Two-Day Training Course for Business Representatives and Lawyers

On October 12, a two-day training course for business representatives and lawyers commenced. The event was organized by the Arbitration and Mediation Center of Armenia (AMCA) with the aim of introducing lawyers to the importance and toolkit of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Opening remarks were delivered by Tatevik Matinyan, Director of AMCA, who, emphasizing the relevance of the field, stated: “Arbitration and mediation are effective methods of dispute resolution, and by promoting them, AMCA also contributes to the development of legal culture in our country, making dispute resolution faster, more efficient, specialized, and cost-effective.” In the course of her presentation, Tatevik Matinyan provided a detailed overview of issues relating to written communications in arbitral proceedings, the constitution of the arbitral tribunal, the validity of arbitration agreements, and the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards. The role of arbitration and mediation institutions was also discussed through the example of AMCA. The advantages of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and the importance of the lawyer’s role were analyzed. Procedural aspects of arbitration and the enforcement mechanisms of arbitral awards were also examined, both in the context of domestic and international awards.

The second part of the programme was devoted to the mediation process. Maria Petrosyan, Senior Legal Expert at the Legislation Development Center Foundation, delivered a presentation on “Mediation Reforms in the Republic of Armenia,” introducing the reforms implemented and planned by the Government, including mandatory mediation in family cases, the specific features of the mediator qualification procedure, and the prerequisites for shaping a new dispute resolution culture in Armenia. It was also noted that the Ministry of Justice continues to accept applications for mediator qualification, with preference at this stage being given to candidates from the regions. The objective is to license mediators as broadly as possible across the regions so that, once the provisions on mandatory mediation enter into force, no difficulties arise for citizens and the procedure can be implemented smoothly. Davit Khachatryan, Senior Lawyer at AMCA and Arbitration Case Manager, presented the advantages of resolving disputes through arbitration and the significance of arbitration clauses.

A particular focus of the discussion was the importance of arbitration for business, as disputes resolved quickly through arbitration contribute to the uninterrupted development of businesses. The second part of the programme also featured a presentation by Davit Gharibyan, Deputy Director of the Legislation Development Center Foundation. The procedure for conducting mediation under the legislation of the Republic of Armenia was discussed, and various stages of the mediation process were analyzed through practical examples. Participants raised their questions, and the presentation concluded with a discussion on the challenges and problematic issues in the field. Davit Gharibyan particularly emphasized the importance of the mediator’s role and noted that today lawyers are among the principal contributors to the development of mediation, as by guiding their clients toward alternative dispute resolution mechanisms they can also provide more effective services.

At the close of the day, Tatevik Matinyan answered the participants’ questions and addressed the applicability of alternative dispute resolution methods, as well as the prerequisites for their development in the Republic of Armenia. As a result of the training course, participants acquired practical skills in the application of alternative dispute resolution methods aimed at protecting the rights and legitimate interests of their clients.