Frankfurt Regional High Court Voices Concern Over Workforce Lack - Decision Pending by the Commission
The Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main, Germany's second-highest court, has announced an increase in trainee positions from 147 in 2024 to 158 in the current year. This decision comes as the court faces challenges in attracting and retaining trainees, particularly in the non-judicial area, according to court Vice-President Ruth Römer.
In a bid to address these challenges, the court has also established a new Commercial Court with two chambers, effective July 1. The Commercial Court will handle commercial matters and disputes related to company acquisitions, with proceedings that can be conducted in English at the request of the parties. Economic civil proceedings with a value in dispute of at least 500,000 euros will be overseen by this court.
The court has been in the spotlight recently for its role in significant cases, such as the sentencing of a Syrian doctor for crimes against humanity, marking the end of the longest state protection procedure to date in Frankfurt. The large trial against the alleged "Reichsbürger" around Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß is currently being handled by the second state protection chamber at the court, with 77 trial days held so far and proceedings expected to continue until summer 2026.
Despite these advancements, the court continues to grapple with staff shortages, a recurring issue in the German justice system. High caseloads, complex proceedings, and demographic changes affecting workforce availability have put pressure on courts across the country. The European Labour Authority (ELA) tracks persistent labour shortages in public administration and legal professions, but no recent, localized solutions at the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court have been specified.
However, the court has made some efforts to address these issues. President Alexander Seitz reported that the personnel situation for judges has remained nearly constant compared to the previous year, with 162 judges currently working at the court, compared to 158 in 2024.
It is important to note that securing a trainee position does not guarantee completion of training, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to retain trainees and employees. The court is actively working to address these issues and is committed to providing a supportive environment for its trainees and employees.
[References omitted for brevity]
- The Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main, aiming to support its staff and improve business operations, has announced an increase in trainee positions for education-and-self-development, from 147 in 2024 to 158 in the current year.
- In an endeavor to augment resources and address the challenges in the industry, the court has also initiated aid for the construction of new buildings, establishing a Commercial Court with two chambers, focused on finance, business, and education-and-self-development, to handle commercial matters and disputes.
