Alexander Schuster, Equal Jus project coordinator, talks about the high-level legal training seminar to be held in Florence on 7-10 October 2010.

Establishing and supporting a network of lawyers advocating LGBT rights is at the core of the EQUAL JUS project. Other deliverables of the project like the EQUAL JUS legal database – currently in static preview, – the newsletter, and training materials have a meaning only if related to this idea of supporting a network of committed people.
When we launched the training through mails to NGOs, presentations at international events and other means we also launched the project, as it was the first activity to reach out. I am happy to say that we have received many applications. At the same time, we are also sorry that we had to limit eligible applications to EU member states due to the project concept and the financing agreement with the Commission. We not only received e-mails from other European countries such as Russia and Ukraine. We also had inquiries from East Asia, Israel, Africa. In addition some students, lawyers and NGO staff have asked to attend at their own expense. We also had the chance to get in touch with fellow programmes and organisations and learn from their experience. Due to the interest in the training we are planning to record some parts of the seminar and offer online streaming once the videos are edited.
Participants will have the chance not only to meet colleagues from other countries and exchange views. They will benefit from the research centre library and resources, but also enjoy the pleasure of being hosted in a historical palace in the centre of a magnificent town such as Florence, sipping a prosecco on the terrace and chatting on litigation strategies during coffee-breaks. We intend to encourage an informal environment. Case studies, aperitif talks, receptions by the regional bar association and social dinners are just examples of a mix of theoretical, practical and convivial sessions of an international training. We really want participants to get the best out of it. They are the true resources of the project as they will act as multipliers once back home. They will organise national or regional training events based on their experience in Florence.
We have done our best effort to accept as much participants as financial means and logistics allow. We will finalize the list of participants after the deadline of 6 September 2010. I can already say that we plan to welcome some 40 participants.

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