The Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) has translated into Ukrainian the Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit developed by the International Bar Association (IBA), making it accessible to the entire legal community in Ukraine.

This document serves as a practical guide for law firms seeking to create or enhance their diversity and inclusion policies. It helps organizations shape a clear vision, define objectives, develop action plans, monitor outcomes, and adjust their approaches as necessary.

The Toolkit is not a rigid algorithm but rather a flexible framework adaptable to local realities. This is particularly relevant in the Ukrainian context, where law firms are operating under martial law, responding to challenges related to displacement, economic instability, mobilization and reintegration of veterans, and psychological strain on teams. Today, Ukrainian businesses — and the legal sector in particular — must be especially attentive to the needs of their staff, ensuring equal access and respect for human dignity.

The Toolkit emphasizes that diversity goes beyond disability or ethnic background. It encompasses a broader range of aspects — age, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity, experience, and perspectives. Inclusion means creating a culture where every person feels valued and safe, and is free to express their views without fear of being ignored or judged.

For Ukrainian law firms, the Toolkit can serve as a foundation for building fair, resilient, and forward-looking teams. It includes step-by-step recommendations: how to initiate conversations within teams, integrate diversity and inclusion into business strategies, assess current company practices, articulate a vision, set realistic goals, and establish systems for ongoing progress monitoring.

The UBA is sincerely grateful to the IBA for developing this Toolkit and supporting Ukraine’s legal community. We believe that creating an inclusive professional environment is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic choice that enables legal businesses to meet contemporary challenges and grow alongside society. We strongly encourage its use.

The Ukrainian version of the Toolkit is available here.