The USAID Rule of Law Program actively develops the capacity of mediators and increases the awareness of the benefits of mediation among the public and legal professionals in Georgia. As part of this process, the Program initiated a series of capacity-building programs on mediation throughout Georgia.

On June 17 and 18, and again on June 22 and 24, 2023, the Rule of Law Program conducted training sessions for consultants and lawyers affiliated with the Legal Aid Service (LAS) at the eastern Georgia bureau offices in Tbilisi.

The training for consultants (June 17-18) included 12 participants from LAS’s Tbilisi and Akhaltsikhe Bureaus, as well as its consultation centers in Marneuli, Duisi, and Gurjaani. The focus of this training was to familiarize participants with the principles and essence of mediation, and to discuss the types of cases under the LAS mandate that would be suitable for mediation. The training concluded with a mock referral exercise where participants role-played scenarios in which they advised beneficiaries about the potential for dispute resolution through mediation.

During the training for lawyers (June 22-24), Davit Simonia, the LAS Chairman, and Irakli Gelovani, ADR Adviser of the USAID Rule of Law Program, delivered opening remarks. Chairman Simonia emphasized the significance of mediation as a timely and effective tool for resolving certain disputes. He also discussed the possibility of establishing a mediation unit within the LAS.

The training for lawyers involved 15 representatives from the Tbilisi and Mtskheta Bureaus, and it had a different focus for two primary reasons. First, LAS lawyers often represent their beneficiaries in negotiations, making it important for them to possess strong negotiation and mediation skills. Second, the lawyers frequently act as representatives and defenders of children's rights in family disputes, providing them with a unique opportunity to apply interest-based negotiation and mediation techniques to help their clients achieve outcomes that are aligned with their interests and, most importantly, the best interests of the children involved. The training for lawyers was therefore more extensive and concentrated on developing active listening, exploration, and bargaining skills that lawyers can implement in their practice.

One notable outcome of the training was the lawyers' appreciation for the effectiveness of open-ended questions and active listening techniques. Through mock role-plays specifically tailored to family dispute scenarios, they experienced firsthand the persuasive power of these methods when engaging with the opposing party. Additionally, the lawyers engaged in discussions about the selection process for mediators, the procedural details, timelines, and costs associated with mediation.

The training sessions were expertly led by Sopo Chachava, an expert associated with the USAID Rule of Law Program and a Board Member of LAS. Her expertise contributed significantly to the success of the training.

Overall, the capacity-building activities on mediation conducted by the USAID Rule of Law Program are pivotal in raising awareness and enhancing the skills of LAS staff, consultants, and lawyers. By promoting the use of mediation, the Rule of Law Program facilitates efficient and effective dispute resolution, benefiting both LAS and its beneficiaries.