Possible new treaty to resolve concurrent court proceedings — Hague Conference consultation

Solicitors are being given the opportunity to join a Ministry of Justice session with practitioners across the UK to learn more about a global consultation on cross-border concurrent court proceedings.

A meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 16 from 5-6.30pm to inform lawyers from all UK jurisdictions about the consultation issued by the Hague Conference on Private International Law on draft provisions for a possible future treaty dealing with the issue.

The focus is on cross-border concurrent court proceedings including parallel proceedings and related actions, in civil or commercial matters and details of the confidential are available now.

The consultation is aimed at practitioners and judges with cross-border litigation experience, or who have worked in private international law more generally.

The input of UK lawyers will be a crucial part of the decision the Hague Conference Governing Council makes on whether to move to formal negotiations of a treaty.

Any draft treaty could significantly affect citizens and businesses involved in international litigation, so officials are urging solicitors to get involved and share expertise and opinions.

During the meeting on 16 December, the Ministry of Justice will provide an overview of the draft provisions and consultation, followed by practitioners' perspectives from Maura McIntosh of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and Simon James of Clifford Chance. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A.

Please contact pil@justice.gov.uk to register your interest and an invitation with a link to the event will be sent nearer to the date of the event.