Germany's new consumer class action law is set to spark increased levels of competition between international and domestic law firms in the market, as disputes rivals vie for major mandates under the new regime.

The new law, which came into force today (1 November), will allow consumers to bring collective action against companies for the first time, and law firms in the country have been readying themselves for an expected surge of work.

Hengeler Mueller disputes partner Carsten van de Sande says: "The culture for taking class action against businesses was already in Germany – but the new law has opened up a chaotic playing field for these to come to life."