Natalia, good afternoon. It is always interesting to observe how things are evolving. Last year we did an interview with you about the necessity and possibility of digitalizing the work of the judicial system in Moldova and, in particular, the work of lawyers. And this year, on April 23, the Bar Association took a decision to digitalize the activities of the Bar Association in the Republic of Moldova. And, as I understand it, you were the initiator?

Indeed I was. It spontaneously started at the beginning of 2020, when I was a part of the working group on the digitalization of the judicial system in Romania. An exchange of ideas with colleagues led me to the idea that I can achieve something unique in Moldova, This being to initiate and implement a digitalization project that will be valuable for both colleagues and society as a whole. This is how the idea to implement a project on digitalization of the management process of the Union of Lawyers of the Republic of Moldova came into being.

The effects of the pandemic on the activity, the disruption of internal management processes of the institution in the during lockdown only emphasized the need for the digitization.

I remember your previous interview about the possibilities and ways of digitalizing the judicial system. It turns out that it was just a start to the new beginning of this project?

Yes. I had a lot of discussions with colleagues, meetings with experts from Google, Cisco Webex, local companies and potential external partners around planned innovations, possible funding avenues and implementation partners. At the time, I was only involved in strategic planning and general direction.

After the initial discussions, the idea was successfully supported by the representatives of the Bar Association of the Republic of Moldova. I was coordinating each criteria of the institution and also adapted the project in accordance with the vision of  selected external partners and executors.

It is remarkable that we received a unanimous vote of the Council of the Bar Association by Decision No. 08/11 on April 23, 2021. Myself as author and initiator of the digitalization of the activities of the Bar Association of the Republic of Moldova received full support from my colleagues. I can’t describe how much I appreciate it! I’m so grateful to have such an amazing team and I always view us as ONE team.

What are the main points included in the concept of digitalization of the work of the Bar Association?

 I can list the main ones. The organization of an automatic update of the List of Lawyers (the Register of Lawyers of the Republic of Moldova). Digitalization of the admission to the internship exam. Digitalization of Admission to the profession of lawyer. Digitalization of the General Meetings of the Bar Association and the Bar Council, including the conduct of online secure elections and voting procedures, Modernization of the website, etc.

Would this mean that this is a great opportunity to continue the normal working mode despite the lockdowns or any other force major situation?

Yes, of course.

We live in a period when global strategy is digitizing at an increasing pace. Multinational companies are adopting digitalization , online communication between employees and partners is becoming more mainstream, the education system is moving towards distance learning, national and international conferences are moving online, and the list goes on.

The Bar Association of the Republic of Moldova it is no exception, and it can benefit from the opportunity to digitalize processes in accordance with global trends. Of course, no one can ever replace the joy of meeting a colleague or being physically present at meetings and congresses, but digitalization should be seen as an effective and alternative tool of choice.

As I know the digitalization involves significant costs. How will these costs be financed?

I started my idea and I have been working on it with full dedication for all of us and to the best of professional society.

I have worked without cost and in my spare time for the Bar Association and when it comes to the implementation, a series of negotiations has resulted in financial support from external donors and partners. This successful step, with free implementation in favor of the Bar Association of the Republic of Moldova is a win for the country as a whole.

What are the next steps planned in the digitalization process?

We will implement the digitalization strategy step by step... and I will keep you updated.

A special thanks to the members of the Bar Association for a unanimous decision on the digitalization of the processes.

If we are positive and open minded, solutions and technologies to our challenges will be found. I’m glad that I can contribute to the development of my country, to increase efficiency, transparency and trust in the field of law, as well as to put into practice a unique idea, making history.

I believe that if each of us makes a wonderful contribution to the society, the world will become a better place and any change starts with each of us.

Just take the chance and never give up!

Pavel Zingan