UNBA Committees: how the expert system of advocacy self-governance works

On May 22, the 4th National Forum of the National Association of Arbitration Administrators of Ukraine, titled «Bankruptcy and restructuring in Ukraine: the European dimension», was held in Kyiv. One of the topics discussed during the session on professional development and institutional capacity was the experience of the Ukrainian National Bar Association in establishing a system of specialized Committees.

It was presented by the coordinator of the UNBA Committees Svitlana Hrusko.

She reported that today the UNBA unites over 70,000 advocates. Over 14 years of development, the association has formed an extensive system of Committees. As of 2026, 58 Committees are active within the UNBA, comprising 869 specialists.

Although the law does not require the creation of Committees, the coordinator noted that the association’s practice has demonstrated their necessity. Bar self-governing bodies make strategic decisions, but expert input is required to prepare them.

«Advocacy is divided into dozens of narrow specializations. A criminal defense advocate and an international arbitration advocate are, in fact, representatives of different worlds. No bar association is capable of covering the entire spectrum of this expertise on its own, - she noted. - That is why the Committees have become the bridge that allows us to engage the best narrow-profile specialists in the development of the profession».

The association’s committees are divided into two groups. Institutional committees ensure the fulfillment of the association’s statutory tasks, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, the protection of advocates’ rights, international relations, and the youth movement. Sectoral committees work in specific areas of law, including criminal, civil, tax, and IT law.

During the presentation, statistics on the activities of the UNBA Committees for 2025 were provided. In particular, the Committees prepared 115 expert opinions on draft laws. Examples of their work included advocacy support for the law prohibiting the identification of an advocate with a client, participation in the recodification of the Civil Code, and work on a draft law regarding security guarantees for business entities.

Separately, S. Hrusko focused on the protection of professional rights. Last year, the relevant Committee reviewed 97 complaints regarding rights violations. The association also ensured the participation of its representatives in 104 investigative proceedings involving advocates.

Throughout the year, the Committees organized 108 specialized events, including roundtables, webinars, and workshops. In addition, they prepared 457 analytical publications, including digests, methodological recommendations, and commentaries on judicial practice.

As part of its international activities, the UNBA maintains communication with foreign and international institutions through the work of 38 foreign representatives. Among the institutions mentioned in the speech were the Bar Council of England and Wales, as well as relevant bodies of the Council of Europe.

S. Hrusko also spoke about how the Committees are organized. According to her, it is impossible to coordinate the activities of such a large number of Committees and experts alone, so the coordinator works through a team of assistants. Each assistant oversees a separate group of Committees and maintains constant communication with them. The Committees operate under internal regulations. At the same time, according to the speaker, a balance is maintained between the freedom to initiate the selection of topics and oversight regarding the presentation of the association’s official position to the outside world.

Work on Committees is carried out on a volunteer basis. Among the motivations for participation, S. Hrusko cited professional reputation, expert networking, the opportunity to influence the formation of legislation, and a sense of involvement in a common cause during wartime.

Addressing representatives of the NAAAU who plan to develop their own Committee system, S. Hrusko advised against starting with a large number of structures. «It took us over twelve years to reach 58 Committees. Don’t start with a large number. Create 3–5 strong Committees focused on your most pressing needs and let them build their credibility. And most importantly — start not with the structure, but with the people. Find those who are truly passionate about the idea, and build the system around them. Everything else will fall into place», - the coordinator concluded.