Law No. 12320: Journalists Sound the Alarm. Liability for Publicly Identifying a Lawyer with Their Client

Law No. 12320: Liability for Public Identification of a Lawyer with a Client

Background and Legal Innovations

On July 16, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted Law No. 12320 in second reading. It introduces a new form of administrative liability — for publicly identifying a lawyer with their client. This includes any reference, in any form, that connects a lawyer to their client’s actions or identity. The law sparked considerable public and professional debate, as it touches upon two sensitive issues: the independence of the legal profession and the boundaries of free speech.

Key Provisions

The law defines “public identification” as any action that directly or indirectly links a lawyer to their client in the public domain. Such actions may include statements in the media, social media posts, mentions during public speeches or in written publications, online content, and more.

Identification is considered a violation if it creates the impression that the lawyer supports or shares the client’s actions, views, or behavior. This undermines the perceived neutrality and professionalism of the lawyer and may exert pressure or interfere with their legal work.

Types of Liability and Penalties

Any citizen who publicly identifies a lawyer with their client may be fined between 200 and 300 non-taxable minimum incomes (in 2025, approximately 3,400 to 5,100 UAH). Public officials face higher penalties — from 300 to 400 minimums (about 5,100 to 6,800 UAH).

If the violation is repeated within a year, the fine increases to between 600 and 800 non-taxable minimums — about 10,200 to 13,600 UAH.

Who Can Initiate Proceedings

Administrative proceedings may be initiated by:

• lawyers who believe they are subject to public pressure,
• self-regulatory bodies of the legal profession,
• authorized government agencies upon receiving information about a potential violation.

Article prepared by – Attorney at WINNER Law Firm – Ihor Yasko