70th German Lawyers' Congress in Hanover (September 11, 2014)

The 70th German Lawyers' Conference (djt) offers approximately 2,500 lawyers, judges, prosecutors, administrative lawyers, university professors, and legal policymakers the opportunity to participate in numerous panel discussions and engage in professional and personal exchanges.

“Hanover offers excellent opportunities for professional exchange and a wide variety of leisure activities. We are pleased to be able to offer our participants a diverse and highly exciting program in the capital of Lower Saxony,” says Prof. Dr. Thomas Mayen, President of the 70th German Lawyers’ Congress.

A top-notch program of presentations

Under the direction of the president of the 70th German Lawyers' Congress, a high-caliber program of presentations has been put together. The opening session on September 16 will begin with a keynote address by Federal President Joachim Gauck, followed by remarks from Heiko Maas, Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, as well as Lower Saxony’s Minister-President Stephan Weil and Hannover’s Mayor Stefan Schostok.

Topics such as strengthening collective bargaining autonomy (labor law), restructuring financial relations (public law), and copyright in the digital age (copyright law) will be discussed in numerous sessions and panel discussions.
In six specialized committees, legal experts will deliberate on whether and to what extent current laws should be amended and improved. Late Thursday afternoon, votes will then be held to decide whether, and if so, which recommendations should be submitted to the legislature.

Diverse supporting program

To offer legal professionals a relaxing break from the technical discussions, participants are invited on a discovery tour of Hanover and the surrounding towns: The diverse supporting program includes, among other things, a visit to the State Museum featuring the Lower Saxony State Exhibition. There, guests of the “round” Lawyers’ Day can embark on a royal journey of discovery through the exhibition marking the 300th anniversary of the Personal Union, titled “When the Royals Came from Hanover.” Tours of the Sprengel Museum, the Kestnergesellschaft, and the Wilhelm Busch Museum—German Museum of Caricature and Cartooning—are also planned.

A special highlight of the supporting program is a guided tour of the impressive Herrenhausen Gardens with Director Ronald Clark. He takes guests on a stroll among hedges, bosquets, fountains, and golden statues, and explains the creation of Niki de Saint Phalle’s grotto. The popular Hannover Adventure Zoo is also a must-see on the itinerary: Here, participants can take a look behind the scenes and experience the seven themed adventure worlds up close.

A bike tour is a particularly great way to explore this green city: Students show law students Hannover’s green oases on rides through the Eilenriede City Forest or along Lake Maschsee.

Exciting field trip options in and around the Hanover region

During the 70th German Lawyers’ Congress, participants will not only get to see Hannover’s sights but will also have the opportunity to take part in exciting excursions and plant tours: For example, during a guided tour of the VW plant in Hanover, participants can witness firsthand the production processes of the region’s largest industrial employer, or take a tour of the c’t test labs at Heise Medien to get a behind-the-scenes look at Europe’s most widely subscribed computer magazine.

Excursions to nearby cities—such as the historic royal and legal center of Celle, the automotive city of Wolfsburg, and the World Heritage city of Hildesheim—as well as to the Ahlem Memorial are also on the itinerary.

Performances and concerts

Musically speaking, there’s plenty in store for participants at the Lawyers’ Conference! From a performance by the European Synagogue Choir to a gala concert by the NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, and even the “Law and Order … Drinks” party in the Schauspielhaus foyer featuring DJs, there’s something to suit every musical taste.

The website for the 70th German Lawyers' Congress, www.djt.de, provides detailed descriptions of the event schedule and registration options. You can also find an overview at www.hannover-tourismus.de

At www.visit-hannover.com, visitors who want to explore Hannover on their own can find all the important information they need for their stay in the city on the Leine—from lodging options to tips on events and day trips. Photos for editorial use and additional press releases are available at www.hannover.de/presse_hmtg.