From April 29-30, CLDP conducted a workshop in Manama, Bahrain in coordination with Bahrain’s Ministry of Justice, Supreme Judicial Council on case management and electronic court filing with the objective to share best practices from the United States and UAE that are competent, efficient, and transparent. The workshop focused primarily on case management techniques for judges, and also included sessions on how to train clerks and professional civil servants within the judiciary on how to effectively manage cases. Bahrain is in the final stages of implementing amendments to their civil procedure law that will allow for the first time, electronic court filing and introduction of new case management procedures for the judiciary.  The workshop also highlighted the importance of court automation, particularly for the business community, and the need for the transparent publication of court decisions, as well as focus on cyber security for transitioning to e-filing system.  

The program featured Judge Virginia Covington of the Middle District of Florida, Sheryl Loesch, Clerk of the Court for U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Middle District of Florida, and the current chief judge of the Dubai Commercial Court, Mohamed Al-Sabousy. The program audience included judges and court administrators from Bahrain including the Chief Justice of Bahrain’s Court of Cassation, who contributed best practices and lessons learned from their jurisdiction to the program discussions.  U.S. Ambassador Justin Siberell delivered opening remarks at the workshop, noting the importance of contract enforcement to foreign direct investment in Bahrain and promoting U.S. company interests in the country.  This workshop is part of CLDP’s multiphase contract enforcement program to assist countries in the Middle East and North Africa region to improve efficiency, predictability, and transparency in the adjudication of commercial disputes.