“Participating in the Mock Trial and Mediation Process in Consumer Rights Protection Law was a new challenge for me. I acquired both theoretical knowledge and developed practical skills that are an integral part of the work of any lawyer. I also had the opportunity to gain experience directly from practicing lawyers and specialists in the field of consumer rights protection law. The most significant part was the mediation process, which showed me the importance of mediation and the role of the mediator in the dispute resolution process. I will actively use the knowledge and practical skills gained during the process in my future legal activities.” – says Mariam Koberidze, a student and mock trial participating team member.

On February 25-26, 2023, with the support of the USAID Rule of Law Program, the final rounds of Mock Trials and Mediation in Consumer Protection Law were held by the Practical Skills Center at New Vision University. Twelve finalist teams had the opportunity to gain experience in both procedural and mediation skills within the framework of mock trials. After finishing the trials, they had the opportunity to receive recommendations from qualified experts and receive certificates in various categories. Further, the Mediators Association of Georgia offered an internship to seven students and the New Vision University Legal Clinic offered an internship to four students, Also, three law firms (Kordzadze Law Office, VBAT Law Firm, and Law Firm of Natia Tskepladze and Aleksandre Ioseliani) each offered internships to a different student.

“As a law student, I think that the necessary precondition for professional advancement and development is acquiring practical skills in addition to theoretical knowledge. Participating in mock trials and mediation in consumer protection law was very productive in this regard. This initiative also gave me the opportunity to gain an internship at the Mediators Association of Georgia, which is both a great honor and a great responsibility. That is why I would like to thank the New Vision University, the Mediators Association of Georgia and the USAID Rule of Law Program for promoting the career development of Georgian students.” – said Tamar Gvirjishvili.

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In total, 17 student teams were registered through an open call for the event, which represented the following universities: Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Ilia State University, Free University of Tbilisi, Grigol Robakidze University, Caucasus International University, Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University, Kutaisi Akaki Tsereteli State University, and Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University.

Prior to the Mock Trial, in December 2022 the participant teams were trained in legal writing. The training was led by a professor at New Vision University, mediator Sophio Chachava. During the training the participating students had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the basics and techniques of legal writing and how to prepare a legal opinion.

On January 21, 2023, the teams selected for the mock trials were trained on drafting procedural documents, which was led by practicing lawyers Davit Kikaleishvili and Tamar Khatiashvili. And, on January 22, 2023, the participating teams were given mediation training led by New Vision University professor, mediator Sophio Chachava.