The concept of a paralegal is quite new for Ukraine. These are specialists who do not have a law degree but have undergone special training in basic legal issues and received the relevant certificates. 

They work alongside professional lawyers, providing primary access to justice at the local level. For example, they understand which institution people need to contact in order to receive professional legal services as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Paralegals play an important role in the legal systems of developing countries, as they empower their citizens.

In Ukraine, paralegals are united by the Association of Paralegals of Ukraine, which is a member NGO of the RPR Coalition.

The Ukrainian network of paralegals is one of the youngest in Europe. At the stage of formation and development of this institution, Ukrainian paralegals have to face a number of challenges and problems that are an obstacle to their full and effective activity in the country’s communities. Turning to international experience and borrowing successful practices from countries that have already gone through this process can help our paralegal movement.

In the course of her research within the framework of the Program for Civil Society Leaders of the Eastern Partnership Countries, supported by the European Union, the head of the Association of Paralegals of Ukraine, Hanna Ilashchuk, analyzed the experience of two countries – Moldova and North Macedonia – in supporting the activities of paralegals.

Experience of North Macedonia

In North Macedonia, the paralegal movement includes 14 paralegals who are members of several non-governmental organizations. They acquire legal knowledge through training and special educational programs that cover social protection, health care, housing law, and other important topics for community residents. The paralegals provide initial consultations and refer complex cases to lawyers if necessary. 

In addition to providing primary legal aid, some paralegals may be involved in other important roles in the communities in which they live. This can usually include mentoring or coaching, mediation in Roma education programs, advocacy for the needs of communities and their residents, etc.

The experience of Moldova

In Moldova, paralegals are united in the National Association of Paralegals, which has 50 members. Before starting their work, they take online courses that cover basic legal issues. The curriculum is always available on an online platform, allowing paralegals to keep their knowledge up to date. The stable work of paralegals in Moldova is supported by funding. A small but fixed payment allows them to work continuously, with a staff of 10 people for 50 communities. They also have to undergo annual certification, which confirms their qualifications.

For North Macedonia and especially for Ukraine, this experience is very relevant. Even without a clear legislative framework, a common understanding of the role of paralegals by local government, partners and residents, and a clear explanation of their functions and benefits, is extremely important.

The paralegal movement in Ukraine

As in most countries of the world, paralegals – community advisors in Ukraine do not have a law degree, but have received special training in basic legal issues and received relevant certificates. Their main value is a human being, protection of his or her rights and freedoms. After the training, they know how the justice system works in Ukraine, what legal aid providers exist, and understand which institution people need to contact to get professional legal services as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, there were 225 community advisers in Ukraine, most of whom were members of the Association of Community Advisers of Ukraine and worked in 1469 Ukrainian territorial communities. All of them work on a volunteer basis, but the Association offers them certain privileges and opportunities for training and carrying out their activities in the communities. Thus, the organization regularly conducts training and workshops on issues relevant to community residents, as well as at the request of community advisors themselves to improve their skills and professional development. In addition, active members of the organization can be involved in the implementation of initiatives and projects at the community, oblast, regional, etc. level.

Unlike in North Macedonia and Moldova, where the paralegal institute has already developed a positive reputation, trust, and awareness of its activities among citizens, the problem of ignorance and lack of understanding of the role of paralegals remains quite relevant in Ukraine. Many people, including representatives of local governments, civil society organizations, and other potential partners, do not have a clear idea of who paralegals are, what their functions are, and how they can contribute to solving legal problems in communities. This leads to difficult communication, mistrust, and, as a result, insufficient cooperation.

To overcome this problem, it is necessary to conduct comprehensive communication and advocacy campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the role of paralegals, as well as to develop strategies to engage potential partners in cooperation, including local governments, NGOs, and the private sector. This will help build trust in paralegals, facilitate cooperation with local governments, NGOs, and other partners, and strengthen the legal culture in communities.

You can find more news about the paralegal community in Ukraine, useful articles, information on legislative updates, as well as announcements of events and activities that can increase your legal awareness on Facebook and the website of the Association of Paralegals of Ukraine.