Ten European Bar Associations met in Tbilisi, Georgia on 20-21 June 2016 to discuss the role of Bar Associations, their best practices, professional duties, lawyers training and lawyers’ rights. Inspired by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation on the Freedom of exercise of the profession of lawyer, the meeting created opportunities to open the lines of legal understanding, cross-border dialogue and establish lasting professional relationships between Bar Associations from Council of Europe member States.

The Conference had thematic working groups composed of the representatives from the different European Bar Associations, Georgian NGOs, professional entities and international organisations. Three international experts facilitated an open exchange of ideas and will additionally provided an overview of updates in European standards and practices. As a result, lawyers’ profession will be analyzed in a practical paradigm, encouraging Bar Associations to reflect on the best approaches for their existing practices. A strengthened lawyers’ profession will in turn ensure the efficiency and the fair administration of justice for the citizens of Georgia.

This Conference was funded by the Council of Europe/EU Joint Project “Support to the Georgian Bar Association and the EU/UN Joint Project “Enhancing Access to Justice and Development of a Child-Friendly Justice System in Georgia”. 

 On the Facebook page of the President of Georgia, a short video of the opening of the conference