Applications are now being accepted for a summer school in Prague for young lawyers from Ukraine
The CEELI Institute has opened applications for its fifth annual summer school «Legal skills in a time of war» The program is designed for Ukrainian law students and young lawyers. For the 32 selected participants, the organizers will cover tuition, accommodation, meals and travel expenses.
The school will take place in Prague from July 20 to 31, 2026. Applications are accepted until April 30, 2026. Program details and the registration form are available on the CEELI Institute website, where information about last year’s school is also available.
Ukrainian law students who have completed their third year of study by the start of the course, as well as young lawyers within three years of graduation, are eligible to apply, regardless of whether they are in Ukraine or temporarily residing in other European countries.
The language of instruction is English, so participants must be fluent in it and have a working knowledge of legal terminology. Selection will be based on responses in the application form.
«This is a unique full-time program designed specifically for those who seek not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills necessary in times of war, - noted Olena Maksymenko, the UNBA representative in the Czech Republic. - CEELI Institute programs focus on practical training, which is often lacking in academic education. Participants will take part in debates, develop practical skills, and build lasting professional connections that will last a lifetime».
The first week is dedicated to legal interviewing, client-centered counseling, case analysis, witness examination techniques, persuasive courtroom advocacy, and working with traumatized clients and witnesses.
The second week focuses on international criminal law. Participants will study the principles of international humanitarian law, war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, the crime of aggression, as well as issues of forms of liability, immunities, and other barriers to justice.
The CEELI Institute is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 2000 and headquartered in Prague. It implements international educational programs and projects in the field of democracy and the rule of law.
Popular news
Guarantees of the practice of law
Ombudsman calls for a firm response to violence against advocates
Every instance of obstruction of an advocate’s lawful activities, use of physical force, delaying an investigation, or concealment of evidence must be subject to a proper legal assessment. The state is obligated to ensure that the right to a defense is a genuine guarantee.
Greetings
The UNBA congratulates Denis Maslov on his appointment as Minister of Justice
Denis Maslov’s many years of experience as a advocate, his work as a judge and his tenure as chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine’s Committee on legal policy have given him a deep understanding of how the legal system functions and the challenges it faces.
Legislation
The Verkhovna Rada explained why the section on advocacy should be removed from the anti-corruption strategy
The section on advocacy and legal aid in the draft anti-corruption strategy for 2026–2030 goes beyond the scope of anti-corruption policy and is inconsistent with the constitutional guarantees of the independence of the legal profession.
Discussion
Complaints, time limits and prosecutorial powers: what gaps in the CPC do advocates see?
During the pretrial investigation stage, the effectiveness of the defense depends to a large extent on the proper implementation of procedural safeguards: the timely consideration of complaints, the advocate’s access to information regarding the progress of the proceedings and so on.
Guarantees of the practice of law
The NACP’s clarification regarding the declaration of membership in the UNBA should be clarified – BCU
An advocate’s membership in the UNBA is an element of professional status arising by virtue of law, rather than a voluntary private membership in an association. Therefore, failure to disclose it in a declaration should not automatically lead to the conclusion of unethical conduct or the concealment of a private interest.
Discussion
The history of Ukrainian constitutionalism was discussed during a lecture
To mark Ukraine’s Constitution Day, the Center for research on the legal profession and law of the UNBA in collaboration with the «Bykivnia Graves» National Historical and Memorial Reserve organized an online lecture on the history of the Ukrainian constitutional process.
Legislation
The UNBA is counting on the swift ratification of the Convention on the Protection of the Professions of Lawyer
The ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Professions of Lawyer must be accompanied by targeted amendments to legislation to strengthen safeguards for advocates, but should not be used as a pretext for dismantling the self-governing model of advocacy.
Legal defence of military personnel
Advocates are expanding their legal support for the military and affected businesses
Legal assistance for military personnel should begin with simple and quick consultations, but it should not end there. Typical requests from brigades are compiled into summaries, digital services and proposals to government agencies.
Publications
Volodymyr Matsko Extradition during wartime: when the risks outweigh the request
Volodymyr Matsko Extradition as a systemic form of rights violations
Victoria Yakusha, Law and Business The anti-corruption vertical cannot «take care» of the Bar as an institution, - acting head of the HQDCB
Censor.net Protecting advocates – protecting justice: addressing concerns about the new law
Ihor Kolesnykov A BRIEF SUMMARY REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE ORDER ON EXTENDED CONFISCATION IN LATVIA REGARDING FINANCIAL ASSETS OF…
Valentyn Gvozdiy WORKING IN A WAR ZONE
Lydia Izovitova Formula of perfection
Sergiy Vylkov Our judicial system is so built that courts do not trust advocates
