Graduates of Kyiv University of Law of the NAS of Ukraine

Success Stories of KUL NASU Graduates

Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Herasymenko, a 2014 honours graduate of Kyiv University of Law of the NAS of Ukraine, Doctor of Philosophy in Law, President of the Institute for Political, Legal and Religious Studies, Academician of the Academy of Political and Legal Sciences of Ukraine, Corresponding Member of the Ukrainian Academy of Geopolitics and Geostrategy, Head of the Secretariat of the Coordination Council of Young Lawyers of Ukraine under the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine (Council of Young Lawyers of Ukraine), and Member of the Coordination Council for Promoting Ukrainian National and Civic Identity under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

Studying at the Faculty of Law of Kyiv University of Law of the NAS of Ukraine gave me a solid theoretical foundation in criminal, civil, administrative, commercial, and intellectual property law, which I have successfully applied in my professional legal work within the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

At the same time, my experience in student self-government at KUL NASU proved valuable in my work with advisory bodies under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Council of Judges of Ukraine, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, and others.

Since 2014, I have organized youth legal and creative events that promote the important role of lawyers; supported physical fitness and healthy lifestyles; and initiated and conducted activities to improve the national and patriotic education of children and young people and promote Ukrainian national and civic identity by organizing a series of nationwide youth academic and creative competitions involving participants from across independent Ukraine.

As an Associate Professor at the Department of State and Legal Disciplines of the Faculty of Law at KROK University of Economics and Law, I have the important mission of passing my knowledge and experience to the younger generation of future lawyers.

Thanks to its highly professional faculty and successful graduates, KUL NASU confirms its traditional motto “discere est vincere” every year, meaning “to learn is to win.”

Personal achievements:

Recipient of the President of Ukraine Scholarship for Young Writers and Artists in 2021 and 2023;
recipient of the Kyiv Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Youth Achievements in Developing Ukraine’s capital, the Hero City of Kyiv, in the category “Contribution to the Development of the Youth Movement”;
recipient of the Kyiv Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Youth Achievements in Developing Ukraine’s capital, the Hero City of Kyiv, in the category “Creative Achievements”;
recipient of the Kyiv City Council Award for Youth Contributions to the Development of Local Self-Government;
winner of the nationwide “Young Lawyer of the Year” competition;
winner of the nationwide “Best Law Student” competition.

My name is Oleksandra Oleksandrivna Vilinska. My story with law began long before I crossed the threshold of the University. From the age of 12, I knew that I wanted to devote my life to defending justice. At first I dreamed of becoming a police officer, then a service member, but ultimately I found the path that combined all my aspirations: law. This profession has enabled me to fulfil my desire to protect people, defend their rights, and serve justice.

My student years coincided with one of the most difficult periods in our country’s history. The COVID-19 pandemic and then the full-scale war radically changed the conditions of study. Online classes, constant uncertainty, and air-raid alerts could have broken someone, but for me they became a test of resilience and genuine motivation.

I have always believed that anyone who truly wants to learn will find a way. Even in the darkest times, I continued to explore what interested me, immerse myself deeply in the subjects that inspired me, and build my professional future. This perseverance resulted in my bachelor’s degree with honours—not merely a document, but confirmation that no circumstances can stop a genuine desire for knowledge.

At the beginning of the second semester of my third year, I took an important step and began working in my profession. My first position as a lawyer’s assistant became the foundation on which I am building my career. It was a challenge to combine study with work, theory with practice, and student life with professional responsibilities.

Honestly, the beginning of my professional journey was not easy. My first supervisor was quite a toxic person, and the working environment was far from consistently comfortable. There were moments when I wanted to quit everything and felt that this was not what I had dreamed of. But I did not give up. I understood that this was a test that would make me stronger, teach me how to withstand pressure, and help me remain focused on my goal. By continuing to work, I not only gained invaluable practical experience but also understood what kind of professional I wanted to become and the environment in which I wanted to develop. This experience gave me something no textbook can provide: a genuine understanding of the profession and of my own resilience.

Today, I continue to work as a lawyer’s assistant, but now for a different professional: attorney Oleksandr Serhiiovych Soldatkin, who maintains an independent legal practice. Every day brings new cases, new challenges, and new opportunities for growth. I work non-stop, and I enjoy it because this is where I find my purpose.

If I had to identify the key qualities that have helped me on this journey, the first would be determination: I have always known exactly what I wanted and pursued my goal despite obstacles. Communication skills have also played an important role, because the ability to find common ground with different people is an essential part of a lawyer’s work. I have always been able to communicate effectively with lecturers, colleagues, and clients—with everyone, whenever the situation required it. Adaptability has proved equally important: the ability to adjust to change and find opportunities where others see only obstacles. Most important, however, is a genuine love for the profession. For me, this is not merely a job; it is a vocation, and that love gives me the strength to devote myself fully to my work.

Kyiv Institute of Law of the NAS of Ukraine gave me more than knowledge; it shaped me as a professional. The lecturers who continued to teach us even in the most difficult times, the fellow students who supported one another, and the atmosphere of academic excellence all became part of me. I am proud to be a graduate of this institution and grateful for every lesson, every lecture, and every opportunity I received here.

If you are currently studying or only choosing your path, remember that no circumstances can stop genuine determination. Seek what inspires you, do not be afraid to begin working while you are still studying, and remain open to new opportunities. Most importantly, love what you do. Success will then become not a goal but the natural result of your journey.