Mr. Rickert, where does your passion for expert services come from?

After my law studies, I worked as a legal trainee at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK). That was my first encounter with the topic. I delved deeper into it, and for almost 30 years, the topic has been with me.

What makes expert services so exciting?

I think we have a very good system in Germany. On the one hand, anyone can call themselves an "expert" and work as one. This reflects our liberal fundamental principle. At the same time, through public appointment and swearing-in, we have introduced legally regulated quality assurance. This combination of consumer protection and liberalism is unique in our regulated world.

What distinguishes an expert from a publicly appointed and sworn expert?

Anyone commissioning a publicly appointed and sworn expert can be sure they are working with one of the best in the field. The title "publicly appointed and sworn" is a quality seal that guarantees special expertise and personal suitability. A publicly appointed and sworn expert is always above-average qualified, neutral, and independent. This is not automatically the case with an expert.

What advantages does the title bring to publicly appointed and sworn experts?

In the large market for experts, these professionals stand out due to the title. They automatically gain more trust. Courts are obligated to prefer working with publicly appointed and sworn experts because of their commitment to neutrality. In the free market, they can tend to negotiate higher fees.

How do companies benefit from publicly appointed and sworn experts?

Especially in court, the importance of publicly appointed and sworn experts becomes evident. They appear professional and are not provoked by the lawyers of the parties involved. Their reports are neutral, comprehensible, understandable for laypeople, and accepted by third parties. All this shortens the duration of processes, reduces transaction costs for companies, and leads to faster solutions. Shorter processes ensure that entrepreneurs can quickly return to their business.

What role do the IHKs play in the appointment and swearing-in of experts?

For me, beyond vocational education, there is no more important sovereign task of the IHKs than the appointment and swearing-in of experts. The chambers advise, inform, review the applications, and examine the documents. They also have a voluntary expert committee of specialists to evaluate the technical expertise.

Both the effort of the IHKs and their responsibility towards their own members are enormous but also justified. Because with the public appointment and swearing-in of an expert, they make a quality promise. If the IHKs do their job well, everyone benefits: the experts, the companies, the courts, and the chambers. A win-win situation for all parties involved!