Young lawyers discussed a best possible cooperation model

An online coordination meeting on the development of the regional network of young lawyers’ associations took place on November 26. It is to continue the networking of young lawyers from the countries participating in the project “Strengthening the profession of lawyer in line with European standards” - Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The initiative now is taking form, and which organisational structure to take - this was one of key questions discussed at the meeting.

Dr Remigijus Jokubauskas, the international consultant of the Council of Europe, presented the results of a brief survey among the participating young lawyers on their idea of a future association. Among the areas of law that they would be interested to discuss with colleagues from other participating countries are digitalisation of dispute settlement, human rights, dispute settlement mechanisms, and in general provision of legal services. The respondents see as challenges the issues of financial support and the language barrier.

As the experts underlined during the meeting, the association can be started as a non-registered network, or as a registered legal body. Another possibility is to cooperate with an existing international association, for example EYBA (European Young Bar Association). The activities under a regional cooperation network can include trainings, exchange visits, courses, but also informal activities.

While the Council of Europe is providing consultancy, guiding and supporting the initiative, the next step for the young lawyers from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine will be to take full ownership of this project. They will define the structure of the association according to the goals and the resources discussed during the meeting.