Advocacy is not just a profession, but an important institution that ensures the protection of the rights of citizens, businesses, and public interests. In conditions of war and constant challenges, the role of lawyers becomes even more significant: they take on complex cases, defend the interests of clients in court, participate in reforming law enforcement practice, and generally shape the legal culture in the country.
Like last year, the rating agency "ElitExpert" conducted a study and compiled a list of the most famous lawyers in the Odessa region. This time, in addition to expert analysis, we used additional data: we prepared and sent out questionnaires containing three dozen questions to members of the Odessa Region Bar Council. Their answers, as well as independent assessments of professionals, helped us form the final rating.
When selecting candidates, we focused on several key criteria:
Influence and authority. The rating includes only those lawyers who really have a significant impact on judicial practice, legislative initiatives and the legal community in the Odessa region. These are professionals whose opinions are taken into account, and decisions and actions become a reference point for other lawyers. In addition, an important factor is the level of compliance of the lawyer with the position held. For this, we also took into account the assessments of the lawyers themselves, who, within the same questionnaire, gave a description of their colleagues. Thus, the rating included not just media figures, but primarily professionals who have high authority within the legal community.
Progress. One of the main indicators in the legal business is the level of income and successfully completed cases, because the more successful a lawyer is, the higher the cost of his services. In this aspect, we relied on both open sources and data obtained from independent insiders and the lawyers themselves.
Popularity. This took into account the presence of lawyers in the media, their participation in expert discussions, and their activity in the professional public sphere. We also analyzed feedback from clients and reviews about the lawyer's activities online.
Loud things. The ranking includes lawyers who were not afraid to take on complex, confusing, and even seemingly "lost" cases.
It should be noted that advocacy is not only about protecting clients' interests, but also about influencing the legal system, participating in public initiatives and public policy. Therefore, our rating includes not only active lawyers, but also those who are important figures in the legal environment, thanks to their public and professional activities.
In front of you TOP 30 lawyers of the Odessa region in 2024:
Heads the rating for the second year in a row. Lawyer since 1997, has undeniable authority among the legal community. protection of the rights of lawyers. Currently, she is the acting head of the Odessa Region Bar Council, Doctor of Philosophy in Law, Director of JSC "AF "SOBRANIE". Her influence on the regional bar is difficult to overestimate - she plays an important role in reforming the bar self-government, raising professional standards and protecting the rights of lawyers. In addition, her activities also cover the teaching field - from 2015 to 2021, Dzhaburia taught at the National University "Olya University", passing on her rich experience to future lawyers. Despite the difficult realities of wartime, she continues to actively develop the legal community of Odessa, organizing educational initiatives and protecting civil rights.
For many years, he has been one of the most influential lawyers in Odessa, a businessman, and a deputy of the Odessa regional and city councils of several convocations. Co-owner of "TIS" - the largest private stevedoring company in Ukraine, which is one of the largest taxpayers in the Odessa region. Founder and partner of the well-known law firm "Yurline". Vast legal experience makes Kutateladze a very significant figure for the entire region.
He has held leading positions in the legal community of Odessa for many years. Managing Partner of the Law Firm "ANK", Honorary Consul of Germany in the south of Ukraine. Member of the Bar Council of Odessa Region. Specialist in the field of maritime and transport law, tax law and foreign economic activity.
He founded his law firm back in 1996, making it one of the leading in the region. In addition, diplomatic activity gives additional weight to his figure - he plays an important role in establishing international contacts and developing the port industry in Odessa. He participated in the development of legislative initiatives on the privatization of seaports and the development of concession mechanisms in Ukraine.
She occupies a high position in the ranking, which is not surprising - she heads the Qualification and Disciplinary Commission of the Odessa Region Bar Association (QDCA), one of the key bodies of bar self-government. Working in the legal field since 1993, the lawyer has gained vast experience and earned authority among colleagues.
The KDC is a structure responsible for the ethics, discipline and professional standards of lawyers, and its influence is difficult to overestimate. Under the leadership of Rudnytska, the commission regulates the activities of the regional bar, considers disciplinary issues and monitors compliance with professional standards. Its activities directly affect the quality of legal aid in the region, as well as the reputation and protection of the rights of lawyers. In the conditions of wartime and new legal challenges faced by lawyers, the role of the KDC becomes even more significant, which makes Natalia Rudnytska one of the key figures in the Odessa region's bar.
