Advocate self-government in the context of judicial reform in Ukraine

Abstract

The article reveals the problems of conceptualization and institutionalization of the self-government of lawyers in the context of judicial reform in Ukraine, and suggests directions for reforming its organizational and functional foundations. The principles of institutional development of bar self-government are outlined: the unity of bar associations operating within the state; organization of activities based on partnership with state authorities; improvement of the institute of advocacy on the basis of international principles and standards both in the field of providing legal aid and in the field of advocacy; positioning the bar as a self-governing independent organization that is subordinated to the interests/requests not of the state apparatus, but of society (civil society), aimed at ensuring the provisions of Art. 59 and 131-2 of the Basic Law, namely on the provision of professional legal assistance. It was noted that activation and involvement of the legal profession in the process of forming a strategy for the development of the legal community is one of the defining tasks of the legal self-government bodies. This can be done by making relevant decisions by these bodies at the most transparent and public level. Five main priorities for reforming the institution of advocate self-governance have been identified: first, strengthening the professional rights of advocates and guarantees of advocacy; secondly, improvement of the criteria and procedures for access to the profession of a lawyer; thirdly, improvement of the institution of lawyer disciplinary responsibility; fourthly, improvement of self-governance of lawyers; fifth, ensuring transparent budgetary and financial procedures in the self-governing bodies of lawyers.