Kennedys supports over 350 Ukrainian lawyers

A network called Spilka UK, established by lawyers with Ukrainian ancestry from Kennedys, is helping over 350 displaced Ukrainian lawyers to further develop their careers in the UK.

Spilka, the Ukrainian word for ‘community’, is supported by Kennedys and functions as a network to help aid preparations for Ukraine’s post-war recovery and to help re-establish the rule of law. Through educational resources, English tutoring and in-person and online events, over 350 Ukrainian lawyers have so far benefitted from Spilka since its creation in February 2023.

In collaboration with the University of Law, Kennedys has initiated an education programme for Spilka’s members that delivers monthly practical lectures on topics which have so far included: freedom of expression where multiple states regulate content; the role of NGOs in international law and legal practice.

Other initiatives involve an English language programme connecting Ukrainian lawyers with native English speakers; a CV submission platform provided by recruiters, Taylor Root; a series of practical webinars; and a recent trip to the Supreme Court. 

The network’s leadership team comprises: Kennedys’ partner Alexandra Rodina, consultant Konstantin Saranchuk, legal director Alexander Scard and Natalia Hniezdilova, a litigation assistant, along with Oleg Shaulko, managing associate at Stephenson Harwood, and Nataliia Savonik, formerly contract coordinator at Shell and now head of legal at Khmelnitsky nuclear power plant in Ukraine​.

One of the Ukrainian lawyers who has benefited is Alexandr Chernykh, a banking and finance lawyer for over 20 years. He is the deputy head of the commercial law committee at the Ukrainian National Bar Association (UNBA) and chair of the enforcement committee, where he is also responsible for the annual training of advocates in Kyiv. In 2022, he was appointed the official representative of the UNBA in Scotland.

Upon joining Spilka, Alexandr was assigned Alexander Scard as a Kennedys language mentor. Alexandr says: “I have been so pleased to be able to discuss the law and the language of law with other practising lawyers. It is helpful that Alexander understands the laws in other jurisdictions, and we can discuss the intricacies of proof and the pitfalls of approaches to examining evidence.

“The British legal system has given me new faith in the power of our profession. For those Ukrainian lawyers who are now in Britain, I think being part of Spilka will allow them to absorb British legal logic and rules, and the standards of the profession, which if they choose to return to Ukraine, they can carry into the Ukrainian legal system”.

Maryna Makarova, a Ukrainian lawyer and Conflict Escalation Analyst at a City law firm, has actively participated in a range of events organised by Spilka including attending lectures at the University of Law, and engaged in English language tutoring sessions. Reflecting on her involvement, she says, "Being a part of the Spilka community presents a valuable opportunity to enhance one's understanding of UK law, broaden legal networks, and refine English language proficiency. My objective is to transition my Ukrainian qualification to the SQE pathway and qualify as a UK lawyer."

Alexandra Rodina, partner at Kennedys says: “In creating Spilka, our mission is to empower and support displaced legal professionals by providing them with a sense of belonging, valuable guidance and an opportunity to enhance their English language skills, with the aim of helping them to secure employment opportunities while in the UK.”

“Through one-to-one interactions with a range of volunteers from Kennedys, we aim to bridge the gap, restore hope and prepare these talented individuals for a successful return to their legal careers in the future.”  

Kennedys also provides a Ukrainian desk, which supports the firm’s Ukrainian clients and foreign investors in matters relating to various sectors of the Ukrainian economy. The desk comprises Ukrainian and Russian speaking lawyers handling commercial transactions, commercial dispute resolution and insurance and reinsurance.