Notary, Advocacy, Bankruptcy, and Compulsory Enforcement systems: Focus Group Discussion within the Framework of the Legal and Judicial Reform Strategy

Today, on 1 February, the  11th and 12th focus group discussions, on the 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th actions regarding the law enforcement system of the Action Plan stemming from the 2019-2023 Judicial and Legal Reform Strategy were held on the initiative of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association.

The first of the discussions was held with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Armenian-Russian University, the Bankruptcy Administration system, and the Armenian Lawyers’ Association.

The second discussion was held with CSOs and representatives of the legal community.

It should be noted that Goal 14 envisages increasing the efficiency of the Bankruptcy System.

The strategic directions of this goal are:

  • Improving the procedures for acquiring the profession of bankruptcy administrators, including a toolkit for increasing the effectiveness of liability and activities.
  • Establishing sustainable mechanisms contributing to financial recovery.
  • Enhancing the role of judges (courts) in bankruptcy proceedings.
  • Raising public awareness about the bankruptcy system.
  • Elaborating a universal bankruptcy legislation.
  • Review and improvement of regulations relating to debtor’s property inventory, assessment and sale.
  • Increasing the role of creditors, judges (court) in the bankruptcy proceedings.

Goal 15 envisages the development of alternative dispute resolution means, including ․

  • Establishment of Arbitration Centers.
  • Developing other alternative methods of dispute settlement.
  • Raising the level of relevant legal education and public awareness.
  • Improving the arbitration legislation.

Goal 16 envisages increasing the effectiveness of the Notary System.

In particular, it is envisaged

  • Improving the institute of a notary writ execution.
  • Review of the procedure for subjecting a notary to disciplinary liability.
  • Increasing the effectiveness of notarial actions.

Goal 17 envisages increasing the effectiveness of the Advocacy System. It is envisaged:

  • Broadening the scope of beneficiaries of free legal aid.
  • Developing alternative mechanisms of providing free legal aid.
  • Increasing the efficiency of Public Defender’s activities.
  • Developing the activities of the School of Advocates.
  • Improving the rules of conduct and integrity of advocates.
  • Development internal mechanisms of the Chamber of Advocates.

Goal 18 refers to the reforms of the Compulsory Enforcement system. It is envisaged:

  • Systemic review of the legislation of the Compulsory Enforcement sector.
  • Improving the technical equipment of the Compulsory Enforcement sector.

Notably, a total of 10 similar discussions have already been held in the period of 24-27, and on 31 January.