Alexander BARAMIDZE
Education/Training
- Tbilisi State University, 1998-2002
Tbilisi, Georgia
Department of Law
Diploma (equivalent of Master’s)
- St. Andrew Georgian University, 2011-2014
Tbilisi, Georgia
Ph.D Program in International Law (unfinished)
- Tbilisi State University, 1978-1983
Tbilisi, Georgia
Oriental Studies, History of Middle East
Diploma (equivalent of Master’s)
- Center for American and International Law, 2007
Plano, Texas, USA
American and International Law
- National Institute of Trial Advocacy, 2006
Louisville, Colorado, USA
Trial Advocacy
Work Experience
1. In Public Office
- Ministry of Justice of Georgia
First Deputy Minister, November 2013-June 2018
-Performed duties and responsibilities of the Minister of Justice in the absence of the minister;
-Supervised Administrative Department, Analytical Department, and Departments for Legal Drafting, Public International Law, EU law, and Expertise of International Agreements and State Representation in Domestic Courts;
-Was a Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Justice and defended the MoJ bills in the national legislature;
-In most important cases, represented the Government of Georgia in the European Court of Human Rights;
-Under his leadership were drafted and initiated most important legislative reforms aimed to enhance rule of law and human rights, including the three phases of judicial reform, institutional reform of prosecutor’s office, juvenile justice code, revisions of substantive criminal law and criminal procedure, labour law, civil procedure, arbitration law, etc.;
-Closely cooperated with the National Human Rights Council Secretariat in developing the National Human Rights Strategy for 2014-2020 and the three National Government Human Rights Action Plans.
- Ministry of Justice of Georgia
Deputy Minister, October 2012-November 2013
2. In Legal Profession
Member, November 2002-September 2006
Member, September 2006-October 2012; June 2018 - present
Joined the Georgian Bar Association shortly after its establishment. Had a license to represent his clients in criminal, administrative and civil law cases. In 2011 became an elected member of the GBA Criminal Law Committee. Was a coauthor of the draft amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code which was eventually adopted by the Parliament in 2013. Prepared reports to the Criminal Law Committee on human rights violations.
Senior Legal Counsel, Litigator, June 2009-October 2012
Provided legal advice to and represented clients in criminal, administrative and civil law cases. Fields of expertise included criminal law and criminal procedure, human rights law, media law and property law.
- Andronikashvili & Partners Law Firm
SeniorLegal Counsel, Litigator, November 2004-June 2009
Provided legal advice to and represented clients in criminal, administrative and civil law cases. Fields of expertise included criminal law and criminal procedure, human rights law, and property law.
3. International Expert
- European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission)
Substitute Member, 2015-2019
Expert, 2019-present
- International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes
Expert, Telcell Wireless, LLC and International Telcell Cellular, LLC v. Georgia (ICSID Case No. ARB/20/5)
Expert, Bob Meijer v. Georgia (ICSID Case No. ARB/20/28)
4. Involvement in Civil Society Activities
Certified Trainer, January 2007-October 2012
- Eurasia Partnership Foundation
Legal Expert, January 2010-October 2012
Provided legal advice on a range of legal issues, including legislative initiatives relating to the freedom of expression and other human rights law matters.
- OSGF Legislative Initiative Group
Legal Adviser, November 2010-October 2012
Was a coauthor of a set of legislative amendments to the broadcasting law and the elections code relating to the transparency of ownership of the broadcasting media, “must carry” rules and transition to digital broadcasting. The most of the approaches developed by the group were adopted by the Parliament.
5. Academic Occupation
For a number of years taught media law and trial advocacy in different law schools, including:
- Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (October 2005-October 2012),
- Caucasus School of Law (April 2008-September 2011),
- Georgian Technical University (October 2004-May 2005).
6. Other Occupations
- Georgian State Dept. of TV and Radio
Political Observer, October 1992-January 1994
Junior Research Fellow, January 1986-July 1994
- Georgian Center of Archeological Research
Junior Research Fellow, September 1983-December 1985