Tasks of the Association and its activities
Representation of the interests of Russian lawyers at the Russian and international level
The Association actively works to represent the interests of Russian lawyers at both the Russian and international levels, helping to protect their rights, maintain professional standards and strengthen their position in the global legal community.
The Association monitors legislative changes in the legal profession and the organization of the Bar, initiates discussions on legal reforms aimed at improving the working conditions of lawyers, protecting their independence and professional rights. It develops and disseminates public statements on significant issues relating to the organization and activities of the Bar and advocacy. Members of the Association take part in significant international and national public events.
The Association advocates both for the community of independent advocates as a whole and for the protection of specific advocates against violations of their professional and social rights. The Association provides lawyers with protection against unjustified disciplinary and criminal prosecution, provides advisory support in matters of professional activity and in interaction with the bodies of corporate governance of the Bar, state bodies and public organizations.
Assistance to Russian lawyers in carrying out their professional activities at the international level
The Association takes part in the processes of formation of the regulatory framework in the direction of expanding the extraterritorial use of the status of a lawyer obtained in the Russian Federation. The Association cooperates with foreign and international legal associations and state bodies to recognize the qualifications of Russian lawyers - members of the Association abroad. Advice is provided to lawyers on obtaining licenses and permits to practice law in other countries.
The Association implements a “labor exchange” project for lawyers, and has launched a program to facilitate the relocation, evacuation and emigration of lawyers who face risks in connection with their professional or public activities. A targeted program of assistance to lawyers in difficult life situations is being prepared. A system for organizing internal support and coordination between advocates is being developed with a view to joint participation in major international projects.
Host Authority should grant a license permitting the practice of foreign law if the applicant:
1. is licensed or authorised to practice law by, and in good standing with, his or her Home Authority;
2. has satisfied reasonable minimum practice requirements;
3. is a person of good character and repute;
4. agrees to submit to the Code of Ethics, or its equivalent, and all other rules and regulations applicable to fully admitted lawyers in the Host Jurisdiction; and
5. has satisfied reasonable qualification requirements in the Host Jurisdiction, by examination or otherwise, provided that
(a) due consideration shall be given to the Foreign Lawyer’s knowledge and skills acquired through earlier training and experience (whether acquired in the Home Jurisdiction or elsewhere); and
(b) any such requirements shall be no more than necessary for the protection of the public, and clients, and the maintenance of public confidence in the legal profession in the Host Jurisdiction.
B. Scope of Practice
A Foreign Lawyer admitted by the Host Authority should have the same right to practice as all other duly admitted members of the Host Authority, and, in addition, should be expressly authorised by the Host Authority to render advice on the law of the Home Jurisdiction and as otherwise authorised by his or her Home Authority.
Statement of general principles in relation to the opening of the practice of foreign lawyers and regulation in relation to them. Adopted by the Council of the International Bar Association (IBA) on June 6, 1998 in Vienna
