Self-governance of the advocacy profession is based on regulation and representation — EU representative

The capacity of advocacy is the foundation of the rule of law and one of the conditions for European integration.

This was emphasized by the Head of the European integration, governance and rule of law,civil society section of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Asier Santillan during the UNBA round table on «The Law on identification: the balance between the right to defense and freedom of speech».

He expressed his gratitude for the invitation and stressed the importance of reforms in the field of justice, including advocacy. «An independent professional judicial system includes associations of advocates, prosecutors, notaries, and other professionals. And they are extremely important for access to justice», - said A. Santillan.

Speaking about European legal systems, A. Santillan explained the concept of bar self-government as one based on an understanding of the role of the profession in the administration of justice and the protection of fundamental rights. He highlighted two basic functions of advocacy—regulation and representation — from which, according to him, other competencies derive.

He linked the regulatory function to the advocacy organization's responsibility for the quality of legal aid and compliance with the rules within the profession. In this context, he mentioned the rules of professional ethics, requirements for access to the profession and legal education, continuous professional development, and disciplinary responsibility. The foreign expert described the function of representation as the institutional voice of the legal community, particularly in relations with the judicial system and at the legislative level. Among the examples he cited were the provision of professional opinions on legislative acts and draft laws, as well as the role of advocacy in ensuring access to justice.

Separately, A. Santillan also emphasized the importance of the independence of the legal profession and responsibility for public interests, in particular regarding the protection of clients' rights and the contribution of advocates to the proper administration of justice.