Commercial court
Representation by a lawyer before the Commercial Court: compulsory or not?
By Yasmine EDDAM4 May 2025The question of whether you are obliged to be represented by a lawyer before the Commercial Court has changed significantly in recent years. Previously optional in most cases, such representation is now subject to a general principle of obligation, with some important exceptions. This transformation considerably alters the approach to commercial litigation and should be clearly understood by any company likely to be involved in a dispute before this court. The reform of civil procedure that came into force in 2020 has radically altered the rules governing representation before the Commercial Court. This change is part of a wider trend towards more professional legal proceedings. Background to the reform of civil procedure Until the end of 2019, the Commercial Court was characterised by a high degree of procedural flexibility. Parties could defend themselves or be represented...
Understanding commercial court proceedings: a complete guide
Commercial, business and competition law, Commercial courtFrench commercial justice is based on a specific jurisdictional system: the commercial courts. These consular courts, made up of judges elected by their peers, settle disputes between traders. To manage your commercial disputes effectively, it is essential to understand how this exceptional jurisdiction works. What is the...Summons to appear before the Commercial Court: how to get proceedings off to a good start?
Commercial, business and competition law, Commercial courtWhen a commercial dispute arises and attempts at amicable resolution have failed, the writ of summons is often the first formal step in legal proceedings. This fundamental document largely determines the chances of success of your action. A poorly drafted or incomplete summons can jeopardise your case even before the hearing....Oral versus written proceedings in commercial court: what are the practical consequences?
Commercial, business and competition law, Commercial courtFor a long time, proceedings before the Commercial Court were essentially oral. This characteristic, which was intended to guarantee simplicity and speed, was one of the special features of this court. However, over the years and with successive reforms, the written word has gradually gained ground, to the point of profoundly transforming the...
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