The UNBA will develop professional standards for advocates

The Ukrainian National Bar Association has established a Committee on Standards of the Legal Profession, whose work will focus on developing uniform approaches to the professional duties of advocates, competency requirements, continuing education, and the protection of attorney-client privilege.

This standing collegial advisory body was established by Order No. 102 of the President of the UNBA, BCU dated March 31, 2026. Advocate Andriy Yosypov has been appointed chairman of the Committee.

The new Committee’s tasks include creating a list of functions for advocates and legal assistants, integrating international standards into daily practice, establishing a foundation for updating professional development programs, and developing and regularly updating the content of professional standards to reflect changes in legislation and judicial practice.

«For advocates, the creation of this Committee should have practical significance. We are talking about establishing clear professional guidelines: what exactly advocates’ activities entail, which competencies are essential, and how professional standards should be updated in line with changes in legislation, judicial practice, and the digital environment. We plan to pay special attention to the protection of attorney-client privilege in the context of new cyber threats, as well as the implementation of European standards into an advocate’s daily practice», - noted A. Yosipov.

The UNBA expects that the Committee’s work will serve as the foundation for further updates to professional standards, educational programs, and approaches to continuing education.

As a reminder, UNBA Committees are formed and operate with the aim of promoting the development and strengthening of the role of advocacy in Ukraine, ensuring the rights of advocates, and creating the necessary conditions for advocates to provide professional legal assistance, to ensure the rule of law and the sustainable socio-economic development of Ukraine; to promote the professional growth of advocates and their involvement in the process of improving the state’s legal system and bringing it into line with international standards; to ensure and protect human rights and freedoms; to facilitate the implementation of international law into Ukrainian national legislation; to introduce best international practices and innovations into the legal profession; establishing fruitful cooperation and maintaining stable relations with bar associations from foreign countries and international organizations, and providing assistance in the professional development of young advocates.

The activities of committee council members, including their leaders, are carried out on a voluntary basis. The composition, specific (additional) tasks, rights, and obligations of a particular committee are established by order of the President of the UNBA, BCU.