The USAID Rule of Law Program supports educational institutions in Georgia to enhance the practical skills of current and future legal professionals.

On March 30, 2023, the House of Justice (HoJ) concluded a six-month study program with a mock court trial involving seventeen program participants selected through nomination by partner universities and an open call.

Of the seventeen participants, eight were law students from Zugdidi Shota Meskhia State University, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, and Grigol Robakidze University (Tbilisi and Batumi branches), while the remaining participants included four certified lawyers and five legal specialists working in different public and/or academic institutions.

The study program consisted of seven training courses that enhanced the practical skills and professional ethics of legal professionals. These courses included the art of communication, emotional intelligence, practical exercises for managing civil law cases, managing criminal law cases, the art of negotiation, mediation, and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.   

Experienced professionals, including lawyers, communication experts, and psychologists, led the training courses, addressing the everyday work requirements of legal professionals. HoJ signed a memorandum with the Georgian Bar Association and engaged their lawyers as trainers for planned practical exercises.

Participants had an opportunity to engage in the work of the law firm operating under HoJ, complementing their education with practical elements. Mariam Razmadze (acting lawyer and MA law student), Tamar Berdznishvili (acting lawyer), and Irakli Lukava (acting legal specialist working at Zugdidi Shota Meskhia University’s legal department) were engaged in the firm's work.

Tamar Berdzenishvili, an acting lawyer based in Mtskheta, said, "the program provided me with practical knowledge and skills that are appropriate for my current role. I liked the courses on legal ethics, emotional intelligence, communication, and civil law the most."

Salome Davitadze, a law student at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University planning to become a lawyer, added, "the tailored study program addresses the everyday work requirements of legal professionals and helps them apply theory to practice. It is crucial for us to be able to communicate information in a clear and concise manner. That's why I enjoyed the courses on the art of communication and emotional intelligence the most."

In close consultation with partner universities, HoJ has already selected the group of participants for the second study program that will deliver similar training courses within the next six months. The first induction meeting of the new group is scheduled for April 7.