Chapter I: Establishment and powers

The heads of the courts of appeal are invited, six months before the end of the term of office of the members of the National Council of Commercial Courts, by circular from the Director of Judicial Services, to collect applications from active or honorary consular judges wishing to be appointed by the Minister of Justice to the Council, pursuant to Article R. 721-8.

Consular judges shall send their candidacy in writing to the Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice, and to the heads of the Court of Appeal in whose jurisdiction they hold office or last held office, within the timeframe indicated in Article R. 721-9.

The heads of court shall forward the application files to the Minister of Justice no later than fifteen days after the expiry of this deadline. .

The application file includes: 1° The declaration of candidacy dated and signed by the candidate; 2° A statement of service drawn up by the candidate and endorsed by the president of the commercial court; 3° The reasoned opinion of the president of the commercial court; 4° The reasoned opinion of the heads of court.

Any application for appointment as a full member is also an application for appointment as an alternate member.

Consular judges are appointed on the basis of their professional skills and in order to ensure balanced representation of the national territory.

The Directorate of Judicial Services provides the secretariat for the National Council of Commercial Courts.

The General Secretary of the National Council of Commercial Courts prepares, attends and draws up the minutes of Council meetings, which are signed by the chair of the meeting and circulated to all members.

It is responsible for preparing the annual activity report.

He is involved in implementing the council’s communications.