COUNCIL OF EUROPE CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE PROFESSION OF LAWYER (CETS №226): REGULATORY INNOVATION AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES FOR UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

The article examines the European Convention on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer (CETS №226), adopted in 2025, and its significance for reforming the legal profession in Uzbekistan. It is shown that the Convention translates existing international standards and principles of independence of the legal profession related to "soft law" into a contractual-binding regime with monitoring of implementation, securing three key blocks of guarantees: 1) institutional independence of self-government and participation of the representative body of the legal profession in the creation of norms; 2) independent admission to the profession and independent formation and activity of disciplinary commissions; 3) procedural mechanisms for protecting attorney-client privilege (including the presence of an attorney-client). In this regard, the phased guidelines for the implementation of the Convention's provisions into Uzbekistan's national legislation are substantiated: specific amendments to the special law and procedural codes, the institutional separation of qualification and disciplinary commissions, the development of external independent collegial expertise, and international cooperation. It was concluded that CETS №226 should be taken into account when preparing the draft of the new Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Advocacy and Advocacy".