The Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) and the UBA Human Rights Institute have published a report based on the results of a large-scale survey conducted among legal professionals in December 2024 – January 2025. The study aimed to identify both systemic problems and isolated incidents of professional rights violations faced by lawyers during wartime, as well as to assess the scale of challenges encountered in legal practice under martial law.

Respondent Demographics and Key Challenges

A total of 621 respondents from across Ukraine participated in the survey. The largest groups included attorneys (160 individuals) and lawyers providing free legal aid (366 individuals). Other participants included 64 non-Legal Aid lawyers, 12 lawyer assistants, 7 prosecutors, 5 academics, 3 judges, 3 private bailiffs, and 1 notary. This diversity reflects the broad spectrum of the legal profession and allows for a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by legal practitioners.

Common Forms of Rights Violations

More than 78% of respondents (484 individuals) reported having experienced violations of their professional rights while performing their duties. This indicates a disturbing trend of systemic infringement on the legal profession in Ukraine. The most frequently cited violations included:

• Ineffectiveness and bias in the judiciary and law enforcement (25%);

• Interference from Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (TRSSCs) (19%);

• Denial of attorney access to clients or case materials (17%);

• Failure to respond to attorney requests (14%).

Inna Linyova, Director of the UBA Human Rights Institute, emphasized the need for effective mechanisms to address these violations:
“The survey results show that a significant portion of legal professionals face infringements on their rights. Our goal is to establish an effective platform for reporting and responding to such cases. This work is crucial—rule of law cannot exist without the independence, integrity, and professionalism of the legal community, especially during wartime, when the justice system is under unprecedented pressure.”

Sources of Pressure and Professional Risks

The sources of rights violations proved to be diverse, highlighting the complexity of the problem:

• Clients (51.5%)—the largest group, presenting emotional and professional challenges for attorneys;

• Law enforcement agencies (30.1%)—a systemic issue undermining trust in the legal system;

• TRSSCs (11.7%)—demonstrating the impact of military structures on legal practice;

• Colleagues (6.8%)—an internal issue pointing to competition and conflict within the profession.

Daria Lupiichuk, UBA’s Government Relations Coordinator, noted:
“The findings highlight the core challenges the legal community faces and help identify priorities for immediate action. This report represents a joint step toward strengthening the rule of law in Ukraine.”

Low Rate of Seeking Protection

Despite the high incidence of rights violations, only 18% of respondents sought legal assistance, and another 18% turned to professional self-governance bodies. This points to either low trust in existing protection mechanisms or lack of awareness about available remedies. Many respondents also mentioned encountering institutional inaction or prolonged bureaucratic processes even when they did seek help.

Kateryna Pyshchyk, UBA Project Management Advisor, added:
“The survey gave voice to legal professionals from across the country. Despite the difficult conditions, lawyers continue to work, often facing challenges that demand systemic attention. Yet not everyone is ready to seek help or speak out, revealing the urgent need for a safer and more trusting professional environment. We hope this report sparks further dialogue and the development of real support tools. The Ukrainian Bar Association is already working toward this goal, and we invite our colleagues to join us.”

Conclusions and the Need for Reform

Legal professionals in Ukraine are working under extraordinary pressure during wartime. A systemic lack of trust in protection mechanisms exacerbates the sense of legal vulnerability. Respondents emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms, including:

• Establishing effective mechanisms for lawyers’ rights protection;

• Increasing accountability for violations of professional rights;

• Improving the legislative framework;

• Enhancing the role of professional associations;

• Raising public awareness of the legal profession’s role.

The full report is available at the following link.