The SC has clarified the different ways to respond to a lawyer's request that is ignored

If there is no response to an advocate’s request, the advocate has the right to file a petition with the Bar Association to hold the person administratively liable. An advocate may challenge the failure to provide information necessary for the provision of legal assistance on behalf of the client, rather than in their own name.

These conclusions were reached by the Administrative Court of Cassation of the Supreme Court in Case No. 320/30984/25.

An advocate sent a lawyer’s request in connection with providing legal assistance to a client. Having received no response within the time limit established by law, she filed a petition with the administrative court in her own name, seeking a ruling that the respondent’s inaction was unlawful and an order requiring the provision of the requested information and documents. The court of first instance refused to open proceedings and the appellate court upheld the ruling.

The Supreme Court noted (ruling of July 17, 2026) that the Law «On advocacy and the practice of law» provides for liability for refusing to provide information in response to a lawyer’s request, for providing it late or incompletely, as well as for providing information that is untrue, except in cases of refusal to provide information with restricted access.

Administrative liability for such actions is established by Article 212-3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. The procedure, approved by Decision No. 238 of the Bar Council of Ukraine dated November 19, 2013, defines the preparation of materials regarding administrative offenses and their submission to court.

Thus, it is precisely Article 212-3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (a specific legal provision) that establishes the procedure for protecting an advocate’s right to obtain information in response to an advocate’s request, a procedure which the plaintiff did not utilize. Upon filing a complaint with the relevant Bar Council and the drafting of a protocol, the materials are submitted to the court for consideration.

At the same time, the Supreme Court noted that the information was necessary to provide legal assistance to a client, whereas the advocate filed the lawsuit on her own behalf. Under these circumstances, the Court concluded that the plaintiff’s rights had not been violated.

An advocate has the right to challenge inaction in the interests of a client. If there is no response to an advocate’s request, the advocate may apply to the bar association to bring the relevant person to administrative liability.

The ruling also cites the position of the courts, according to which a party to a case who is unable to independently obtain the evidence necessary for its consideration may file a motion to compel the production of such evidence.