The Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. meets the Vice President of the UNBA to discuss justice and the rule of law reform
On March 28, 2023, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova received Vice President of the Ukrainian National Bar Association (UNBA) Valentyn Gvozdiy. The meeting was held at the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, DC.
During the meeting, Mr. Gvozdiy and Ms. Markarova discussed the results and highlights of the «Restoring Ukraine: Justice Reform and the Rule of Law» panel discussion the day before. They recognized the importance of such events for establishing dialogue and cooperation between national and international stakeholders to promote positive changes in the legal system of Ukraine.
Particular attention was paid to the important role of advocates in ensuring the rule of law and the activities of the Ukrainian National Bar Association, analyzing current efforts and potential strategies to strengthen the judiciary, increase transparency and fight corruption.
Popular news
Guarantees of the practice of law
The NACP’s clarification regarding the declaration of membership in the UNBA should be clarified – BCU
An advocate’s membership in the UNBA is an element of professional status arising by virtue of law, rather than a voluntary private membership in an association. Therefore, failure to disclose it in a declaration should not automatically lead to the conclusion of unethical conduct or the concealment of a private interest.
Legislation
The UNBA is counting on the swift ratification of the Convention on the Protection of the Professions of Lawyer
The ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Professions of Lawyer must be accompanied by targeted amendments to legislation to strengthen safeguards for advocates, but should not be used as a pretext for dismantling the self-governing model of advocacy.
Interaction
A manifesto on AI in law was presented in Europe. The UNBA has joined the initiative
On June 24, as part of European Legal Sovereignty Day, which took place in Brussels, the Manifesto for a Referential of Human Guarantee in the Legal Use of AI was presented.
Court practice
Lidiya Izovitova identified 7 challenges in administrative proceedings for advocates
The predictability of judicial practice, jurisdictional disputes, cassation filters, enforcement of judgments against the state, the burden of proof, written proceedings, and guarantees for the practice of law remain key issues in administrative justice for advocates.
Guarantees of the practice of law
Preparations for the ratification of the Convention on the Protection of the Professions of Lawyer are in the final stages
On June 9, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on legal policy held a working meeting to prepare for the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Professions of Lawyer. The Ministry of Justice and the Ukrainian National Bar Association agreed on approaches to draft laws regarding the ratification and implementation of the Convention. Participants have been given 10 days to prepare the draft laws that will be submitted for consideration.
Announcements
Internships at German law firms: IRZ is accepting applications from Ukrainians
In 2026, the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ) plans to organize a multilateral internship program for young advocates from partner countries. Participants will attend an introductory seminar in Bonn and complete internships at law firms in Germany.
Appointment
A representative of the UNBA will be stationed in Düsseldorf
By Order No. 159 of the President of the UNBA, BCU, dated June 3, 2026, advocate Vyacheslav Us has been appointed as the representative of the Ukrainian National Bar Association in the Federal Republic of Germany, in the city of Düsseldorf.
Legislation
Accountability for denying the Holodomor requires clear boundaries – UNBA
Criminal liability for denying the Holodomor as genocide must be formulated in a way that avoids the risk of arbitrary interpretation of the law. Otherwise, it becomes possible to criminalize not only unlawful acts but also scientific or historical debate.
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
