Organization of advocacy: subgroup agrees on approaches to regulatory reform

On March 13, a meeting was held of the «Organization of the advocacy and self-government» subgroup of the Working Group on the implementation of the Rule of Law Roadmap regarding bar reform. The event was conducted via videoconference.

The meeting was attended by the President of the UNBA, BCU Lidiya Izovitova. She analyzed Section VII of the current Law «On the advocacy and the practice of law», which regulates the system of bar self-governance bodies. According to her, further updates to the legal framework should be structured so that changes are logical, consistent with one another, and in line with European standards, while also taking into account the realities of how the advocacy sector operates in Ukraine.

During the discussion, participants focused on the principles and objectives of bar self-governance, the role and functions of the Ukrainian National Bar Association, as well as the need for a clearer distinction and clarification of the legal status of the institution’s components. They also discussed approaches to increasing the transparency of procedures and the openness of information, balancing this with the protection of attorney-client privilege and personal data. Additionally, participants explored ways to ensure the stability and predictability of the bodies’ operations while preserving the institutional independence of the advocacy profession without external interference in professional safeguards.

Subgroup members discussed an approach to establishing the working structure of the draft for future regulatory updates so that further developments could be consolidated into a comprehensive document.

Following the meeting, participants agreed to continue working in the established format and to prepare materials according to agreed-upon thematic blocks for their subsequent systematization and inclusion in the overall package.

As a reminder, the Rule of Law Roadmap was approved by Cabinet of Ministers Order No. 475-r dated May 14, 2025. By Resolution No. 125 of the BCU dated December 12, 2025, the Program for its implementation regarding the reform of the advocacy profession was approved, and a working group was established.