The International Bar Leaders’ Delegation of ABA International participated in a briefing trip to Ukraine, Russia and Georgia on January 20-25, 2008. The seven-member delegation was led by ABA International Chair Jeffrey Golden. ABA International delegates represented three countries: the U.S., England, and France.

The 2008 Delegation had the primary goals of:

• Establishing a framework for routine contacts and cooperation with Russian, Ukrainian and Georgian bar associations and at a level comparable to those already existing between ABA International and other non-U.S. bar associations;
• Establishing a framework for routine contacts and cooperation with Russian, Ukrainian and Georgian legal institutions -- including the judiciary, law schools, and relevant ministries -- at a level comparable to those already existing between ABA International and other such non-U.S legal institutions;
• Exchanging ideas and information with and from our hosts regarding issues of mutual interest and concern;
• Meeting with current members of the ABA who are based in Russia, Ukraine and Georgia, including both internationally-minded domestic lawyers and expatriate American attorneys;
• Interacting with members of the local legal community;
• Training future leaders of ABA International; and
• Laying the groundwork for future ABA International events in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The Delegation succeeded in raising ABA International’s profile in Kyiv, Moscow and Tbilisi, as well as creating links between ABA International and the groups with whom the Delegation met. As a result of the briefing trip, ABA International is building stronger ties in these three important legal centers. ABA International would like to thank our hosts and the members of the local planning committees in each city who devoted significant time and effort to ensure the briefing trip’s success.

International Bar Leaders’ Delegation

Trip Itinerary

Trip Photo Album