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
European integration
A translation of the report on advocacy presented to the European Parliament has been published
A translation of a research report on the Ukrainian advocacy profession in wartime, previously presented to the European Parliament in Brussels, has been published. The document is presented as a basis for discussion on the rule of law, Ukraine's European integration aspirations, and countering Russian disinformation in the legal sphere.
Legislation
The Verkhovna Rada Committee criticized the format of the government working group on advocacy
The implementation of the Roadmap on the rule of law (approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 475-r of May 14, 2025) in relation to advocacy raises the practical question of who exactly should prepare legislative changes and how.
Self-government
The BCU demands a review of the composition of the government working group on reforming the advocacy profession
The President of the UNBA, BCU Lidiya Izovitova, appealed to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to review the composition of the working group on improving legislation in the field of advocacy and legal practice.
Guarantees of the practice of law
The President has determined, who will sign the Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy authorized Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe Mykola Tochytskyi to sign the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer.
Discussion
Why lowering the age of marriage lacks legal logic
Although until 2012 there was a provision in family law that allowed children to marry from the age of 14 under certain circumstances, its return to Ukrainian law would contradict international obligations and the logic of criminal law.
European integration
Open dialogue between the UNBA and the European Commission on the path to EU
The Ukrainian National Bar Association held a working meeting in Brussels with Mr Wolfgang Nozar, Head of Unit for Governance, Rule of Law and Financial Assistance, Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), European Commission.
Self-government
A report on Ukrainian advocacy was presented in the European Parliament
Can a shadow report on advocacy replace the political framework of the Roadmap on the rule of law with demands for the restructuring of self-government? Where is the line between accountability and the seizure of institutions? And how can we respond to narratives with data rather than impressions?
European integration
UNBA and Ukraine's representation to the EU have synchronized their priorities
On February 5, in Brussels, the President of the UNBA, BCU Lidiya Izovitova held a working meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine, Representative of Ukraine to the European Union Vsevolod Chentsov.
Publications
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
Iryna Vasylyk Advocacy in the proclamation of Independence of Ukraine
