The UNBA is studying additional opportunities to support advocates

The full-scale invasion has seriously affected the mental health of all Ukrainians. There are certain vulnerable groups that have been most affected by the war in their personal and professional lives, including lawyers.

Representatives of the Ukrainian National Bar Association discussed possible formats of mental health support for Ukrainian lawyers with Mark Ellis, Executive Director of the International Bar Association (IBA). The latter has recently paid a working visit to Kyiv.

The prepared program includes three main groups:

1. Lawyers in the areas of active hostilities. Faced with the direct consequences of the war, trying to defend the rule of law, many of them are now balancing personal safety and fulfillment of professional duties.

2. Women lawyers. As many men stood up to defend the country and were mobilized, those women who practiced law in peacetime took on additional responsibilities for childcare, household management, and family support.

3. Young lawyers. These professionals, who are not sure of their future even under normal circumstances, do not know how to build a career today.

The formats being considered for their support include: mental health counseling (hotline for lawyers with professional psychological support); creation of mutual support groups that would include mentoring and emotional support; seminars and trainings on mental health management and resilience; introduction of a digital platform with relevant methodological materials; and emergency financial support for the most vulnerable lawyers.

The International Bar Association was invited to join this mental health initiative. This will help build a more resilient legal community that will continue to uphold the principles of the rule of law and justice in Ukraine in the face of war.