Ukraine National Bar meets with Representatives of Congressional Leadership
Discussions focus on continued need for reform
Washington DC – (Thursday, October 29, 2015) – Leadership of the Ukrainian National Bar Association (UNBA) met on the US Capitol last week with staff of Senate Foreign Relations Committee and that of its current chair, Senator Bob Corker. That same day, the UNBA also met with representatives of the House Majority Leadership. The aim of the visit by the Bar Association is to raise awareness on issues of legal reform in Ukraine, particularly on the independence of the legal profession and the current system and practice of Legal Aid in the country.
Participants discussed several challenges facing Ukraine’s legal profession and practice today. The UNBA drew attention to certain serious problems arising from the Legal Aid System set up in 2011 by the former Yanukovych government, in particular the threats to some basic human rights of those in need of legal aid, and suppression of the independence of not only Ukraine’s attorneys, but also its judiciary.
Congressional representatives were interested in internal threats to Ukraine coming from corruption, and how the US can best support Ukraine’s efforts to address these issues. The UNBA representatives thanked the US Congress and government for its tremendous support to Ukraine during these difficult times, and continued commitment to help build a modern, democratic state.
Popular news
Practice of law
BCU strengthens its position on the right of advocate to prioritize cases
In legal practice, it is not uncommon for court hearings in different cases to be scheduled at the same time. This raises the question: which case should the advocate attend first, and can the court interfere with this decision?
Edition
Advocate or lobbyist? The UNBA has presented a guide to distinguishing between the professions
The Ukrainian National Bar Association has prepared a guide that helps distinguish between the legal status of an advocate and a lobbyist, explains the limits of permissible activities for each, and prevents possible violations of ethical and legal standards when participating in public policy-making.
Announcements
Essay contest on the synergy of human and artificial intelligence in diplomacy has begun
The Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv invites students from higher education institutions in Ukraine to participate in the Second All-Ukrainian essay competition on the topic «Modern Ukrainian diplomacy: synergy of human and artificial intelligence in defending national interests».
Abroad
Where is the line between respect for the court and the dignity of an advocate?
Ukrainian advocates sometimes complain about condescending attitudes or tactless remarks from judges. But such conflicts are not unique to Ukraine. In various countries, advocates raise issues of communication culture in court, mutual respect, and the inadmissibility of humiliating participants.
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.
Abroad
The Czech advocacy has spoken out in defense of the professional independence of its Ukrainian colleagues
The Czech Bar Association (Česká advokátní komora, ČAK) will appeal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian authorities to ensure the preservation of the independence of advocacy in Ukraine.
Legal defence of military personnel
When agreement is (im)possible: family disputes involving military personnel
The number of family cases involving military personnel is growing, with the most common issues being divorce, division of joint property, alimony, deprivation or contestation of parental rights, adoption, establishment of guardianship, and cases related to domestic violence.
Self-government
Marina Stavniychuk: The UNBA is a professional organization, not a monopoly
A unitary state requires uniform standards for access to the profession and disciplinary responsibility, which is why the Ukrainian National Bar Association acts as a professional organization. Accusations of monopoly are false, because public associations cannot replace professional self-government.
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
