Message from the Founder and Board President
The CEELI Institute is a unique global education institution dedicated to strengthening and invigorating democratic societies and the rule of law. The Institute collaborates with judges, lawyers, government officials and legal reformers to support democratic societies and, in particular, fair and transparent judicial systems and stable investment markets through:
- Action oriented training and education
- Creation of a committed legal reformers' network, and
- Legal research
Overview
The CEELI Institute was formed in response to the urgent need in Eastern Europe to conduct rule of law training on a cross border basis. Since its founding in 1999, the Institute has provided post-graduate legal education to more than 1,500 professionals from 36 countries, including 140 Iraqi judges and most of the Afghan Supreme Court. It develops innovative training programs for professionals in transitioning countries to support:
- Continuing growth of free market economies
- Development of democratic institutions, and
- Respect for human rights
The visiting instructors at Institute events are international experts who volunteer their time and expertise as a pro bono public service. The Institute offers intensive practical and skills-based training to judges, lawyers, court administrators, prosecutors, NGO counsel, parliamentarians and legal reformers.
Programs
The Institute was founded with an emphasis on Central and Eastern Europea cultures and since has expanded its scope to include countries in transition around the world. The Institute’s core programming areas focus on human rights, democratic institutions and emerging democracies and free market economies.
The Institute has launched new regional courses in anti-corruption: Judicial Integrity and Anti-Corruption in Public Contracting; seminars in intellectual property law and other substantive law areas. The Institute brings together judges, prosecutors, government and NGO representatives, procurement officials, and others in these and other 1-2 week programs.
Facilities
After extensive renovations, the Villa reflects its original splendor. The completed facility includes:
- Large classrooms/seminar rooms for up to 100 people
- Breakout/seminar rooms for up to 25 people
- Library and reading room
- Office space
- Residential space for 34 participants
The Villa is available for use by third parties upon application and reasonable usage fees.