Armenia Legal Education Fund: Toward a Stronger Armenia

February 1, 2016

Thomas Jefferson School of Law, in partnership with the (ABA ROLI), will host a fundraising reception for the Armenia Legal Education Fund.

The happy hour gathering will feature presentations from Armenian community members, Thomas Jefferson Law representatives and members of the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI).

One of the leading non-governmental organization’s supporting legal reform in Armenia, and the only non-governmental organization working in legal education reform, ABA ROLI is seeking to expand its efforts. Its goal is to grow and sustain an educated and progressive legal profession in Armenia, one that demands and creates an improved rule of law for the country, curbing corruption and advancing economic and social progress.

The current climate in the country is one in which law students are not getting the education and training they need, particularly in practical skills and critical thinking, according to organizers.

Money raised by the reception will support the five-year Armenian Legal Education Fund by training professors in interactive teaching methodologies, developing and standardizing new practical skills courses in Armenian law schools and supporting an exchange program for law students, allowing them to advance their legal careers. These are just a few examples of the initiatives supported by ABA ROLI.

Each year ABA ROLI receives grants totaling $38.5 million and has developed a record of administering those funds successfully. The Grants and Accounting office reviews the organization’s program expenditures for compliance with funding agency requirements. ABA ROLI’s fiscal management system and compliance with financial grant regulations are audited yearly. ABA ROLI has responsibly managed operations of between $300,000 and $1.5 million in annual donor funds since 1996.

Some of ABA ROLI’s successes include helping to establish Armenia’s bar association, as well as the Chamber of Advocates, and the Armenian Public Defender’s program to provide pro bono legal aid.

For those who are unable to attend but want to learn more about the ALEF, including making donations, please visit its online donation page.

Reception Details:

Time and date: 6:30 to 8:30 pm, February 3, 2016

Address: 1155 Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101