A trainee advocate may serve as a juror – clarification from the BCU

The incompatibility between being an advocate and a juror arises after a person takes the oath of an advocate. Therefore, a trainee advocate may continue to perform the duties of a juror until they receive their certificate. However, after that, they must inform the court of the new circumstances.

By Decision No. 145 of December 13, 2025, the Bar Council of Ukraine provided clarification on the possibility of combining the status of a trainee advocate with the duties of a juror.

The bar self-government body reminded that the requirements for jurors are established by Article 65 of the Law «On the judicial system and status of judges». In particular, according to paragraph 4 of part 2, advocates are not included in the lists of jurors. At the same time, a person included in the list of jurors is obliged to inform the court of any circumstances that make it impossible for them to participate in the administration of justice, if any.

At the same time, in accordance with Article 6 of the Law «On the advocacy and the practice of law», a person who has successfully passed the qualifying examination and completed an internship acquires the status of an advocate only after taking the oath of an advocate of Ukraine.

Thus, the BCU concludes that, prior to acquiring such status, a person undergoing an internship may perform the duties of a juror.