New President at the Mannheim Social Court: Dr. Christian Link takes over

New President at the Mannheim Social Court: Dr. Christian Link takes over

On July 4, 2025, the ceremonial appointment of Dr. Christian Link as the new President of the Mannheim Social Court. The Minister of Justice and Migration, Marion Gentges, presented him with the certificate and wished him luck and success in these new tasks. In her speech she praised Dr. Link stands out as an outstanding judge and leader who is characterized by her analytical mind and friendly, calm manner.

Dr. Christian Link has an impressive career in the judiciary. He entered the higher judicial service of the state of Baden-Württemberg in February 2000 and was appointed judge for life in April 2003. After various positions, including a special assignment in the State Ministry and a secondment to the Federal Social Court, other important appointments followed. In November 2019, he was appointed presiding judge at the State Social Court, which underlines his extensive experience in the field of social law. Mediator between citizens and authorities – that is the role played by the Mannheim Social Court.

About the Mannheim Social Court

The Mannheim Social Court is one of eight social courts in Baden-Württemberg and the first instance for social law matters. It is responsible for the urban districts of Mannheim and Heidelberg as well as the districts of Neckar-Odenwaldkreis and Rhein-Neckar-Kreis. The social justice system is independent and separate from administrative authorities, and disputes can be resolved in numerous areas such as statutory pension insurance, health insurance and basic security for job seekers. It is particularly important that complaints and applications should ideally be submitted in writing. If necessary, an appointment can be made by telephone at the legal applications office on 0621/292-2193.

The social court checks whether the relevant legal provisions are being observed by the authorities and whether the decisions are based on the relevant facts. Before a lawsuit can be filed, a preliminary procedure must be completed, which means that lawsuits are only admissible after the objection decision has been issued. It should also be noted that territorial jurisdiction is usually based on the plaintiff's place of residence.

Important information about social justice

• Sozialgerichte sind erste Instanz für sozialrechtliche Streitigkeiten.
• Bürger können in der Regel selbst auftreten; eine Vertretung durch einen Rechtsanwalt ist nicht vorgeschrieben.
• Das übergeordnete Gericht ist das Landessozialgericht, das in zweiter Instanz über Berufungen entscheidet.
• Das Bundessozialgericht trifft als Revisionsgericht Entscheidungen ausschließlich über Rechtsfragen.

The Mannheim Social Court is a central point of contact for anyone seeking clarification on social law matters. With Dr. With Christian Link at the helm, the institution can count on experienced management who face the challenges with a clear head and the necessary sensitivity.

You can find more information about the Mannheim Social Court and its activities on the official website of the Baden-Württemberg Justice Department: social court-mannheim.justiz-bw.de.