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
Advocacy
Regarding the NACP's Pressure on the Constitutional Court of Ukraine: Statement of the Bar Council of Ukraine
On June 11, the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption published a news item on its website entitled «Should members of the Qualification and Disciplinary Commissions of the Bar Declare: Whose Side Will the CCU Take?», in which it called on the public, journalists and international partners to closely monitor the consideration by the Constitutional Court of Ukraine of the complaint filed by Oksana Bukhtoyarova, a member of the Disciplinary Chamber of the Qualification and Disciplinary Commission of the Bar of the Zakarpattia Region, regarding the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Law of Ukraine «On Prevention of Corruption». The CCU hearing on this case is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on June 12, 2024.
Advocacy
Payment for the services of a lawyer should be made for each subject of the FLA
Numerous appeals of lawyers to the Ukrainian National Bar Association show that there is a problem of arbitrary interpretation of the rules on payment for services and reimbursement of lawyers' expenses by the centers for providing free secondary legal aid.
Advocacy
It is suggested to book 25% of lawyers and representatives of other professional organizations
The lack of booking of lawyers, insolvency receivers, notaries, and private enforcement officers has a negative impact on all sectors of life support, especially the justice system and law enforcement agencies. It makes it difficult for the state to fulfill its functions, and it undermines the rule of law and legitimacy.
Advocacy
Advocacy is allowed to be combined with lobbying – BCU
A person who has a certificate of the right to practice law may, subject to the relevant procedures, simultaneously be a subject of lobbying.
Advocacy
Advocates should not be responsible for communication during court hearings
In the context of permanent blackouts and instability of telecommunication equipment, lawyers and other participants in court cases should not be responsible for the risks of technical impossibility of participating in a videoconference during a court hearing.
Advocacy
The profession of lawyer is more popular among men - Valentyn Gvozdiy
According to the Unified Register of Advocates of Ukraine, there are 47.2 thousand active lawyers registered. Despite the war, the gender ratio in the profession remains unchanged.
Advocacy
Increased pressure on lawyers means a deterioration in the human rights situation in the country
Recent legislative changes to the mobilization and military registration procedure have introduced additional responsibilities for men liable for military service. In particular, they have until July 16 to update their data. However, representatives of the TCC are not waiting for this date. Already today, they are demanding to see the relevant confirmations during the checks of military registration documents. This leads to conflict situations and, consequently, human rights violations. This raises the question of the role of lawyers providing professional legal aid.
Advocacy
President is urged to book lawyers (petition)
To include lawyers, free legal aid workers, public and private bailiffs in the list of persons entitled to deferment and reservation for the period of mobilization.
Publications
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
Lydia Izovitova Interview with Lydia Izovitova on the occasion of the 8th anniversary of the founding of UNBA: We are the voice of t…
