On February 1, 2024, the Mediators Association of Georgia (MAG) with USAID Rule of Law Program support familiarized 21 new members of the Georgian Bar Association (GBA) with the concept of mediation.

This gathering introduced mediation to a new generation of lawyers and showed them how indispensable lawyers are to the proper functioning of this dispute resolution mechanism.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Irakli Kandashvili, MAG Chairman, and Irakli Gelovani, ADR Advisor at the USAID Rule of Law Program, who both emphasized the significance of mediation in modern legal practice. 

Mr. Kandashvili pointed out the pivotal role lawyers play in the mediation process, explaining how clients heavily rely on their counsel's guidance, and that the manner in which lawyers explain the mediation process shapes clients' perceptions and attitudes toward this method of dispute resolution. He explained the advantages of mediation, the essence of confidentiality, and the importance of compromise.

During the meeting, participants shared practical experiences, stressing the importance of result-oriented agreements with clients and the economy of time in mediation.