ABA Event: "Exploring Trends in Promoting the Rule of Law"

The American Bar Association (ABA) is presenting a workshop on "Exploring Trends in Promoting the Rule of Law".
March 28, 2012, 12:30–7:00 p.m.
Venue Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center
3800 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, D.C.
Register online 

What is most interesting to me is that Technology and Access to Justice is one of the topics of discussion, which is the niche that BarefootLawyers fell into some years ago by accident, and it is so nice to know that the field is expanding and being promoted by the usual suspects such as the ABA. Their topic description:

Technology and Access to Justice

Technology holds significant potential for increasing access to justice. This panel will share examples of the ways in which technology has already contributed in this area, and, if better utilized, how technology can produce further gains. Does the democracy and governance community have realistic expectations about the potential of technology to increase access to justice and, more generally, to propel justice sector reform?

12:30–1:30 p.m.	Networking Lunch with Opening Remarks (Professor Anthony Clark Arend, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University)
1:45–3:15 p.m.	Concurrent Panels, Session 1
	Technology and Access to Justice  Technology holds significant potential for increasing access to justice. This panel will share examples of the ways in which technology has already contributed in this area, and, if better utilized, how technology can produce further gains. Does the democracy and governance community have realistic expectations about the potential of technology to increase access to justice and, more generally, to propel justice sector reform? Panelist: Sonja Gittens-Ottley, Manager of Yahoo! Business and Human Rights Program Panelist: Joshua Haynes, Senior Development Technologist,USAID Center for Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Panelist: Charles-Guy Makongo, ABA ROLI Country Director, Democratic Republic of Congo Moderator: Barry Walsh, Senior Justice Reform Specialist, Justice Reform Practice Group at The World Bank Recent Innovations and Best Practices in Combating Corruption  Corrupt practices are typically deeply rooted, with the requisite political will to eradicate them in exceedingly short supply. Local reformers and donors have devoted both decades and billions of dollars to eradicate these practices. What is working? What are the trends in combating corruption? Do multilateral and treaty-based efforts hold promise (e.g., UNCAC)? How can civil society and the private sector play a more robust role in combating corruption? Panelist: John Brandolino, Senior Advisor, Office of Anti-crime Programs, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. Department of State Panelist: Jonathan Gant, Policy Advisor, Global Witness Panelist: Eric Stonecipher, ABA ROLI Asia Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser (Thailand) Moderator: Homer Moyer, Partner, Miller & Chevalier
3:30–5:00 p.m.	Concurrent Panels, Session 2
	The Role of Rule of Law in Economic Development  The rule of law is a potent force in advancing economic development; conversely, weak legal systems place enormous barriers not only on foreign investment but also on domestic actors capable of generating significant economic growth. This panel will discuss examples of countries that have been especially effective in transforming their business environments from being relatively inhospitable into magnets for domestic and foreign investment. Which donor interventions have been especially noteworthy? What are some lessons learned? Panelist: Richard Messick, Senior Public Sector Specialist, Public Sector and Governance Group at The World Bank Panelist: Wade Channell, Senior Legal Reform Adviser at USAID Office of Economic Growth Panelist: Jeff Krilla, Principal at SNR Denton Moderator: Rob Boone, Director, ABA ROLI After the Revolutions: Rule of Law and the Historic Transitions in the Middle East and North Africa In most cases, post-revolutionary nations must begin an often decades-long process of building the rule of law. Post-Arab Spring countries will be no exception. What are the prospects for the transitioning countries in the Middle East and North Africa? What are the most significant impediments? Is it the military, the police, the lack of a rule of law culture, or perhaps a by-product of decades of authoritarian rule? Panelist: Dr. Marina Ottaway, Director of the Middle East Program at Carnegie Endowment Panelist: John Beasley, Senior Advisor for Rule of Law to the Office of the Special Coordinator for Middle East Transitions, U.S.Department of State Panelist: Perry Cammack, Professional Staff Member, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate Panelist: Paul Simonett, ABA ROLI Gulf Program Director (Bahrain,Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) Moderator: Angela Conway, ABA ROLI Director for the Middle East and North Africa Division
5:15–7:00 p.m.	Cocktail Reception
To reserve your spot at this free rule of law conference, register online. Please RSVP by Thursday, March 22.