NAAU strengthens its institutional capacity: four new industry committees are established

Four new standing collegial advisory bodies—sectoral committees—have begun their work under the National Bar Association of Ukraine. The relevant orders were signed by Lidiya Izovitova, Chair of the NBAU and the Ukrainian Bar Association.

These include the creation of:

• Committee on the Protection of Victims of Armed Aggression against Ukraine, Compensation Mechanisms, and Legal Support for Recovery in the Context of European Integration (Chair — Andriy Yermak);
• The Committee on Legal Support and Protection of Rights in the Field of Mental Health (Chair — Hanna Ishchenko);
• Committee on Oil, Gas, and Subsurface Use (Chair — Serhiy Antonenko);
• Committee on Mediation (Chair — Luiza Romanadze).

The latter committee was established as a result of the reorganization of the Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution. From now on, the revamped body will focus on issues of pre-trial and out-of-court dispute resolution, with the exception of mediation, which has been separated into a distinct area.

Strengthening the Role of the Bar and Developing the Legal System

The UNBA’s committees are formed to promote the development and strengthen the role of the legal profession in Ukraine, ensure the rights of attorneys, and create appropriate conditions for the provision of professional legal assistance. Their activities are also aimed at ensuring the rule of law, the sustainable socio-economic development of the state, and increasing the level of involvement of the legal community in the process of improving the legal system.

Key tasks include the implementation of international law into national legislation, the adoption of best international practices in legal practice, the expansion of cooperation with foreign bar associations and international organizations, as well as support for the professional development of young lawyers.

The activities of committee members, including their chairs, are carried out on a voluntary basis. The composition, specific tasks, rights, and responsibilities of each committee are determined by separate orders of the Chair of the UNBA and the UBA.

In performing their functions, the committees will interact with the Bar Council of Ukraine, state and local government bodies, judicial and law enforcement agencies, committees and the Secretariat of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, international and human rights organizations, as well as other entities under public and private law.

The creation of new sectoral committees is another step toward strengthening the institutional capacity of the legal profession and forming a modern legal ecosystem that meets the challenges of our time.