On June 14-15, 2023, the Legal Ethics Chair at New Vision University, with USAID Rule of Law Program support, organized the 6th Annual Conference on Legal Ethics in Batumi.

The conference served as a platform for experts and professionals to discuss pressing challenges in the realm of professional ethics for judges, lawyers, and mediators.

Distinguished speakers from varied backgrounds delivered presentations, shedding light on a range of topical issues. Some of the key subjects covered during the conference included the ethical implications of incorporating artificial intelligence in the justice system, the role of activism within judicial ethics based on the experiences of Georgia and Poland, the responsibilities of lawyers in the mediation process, and obligations pertaining to the prevention of money laundering.

The experts also delved into the practical challenges surrounding the professional ethics of mediators, ethical dilemmas when the Personal Data Protection Service requests information from lawyers, and the intersection between freedom of expression and the deontological ethics of a lawyer.

The conference garnered significant interest, attracting a diverse audience of 64 participants, including professors, students, lawyers, and individuals from various higher educational institutions.

Anna Loria, Legal Ethics Co-Chair at New Vision University, highlighted primary objectives of the conference, stating, "The main goal of the conference is to enhance public awareness of professional standards in Tbilisi and the surrounding regions, while providing a platform for the discussion of crucial ethical challenges. Additionally, we aim to foster professional connections among participants."

“Strong legal ethics are essential for the development of the legal profession in Georgia, and it is only with strong ethics that the both legal professionals and legal processes will be respected by the Georgian public. The USAID Rule of Law Program is pleased to support the development of legal ethics in Georgia through this conference, through the development of trainings for both lawyers and law students, and through numerous other activities.” – said Neil Weinstein, USAID Rule of Law Program Deputy Chief of Party.

The annual Conference on Legal Ethics continues to serve as a valuable forum for knowledge exchange, critical analysis, and the promotion of ethical standards within the legal profession. As the legal landscape evolves, such gatherings play a vital role in equipping legal practitioners with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of professional ethics effectively.