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
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.
Guarantees of the practice of law
Restrictions on the right to legal assistance in pretrial detention centers are unacceptable – statement by the BCU
The Bar Council of Ukraine has stated that it is unacceptable to restrict the right to professional legal assistance, the guarantees of legal practice, and the confidentiality of communications between advocates and clients in pretrial detention facilities operated by the State Criminal-Executive Service of Ukraine.
Legal defence of military personnel
The UNBA is expanding its legal support services for war victims
The UNBA Committee on the protection of victims of armed aggression against Ukraine, compensation mechanisms and European integration legal support for recovery continues its work on assistance programs for military personnel, veterans, their family members and businesses that have suffered damage as a result of the war.
Discussion
Guarantees for the protection of citizens' rights during pre-trial investigations were discussed at the UNBA
Protecting citizens’ rights during the pre-trial investigation requires, above all, proper judicial oversight, clear rules for the parties to criminal proceedings, and practical mechanisms for addressing violations.
European integration
The UNBA presented the CCBE with an overview of legal reform and challenges
Reform of the legal profession, Ukraine’s European integration commitments, guarantees of the profession’s independence, and practices of bar self-governance in European countries — these issues were the subject of discussion at the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE).
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
