Paralegals encouraged to create an Association: only in this way, you will be able to promote your services and get bigger results

More than 30 community paralegals have participated today in the first activity of the project “Strengthening the network of community paralegals” – “The opportunity of association of paralegals”. In the course of the event, it was discussed the possibility of creating an association of community paralegals, the organizational methods of a non-governmental organization, its principles of operation, as well as the modalities for accessing resources provided by donors.

The existence of a Professional Association will enhance the capacities of advocacy of the paralegals’ network, indispensable for the development of the paralegals’ institution, and its affirmation as a reliable partner of the National Council for State Guaranteed Legal Assistance (NCSGLA). At the same time, will offer more visibility to the positive impact generated by the free services provided by paralegals within the rural communities.

“Through this project we wish to contribute to the development of the paralegals’ network. To offer assistance needed within the process of association, to help to facilitate communication with public authorities, to stay side by side with you in the courts and to support you in various cases. Together we can identify the best solutions for your beneficiaries”, has underlined the coordinator of the Bar Association of Lawyers “Efrim, Rosca & Associates”, Oleg Efrim.

Representation of Soros-Moldova Foundation, Natalia Camburian, has mentioned that Soros-Moldova Foundation is ready to provide to paralegals the aid needed. “We support you and we will continue to provide you not only financial support, but also the assistance needed for the creation and development of an Association of Paralegals. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”, has declared Natalia Camburian.

Vladimir Palamarciuc, member of the Board of the Young Lawyers Association, have related to participants about the experiences the members of Association have gone through at its founding, the steps they have taken and how they managed to assert themselves on the advocacy market. “The creation of an association will bring benefits not only to paralegals, but to the entire system as well. Will allow you to develop individual projects as well as projects of professional support to members of the Association”, has reiterated Vladimir Palamarciuc.

Present at the event, Daniela Vidaicu, the national coordinator of programs of the Embassy of Sweden, has encouraged the paralegals to create an association, because in this way they will be able to achieve bigger results. “The creation of the network of paralegals is a success. Now comes another stage of coagulation, a stage in which you should continue doing good things further. We support you and we urge you to continue making useful things for the society. The donors support good and strong initiatives. Together is easier to obtain visible results, alone is much harder.”, said Daniela Vidaicu.

In the event, head of the Division of non-commercial organizations of the Ministry of Justice, Alexandrina Culcitchi, has related to paralegals about the organizational methods of a non-governmental organization, the legislative provisions, acts needed for the creation of an association. Paralegals present at the event expressed their interest towards the possibility of association and means of accessing financial resources.

The project “Strengthening the network of paralegals” is implemented by the Bar Association of Lawyers “Efrim, Rosca & Associates” and is co-financed by the Legal Program of Soros-Moldova Foundation. The project’s goal is to strengthen the network of paralegals through the creation of a National Association of Paralegals from Moldova.
The network of paralegals was created in 2010. During this time, with the help of paralegals, thousands of people have managed to solve their legal problems faced by them, whether it was about inheritance, divorce, social assistance or right to property.

Today, the network includes around 40 community paralegals from different rural areas of the country. Visit the webpage www.parajurist.md for more information about the services of community paralegals.