Protection of the rights of Ukrainian lawyers goes international
The Law Society of England and Wales will provide institutional support to the Ukrainian National Bar Association. To protect the rights of lawyers at the international level, the project «Lawyers at Risk» has been launched.
The relevant agreements were reached on November 30 during a working meeting of the UNBA Vice President, Mr. Valentyn Gvozdiy with the President of the Law Society of England and Wales, Mr. Nick Emmerson.
«Protection of professional rights and guarantees has become a very important aspect of our work today», - said Mr. Gvozdiy, - because, unfortunately, we constantly observe violations. And this is unacceptable in a country where the rule of law is in place».
One of the key topics discussed at the meeting was the holding of a joint conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine and the role of lawyers in this important process. The parties emphasized the importance of such an event for supporting state-building and the development of Ukraine's legal system.
As a reminder, the Law Society of England and Wales is an independent professional body for lawyers in the United Kingdom and Wales that actively promotes the legal system of these countries internationally, working to expand markets for its members, and defending human rights both at home and abroad.
Popular news
Announcements
Ukrainians are invited to participate in an international competition for young advocates
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Young European Advocates Contest, organized by the Academy of European Law (ERA) and the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE).
Discussion
Attempts to discredit advocates go beyond freedom of speech — IBA and UNBA meeting
On September 17, as part of his working visit to Ukraine, Mark Ellis, Executive director of the International Bar Association (IBA), visited the Ukrainian National Bar Association, where a working meeting was held on ensuring guarantees for the practice of law in Ukraine.
Other
Data from registers on powers of attorney and wills compromised – NCU
During testing of the e-notary system, it was established that the test (training) version contained all data on powers of attorney, wills, and documents registered in the Unified Register of Powers of Attorney and the Inheritance Register copied up to a certain date.
Guarantees of the practice of law
IBA’s BIC supports UNBA: advocates should not be identified with their clients
The International Bar Association's Bar Issues Commission (IBA’s BIC) has sent a letter to the President of the Ukrainian National Bar Association expressing concern over the UNBA's reporting of attacks on the independence of the legal profession and the safety of lawyers in Ukraine.
Legal defence of military personnel
Sincerity, respect, and trust: what is important when communicating with military personnel and veterans
War changes people not only through their experiences on the front lines or losses, but above all through their perceptions of security, justice, and the limits of their own endurance. Therefore, communication with military personnel and veterans goes beyond psychological issues and becomes a matter of public culture, human rights practice, and even professional ethics for advocates.
Legal Aid
UNBA declares discriminatory changes to the procedure for selecting advocates for FLA
The government Committee chaired by Vice-Prime-Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration Taras Kachka rejected the advocacy's comments; the UNBA emphasizes the violation of European standards and is preparing a judicial appeal if the resolution is adopted.
Guarantees of the practice of law
The BCU called on the President to sign the Law on responsibility for identifying an advocate with a client
On September 15, 2025, the BCU held an extraordinary meeting and adopted an appeal to the President requesting him to sign Law No. 4547-IX of July 16, 2025, which introduces administrative liability for publicly identifying an advocate with a client.
Discussion
Pressure due to mobilization and criminal cases: who will protect advocates?
Martial law creates new challenges for advocacy: violations of professional rights have become systematic, with the most common forms of pressure being the mobilization of advocates while they are performing their professional duties and their prosecution as defendants in cases where they were acting as defense counsel.
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
