Organization of advocacy and self-government: the subgroup gathered proposals

On March 6, the Ukrainian National Bar Association held the first meeting of the subgroup «Organization of the advocacy and self-government» of the Working Group on the implementation of the Roadmap on the rule of law in terms of reforming the advocacy sector.

The meeting was held via videoconference.

The meeting was opened by the Vice President of the UNBA, BCU Valentin Gvozdiy. Given the busy schedule of the participants, he outlined the parameters of the work and emphasized the need for prompt and structured preparation of materials within the general calendar.

V. Gvozdiy outlined specific issues that are the focus of the subgroup's work (formation and activities of self-government bodies, competences, procedures, internal accountability, work standards), and explained that the work would include reviewing the provisions of the legislation on advocacy, preparing a coordinated package of changes and proposals, and ensuring that the proposed changes are in line with Ukrainian realities and European standards. The results of the work will be used to formulate proposals that strengthen the institutional capacity of advocacy without compromising its independence.

The meeting was joined by the chairman of the subcommittee on the organization and activities of the advocacy and legal aid bodies of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on legal policy Volodymyr Vatras. He drew attention to the need to structure the work of the subgroup so that its findings are ready for further consideration in parliament.

Other participants in the meeting shared their views on which elements of the model for the organization of advocacy and self-government need to be updated and what logic should be used to structure further work so that the existing developments can be translated into an agreed package of changes.

As a result, it was agreed to hold meetings on a weekly basis.

V. Gvozdiy announced that the subgroup would prepare a conceptual document with specific legislative proposals that would comply with the Constitution, international standards, and Ukraine's European commitments.

As a reminder, the Roadmap on the Rule of Law was approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 475-r of May 14, 2025. By Decision No. 125 of the BCU of December 12, 2025, the Program for its implementation in terms of reforming the advocacy sector was approved and a working group was created.

This week, two other subgroups of the Working Group also held meetings: «Disciplinary procedures and advocacy ethics» and «European integration, international practice and digitalization».