USAID/PROLoG Supports Georgian Association of Arbitrators to Improve Disciplinary Proceedings

On July 28-30 USAID/PROLoG Ethics Expert James Moliterno conducted online training for the ethics commission and investigators of Georgian Association of Arbitrators (GAA), many of whom are new and have limited experience.

Georgian Association of Arbitrators — the only self-regulatory body of arbitrators in Georgia —has developed a Code of Ethics with the help of JILEP, a predecessor to the PROLoG project. Over the last year, interest in arbitration, particularly “Business to Business” arbitration cases has increased, and it is of particular importance that the practice of arbitration becomes more ethical and professional.

Mr. Moliterno discussed the grounds to commence disciplinary proceedings; the role of the investigator to initiate disciplinary proceedings in case of publicly disseminated information; application of proportionality test during decision making of the Commission; newly revealed circumstances during the inquiry; communication rules between the investigator and the Commission;and the importance of advisory opinions.

Mr. Moliterno acknowledged the quality of the Ethics Code and Disciplinary Proceedings and underlined that both documents are well written and built on the experience of the Georgian Bar Association.

GAA Chairperson Sophie Tkemaladze thanked Mr.Moliterno for his valuable expertise and helpful guidance for GAA.