UNBA supported the pilot project of involving the students to pro bono legal assistance
The pilot project of the law clinic “Pro bono” of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv providing free legal assistance will begin early in 2019. First of all, it is about providing primary legal aid, and then there will be considered a possibility of representation in of citizens' interests in minor cases in the courts.
This is the joint initiative of the law clinic and the Coordination Centre for Legal Aid Provision, which will be implemented with the support of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and the Ukrainian National Bar Association.
The Ukrainian Legal Aid Foundation joined the cooperation. Eventually, international partners will also be involved. Memorandum on cooperation on the implementation of the pilot project was signed on December 14.
The students of the Faculty of Law of the National University of Kyiv will study a special course on the development of communication soft-skills on working with vulnerable groups of clients. They will undergo a production and pre-diploma practice at the centers for the provision of legal aid. In addition, students involved in the law clinic work will have an internship at the committees of the Ukrainian National Bar Association.
In addition, the Faculty of Law of the National University of Kyiv, the Association of its graduates, UNBA, the Ukrainian Legal Aid Foundation and the Coordination Centre agreed on the joint development of curricula and distance courses for students who are invited to work in the law clinic. They will also conduct joint activities aimed at raising the skills of the staff of the legal aid system, the teaching staff, and students of the University. The scientific and pedagogical staff, postgraduate students and doctoral students of the University will be involved in the development of proposals for draft laws and other normative and legal acts in the field of providing legal aid.
In the future, a pilot project for the creation of an independent provider of free legal aid based on law clinics is planned to be extended all over Ukraine.
More about the project here.
Popular news
Legislation
A bill implementing the Convention on the Protection of the Professions of Lawyer has been introduced
The constitutional guarantees of legal aid, defense, and the independence of advocacy cannot be realized without protecting advocates from unwarranted interference in their professional activities, including searches, the seizure of professional materials and the use of criminal procedural mechanisms to exert pressure.
Abroad
The CCBE is discussing European justice and issues related to the protection of advocates
Today, October 2, a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) is taking place in Brussels. On the agenda are the protection of the advocate profession, the rule of law, attorney-client privilege, and changes in the European justice system.
Rule of Law Roadmap
The UNBA presented the key provisions of the future law on advocacy in Brussels
The Ukrainian National Bar Association presented its proposals for the upcoming law on advocacy, aligned with the Rule of Law Roadmap. The presentation covered topics such as access to the profession, self-governance, disciplinary procedures, professional development and guarantees for the practice of advocacy.
Guarantees of the practice of law
Independent oversight is necessary before using CISA materials against an advocate – Lidiya Izovitova
Before the prosecution uses information obtained during covert investigative actions and related to an advocate’s activities, independent procedural oversight must be conducted. It is necessary to determine whether such information is covered by attorney-client privilege and whether it may be disclosed.
Self-government
Efforts to develop advocacy must be brought to fruition — A. Misyats
The Ukrainian advocacy profession is currently going through a critical phase. Amid the war, it must ensure the continuity of legal aid, defend the independence of the profession, and improve qualification and disciplinary procedures in accordance with European standards. The work that has been started must be brought to a practical conclusion.
Support
Protecting the legal profession, cybersecurity and support for advocates: common themes for the IBA and the UNBA
On September 18, a working meeting was held at the office of the Ukrainian National Bar Association with Executive Director of the International Bar Association (IBA) Mark Ellis. The parties discussed the Ukrainian advocacy profession’s participation in European legal processes, the protection of the UNBA’s digital infrastructure, psychological support for advocates and future areas of cooperation.
Educational events
Not every eloquent phrase is persuasive: how an advocate should choose a speaking style
Rhetorical techniques are effective when they are tailored to the audience, the situation, and the purpose of the speech. Therefore, before speaking, an advocate should determine what message the court, client, or audience needs to hear and remember, and then choose the appropriate structure, examples, quotes and tone.
Educational events
Tax residency of Ukrainians abroad: what matters
The determination of tax residency for Ukrainians who have been living abroad for an extended period depends on the combination of their personal and economic ties to each country. The established status determines the procedure for reporting income, paying taxes and fulfilling CFC reporting obligations.
Publications
Vasyl Kolishnyi, «Law and Business» Supporting mental health should become part of the professional culture of the Bar, - H. Udovenko
Volodymyr Matsko Extradition during wartime: when the risks outweigh the request
Volodymyr Matsko Extradition as a systemic form of rights violations
Victoria Yakusha, Law and Business The anti-corruption vertical cannot «take care» of the Bar as an institution, - acting head of the HQDCB
Censor.net Protecting advocates – protecting justice: addressing concerns about the new law
Ihor Kolesnykov A BRIEF SUMMARY REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE ORDER ON EXTENDED CONFISCATION IN LATVIA REGARDING FINANCIAL ASSETS OF…
Valentyn Gvozdiy WORKING IN A WAR ZONE
Lydia Izovitova Formula of perfection
