By having highly qualified lecturers, regional law students will be more competitive in both the domestic and international job markets. Additionally, they will be able to create high-standard scientific papers using English-speaking legal resources and engage in English-speaking activities.

Grigol Robakidze University, with the support of the USAID Rule of Law Program, recently conducted a six-day training session for lecturers from six regional universities. The training, which took place from September 18 to 23, was specifically tailored to enhance the regional lecturers’ proficiency in legal English and equip them with a deep understanding of legal subjects and effective teaching techniques.

The curriculum covered a wide range of legal disciplines, including law, legal systems, constitutional law, international law, EU law, human rights, criminal law, tort law, and contract law. The program positioned these educators to provide more impactful instruction to their students.

In total, 11 lecturers participated in the training, representing the Batumi branch of Grigol Robakidze University, Shota Meskhia State Teaching University of Zugdidi, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Samtskhe-Javakheti State University, Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University, and Akaki Tsereteli State University in Kutaisi.

This initiative is part of the USAID Rule of Law Program's education component grant awarded to Tbilisi-based Grigol Robakidze University. The university collaborated with five regional universities to enhance the qualifications of lecturers in Legal English. The project's objectives include deepening lecturers' understanding of key legal topics, helping them choose relevant lecture topics, and improving their proficiency in Legal English and legal terminology. As a result of the training, the lecturers will be better able to communicate complex legal concepts to students and have a better grasp of modern and effective teaching methodologies. At the conclusion of the project, the syllabi for Legal English courses at all participating universities will be updated.

Dr. Khatia Tandilashvili, the head of the Center for Legal Language and a TEFL teacher, provides training and coaching as part of the project, which is scheduled to run until July 2024. Through the project, lecturers will have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of legal issues and effective Legal English teaching methodologies through carefully planned activities.