Advocates who completed military service received exemptions from paying annual dues
Veteran-advocates who resume their right to practice law after military service will not be required to pay the annual contribution for the implementation of bar self-governance for the year in which they resume their practice.
The Bar Council of Ukraine introduced the relevant amendments to the Regulations on fees for ensuring the implementation of bar self-governance (Resolution No. 4 of February 3, 2017) during a meeting held in Khmelnytskyi on May 1–2.
This applies to advocates who suspended their legal practice for a period of one year or more due to military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the Security Service, the State Border Guard Service, or other military formations established in accordance with the laws of Ukraine, or due to the performance of duties in other components of the Defense Forces during martial law.
The benefit will apply to advocates who are war veterans: combatants, persons with disabilities resulting from war, as well as other persons covered by the Law «On the status of war veterans and guarantees of their social protection».
Such advocates have also been included in the list of eligible categories that may apply for exemption, reduction, or deferral of the annual fee payment under the general rules of Section 2.10 of the Regulations.
The Bar Council of Ukraine took into account that the return of such advocates to professional practice requires a period of adaptation to civilian life and psychological recovery. Therefore, an additional financial and administrative burden would not be consistent with the objectives of bar self-governance regarding assisting advocates in ensuring guarantees for legal practice and protecting their professional rights.
As a reminder, the BCU previously adopted Decision No. 150 of December 13, 2025, which exempted veteran advocates from fees for professional development courses for a period of one year following the resumption of their legal practice. The new decision supplements this approach with another tool to support advocates returning to the profession after military service.
Popular news
European integration
The UNBA presented the CCBE with an overview of legal reform and challenges
Reform of the legal profession, Ukraine’s European integration commitments, guarantees of the profession’s independence, and practices of bar self-governance in European countries — these issues were the subject of discussion at the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE).
Rule of Law Roadmap
The UNBA is compiling the findings of the subgroups regarding the implementation of the Rule of Law Roadmap
Today, May 28, the Ukrainian National Bar Association hosted a meeting of the Coordination Bureau of the Working Group on the implementation of the Rule of Law Roadmap regarding the reform of the advocacy profession. Following a series of meetings by thematic subgroups, the work is now moving to the stage of consolidating proposals and preparing a coordinated package of recommendations.
Discussion
UNBA discussed removing barriers at border crossings for families with children with disabilities
Families of children with disabilities face additional requirements when traveling abroad, particularly regarding consular registration. What is happening and what changes are needed to remove these obstacles were discussed during the roundtable «Borders without barriers for families of children with disabilities».
Discussion
New rules, old problems: the UNBA discussed the work of the ETAIDF and MMC
The reform of medical-social assessment and military medical commissions has changed procedures but has not resolved practical issues. People face situations where documents are not issued, decisions are based on technicalities, assessments are delayed, and they struggle to demonstrate their actual health status in specific life situations.
Discussion
Co-parenting shouldn't be reduced to a 50/50 formula, — roundtable discussion
Following a divorce, joint custody can serve as a mechanism for ensuring equal parental rights. However, this model requires clear criteria and cannot be applied automatically without taking into account the child’s age, the level of conflict between the parents, the risk of violence, and the feasibility of enforcing the future decision.
Legislation
Penalties for errors in military registration require clear rules, – UNBA
The liability of officials for violations of military registration rules must be legally defined, proportionate, and effectively enforceable. Otherwise, the new fines will not protect citizens from registration errors but will create additional risks.
European integration
Lidiya Izovitova: In the context of European integration reforms, advocacy is a partner of the state, not a target of reform
The war has significantly altered the working conditions for advocates, while European integration has presented the profession with new institutional challenges. The ongoing negotiation process covers issues such as the rule of law, judicial independence, fundamental rights, justice, freedom and security.
Guarantees of the practice of law
The Verkhovna Rada discussed the next steps for ratifying the Convention on the Protection of the Professions of Lawyer
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on legal policy held a working meeting to prepare for the ratification of the Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer. The meeting was attended by members of parliament, representatives of the Office of the President, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ukrainian National Bar Association.
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
