Ukrainian and American Bar Association Meet in Nation’s Capital
Discuss current challenges to the rule of law in Ukraine
Washington DC – (Wednesday, October 28, 2015) – A delegation of the Ukrainian National Bar Association met with representatives of the American Bar Association, Rule of Law Initiative, Wednesday in Washington DC. The aim of the visit by the UNBA was to discuss the role and history of the UNBA in Ukraine and issues of current legal reform in the country. The UNBA delegation was led by it’s Deputy Head Mr. Valentyn Gvozdiy, who was joined by the UNBA Secretary Pavel Grechkivsky and Deputy Head of International Relations Committee Ivan Grechkivsky.
The meeting focused on the still relatively recent establishment of the UNBA and its role vis-à-vis attorneys within Ukraine. Gvozdiy discussed several key relationships they UNBA has formed with international partners, and its initiative to develop a strategic vision for the organization with the help of the Council of Europe and European Union. The discussion also focused on potential threats to legal profession, (first of all for the Bar), and the rule of in Ukraine, and the need for continued reform in this sector, including urgent need of reform in the state’s current imperfect scheme for providing of legal aid according to best world practice.
Participants agreed on the paramount importance of the freedom and exercise of the legal profession, and the independence of attorneys, in well-established and new democracies alike.
Popular news
Discussion
Occupational safety during wartime: legal risks and employer liability
On October 21, the National Bar Association of Ukraine held a round table discussion on «Occupational safety in conditions of martial law». Participants discussed how the war has changed the requirements for safe working conditions, what guarantees remain for employees, and what responsibility employers bear for violations of legislation in this area.
Self-government
BCU condemned information attacks on advocacy
Bar Council of Ukraine strongly condemned the coordinated campaign to discredit advocacy, in particular the leadership of the Odessa region bar association. Protecting colleagues from manipulation and misrepresentation became a separate item on the agenda of the BCU meeting on October 17–18.
Self-government
Approaches to remuneration of advocates in the FLA system must change – L. Izovitova
Payments to advocates in the free legal aid system are made after court proceedings are completed and can take years. During this time, advocates provide protection without payment, essentially lending money to the state. This practice contradicts Article 43 of the Constitution.
Self-government
The BCU holds its October meeting in Lviv region
The Bar Council of Ukraine is starting its next two-day meeting today, 17 October. Items on the agenda include issues relating to the activities of bar self-government bodies, the implementation of the institution's tasks and interaction, and the consideration of requests for clarification.
Legislation
Recodification of the Civil Code: UNBA submitted comments and proposals
Although the adoption of the Civil Code in 2003 was a defining moment in the development of national private law, the rapid development of social relations, the emergence of new technologies, and regulatory acts necessitated a systematic update of the general provisions of civil legislation.
Interaction
Advocates discussed possible areas of cooperation with the business ombudsman
Protecting the legitimate interests of businesses is a common area of work for advocacy and the Business Ombudsman Council. The former is an independent constitutional institution within the justice system, while the latter is an important element of the mechanism for responding to complaints from entrepreneurs.
Self-government
The BCU's decision regarding Maselko's actions does not constitute pressure on him — conclusion of the HCJ
The High Council of Justice did not find any signs of pressure on this member of the High Council of Justice in the decision of the Bar Council of Ukraine No. 82 of 12 August 2025 on Roman Maselko's interference in the practice of law. The BCU document was adopted within the scope of its powers and was not intended to influence the activities of a member of the HCJ.
Other
The business ombudsman was presented with a book about his grandfather, an advocate
The life story of Ukrainian advocate Kornel Vashchuk, who combined military experience and legal integrity, was included in the scientific and documentary publication «100 years of the Union of Ukrainian Advocates: articles, materials, documents».
Publications
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
Oleksandr DULSKY When we cross the border of the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court, we get into another department of the National Anti-Corruption…
Vadym Krasnyk The UNBA will work, and all obstacles and restrictions are only temporary inconveniences
