The event was organized for students of the Economic and Legal Faculty of I.I. Mechnikov Odesa National University as part of their "Civil Procedure" course.
Young future lawyers were divided into teams and assumed the roles of judges, parties, witnesses, and even experts. The atmosphere was as realistic as it gets: from the court secretary to the court bailiff — every detail mirrored an actual courtroom.
The managing partner of our firm, Ganna Gnizdovska, coached the Defendants' team. And it was no mere preparation — it was a true legal marathon! Late-night rehearsals, argument development, and witness preparation — it felt like completing a lawyer's "quest." And yes, they nailed it!
Team Roles:
👨⚖️ Judges — maintained control of the proceedings, adhering to all rules of court procedure.
📄 Plaintiffs — confidently presented a clear and robust evidence base.
🛡️ Defendants — delivered an excellent defense and strong arguments.
👶 Guardianship and Custody Authority — acted as a third party advocating for the child’s interests.
The courtroom saw five hours of intense work: cross-examinations, speeches, and the exchange of evidence. The event concluded with the jury's decision and valuable feedback.
The model court hearing was evaluated by true professionals — judges of the Primorsky District Court of Odesa:
👨⚖️ Head of the Court V.M. Kovalenko.
👩⚖️ Judge-Speaker S.M. Kichmarenko.
👨⚖️ Deputy Head of the Court R.D. Abukhin.
👩⚖️ Judge I.A. Pavlyk.
Ganna Gnizdovska received a commendation for her professional approach and the high level of preparation demonstrated by the Defendants' team. The judges specifically highlighted the quality of the procedural documents prepared by the team.
We are proud that our lawyers contribute to the growth of future legal professionals. We wish the students success in their careers and encourage our colleagues to continue sharing their expertise with the next generation! 💼✨