A professional with over 30 years of experience, managing partner of the firm "Yurline". Candidate of Law, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil Law of the National University of Odessa Law Academy. Member of the Bar Council of Odessa Region. His specialization covers a wide range of legal issues - from maritime law to the agricultural sector and real estate. He not only represents the interests of clients in Ukrainian courts, but also successfully defends them abroad - in Latvia, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the USA. His name is invariably associated with reliability, professionalism and a high level of expertise in the legal community of Odessa.
Among the lawyer's high-profile cases are the lawsuit of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine against TIS for recognition of rights to the water area, as well as the appeal of the seizure of DP World funds by the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court (SAC). These cases were landmark for the maritime industry and international business in Ukraine, which solidifies Zubar's status as one of the leading lawyers in this field.
He ranks sixth in the ranking. Deputy Chairman of the Odessa Regional Bar Association, Managing Partner of the UNIYA Bar Association, Candidate of Law and Associate Professor of the Department of Criminal and Administrative Law, Faculty of Law, Odessa National Maritime University.
She worked as a lawyer in large enterprises in Odessa, after which she focused on law practice. She specializes in private international law, business protection, and administrative processes.
Author of numerous scientific works, including "Banking Law", "Civil Law and Tax Aspects of Social Control", as well as co-author of the monograph "Illegal Migration in Europe and Legal Aspects of Counteracting It in Ukraine".
Thanks to his active professional and scientific activities, he plays a key role in the development of the legal community in the region.
She has risen in the ranking over the past year, which confirms her growing influence. Member of the Bar Council of Ukraine from the Odessa region, managing partner of AF "SOBRANIIE". Specializes in business protection, civil and criminal law, as well as legal advice on complex economic issues.
A graduate of the Law Faculty of Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov, she has been a managing partner of one of the most reputable law firms in Odessa since 2002. In addition to her legal practice, she is actively involved in public and human rights work, which makes her one of the most prominent figures in the region's legal profession.
She rose 11 positions in the ranking, which demonstrates her high demand and influence in the legal community. Lawyer, notary, director of the Regional Center for Free Secondary Legal Aid in the Odessa region.
Its activities are of particular social significance - it provides access to justice for low-income groups, participates in human rights initiatives, and develops and implements legal aid programs.
In wartime, her work has become even more relevant - she is actively involved in protecting the rights of internally displaced persons, veterans, and citizens who find themselves in difficult life circumstances.
In 9th place in the ranking is a lawyer, president of the Polonsky & Partners Law Firm, Chairman of the Disciplinary Chamber of the Qualification and Disciplinary Commission of the Bar of the Odessa Region. She has been practicing law since 1990, when she created one of the first law firms in Ukraine. She was a member of working groups on reforming the legislation on the bar, was engaged in teaching activities, and worked as a deputy of the Odessa City Council.
In 2020, she was awarded the title of "Outstanding Lawyer of Ukraine". During her career, she has defended the interests of many well-known businessmen and politicians, and is also actively involved in the development of the institute of advocacy in the region.
10 Maxim Boldin
He remains one of the most influential lawyers in Odessa. Managing partner of the law firm in Trust, Honored Lawyer of Ukraine, Candidate of Law. His specialization is business protection, antitrust law, public-private partnership, and legal support of large investment projects.
At various times, he held key positions in the legal structures of the Odessa City Council, the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine, and the Odessa Regional Council. He is among the lawyers who conduct complex, high-profile cases - from defending city authorities in municipal property cases to working on multi-million international disputes.
He rose 7 positions in a year, which indicates his growing influence in the legal community. Head of the Law Office "Semeniv and Partners", Chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Professional Rights of Lawyers and the Implementation of Guarantees of Legal Activities of the Bar Council of the Odessa Region. He is one of the most famous defenders of legal self-government, actively advocates for the reform of the legal system and defends the interests of colleagues.
Having started his career in human rights NGOs, he successfully transitioned into private practice, focusing on the protection of lawyers and their rights. In 2024, his activities became particularly noticeable in the context of wartime legal challenges, which ensured his significant rise in the ranking.
He remains one of the most famous lawyers in Odessa. Partner of the Barristers law firm, a specialist in criminal law. He began his career at Jurline, then founded his own firm, and later joined Barristers. He was recognized as the best lawyer of the year in criminal law and has repeatedly been included in the TOP-100 list of the best lawyers in Ukraine.
He works on complex criminal cases related to economic crimes, corruption, and abuse of office. He conducts high-profile trials that are covered by the media, and continues to remain one of the media figures in the legal profession.
