In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. As we bid farewell to 2023, this time around we turn our attention forward: What is your one main wish for 2024 and what do you see as the biggest potential risk?

Marked by the turbulence of war, Ukraine’s legal sector has adjusted to the new circumstances but potential future talent challenges loom on the horizon.

Considering the ongoing martial law in Ukraine and frequent air strikes in various parts of the country, more and more employers are becoming concerned about whether they should adopt measures to protect their personnel or provide shelter, and what the liability if these obligations are not fulfilled would be.

Former Asters Counsel and Head of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Anzhelika Livitska has joined Arzinger as a Partner in the firm’s Real Estate & Construction practice. She will also lead Arzinger's Energy & Natural Resources and Environmental & Sustainable Development practices.

Arzinger has successfully secured the release from custody of Oleksandr Dorohan – Director of the Together We Power! charitable organization – in criminal proceedings related to his activity.

Despite the challenges, Ukraine’s internal economy remains strong – and there are significant opportunities for those who can navigate the complexities of the current situation – with lawyers busy with litigation and arbitration, sanctions and antitrust, as well as restructuring and privatization matters, according to Arzinger Founding and Managing Partner Timur Bondaryev.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. Keeping in mind last year’s complexities and the uncertainties ahead, this time we asked: Has your team shrunk or increased in the last 12 months and what are your expectations for 2023?

Contributed by Arzinger.

The renewable energy sector in Ukraine has been one of the most promising sectors of the economy over the last decade. Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine has impacted the lives of every citizen and the country. Renewable energy projects have also been subject to adverse effects due to military actions.

Arzinger has successfully represented the interests of Lyudmyla Ivanivna Mayboroda before the European Court of Human Rights in the Mayboroda versus Ukraine case, on a pro bono basis.

As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine hit the one-year mark, we asked Ukrainian law firms how they adjusted to the new circumstances, how their mandates and teams have evolved, and about the support they received from their colleagues abroad throughout this period.

Ukraine’s approach towards the circulation of cannabis has traditionally been strict: the cannabis market in Ukraine is not legalized, and the circulation of both cannabis itself and cannabinoids is generally prohibited. Both the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the Code of Administrative Offences of Ukraine provide for liability for illegal sowing or cultivation, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, or shipment of cannabis.

Contributed by Arzinger.

Contributed by Arzinger.

The energy market in Ukraine has always been in the limelight of both government and investors looking for investment opportunities.

2021 was indeed an active year for the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU). It seems that antitrust enforcement did not slow down during another pandemic year but even, in fact, accelerated. The agency closed a number of investigations, having imposed million-dollar fines on players from a variety of markets. Below you may find the top trends in Ukrainian antitrust enforcement. They are worth keeping an eye on, especially for companies having or planning a business presence in Ukraine.

Nataliia Gorbal has joined Arzinger as a Partner on February 1, 2022, and will lead the firm’s Private Clients and Family Law practice.

Transport and infrastructure boutique Agreca law firm has joined Arzinger, which now has two additional Partners – Andrii Pidhainyi and Maryna Sharapa.