Workshop: "Best practices in the profession of a lawyer in the region" - Rule of Law Programme Middle East and North Africa
Presidents and representatives from several bar associations in the Arab world, including, Jordan, Tunisia, Lebanon, Morocco, Mauritania, Algeria, Palestine, Oman, and Germany, participated in the workshop.
The first day started with opening speeches by Mr. Philipp Bremer, Director of the Rule of Law Program Middle East and North Africa at KAS, followed by Mr. Guido Kutscher, representative of the German Federal Bar Association and the President of the Saxony-Anhalt Bar Association, Mr. Nader Gaspard, President of the Beirut Bar Association, and Mr. Muhammad Harmouch, representing Mrs. Marie-Thérèse Kawal, president of the Tripoli Bar Association.
The event continued with the first session, "’Networking of Lawyers’ and ’Current Challenges’".
Presented by: Mr. Marwan Jabr, member of the Beirut Bar Association.
Moderated by: Mr. Joe Karam, Head of the International Relations Committee at the Beirut Bar Association.
The lawyers discussed the importance of networking and its benefits for lawyers, such as building relationships and enhancing their professional development. They also highlighted the challenges facing the legal profession, including technological advancements and globalization. The participants engaged in group discussions and interactive activities that helped them develop effective networking strategies and understand how to navigate the challenges of the legal profession.
The second session, "The Role of Bar Associations in Fostering Judicial Independence in the Arab Region," was presented by Mr. Joe Karam, Head of the International Relations Committee at the Beirut Bar Association.
Moderated by: Mr. Saad Eddin Al-Khatib, Secretary of the Beirut Bar Association.
The discussion revolved around the importance of judicial independence and the challenges faced in promoting it in the Arab region. Participants stressed the need for bar associations to play an active role in protecting the independence of the judiciary from external pressures, including those from the government and political parties.
The third session, "The Protection of the Rights of Lawyers and Their Immunities in the Arab Region,"
Presented by: Mr. Muhammad Harmoush, representative of the Bar Association in Tripoli.
Moderated by: Mr. Iskandar Najjar, member of the Beirut Bar Association
The session aimed to raise awareness about the challenges and risks that lawyers face while performing their duties and to discuss ways to protect their rights and immunities.
The second day started with a session titled "Bar Associations and Lawyers' Assembly: Comparative Approach in the Arab Region".
Presented by Mrs. Maysam Younis Skaf, member of the Beirut Bar Association.
Moderated by: Mr. Mohammad Harmouch, member of the Tripoli Bar Association.
The session provided lawyers with a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function, and significance of the Bar Association and Lawyers Assembly in the Arab Region.
The last session, "Access to Justice: Legal Aid and Pro Bono Provided by Bar Associations in the Arab World,"
Presented by: Mr. Fadi Al-Hajj, Head of the Legal Aid Committee at the Beirut Bar Association.
Moderated by: Mr. Abbas Kabalan, Member at International Relations Committee at the Beirut Bar Association.
The session provided a comprehensive overview of the legal aid and pro bono services available in the Arab world and the role of bar associations in providing access to justice to marginalized communities. It highlighted the need for more investment in legal aid services and increased collaboration between stakeholders in the justice system to ensure that everyone has equal access to justice.
The closing session was recapped with final remarks by Mr. Philipp Bremer, Director of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Rule of Law Programme Middle East & North Africa, and Mr. Riad Khalil Hassanain, Director of the North Africa Branch at the German Federal