On May 29–30, a delegation led by the Chairman of the Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan (VK), Anar Baghirov, participated in the 4th International Law Forum titled “Tashkent Law Spring,” held in the capital city of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, at the invitation of the Bar Chamber of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The Forum brought together high-level government officials, lawyers, representatives of international organizations, leading global experts, and scholars, with more than 600 delegates from 30 countries in attendance. Alongside Chairman Anar Baghirov, the delegation also included Deputy Chairman of the Bar Association and Director of the Legal Aid Center Shahmar Mammadov, as well as other members of the Bar Association.

During the opening of the plenary session of the two-day event, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Justice Akbar Djurabayevich Tashkulov delivered a speech, warmly welcoming the participants and emphasizing the significance of the Forum in terms of international legal cooperation and experience exchange. The Minister highlighted that the “Tashkent Law Spring” platform not only fosters regional but also global engagement among legal professionals and facilitates discussion of current legal challenges. He also stressed the need for law to remain flexible and adaptive in the digital era and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in this regard.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Justice, Farid Ahmadov, delivered a keynote speech at the main plenary session, addressing the role of information and communication technologies in the development of legal education. He discussed modern challenges and emerging trends, noting the important steps taken by the Ministry of Justice to modernize the legal system and advance legal education.

During the session titled “Lawyers on the Wave of Technology: How Digitalization is Changing the Rules of the Game?”, Anar Baghirov, Chairman of the VK, spoke about the impact of digital transformation on legal institutions and the practice of law. He emphasized that this transformation is not a temporary trend but an objective reality shaping the future of legal services.

The Chairman highlighted that in the digital age, the legal profession requires not only strong legal knowledge but also competencies in digital technologies. In response to these challenges, the VK has taken significant steps toward systematic digitalization in its operations.

Anar Baghirov also shared several innovative practices and digital initiatives implemented in the Azerbaijani legal profession. These included electronic registration and document management, personalized electronic cabinets for lawyers, the “e-Lawyer” mobile app, integration with the “Electronic Court” system, electronic management of legal aid, 24/7 legal support via the “Legalaid” mobile app, an electronic warrant system, and digital contract signing, as well as the work of specialized committees on digital security.

He also spoke about the development of the AI-based “Pro Bono ChatBot” project, which is expected to play a key role in providing automated initial legal assistance to citizens.

In conclusion, it was emphasized that while embracing innovation, the legal profession must continue to uphold its core principles of independence, ethical conduct, and confidentiality, and must remain adaptable to the evolving world.

During the panel discussion, topics such as challenges faced by the legal profession in the digital transformation process, lawyers' ability to adapt, the use of legal technologies, and opportunities for regional cooperation were extensively discussed.

Additionally, to strengthen future collaboration, the delegation led by Anar Baghirov held meetings with the leadership of several countries’ Bar Associations, as well as the leadership of the Uzbekistan Bar Chamber. The meetings focused on experience exchange and future cooperation prospects.

As part of the visit, the delegation also visited the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Uzbekistan. During the meeting, the purpose of the visit was shared, the rapid development of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations was emphasized, and the importance of cooperation in the field of law was highlighted.

Moreover, a large delegation consisting of representatives from the VK Women Lawyers Alliance of Azerbaijan visited the Uzbekistan Bar Chamber and held a meeting with its chairman. During the meeting, possibilities for mutual cooperation were discussed, and an agreement was reached to establish close cooperation with the newly established Women Lawyers Alliance of the Uzbekistan Bar Chamber.