August 2010

 While continuing legal education (CLE) is an essential tool for lawyers to remain aware of legal trends and to improve their legal skills, there are few CLE opportunities in Tunisia. The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) recently began a program to increase training opportunities for Tunisian lawyers, holding its first workshop in June.

The two-day workshop ABA ROLI held in coordination with a Tunisian law firm focused on fundamental negotiation skills for lawyers. It was designed to boost the participants’ understanding of negotiation models and enhance their communication and conflict management skills. More than 20 young lawyers, representing various law firms and law schools, attended the training, which was led by a professional mediator and lawyer. Participants said they were particularly interested in learning the principles and theoretical frameworks of negotiation, concepts which are seldom taught in Tunisian law schools.

The training incorporated interactive activities, simulations and small group exercises, allowing the trainees to practice various negotiation styles and strategies. Many participants said that the practical, interactive approach would help them apply the concepts in their law practice.

ABA ROLI will offer similar trainings in Tunisia over the coming months.

To learn more about our work in Tunisia, contact the ABA Rule of Law Initiative at <rol@staff.abanet.org>.