International Expressions
The transformation in the legal system is not just an American phenomenon. Other places in the world are undergoing this same paradigm shift. Canada in particular is a leader in innovative approaches. We are doing research on the international aspects. In brief:
Collaborative law is taking hold in many places. See www.collaborativepractice.com for links to collaborative law groups in other countries.
Restorative justice is a popular option in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Peacemaking and restorative justice projects are also going on in many other countries, including a major project in Colombia. See www.restorativejustice.org.
Indian law schools are including courses on the new paradigms and have reprinted many articles referenced in the RLS site.
See also: Truth and Reconciliation movement.
International Mediation Trainings by Mediation in Law: http://www.mediationinlaw.org/trainingintl.html
LAWYERS FOR CHANGE: United Kingdom
What does Lawyers for Change stand for?
Our overarching purpose is to “inspire lawyers to be a force for good”. We engage and encourage selected stakeholders to practice and formulate the law for the benefit of society as a whole, whilst respecting cultural differences.
We believe in and commit to the following principles:
• we put principles first
• we practice law beyond ego
• we strive for balance
• we deliver value
• we make a difference to our communities.
What does Lawyers for Change do?
We support lawyers and others with an interest in having effective lawyers and laws create laws and practice law in a way that contributes to a healthy society. To achieve this we:
• organise conferences to discuss key challenges facing lawyers
• link lawyers striving to practice in alignment with the purpose and principles of the movement
• promote enlightened practices including:
* Training lawyers to act in alignment with the objectives of the movement
* Training clients to empower them to use lawyers effectively and demand that their lawyers act in alignment with the objectives of the movement
* Promotion of consensual agreements – in other words, documents that are balanced between the parties
* Promotion of “deal friendly” template documents
* Consensual negotiations – open and clear discussions with a view to creating consensual agreements
* Dispute mediation and other alternate methods of dispute resolution
* Campaign for laws that work and practice rules consistent with the purpose and principles of the movement – i.e. enhancing the process whereby lawyers influence how laws are made and structured in alignment with the main objectives of the movement, including having them culturally sensitive and also pre-considered more effectively for likely impact
* Empowering and training lawyers in being effective "man/woman of affairs" with commercial clients
* Creating more progressive fee structures aligned with client interests
* Creation of a tax efficient fund for good causes as an alternative to pro bono work & the promotion of alternative socially supportive initiatives
* Proactively promoting values-driven business and ethical business practices for law firms and clients alike
* Promoting equal opportunities and work/life balance
* Promoting setting up law firms as values-driven businesses including publishing law firm survey results assessing alignment with the objectives of the movement
* Creating and maintaining a directory of lawyers committed to values of the movement
* Development of a code of practice and possible development and management of a kite mark
* General research and development of a variety of legal systems to assess the strengths and weaknesses of systems around the world
* Pan-legal-professional body - we have a unique opportunity to unite the legal profession in search of a higher goal
* Supporting refugee professionals
* Supporting effective enlargement of the EU by appropriate harmonization of legal systems, sensitive to local cultural strengths and needs.
How is Lawyers for Change structured and who can get involved?
Lawyers for Change is a not-for-profit organization currently consisting of individual supporters pending incorporation as a “company limited by guarantee”, a vehicle often employed by not-for-profit and charitable organizations.
The supporters are a rich mixture of lawyers of all disciplines (solicitors, barristers, attorneys-at-law, legal executives, paralegals, trade mark attorneys, trainees, law students, etc) and other people interested in having effective lawyers and laws (such as management consultants, accountants, legal recruitment specialists, training specialists, life coaches, business people, etc).
Who will benefit from Lawyers for Change?
Whoever is affected by laws and the behaviour of lawyers: stakeholders in (or beneficiaries of) the movement include society as a whole but also those who wish to participate in committing to making the objectives of the moment a reality. It is an opportunity to make a difference, no matter what level of experience, an opportunity to influence and create the legal profession of the future.
How can I support Lawyers for Change?
There are many ways you can support us. Simply being on our emailing list ensures that as the numbers increase we are taken seriously as a movement. For those who want to take a more proactive role, whether regularly or periodically, the opportunities are boundless and the best way to contribute if to take part in meetings (where possible) and see what calls to you. Also, please generate and encourage others to join in debates currently online at:
How do I join Lawyers for Change and how much does it cost?
At this stage, it costs nothing to be a supporter of the movement and whilst we may introduce fee-paying membership in due course, we are likely to retain free supporter status.
To join, please email mk@kaltons.co.uk.
