Status of a foreign lawyer in the Czech Republic: Prospects for obtaining it
For those Ukrainian lawyers who left for the EU because of the war and continue to practice, it is of particular importance to obtain the status of a foreign lawyer in the host country. At the very least, it is a matter of ensuring the preservation of the attorney-client privilege.
Olena Maksymenko, the UNBA representative in the Czech Republic, spoke about the prospects of obtaining the relevant status for Ukrainian lawyers in the Czech Republic during a meeting with the leadership of the Czech Bar Association (Česká advokátní komora, ČAK): President Robert Nemec and Vice Presidents Monika Novotna and Martin Meissner.
In particular, foreign colleagues were very interested in the possibility of Ukrainian lawyers to continue their work online from anywhere in the world.
Therefore, the UNBA representative spoke about the possibilities of signing and submitting electronic documents, showed the applications that have already become an integral part of the legal profession in Ukraine (Electronic Court, Diia), demonstrated the nuances of work on the examples of submitting a power of attorney for representation to the court, an agreement for the provision of legal services, and promised to prepare an article for Czech lawyers on Ukraine's experience in the digitalisation of legal proceedings, which will be published in the ČAK newsletter.
At the same time, representation of clients' interests is inextricably linked to compliance with the guarantees of activity, in particular, the preservation of attorney-client privilege. To do so, one must have the appropriate status in the host country.
To help Ukrainians in this matter, O. Maksymenko suggested developing a basic seminar for lawyers that would explain in detail the requirements for them as foreign lawyers, as well as the specifics of preparing for the qualification exam. The possibility of conducting such an exam in Ukrainian was also discussed. The ČAK emphasised that such a proposal could be implemented through the approval of the Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic.
It should be reminded that the Czech Bar provided the largest amount of assistance (€80 thousand) and was the first among all international donors and partners of the UNBA to do so.
For reference: useful information for persons in need of temporary protection in the Czech Republic is available on the website of the Czech Chamber of Advocates at the link.
Popular news
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.
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).
Rule of Law Roadmap
The UNBA is compiling the findings of the subgroups regarding the implementation of the Rule of Law Roadmap
Today, May 28, the Ukrainian National Bar Association hosted a meeting of the Coordination Bureau of the Working Group on the implementation of the Rule of Law Roadmap regarding the reform of the advocacy profession. Following a series of meetings by thematic subgroups, the work is now moving to the stage of consolidating proposals and preparing a coordinated package of recommendations.
Discussion
UNBA discussed removing barriers at border crossings for families with children with disabilities
Families of children with disabilities face additional requirements when traveling abroad, particularly regarding consular registration. What is happening and what changes are needed to remove these obstacles were discussed during the roundtable «Borders without barriers for families of children with disabilities».
Discussion
New rules, old problems: the UNBA discussed the work of the ETAIDF and MMC
The reform of medical-social assessment and military medical commissions has changed procedures but has not resolved practical issues. People face situations where documents are not issued, decisions are based on technicalities, assessments are delayed, and they struggle to demonstrate their actual health status in specific life situations.
Discussion
Co-parenting shouldn't be reduced to a 50/50 formula, — roundtable discussion
Following a divorce, joint custody can serve as a mechanism for ensuring equal parental rights. However, this model requires clear criteria and cannot be applied automatically without taking into account the child’s age, the level of conflict between the parents, the risk of violence, and the feasibility of enforcing the future decision.
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
