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
Discussion
The Ministry of Defense is preparing new procedures for MMC: what changes are being proposed
The Ministry of Defense is establishing an interagency working group to develop a new procedure for military medical examinations conducted by military medical commissions. Among the issues requiring resolution are the issuance of documents based on examination results, referrals for repeat medical examinations, verification of the medical basis for decisions, and the accountability of military medical commission members.
Interaction
The UNBA is developing a concept for a Center for expert research
The Ukrainian National Bar Association has begun work on a concept for a Center for expert research, which is intended to provide advocates and their clients with access to specialized knowledge and the ability to have expert opinions professionally reviewed.
Guarantees of the practice of law
Ombudsman calls for a firm response to violence against advocates
Every instance of obstruction of an advocate’s lawful activities, use of physical force, delaying an investigation, or concealment of evidence must be subject to a proper legal assessment. The state is obligated to ensure that the right to a defense is a genuine guarantee.
Greetings
The UNBA congratulates Denis Maslov on his appointment as Minister of Justice
Denis Maslov’s many years of experience as a advocate, his work as a judge and his tenure as chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine’s Committee on legal policy have given him a deep understanding of how the legal system functions and the challenges it faces.
Legislation
The Verkhovna Rada explained why the section on advocacy should be removed from the anti-corruption strategy
The section on advocacy and legal aid in the draft anti-corruption strategy for 2026–2030 goes beyond the scope of anti-corruption policy and is inconsistent with the constitutional guarantees of the independence of the legal profession.
Announcements
Advocates are invited to the III UAA Arbitration Academy 2026
The UNBA, at the initiative of the Committee on alternative dispute resolution, invites advocates, lawyers, students, judges, government officials and anyone interested in international arbitration to participate in the III UAA Arbitration Academy 2026.
Educational events
How can an advocate recharge if fatigue persists after the weekend?
Fatigue resulting from prolonged stress does not always go away after sleep, a weekend, or a vacation. In situations of chronic stress, it is important for advocates not only to «take a break» but also to understand exactly which resource has been depleted and what type of rest is needed.
Discussion
Complaints, time limits and prosecutorial powers: what gaps in the CPC do advocates see?
During the pretrial investigation stage, the effectiveness of the defense depends to a large extent on the proper implementation of procedural safeguards: the timely consideration of complaints, the advocate’s access to information regarding the progress of the proceedings and so on.
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