THE MAIN OBJECTIVE  

PIOR is a nongovernmental organization founded on October, 1994 by twenty five prominent judges and lawyers who recognized the immediate need for training of all members of the legal community who are responsible for understanding and implementing the emerging democratic legal system in Bulgaria. The main objective of the organization  it to assist the establishing of an independent and democratic legal structures in the country.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES  

TRAINING
Building and development of professional confidence of practising lawyers through training and qualification
1. Creation of national qualification system
2. Creation of a Legal Training Centre with three modules:
    * general training on specific topics of young lawyers with length of service up to three years;
    * specialized training on specific topics of lawyers;
    * interdisciplinary training of lawyers.

DEVELOPMENT
Establishing of information links and networks within the legal system
1. Establishing of information and publishing centre of PIOR
2. Assistance in the process of computerization of legal institutions
3. Dissemination of new information techniques and technologies within the legal system
 
 

TRAINING METHODS  

The training methods used by PIOR are integrated - they combine the didactic and practice approaches, used in the International Development of  Law Institute (IDLI)
in Rome, adapted to the specific circumstances in Bulgaria.

PIOR seminar programme consists of three modules of training:
    1. Specialized training of young lawyers (length os service up to tree years)
    2. Specialized training on specific topics
    3. Interdisciplinary training of lawyers

The specialized seminars for young lawyers are of 5 day duration and each includes 30 participants. Every participant receives a pre-packaged set of materials consisting of: seminar programme (accommodation information, lecture schedule, information on the  lecturers), a package of legal acts (depending on the topic of the particular seminar), pad,  pen and badge. The seminar room is prepared in advance with the necessary seating arrangements, audio-visual equipment and materials. Classes last for tree hours in the morning and afternoon. The lecturers make exposition on the subject for half an hour followed by discussion and case studies. The preferred form for this seminars is the dialogue, which ensures quick feedback for lecturers and participants. On the copletion of the seminar the participants receive diplomas.

All participants in the seminars are provided with full-board accommodation. Any travelling cost of the young lawyers are covered by their employer institutions - as per agreement between PIOR and the Ministry of Justice, the Chief Prosecutor's Office and the National Investigation Service. PIOR cover their travelling expenses.

The seminars on specific topics are of varying duration, but no more than 5 days (30 hours). The participants are lawyers with a longer length of service and particular specialization. The topic is determined by the needs of the legal system - new legislation, amendments in the legislative framework, practices of the Supreme Court. When new information has to be presented to a large number of lawyers in a short time, a course  of  lectures with a duration of 1 or 2 days is organized for 80 - 100 participants. In the organization of seminars on specific topics the emphasis is on discussions and tests.

The interdisciplinary training includes:
    1. Computer courses (duration 12 consecutive days; 10 participants; 5 hour per day classes in an equipped computer room with individual computer stations)
    2. Language courses (with varying duration according to the according to the level; 8-10 participants per group)
    3. Group dynamics psycho-training (duration 10 consecutive days; 6-8 hours per day; mixed groups of 15 participants)

The first computer course were organized for judges, prosecutors and examining magistrates, because the use of computers is at a more advanced stage compared to other parts of the country and a large number of lawyers working here need introductory courses in using computers, word processing programs, data bases and program products. PIOR rents a fully equipped computer room with work stations for participants,  and  the specialist in charge of training is familiar with the hardware and specialized software, used in the legal system.

Organization of courses on the other two modules - languages and group-dynamics psycho-training - is FORTHCOMING.

PIOR organizes the training of lawyers in all three modules. The greatest number of  seminars so far is for young lawyers and 6 running curricula are approved. In the module  'Seminars on specific topics' are approved two curricula, and in the'Interdisciplinary training' module - one curricula.