Former CCBE President James MacGuill has passed away
The Ukrainian National Bar Association expresses its condolences on the passing of James MacGuill — a renowned Irish advocate and former president of the Law Society of Ireland and the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE).
The UNBA announced the death of James MacGuill through CCBE Secretary General Simone Cuomo.
James MacGuill was from Dundalk in County Louth. In 1983, he earned his law degree from University College Cork, and in 1986, he was admitted to the roll of solicitors. Throughout his professional career, he practiced litigation, specializing primarily in public and criminal law and the defense of human rights. He was the managing partner of the law firm MacGuill and Company.
He worked for many years at the Law Society of Ireland, chaired its Committees on criminal law, human rights, professional liability insurance and finance, and served as president of the organization from 2007 to 2008. In 2020, James MacGuill became one of the first Irish solicitors to be appointed Senior Counsel.
He joined the CCBE in 2008. He led the Irish delegation twice, chaired the CCBE Criminal Law Committee for six years, and joined the organization’s Presidium in 2019. In 2022, James MacGuill was elected president of the CCBE.
Support for Ukrainian advocacy held a special place in James MacGuill’s international activities. After the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression, he consistently expressed solidarity with his Ukrainian colleagues. In September 2022, James MacGuill attended a special meeting of the Bar Council of Ukraine in Mukachevo, where the work of advocacy under martial law was discussed.
During his presidency, the CCBE awarded the 2022 Human Rights Prize to the Ukrainian National Bar Association of Ukraine. James MacGuill emphasized the important role of an independent bar in protecting citizens’ rights, ensuring the rule of law and Ukraine’s future recovery.
In January 2026, James MacGuill joined as an international expert in the work on implementing the Roadmap on the Rule of Law regarding the reform of the advocacy sector.
The Ukrainian National Bar Association extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of James MacGuill, as well as to his colleagues in Ireland and the European legal community.
«This is devastating news for the entire European legal community, and it is received with particular sorrow in Ukraine. James was a true and great friend to our country. He led the CCBE during the darkest days of 2022, when the full-scale invasion began, and from the very first hours stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainian lawyers — with clarity, courage, and unwavering solidarity. His visit to Ukraine during the war in support of our advocates will forever remain a part of our profession’s history. He demonstrated what leadership in the legal profession truly means: standing by one’s colleagues when it matters most, - noted the Vice President of the UNBA, BCU Valentin Gvozdiy. - In addition to his outstanding contributions to the CCBE, we will remember James for his warmth, humor, generosity, and genuine humanity. Ukrainian lawyers have lost a friend they will never forget».
Popular news
Guarantees of the practice of law
Independent oversight is necessary before using CISA materials against an advocate – Lidiya Izovitova
Before the prosecution uses information obtained during covert investigative actions and related to an advocate’s activities, independent procedural oversight must be conducted. It is necessary to determine whether such information is covered by attorney-client privilege and whether it may be disclosed.
Self-government
Efforts to develop advocacy must be brought to fruition — A. Misyats
The Ukrainian advocacy profession is currently going through a critical phase. Amid the war, it must ensure the continuity of legal aid, defend the independence of the profession, and improve qualification and disciplinary procedures in accordance with European standards. The work that has been started must be brought to a practical conclusion.
Support
Protecting the legal profession, cybersecurity and support for advocates: common themes for the IBA and the UNBA
On September 18, a working meeting was held at the office of the Ukrainian National Bar Association with Executive Director of the International Bar Association (IBA) Mark Ellis. The parties discussed the Ukrainian advocacy profession’s participation in European legal processes, the protection of the UNBA’s digital infrastructure, psychological support for advocates and future areas of cooperation.
Educational events
Tax residency of Ukrainians abroad: what matters
The determination of tax residency for Ukrainians who have been living abroad for an extended period depends on the combination of their personal and economic ties to each country. The established status determines the procedure for reporting income, paying taxes and fulfilling CFC reporting obligations.
War
Are Europe's advocacy associations prepared for a potential war? V. Gvozdiy shared lessons from the Ukrainian experience
The continuity of the bar’s self-governance, the protection of professional registries and archives, as well as equal guarantees of employment for advocates, judges, and prosecutors must be enshrined in advance in legislation in the event of war or another emergency.
Legal defence of military personnel
Payments to military personnel require clear and uniform criteria — UNBA Committee
The vagueness of terms in subordinate regulatory acts leads to differing interpretations of the grounds for paying additional compensation to military personnel. The UNBA has proposed harmonizing these acts and establishing transparent criteria for the allocation of funds.
Discussion
Finding them isn't enough: issues surrounding the seizure and return of crypto assets
The technical structure of transactions does not automatically identify the person who controlled the crypto wallet, and courts have reached differing conclusions on whether a digital asset can be seized as physical evidence. So how can one prove ownership of such assets, enforce court orders, and return funds to victims?
Legislation
The UNBA will prepare guidelines on lawyers' requests
By the end of 2026, the UNBA Committee on the prevention of administrative offenses committed against advocates will develop guidelines on drafting advocate inquiries and responding to refusals to provide information. There are also plans to standardize the practice of applying Article 212-3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
Publications
Vasyl Kolishnyi, «Law and Business» Supporting mental health should become part of the professional culture of the Bar, - H. Udovenko
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
