Replacing the Kyiv District Administrative Court: Selection process for new administrative courts begins

Ukraine’s justice system is taking another step toward finally eliminating the shadow of the notorious District Administrative Court of Kyiv (DACK). The High Qualification Commission of Judges (HQCJ) has announced a competition for judicial positions in two newly established courts — the Specialised District Administrative Court (SDAC) and the Specialised Administrative Court of Appeal (SAAC).

In total, 27 judges are to be selected: 17 for the court of first instance and 10 for the appellate court. Applications will be accepted from December 1 to December 23, 2025.

The new courts have been granted the status of higher specialised courts, empowered to consider administrative disputes against key state authorities — including the Cabinet of Ministers, ministries, central executive bodies, the National Bank, NABU, SAPO, and NACP. Their rulings will carry significant political and national importance.

The SDAC and SAAC were created to replace the liquidated DACK — one of the most infamous courts in Ukraine, long associated with politically motivated and anti-Ukrainian rulings. For comparison: the former DACK had 49 judges, while the new courts will employ nearly half as many, which may pose challenges related to caseload and the quality of case review.

The selection process will include a qualification exam, special background checks, and interviews. Integrity screening of candidates will be conducted by an Expert Council consisting of three Ukrainian and three international experts.

Professional and high-integrity candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The DEJURE Foundation will closely monitor the formation of these new courts — SDAC and SAAC — which must become a model of independent justice, not a continuation of DACK’s corrupt legacy.