Suspension of criminal proceedings blocks payments to FLA lawyers - a problem
In case of suspension of criminal proceedings, the provision of legal aid to a suspect is effectively terminated, as there is no immediate need for it. However, the Law «On Free Legal Aid» does not provide a corresponding ground for termination of secondary legal aid.
The problem of the lack of proper regulation of the termination of free secondary legal aid in case of suspension of criminal proceedings was highlighted in the UNBA Report on topical issues of the functioning of the free legal aid system in Ukraine.
The assignments issued by the FLA centers continue to be valid, and lawyers cannot receive payment for the work they have already done.
«When a suspect is put on the wanted list, it is impossible to even predict the timeframe for resumption of proceedings. The person may never be found at all, - notes Olena Demyanova, secretary of the UNBA Committee on Legal Aid, in a statement. - However, the attorney has done a certain amount of work that should have been paid for. However, the legal regulation is such that it violates the right of a lawyer engaged by the FLA system to be paid for services already rendered».
The report emphasizes the relevance of this problem, as cases of suspension of criminal proceedings are becoming more common today. Among other things, because the accused was called up for military service.
The UNBA believes that the only effective way to solve this problem is to amend Part 1 of Article 23 of the Law «On Free Legal Aid», which defines the grounds on which a free legal aid center has the right to terminate the provision of free legal aid by a lawyer. During 2023, the UNBA submitted proposals on this issue, which have not yet been supported.
Popular news
Guarantees of the practice of law
The Verkhovna Rada took another step towards ratifying the Convention on the protection of the profession of advocate
On November 5, the Verkhovna Rada held a working meeting dedicated to the translation of the Council of Europe Convention on the protection of the profession of advocate for its subsequent signing and ratification. The issue was initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which drew attention to the key term «lawyer» in the international treaty.
Interaction
NACB is looking for corruption risks in its activities. Advocates are asked to help
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine has launched a survey aimed at gathering information to identify corruption risks in the activities of the National Bureau and prepare an Anti-Corruption Program for 2026–2028.
Interaction
Agreement on the provision of lobbying services: a template for advocates has been developed by the UNBA
The Ukrainian National Bar Association has prepared a model agreement for the provision of lobbying services that complies with the requirements of the relevant law and takes into account the specific features of such activities carried out by persons providing legal assistance.
Greetings
Nana Bakayanova awarded with the Certificate of honor of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
Nana Bakayanova, head of the Department of judicial, law enforcement and advocacy organizations at the Odessa Law Academy and secretary of the disciplinary chamber of the Odessa Region Qualification and Disciplinary Commission, received a Certificate of honor from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Discussion
Law and feelings: advocates explore contemporary challenges in family law
Marriage and divorce are not only legal procedures, but also social phenomena that require a responsible approach. The UNBA Committee on family law organized and held a professional discussion on the topic «Conscious» marriage and «prudent» divorce: challenges, risks, consequences».
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».
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
