Armenian Lawyers' Association (ALA)

The mission of Armenian Lawyers Association is to develop a new generation of highly professional lawyers, having a modern outlook and moral values, as well as to promote the establishment of rule of law and fight against corruption. The "Armenian Lawyers Association" (ALA) NGO was founded in 1995, by a group of students from the faculty of law at Yerevan State University with other young lawyers. It has been registered as a non-governmental organization in the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia on 14 March, 1995, and reregistered on 23 May 1997, 14 December 1999, and 27 December 2002 respectively. The organization was established having the aim of coordinating the efforts of its members and supporters, as well as of the new generation of lawyers, to promote the establishment of Armenia as a sovereign, democratic, legal and social state. After its establishment, ALA rapidly started to realize its goals and objectives and actively got involved in the public life of Armenia. The association initially implemented activities aimed at clarification of Armenian law, as well as carrying out advocacy activities. The organization realized several projects aimed at the establishment of the legal field, which would then regulate the NGO sector. It also provided legal assistance to NGOs. Later ALA implemented projects to support socially vulnerable groups by providing free legal services and further protecting their rights and interests. ALA has placed great importance on the development of professional skills since its establishment and works to establish favorable conditions for the fulfillment of this goal. The Association has established a legal resource center, equipped with computers and technical equipment, as well as up-to-date legal literature, a computer software program of Armenian legislation, Internet, and other required sources. From 1999, the organization has expanded its activities to the Armenian regions as well establishing regional branch offices in Vanadzor, Gavar, Gyumri, Kapan, Goris, and Ijevan. ALA has established ties with different local and international organizations both in Armenia and abroad. The organization has established partner relations with a number of international organizations. In 2001 ALA prompted the establishment of the Coalition of Organizations Providing Free Legal Services, which now has 15 member organizations. Since 2000, ALA has been administering the Armenian National Round of "The Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition". The Competition was founded in spring 1959 and is being held in 80 countries of the world by the International Law Students Association (ILSA). In 2006 ALA participated and supported to the establishment of the Mediation Project and the Mediation Court.