.

In Germany, regional courts (Landgerichte), generally speaking, have jurisdiction in all matters in which the amount in dispute is above EUR 5,000.00.

In connection with a research study carried out by a German University, some German regional courts (Landgerichte) have decided to offer parties in pending disputes the possibility to resolve the dispute in a court mediation.

Ina Brock is a partner in the Munich office of the European-based international law firm, Lovells LLP. She is in charge of Lovells' Product Liability practice in Germany.

"Said to be "one of the best product liability lawyers in the world"" (The International Who's Who of Life Sciences Lawyers 2008) and “Consistently cited as one of Germany’s top product liability specialists, active in representing some of the world’s major pharmaceutical and medical device players on EU aspects of big-ticket product liability cases." (PLC Cross-border Handbook: Life Sciences – The law and leading lawyers worldwide 2007/08), she focuses on product liability, mass torts and pharmaceutical liability, including international conflict of laws and cross-border forum issues.

Santiago Nadal has opened a new Law Office in Barcelona. It is called SNAbogados. The office features 5 lawyers that specialise in specific areas of Commercial Litigation: IP Law and Competition Law; Franchise and Distribution Law; and Bankruptcy and D&O Liability and Product Liability. Santiago is an active member of DRI Europe and IADC, and a member of the Board of the Barcelona Bar Association.

May 13-14, 2009
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski
Munich, Germany

As any practitioner or in-house lawyer is well aware, the obligations for disclosing and/or protecting data have become increasingly complex and difficult under often conflicting regulatory and common law schemes. This conference offers an excellent opportunity to learn the latest developments in data protection and privacy issues from Corporate In-House Counsel, European regulators, U.S. judges, and practicing attorneys who deal with these issues on a daily basis.

What You Will Learn

•    The very latest updates on data protection, privacy issues, the scope of disclosure requirements and the status of disclosure-centered litigation both in Europe and the U.S.

Please welcome our new members!

Annick Mottet Haugaard       
Lydian                                    
Brussels, Belgium

Hugo Keulers                         
Lydian                                    
Brussels, Belgium

Yves Lenders                         
Lydian                                    
Brussels, Belgium

Michael Goldberg                  
Davies Arnold Cooper          
London, England