One of the most reputable lawyers in the region. Director of the legal consulting company "De Jure", Candidate of Law. Lecturer at the Odessa Law Academy, author of many articles on civil procedure. Previously, he was a deputy of the Odessa City Council, where he dealt with issues of land law and urban planning.
One of the lawyers who actively influences legislative initiatives, especially in the field of real estate and entrepreneurship. He is among the most quoted experts in the media on legal reform and law enforcement practice.
Moved up eight positions in the ranking. Managing partner of the Law Firm "Consulting Firm "DOMINANTA", a specialist in the field of business protection, mergers and acquisitions (M&A). In recent years, his law firm has become key in supporting large transactions and corporate disputes, has entered the TOP-50 law firms of Ukraine and is actively developing the White-Collar Crime (WCC) practice, which is closely related to business protection. He is a member of the Ukrainian Bar Association, where he deals with issues of reforming corporate legislation.
In 2024, his demand only increased, especially against the backdrop of the difficult economic situation in the country. Recently, he worked on high-profile cases, including defending a client in a multi-million-dollar lawsuit with the Deposit Guarantee Fund, which led to the formation of new judicial practice, and also accompanied one of the high-profile "construction" investigations of the NABU.
Member of the Qualification and Disciplinary Commission of the Bar of Odessa Region (QDCA), Doctor of Law, Professor, Honored Lawyer of Ukraine. He leads research on the organization and activities of the bar, the judicial system and the prosecutor's office. The author of numerous scientific works is actively engaged in teaching at the National University "Odesa Law Academy".
It is a member of expert councils on the reform of the bar. Its decline in the ranking is explained by a shift in focus from practical activities to administrative and scientific activities, but its influence in the legal environment remains at the highest level.
He continues to be one of the leading lawyers in criminal cases. Head of the Bar Association "AS", member of the Association of Investigative Judges of Ukraine and the Qualification and Disciplinary Commission of the Bar of Odessa Region. Since 2008, he has been engaged in defense in complex criminal trials, including cases of treason, corruption and war crimes. He is an expert in criminal law, and his authority in the legal community is confirmed by his participation in landmark trials of recent years.
In the last year alone, Stoyanov has participated in cases related to the "smuggling king" (so named by the President of Ukraine), and high-ranking officials: we are talking about the former chief of police of the Odessa region; the ex-deputy head of the Odessa military administration and the former deputy head of the regional Tax Service. All this confirms how important Stoyanov's role remains in the regional legal profession.
A member of the Bar Council of Odessa region, known for his active public position and protection of citizens' rights in government bodies. His experience in the legal profession is over 20 years, he is a specialist in criminal law, real estate and family law. His practice covers complex economic crimes, business protection and legal support of real estate transactions.
Twice recognized as the Lawyer of the Year (2018 and 2020) by the Ukrainian Bar Association. He is an active public figure, which also influenced his inclusion in the rating.
18 Yuri Sergeev
Managing partner of JSC "Sergeyev Law Office", member of the Bar Council of Odessa Region and Chairman of the Maritime Law Committee of the Bar Association of Ukraine. Member of the Bar Council of Odessa Region.
A specialist in the protection of the rights of legal entities and individuals in maritime law, he actively works with international arbitrations. Sergeyev is a candidate of legal sciences and an honorary worker of maritime and river transport. He is recognized as one of the best lawyers in Ukraine in transport law according to the international rating Best Lawyers. In recent years, his activities have gained even greater international significance, which has ensured his inclusion among the most famous lawyers.
Partner of the law firm "Yurline" heads the litigation practice. His specialization covers commercial, civil, administrative law, as well as international and maritime arbitration. Thanks to the successful conduct of complex processes, he has gained the trust of clients and colleagues. He is known for his deep expertise in the field of Due Diligence, corporate disputes and business protection.
In 2024, his professional achievements were recognized not only at the national level, but also in international rankings, such as The Legal 500 EMEA in the Dispute Resolution category in Ukraine.
He rose three positions and became a member of the top twenty. Manager of the Sokalyuk Law Office, a lawyer with more than 25 years of experience. Member of the Bar Council in the Odessa region. In 2014–2017, he was the secretary of the Committee for the Protection of Professional Rights of Lawyers, actively participating in high-profile processes, including political trials.
He has a high professional reputation, awarded the honorary badge of the Union of Arbitration Judges of Ukraine and the title "Outstanding Lawyer of Ukraine".
