Albanian Justice Sector Strengthening Project (JuST) Quarterly Report for October – December, 2011

The project is part of the ongoing U.S. support to the rule of law and good governance in Albania, with an emphasis on improving justice delivery and increasing public demand for accountability in the justice sector. The project works in three strategic areas: increasing court transparency, fairness, and efficiency; promoting accountability from the "grass roots" level by bolstering the watchdog and anticorruption roles of civil society organizations and the media; and strengthening the legal profession and legal education in Albania. The project is implemented by Chemonics International Inc. under contract with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In the fifth quarter of the project, several changes to the technical composition of the project took place. An experienced court manager and lawyer, Susanne DiPietro, began a six-month assignment working in the Tirana District Court to assist the court leadership in improving scheduling practices and promoting greater efficiency in the flow of cases through the system. Additionally, the vacancy in the Component 2 Team Leader position was filled, with Elvana Gadeshi joining the team on November 23. The major procurement for digital audio recording equipment was submitted for review and approval at several levels, including the Program Funded Information Technology Review in Washington, source/origin clearance for the purchase of audio recording equipment, and Mission Director review and approval. At the conclusion of the review and approval process, a subcontract was signed, and the first task order for equipment was issued. The JuST team continued working with project counterparts to advance project objectives. Several productive meetings took place with the new Minister of Justice, Eduard Halimi. Working closely with the National Chamber of Advocates, the first semester of Continuing Legal Education was concluded, and the first Bar Journal was produced. During the quarter, a number of tasks called for in the project work plan were initiated and completed. These included the completion of the first semester of the pilot program for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) with local Chambers of Advocates in Durrës and Vlora, mediation training in Durrës and Korça, and the competitive process for selecting a subcontractor to supply equipment for digital audio recording equipment for 130 courtrooms. The Justice and Good Governance Grants Program proceeded as planned with the award of the first three grants to a CSO coalition under the JuST Annual Program Statement. Support to the Union of Albanian judges continued with the development of a strategic plan for the organization. The Donor Coordination Group continued as planned, publishing "Connections" on a quarterly basis. The first-ever Bar Journal of the National Chamber of Advocates was completed and ready for publication. Component 1 of the project, which addresses court operations, is advancing its objectives through direct support to the judiciary. This includes the implementation of commercial and family mediation programs, the use of digital audio recording equipment to improve trial records, and the development of court management systems to increase transparency and efficiency. Challenges ahead for Component 1 include addressing the lack of transparency and organizational deficiencies in the judiciary. Component 2 of the project, which promotes accountability from the "grass roots" level, is working with civil society organizations and the media to bolster their watchdog and anticorruption roles. This includes the assessment and design of capacity development plans for judges associations, the development and delivery of training programs for journalists, and the implementation of a Justice and Good Governance Grants Program. Challenges ahead for Component 2 include addressing the lack of capacity and resources among civil society organizations and the media. Component 3 of the project, which strengthens the legal profession and legal education in Albania, is working to establish a Bar Journal with the National Chamber of Advocates, develop and implement a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program, and create and implement a work plan with the Magistrates School of cataloging Supreme Court decisions and ratified conventions. Challenges ahead for Component 3 include addressing the lack of resources and capacity among the legal profession and legal education institutions. The project's performance indicators include the increase in court transparency, fairness, and efficiency, the promotion of accountability from the "grass roots" level, and the strengthening of the legal profession and legal education in Albania. The project's quarterly accrual report provides a detailed account of the project's progress and achievements during the quarter.