Combining legal practice with lobbying is possible only if there is a clear distinction between the respective legal regimes. Attorney-client privilege cannot be restricted by the introduction of lobbying, as it is a fundamental guarantee of the independence of the legal profession and public trust in it.

This was discussed on February 6 during a meeting of the Ukrainian National Bar Association’s Committee on Lobbying, chaired by Committee Chair Oleksiy Shevchuk.

The key topic was the distinction between a lawyer’s files and a lobbyist’s files. Meeting participants emphasized that a clear separation of these legal regimes is of fundamental importance for preserving standards of attorney-client privilege, professional safeguards, and trust in the legal profession. It was emphasized that the introduction of lobbying regulations must not pose risks to the confidentiality of legal practice, nor should it replace or undermine the special legal regime protecting attorney-client privilege.

In this context, the idea was raised to hold a working meeting in the near future with representatives of the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, which oversees compliance with lobbying legislation. The goal is to conduct outreach efforts and organize a specialized roundtable to develop a joint approach to protecting attorney-client privilege for attorneys engaged in lobbying activities.

They also discussed practical issues related to the implementation of the new regulations, including the taxation of lobbyist attorneys’ activities, potential conflicts of interest arising from the combination of these roles, and the technical feasibility of obtaining extracts from the Transparency Register via the “Diya” app.

Participants were also informed about an educational initiative: the NAAU’s Higher School of Advocacy plans to launch a specialized course titled “The Lawyer in the Field of Lobbying: Legal and Ethical Aspects” in the near future. Its goal is to provide practical training for attorneys to work under the new legislative framework, as well as to establish uniform professional standards for attorneys engaged in lobbying activities.

The UNAA Committee on Lobbying has invited colleagues to join its efforts and submit draft proposals for legislative changes necessary to ensure the effective and safe practice of lawyers engaged in lobbying.