Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in the Lawyer of the Year 2017 Award and Gabriel Shershenevich Russian Law Prize Awarding Ceremony

On December 7, at the Kazan Federal University, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov took part in the Lawyer of the Year 2017Award  and Gabriel Shershenevich Russian Law Prize awarding ceremony.

Delivering his welcoming speech at the event, Minnikhanov reminded that it is not accidental that the ceremony is held in one of the historical halls of the Kazan Federal University. This university is an alma mater for many generations of lawyers, he said.

Minnikhanov also congratulated Ildar Khalikov on electing a new chairman of the Tatarstan Regional Branch of the Association of Russian Lawyers.

Established in 2007, the Association has become one of the tools of civil society, Minnikhanov continued. This organization, which currently unites 568 professionals, is doing a great deal of work, including providing pro bono legal assistance to the public. It is especially important that professional lawyers advise rural dwellers in the Tatar language, Minnikhanov stressed.

Over 4,000 citizens have received pro bono help since 2011, Tatarstan President noted.

Today it is important to look for new forms of work with the population, mechanisms of interaction with state authorities and local self-government, Minnikhanov said.

Minnikhanov also handed in state awards of the Republic of Tatarstan for merits in strengthening the rule of law and order.

The Lawyer of the Year-2017 Award and Gabriel Shershenevich Russian Law  Prize were handed in a ceremonial atmosphere.

Lawyer of the Year Award was established by the Tatarstan Association of Lawyers in 2014 to improve the status and prestige of the profession of a lawyer, identify high-qualified specialists and encourage them. Prize laureates are lawyers who have made the most significant contribution to the development of jurisprudence in Tatarstan. It is awarded in five nominations: Legal Education, Justice, Longtime Excellence in Legal Profession, Pro Bono Help, and Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms.

Gabriel Shershenevich Prize is a Russian national award established in 2016 in honor of the famous Russian lawyer, legal scientist, and people’s deputy of the first State Duma.