Lidia Izovitova and Valentyn Gvozdy participated in the 4th International Forum of Advocates in Berlin
The Head of UNBA, BCU Lidia Izovitova and the Deputy Head of UNBA, BCU Valentyn Gvozdii participated in the 4th International Forum of Advocates, which took place in Berlin on April 4-5.
The forum is organized by the German Federal Bar every two years.
This event is an extremely important platform for discussing the whole spectrum of issues of the legal profession throughout the world.
This year Forum was dedicated to the attorney-client priviledge - the forum was called "Confidentiality - Lawyers' Worry." One of the basic principles of the legal profession now faces numerous challenges - from the requirements of law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes, measures to counter terrorism to the development of media and social networks. The forum participants discussed models of attorney-clients priviledge in different countries, ways of preserving confidential data received by advocates and improving the effectiveness of its protection.
The forum's main speaker was Mark D. Agrast, vice president of World Justice Project, who spoke about world trends and threats to attorney-client priviledge.
Three blocks of discussion were devoted to the obligation to preserve the attorney-client priviledge, conflict zones that threaten the attorney-client priviledge, and the existence of the principle of confidentiality in the virtual space. The leaders of the Bars of Germany, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Slovenia, Russia, Hong Kong, Turkey, Tunisia, representatives of the German large business and structures of the European Union, in particular, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), became the participants of the panel discussions.
In Berlin, Lidia Izovitova also held a series of meetings with leading Bars from Europe and around the world, as well as with the President of the IBA. As a result, preliminary agreements were reached to hold joint events for Ukrainian advocates in Ukraine and abroad.
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
