The Mediators Association of Georgia (MAG), with the support of the USAID Rule of Law Program, organized a meeting to introduce new members of the Georgian Bar Association (GBA) to the concept of mediation. The aim of the meeting was to provide comprehensive information about the mediation process to the new lawyers and highlight its benefits for clients.

The event commenced with a welcome from Irakli Kandashvili, MAG Chairman, and Ekaterine Lortkipanidze, ADR Specialist at the USAID Rule of Law Program. During his speech, Mr. Kandashvili emphasized the importance of lawyers having a thorough understanding of mediation. He highlighted that clients heavily rely on lawyers for information and guidance, making it essential for them to effectively communicate the benefits of mediation. The way lawyers convey information about mediation greatly influences clients' perception of this method of dispute resolution.

Thirty-two newcomer lawyers from the GBA actively participated in the event, displaying a keen interest in the topic. They had the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts. The discussions primarily revolved around the advantages of mediation, the distinctions between court-annexed and private mediation, procedural aspects in court after reaching a mediated agreement, and strategies to address challenges arising during the enforcement stage.

Additionally, lawyers shared their personal experiences related to mediation practice. Many new GBA members recounted instances in their legal practice where they proposed mediation to their clients but, due to a lack of fundamental knowledge on the subject, were unable to provide adequate guidance. Consequently, these lawyers expressed a strong desire to gain a deeper understanding of mediation and expressed readiness to participate in future training opportunities in this field.

Overall, the meeting facilitated a fruitful exchange of knowledge and experience between the MAG and GBA newcomers. It was particularly important to engage with new GBA members as they are expected to be more open to the idea of referring cases to mediation, which is a relatively new concept in Georgia. The event successfully laid the groundwork for fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of mediation within Georgia’s legal community.