On July 10, 2023, as part of the USAID Rule of Law Program-supported initiative aimed at fostering Georgian legal culture by enhancing practical skills for future lawyers, bachelor’s degree students from Ilia State University, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, and Telavi Iakob Gogebashvili State University competed in the final oral round of the Private Law Moot Court Competition.

The proceedings took place at the Supreme Court of Georgia, and a panel of judges, including Malkhaz Begiashvili, Marina Marinashvili, Salome Koberidze, and Supreme Court judge Ekaterine  Gasitashvili, presided over the event.

Eight teams participated in the early stage of the contest, which began in February 28, but only three teams advanced to the final round. Participating teams were required to meet written submission requirements, which involved submitting a claim and developing a reply.

Throughout the competition, the moot court participants, along with other students participating in essay and academic poster development contests, attended six informational meetings. These sessions provided valuable guidance from legal experts on presenting cases before the court, analyzing theoretical and practical aspects of the cases, and adhering to academic writing standards.

Neil Weinstein, USAID Rule of Law Program Deputy Chief of Party, participated in the opening session of the Moot Court Competition. He emphasized the program's support for the universities' initiative to equip students with practical lawyering skills. He also highlighted the significance of involving regional universities in this process, as it promotes knowledge sharing among institutions, enhances student learning, and improves lecturer qualifications.

Following the Moot Court Competition, an award ceremony was held to recognize the achievements of the participants. The team from Ilia State University emerged as the winner of the competition, with Telavi Iakob Gogebashvili State University securing second place, and Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University earning third place. Ilia State University was commended for presenting the best claim, while Batumi Shota Rustaveli University received accolades for the best reply to the claim.

Additionally, awards were presented to participants in the essay and academic poster development contests, which were announced in November 2022 and ran until April 2023. Around 35 students registered for these competitions and submitted their work.

Mariam Mamniashvili, a student from Telavi Iakob Gogebashvili State University, claimed first place in the essay development contest with her essay titled "Damage Inflicted by Medical Institutions and Defining its Scope According to Contract Law." Badri Khatidze, a student from Ilia State University, secured second place with his essay on "Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Directors' Contracts," while the team of Elvina Mosueva and Ramida Sarieva from Ilia State University earned third place with their essay titled "Unjust Enrichment as the Foundation of Civil Code." Mariam Mamniashvili also took first place in the academic poster competition for her poster based on her essay titled "Damage Inflicted by Medical Institutions and Defining its Scope According to Contract Law."