A project to support the mental health of lawyers is launched
The Ukrainian National Bar Association, with the support of the International Bar Association (IBA), is launching a new project «Supporting the mental health of Ukrainian lawyers in time of war».
Valentyn Gvozdiy Vice president of the UNBA, BCU, spoke about the project format and target groups at a meeting of the Bar Council of Ukraine.
He said that due to the military aggression, many lawyers today suffer from exhaustion, devastation, fatigue, anxiety, panic, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Vulnerable groups such as women, young people and colleagues in the areas of active hostilities need urgent support.
For example, many women lawyers have taken on additional responsibilities for caring for their children while continuing to practice law because their partners are serving in the army. Young professionals are unsure of their future in law and do not know how to build a career in the current environment. And lawyers who have faced the direct consequences of the war are trying to find a balance between safety and professional responsibilities.
The main components of the project will be individual therapy sessions (lawyers will receive certificates) and psychoeducational events (online webinars) on mental health issues (lawyers will be taught methods of mental health management and resilience building).
It is also planned to introduce a digital platform with round-the-clock access to an online library of psychology books for lawyers related to mental health, work-life balance, and career development in difficult times.
In the near future, the UNBA website will publish full information for advocates who wish to participate in this project.
Popular news
Interaction
Advocates discussed possible areas of cooperation with the business ombudsman
Protecting the legitimate interests of businesses is a common area of work for advocacy and the Business Ombudsman Council. The former is an independent constitutional institution within the justice system, while the latter is an important element of the mechanism for responding to complaints from entrepreneurs.
Self-government
The BCU's decision regarding Maselko's actions does not constitute pressure on him — conclusion of the HCJ
The High Council of Justice did not find any signs of pressure on this member of the High Council of Justice in the decision of the Bar Council of Ukraine No. 82 of 12 August 2025 on Roman Maselko's interference in the practice of law. The BCU document was adopted within the scope of its powers and was not intended to influence the activities of a member of the HCJ.
Legislation
UNBA supported the draft law on restoring sovereignty
The Ukrainian people alone have the right to form state authorities. Delegating powers to form authorities to persons who are not citizens of Ukraine is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution.
Legislation
Risks to business from virtual asset regulation identified by the UNBA
The current version of the draft law on virtual asset circulation creates an environment that is incompatible with the principles of an innovative economy and the rule of law. In order to prevent the destruction of the crypto sector in Ukraine, it is necessary to systematically review the legislative initiative.
Legislation
Sole judge or panel? Criteria for determining the composition of the court must be specified in the law
When court rules depend not on the law but on human discretion, this creates room for legal uncertainty. The limits of judicial discretion have once again come into focus following the emergence of a legislative initiative that changes the approaches to the activities of judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court.
Abroad
London arbitration talk: jurisdictions, sanctions, assets, immunity
On September 29, experts and practitioners from the UK, Poland, France, USA, UAE and Ukraine gathered in London to discuss the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards in different jurisdictions, as well as mechanisms for locating and seizing assets.
Legal Aid
A new competition for FLA advocates has begun
A competition has been announced to select advocates who will be involved in providing free secondary legal aid. It will last until December 8, 2025, throughout Ukraine, except for Donetsk, Luhansk regions, and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Guarantees of the practice of law
The CCBE called for the urgent ratification of the Convention on the protection of the profession of advocate
The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) has called on all states to sign and ratify the Council of Europe Convention on the protection of the profession of advocate as soon as possible, as the integrity of justice and trust in the rule of law depend on it.
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
