Access to Justice and Multiculturalism in Chiang Mai

Over the past year, I have had the privilege to work on a number of projects with New Perimeter and its partner Bridges Across Borders Southeast Asia Community Legal Education Initiative (BABSEA CLE). I first became involved in a support role, drafting program materials to be used in Myanmar to teach mock trial techniques to legal professionals. Following that work, I was invited to represent New Perimeter and DLA Piper as a speaker during BABSEA CLE’s Access to Justice Weekend in Chiang Mai, Thailand in January 2015. BABSEA CLE’s Access to Justice Weekend combined a two-day intense Community Legal Education (CLE) program with an Access to Justice Fair and the Trio for Justice - an annual race put on by BABSEA CLE in Northern Chiang Mai. The founders of the Weekend are the ever present and energizing Bruce Lasky and Wendy Morrish who I got to know and enjoy well during my trip.

The weekend kicked-off with the two-day CLE where I presented alongside Jonathan Lynch from DLA Piper's Bangkok office and Janaki Tampi from Herbert Smith Freehills. The three of us—with tremendous assistance of Nattakan Chomputhong (who goes by Ann) both as translator and facilitator—led a group of about 80 law students and professors through curriculum exploring fundamental issues surrounding legal ethics, confidentiality, pro bono work, access to justice and all of the various legal issues that arise in each context. Bruce and Wendy, of course, were popping in and out  throughout the discussion.

This was unlike any teaching program that I have ever attended (or taught), in that we had participants from numerous countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and others)—all speaking their native language and usually some level of English. As a result, we had multiple translations going on while we were presenting. The experience was challenging and rewarding. The material was largely experiential which allowed us to get the students personally involved, laughing, acting out scenarios, and, by the end, we had some of the local professors (or “Ajahn”) presenting the activities.

Something I came to realize about the not only the CLE program but the entire Access to Justice Weekend, was that it was as much about bringing these legal professionals - and future legal professionals- together from various countries and cultures as it was about the material we were teaching. One night after our presentations ended, I rode back to the hotel in a “red truck” with a group of students—a red truck is a form of public taxi in Chiang Mai.

The group was made up of Thai students who had invited some of the Vietnamese students to go to the Saturday Night Walking Street (a night market). What I found amazing was the way the two groups had come together and (using English as their common language) formed bonds and relationships through the BABSEA CLE program and Access to Justice Weekend.

The 6th Trio for Justice race and Access to Justice Fair was perfectly situated in Northern Chiang Mai and the course was a beautiful rolling run through misty mountains around a natural lake.  It was the perfect way to bring everyone together and to start a conversation.

The Access to Justice Weekend culminated with a celebration at the BABSEA house (where Bruce and Wendy started the organization) and celebrated the heritage of each of the representative countries.

Bruce and I, in sharing our Jewish heritage, had the entire multicultural mash-up dancing Hava Nagila and lifting Ann up in a chair.  In short, it was an incredible experience and I hope to work with Bruce, Wendy, Ann, and everyone at BABSEA again soon.