The 10th Annual “Lawyers’ Tournament – 2024” Open Rapid Chess Tournament in Celebration of Ukrainian Lawyers’ Day

The 10th Annual “Lawyers’ Tournament – 2024” Open Rapid Chess Tournament in Honor of Ukrainian Lawyers’ Day

On December 14, 2024, the legal community of the Odesa region gathered in Odesa to celebrate their professional holiday — Ukrainian Bar Day — at the anniversary, TENTH annual “Lawyers’ Tour 2024” chess tournament.

This event was not just a competition, but a true celebration of intellect, strategy, and collegial support. The tournament brought together attorneys and lawyers from Odesa and the Odesa region, demonstrating once again that chess is not just a game but a way of thinking that unites legal professionals.

The
event was traditionally organized under the patronage of the Odessa Regional Bar Association, the “Barristers” Law Firm, and the Sokalyuk Law Office, with the support of the Odessa Regional Chess Federation.

The “Barristers” Law Firm has consistently served as the event’s main sponsor for the past 10 years, fostering a connection between the professional values of the legal profession and the game of chess—intellect, honor, and strategy.

Organizing Committee

• Vsevolod Petrovich Sokaluk – Committee Chair, member of the Odessa Regional Bar Council, managing partner of Sokaluk Law Firm.
• Denis Vasilyevich Ponomarenko – Vice Chair of the Committee, Partner at “Barristers” Law Firm.
• Oleksandr Viktorovich Mukonin – Member of the Odessa Regional Bar Association
• Tournament Judge: International Grandmaster Mykhailo Golubev.

This year, the number of participants was limited to 20, ensuring a high level of competition.

Special Guests and Awards Ceremony

This year’s tournament received unique support from government officials and athletes. The event was attended by:

• Taras Lukash, head of the territorial office of the State Judicial Administration in the Odesa Region.
• Timofey Mykolayovych Dudin, Head of the Southern Interregional Directorate of the Ministry of Justice (Odesa).
• Oleksandr Klyuchko, International Master of Sports, participant in the 2008 Olympic Games in boxing.
• Radion Yagotin, Master of Sports in boxing, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, and head of the R1 Boxing Club.

On behalf of the Odessa Regional Bar Association, Kateryna Karmazina, an attorney and member of the Bar Association, presented awards to the participants and winners. Thanks to her heartfelt speech and professional approach, the awards ceremony became one of the highlights of the event, leaving a warm impression on everyone in attendance.

Charity and New Initiatives

In addition to the chess matches, participants had the opportunity to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As part of the tournament, a charity fundraiser was held to support the needs of the Odesa Regional Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyers’ Center.

Also during the tournament, the idea was born to organize a new competition format—a chess-boxing tournament—proposed by professional athletes Oleksandr Klyuchko and Radion Yagotin. This format combines the intellectual and physical abilities of the participants, creating a unique synthesis of sport and intellect.

“Lawyers’ Tour 2024” has once again proven that the legal profession is not only about court cases but also about the power of the mind, unity, and support. This event became a true celebration, bringing together lawyers and friends united by a common goal. Next year’s tournament promises to be even more exciting, and the new chess-boxing format is likely to be its highlight!