Chronicle:
2005-2006 The inception of the "Public Attorney Service" marked a significant milestone within the trial initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Justice. This innovative establishment aimed to enhance access to justice and provide legal aid to individuals in need. Initially, the service commenced its operations with the opening of the first offices in Tbilisi and in Zestafoni
2007 The Law of Georgia "On Legal Aid" entered into force, which outlined the institutional arrangement of the legal aid system, the circle of beneficiaries and the terms for utilizing the service. In addition, 8 new legal aid bureaus opened throughout the country.
2008 The legal aid landscape in Georgia witnessed further advancements with the establishment of the first consulting centers in Ozurgeti and Ambrolauri. These centers played a pivotal role in extending legal assistance to individuals in these regions, promoting access to justice and ensuring that legal support was readily available to those who needed it. Simultaneously, efforts were undertaken to develop a quality assessment system for legal aid and establish professional standards for public lawyers. These initiatives aimed to maintain and enhance the quality of legal services provided by the legal aid system. Additionally, the launch of the criminal legal clinic initiative marked another significant development. This initiative aimed to enhance legal aid services specifically in the field of criminal law.
2009 To address potential conflicts of interest within the legal aid system, the development of a register of invited public attorneys was undertaken.
2010 Recognizing the importance of catering to the diverse needs of ethnically diverse communities, the legal aid Service of Georgia took a proactive step by establishing Legal Aid bureaus in Akhaltsikhe, Marneuli, Akhalkalaki, and Tsalka with bilingual attorneys.
2011 Delegations from Jordan, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Ukraine, and Iraq, visited Georgia at various times to share their service-related experiences. Georgia joined the Legal Aid Reformers Network (LARN).
2012 The United Nations enacted a resolution on access to legal aid, which set fundamental principles and guidelines for the provision of effective legal aid in criminal cases for the first time. The adoption of the document was one of the initiatives started by Georgia.
2013 To streamline the organization of activities within the legal aid bureaus, the introduction of the computer program "CaseBank" marked a significant advancement. This software solution aimed to simplify and enhance the management of case-related information and documentation within the bureaus. Additionally, "Guidelines for the activities of public attorneys", as well as "Rules and criteria for evaluating the quality of legal aid provided" were introduced.
2014 Signifying a significant development, the Legal Aid Service in Georgia underwent a transformation, becoming an independent organization accountable to the Parliament. To oversee the functioning of the Legal Aid Service, a supervisory collegial body known as the Legal Aid Board was established. Comprised of 9 members termed for 3 years, the Legal Aid Board played a crucial role in providing direction to the Legal Aid Service.
2015 Recognizing the importance of providing comprehensive legal assistance to individuals in need, the mandate of the Legal Aid Service in Georgia was expanded to include civil and administrative law cases. Specific attention was given to addressing family and inheritance disputes, as well as social protection issues. Importantly, the expanded mandate acknowledged the complexity and significance of cases involving insolvent beneficiaries. In situations where the beneficiary is unable to afford legal representation due to financial constraints, the Legal Aid Service played a vital role in ensuring access to justice.
2016 Continuing its commitment to expanding access to justice, the mandate of the Legal Aid Service in Georgia underwent further expansion, encompassing critical areas of legal protection. One significant expansion was the mandatory protection of the accused aged between 18 and 21. Furthermore, the inclusion of protection for minor victims and minor witnesses highlighted the Legal Aid Service's commitment to prioritizing the well-being and rights of children involved in legal proceedings. The 12th Legal Aid Bureau was launched in Sighnaghi.
2017 The mandate of the Legal Aid Service in Georgia underwent another significant expansion, as it was entrusted with the responsibility of protecting victims of abuse, regardless of their financial situation. To further enhance the provision of legal aid services, a network of legal aid providers was established. Recognizing the importance of information accessibility, the website of the Legal Aid Service was updated. Additionally, the Legal Aid Service organized the "Challenges and Importance of Independent Legal Aid" regional conference.
2018- Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, served as the host city for the third international conference on "Legal Aid Access in Criminal Justice Systems." In line with its dedication to protecting victims and alleged victims of violence, the Legal Aid Service expanded its role to include the defense of these individuals in court proceedings, irrespective of their financial means. Moreover, the mandate of the Legal Aid Service was further extended to encompass disputes related to real estate and labor relations.
2019 In an effort to increase the accessibility of free legal aid services, the establishment of Consultation Centres in Duisi, Shuakhevi, and Tsageri marked an important step forward. Additionally, a Legal Aid Bureau was established in Ozurgeti, further expanding the physical presence of legal aid services. An online room for legal assistance was launched in Tserovni IDP settlement.
2020 Despite the challenging circumstances posed by the global epidemic, the Legal Aid Service in Georgia demonstrated its commitment to enhancing its services and addressing the evolving needs of its beneficiaries. Several notable developments took place, including the construction of 17 new offices, the introduction of a new quality evaluation system, the development of the "Public Advocate" magazine, and the establishment of the "Supporters Group."
2021 – Five consultation centers were established to provide accessible legal aid services to individuals seeking assistance. Furthermore, the mandate of the Legal Aid Service was expanded to include the protection of children's and disabled people's rights.
2022 The digitization of the legal system, and the process of using artificial intelligence was launched, the involvement of psychologists in juvenile cases began, and the project "Paralegals" was implemented.