Meeting with the colleagues after training, to exchange experiences in provision of high quality pro bono legal services in Ukraine
Mr. Roman Tytykalo, a prominent lawyer and citizens’ advocate, traveled to the Czech Republic in February 2014 for a USAID-funded training program called “Pro Bono Lawyering.” Inspired by that country’s examples of lawyers contributing to society free of charge, Mr. Tytykalo has been taking some exciting steps in his work back in Ukraine.
Mr. Tytykalo established the Coordination Center for support of ATO (anti-military operation) participants, and launched the project “Legal Support to ATO Participants” in collaboration with the NGO KOLA and the Bar Association of Ukraine. The Coordination Center received 1,474 requests for pro bono legal assistance during its first month of operation.
It provided telephone consultations to 85% of these, and passed the more complex cases on to advocates for further support. Working with more than 250 lawyers from all over Ukraine, the services concern mostly the status of combatants and appropriate benefits for them under the law.
In addition, Mr.Tytykalo is working with the Kyiv Oblast State Administration to create 12 legal community counselling offices, which conduct weekly lectures and workshops on the protection of rights and legal interests of ATO participants and their families. Mr.Tytykalo also provided provides pro bono legal services to the residents of his district. One high-profile case involved protecting the interests of the local community against the development of a building site where the developers planned to destroy perennial greenery in the recreational area and build multi-storied buildings.
Roman Tytykalo holds a PhD in Law, directs a law office, and is Co-founder and Head of the Entrepreneurs’ Rights Protection Union.” His training program was organized by the USAID Participant Training Program in Ukraine.
“I am very pleased to share the knowledge I gained during my training program with my colleagues, and apply it in this country.”