Experienced lawyer is a ready-made judge for the first instance, - Chief Justice of the SC
The judiciary is talking about simplifying qualification procedures for the selection of judges and quenching the staff shortage. At least for the duration of martial law. Lawyers can help solve the problem, among other things.
Censor.NET talked to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Stanislav Kravchenko about ways to solve the problem of staff shortage in the courts of Ukraine.
In particular, he criticized the duration of the judicial reform. «In my opinion, reforms are very good because they are the development of society. I'm not being disingenuous here, I really think so, - said the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. - But for reforms to be effective, they cannot be carried out over ten years. Tell me, what kind of reform can be called if not a single judge has been appointed to the appellate courts in 10 years?».
S. Kravchenko even supported the journalist's assumption that it was advisable to change the procedures. «I think we will have to do it», - he said. The Chief Justice cited the example of a recent competition for first instance judges. Given the length of the selection process, he believes it will take at least a year or two to complete. The High Council of Justice has also announced a competition for 550 positions in the courts of appeal. «According to my forecasts, by the time this competition is over in a year, it will be a «zero» or «minus» result. Because a lot of judges will resign», - explained S. Kravchenko. «And I am afraid that soon a significant part of the state will be left without judicial control. And there will be no one to consider all the cases we talked about - about unauthorized leaving of a unit, establishing the facts of a person's death, etc.», - he added.
«Therefore, I think that the moment will come when such complex procedures will have to be revised, - said the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. - At least for the period of martial law and for certain categories of citizens - lawyers, prosecutors, investigators, and judicial assistants. If a person has 8-10 years of experience in these positions, believe me, he is a ready-made judge for the first instance».
The full interview with S. Kravchenko can be read here.
Popular news
European integration
A translation of the report on advocacy presented to the European Parliament has been published
A translation of a research report on the Ukrainian advocacy profession in wartime, previously presented to the European Parliament in Brussels, has been published. The document is presented as a basis for discussion on the rule of law, Ukraine's European integration aspirations, and countering Russian disinformation in the legal sphere.
Legislation
The Verkhovna Rada Committee criticized the format of the government working group on advocacy
The implementation of the Roadmap on the rule of law (approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 475-r of May 14, 2025) in relation to advocacy raises the practical question of who exactly should prepare legislative changes and how.
Self-government
The BCU demands a review of the composition of the government working group on reforming the advocacy profession
The President of the UNBA, BCU Lidiya Izovitova, appealed to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to review the composition of the working group on improving legislation in the field of advocacy and legal practice.
Guarantees of the practice of law
The President has determined, who will sign the Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy authorized Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe Mykola Tochytskyi to sign the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer.
Discussion
Why lowering the age of marriage lacks legal logic
Although until 2012 there was a provision in family law that allowed children to marry from the age of 14 under certain circumstances, its return to Ukrainian law would contradict international obligations and the logic of criminal law.
European integration
Open dialogue between the UNBA and the European Commission on the path to EU
The Ukrainian National Bar Association held a working meeting in Brussels with Mr Wolfgang Nozar, Head of Unit for Governance, Rule of Law and Financial Assistance, Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), European Commission.
Self-government
A report on Ukrainian advocacy was presented in the European Parliament
Can a shadow report on advocacy replace the political framework of the Roadmap on the rule of law with demands for the restructuring of self-government? Where is the line between accountability and the seizure of institutions? And how can we respond to narratives with data rather than impressions?
European integration
UNBA and Ukraine's representation to the EU have synchronized their priorities
On February 5, in Brussels, the President of the UNBA, BCU Lidiya Izovitova held a working meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine, Representative of Ukraine to the European Union Vsevolod Chentsov.
Publications
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
Iryna Vasylyk Advocacy in the proclamation of Independence of Ukraine