21 Iryna Groza
For the second year in a row, he maintains his position in the TOP-30, confirming his importance in the legal community. Managing partner at the FABULA Law Association, Chairman of the Committee on Advanced Training of Lawyers of the Odessa Region Bar Council.
Known for her work in criminal cases, defending officials, entrepreneurs, and public activists. She is also actively involved in human rights activities and volunteer initiatives, which makes her one of the most influential lawyers in Odessa.
Partner of the law firm "Interlegal", Chairman of the Committee on Maritime and Transport Law of the Odessa Oblast Bar Association. Member of LMAA and SCMA (London and Singapore Maritime Arbitration Association). One of the leading specialists in Ukraine in maritime, transport and international commercial law.
His work is of great importance for Odessa as a port city. A non-public person. That is why he lost his positions in the rating to colleagues who are more active in the public space.
A criminal law specialist known for his involvement in high-profile cases. He continues to defend defendants in high-profile corruption trials, and has also participated in cases involving criminal groups.
The lawyer remains a well-known figure in the legal community, defending clients in the most complex and risky processes.
She rose in the ranking from 27th to 24th place. Managing partner of the law firm LEGRANT, candidate of political sciences, recognized specialist in maritime, commercial, antitrust and land law. She has 20 years of experience in the legal and transport sector. One of the few women in Ukraine whose achievements have been recognized by international rankings (Legal500, Best Lawyers).
This year, it continued its active work in developing laws for the transport industry. Last year, LEGRANT implemented a number of landmark infrastructure cases in such practices as competition and tax law, ports and terminals, business protection, etc. These achievements further strengthened the company's position in the market, which ensured its growth in the rating.
He retained his position in the TOP-30. Managing partner of the Law Association "MARKIV AND PARTNERS", a specialist in criminal law. Since 2016, he has been engaged in legal practice in the field of business protection and legal conflicts with state structures.
He is also known for his work in the free legal aid system, where he protects the interests of socially vulnerable categories of citizens.
One of the new names in the 2024 ranking, Bakulin gained wide popularity on social networks, commenting on violations related to the activities of territorial recruitment centers (TCC) and mobilization. He is even popularly called the "thunder of the TCC" for his active protection of citizens from illegal actions of military enlistment offices. He was born in Luhansk, but after the occupation of the city in 2014, he moved to Odessa. He is a member of the Union of Lawyers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where he protects servicemen whose rights are violated.
Bakulin is actively involved in social media, shoots videos, podcasts, and gives interviews, helping Ukrainians understand the legal nuances of mobilization and military service. His public activism has made him one of the most notable lawyers of the year.
Dropped one position, but continues to be one of the leading specialists in corporate and commercial law. Founder and managing partner of the law firm Legal Partner, candidate of legal sciences. His practice includes support of development projects, protection of intellectual property and bankruptcy. He worked with the largest companies in Odessa and Ukraine, representing their interests in courts and international arbitrations.
This year, he participated in high-profile processes, including the dispute between the "Yachta" restaurant and the owners of a land plot in Fontanka, support for the construction of the Unity Tower residential complex, as well as support for an investment project in Moldova's solar energy.
28 Igor Shavrov
He has maintained his position in the TOP-30, remaining one of the well-known specialists in transport law. Partner of the Law Association "Shavriv, Galinsky and Partners", member of the Public Council at the State Customs Service of Ukraine. In recent years, he has been actively working with logistics and transport companies, protecting their interests in courts and in interaction with state authorities.
Over the past year, he has conducted several high-profile cases - ranging from criminal cases to representing the interests of the Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Tennis Federation in the Sport Resolutions arbitration.
A promising lawyer who has consolidated his position in the ranking. Member of the National Bar Association of Ukraine, active participant in the Committee for the Protection of Professional Rights of Lawyers.
New person in the ranking. For the first time entered the list of the best lawyers of the Odessa region, taking 30th place. Member of the National Bar Association of Ukraine, member of the Association of Lawyers "Odesa Regional Bar Association". Specializes in corporate law, intellectual property protection, maritime and commercial law, as well as legal support for the real estate market and foreign investments.
In 2015, he founded the law firm Prolex Group, and has been practicing law since 2016.
Last year, he led a number of high-profile trials, including unique disputes with the private owner of the Ust-Dunaysky port, which became precedent-setting after the country's first-ever port privatization. He also represented clients in court to protect trademarks and the interests of media workers.
Thanks to his many years of experience (14 years in law) and successful work in national and international processes, Chumachenko has confidently entered the list of leading lawyers in Odessa.
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