The Verkhovna Rada has strengthened the protection of the rights of lawyers: what does the new law provide for?

On July 16, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted Law No. 12320 amending the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code. Its purpose is to ensure adequate protection of lawyers in the performance of their professional duties and to strengthen the guarantees of the practice of law. The adoption of the law was a response to the challenges faced by the legal community in the context of war, political turbulence and growing social tension.

One of the key innovations was the introduction of administrative liability for identifying a lawyer with his or her client, which often led to public condemnation, prejudice or even threats against the lawyer. From now on, the public association of a lawyer with the actions or position of a client, in particular through the media, social networks or public organizations, will be punishable by fines ranging from UAH 3,400 to UAH 1,366, depending on the repeated nature and status of the offender.

The law also grants the bar self-government bodies, including the heads of the bar councils of the regions and the city of Kyiv, the authority to draw up reports on such violations. Local courts will hear the cases.

Even more important were the amendments to the Criminal Code – in particular, Article 397 of the Criminal Code “Interference with the activities of a lawyer” was updated. The law specifies the list of actions that are criminalized: from obstructing a meeting between a lawyer and a client and access to court to illegal wiretapping, searches of a lawyer’s home or office, seizure of documents or equipment. Such actions are punishable by fines of up to UAH 25,500, correctional labor, or imprisonment for up to three years.

Particularly severe sanctions are provided for officials who use their position to influence the advocate. In such cases, the maximum fine may reach UAH 25,500, and a ban on holding certain positions is also provided.

Law No. 12320 is an important step towards real independence of the legal profession – not only on paper, but also in practice. It aims not only to protect lawyers from pressure, but also to guarantee every citizen of Ukraine the right to legal aid, regardless of circumstances. This is one of the key markers of the maturity of the rule of law.