The Georgian Bar Association is planning to introduce the initial training program for the individuals who have passed lawyers’ entrance examination and require further guidance to fully acquire practical skills. The Council of Europe – EU “Support to the Georgian Bar Association” Project has provided expert assistance on European standards and best practices in the field, as a result of which a concrete framework of the upcoming initial training program has been formulated. The activity was followed by a study visit to France. The objective of the study visit was to learn from the French lawyers school management and exchange best practices in the field.

The study visit took place on 11-14 April 2016 and included central institutions, such as the Paris School of Advocates, as well as regional schools of Versailles and Bordeaux. Lawyers engaged into lively discussions on the importance of differentiating courses from university studies for a program that will prepare prospective lawyers for the profession. In this regard, the meeting at the French National Bar Council was particularly fruitful. The Council, being responsible for adopting a program for the schools in France, shared the list of trainings as well as information on the current reform that is being implemented in order to further enhance the quality of trainings. The Initial training’s practical component was also fully explored by the Georgian delegation members, additionally obtaining templates of memorandums with law offices and sheets of evaluation that are essential for a successful accomplishment of the internships in French schools. As a result of the visit, the Paris Bar Association has agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Georgian Bar Association to provide information-exchange on initial training and other related aspects in the future. This will also enable Georgian lawyers to get the opportunity of a practical experience in French Law firms through a dedicated internship program.