The legal profession is one of the most responsible and, at the same time, vulnerable professions in Ukrainian society. The year 2025 has been a challenging one for lawyers: the work requires not only a deep knowledge of the law but also the ability to operate under pressure, amid legal uncertainty, and with a high level of public accountability.

Ahead of the new ElitExpert ranking, which will name the best lawyers in the Odesa region this December, we continue to meet with the consistent leaders of previous years. One of them is Denis Ponomarenko, a partner at the “Barristers” law firm, known for his specialization in criminal law and many years of experience in successful defense.

In our conversation with Denis, we discussed how the work of a lawyer has changed in recent years—including amid the war—what principles make a defense truly effective, and why the quality of legal work is more important today than ever before.

Career Path and Specialization

— You’re one of the leading attorneys in Odesa. Tell us about your professional journey. How many years have you been in the profession, and why did you choose criminal law in particular?

I’ve been in the profession for about 20 years, 15 of which as a licensed attorney. I began practicing while still a sophomore in college, initially working at a law firm, and in my senior year, I opened my own law practice—one of the first such initiatives at the Odesa Law Academy. In 2008, this was a notable event: a newspaper wrote about students who had opened a firm before completing their studies.

I then gained experience working at a leading law firm in Ukraine, where I gained experience handling cases in the Higher Commercial, Administrative, and Supreme Courts. My litigation practice began while I was still a student—first through a legal clinic, then in my own practice.

Criminal law chose me. It is a complex, yet very dynamic and important field. Throughout my career, I have secured 10 acquittals in cases of varying complexity—from simple to the most serious. In 2025 alone, we achieved success in several high-profile cases, including the reclassification of charges and defense under Articles 115 and 118 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This confirms that high-quality legal work requires complete dedication and constant analysis of case law.

— Why criminal law, specifically?

I suppose I didn’t choose it—it chose me. When I started practicing, I tried different areas, but I quickly realized that it’s impossible to cover everything. Criminal cases always demand full priority and deep immersion.

Law is not a humanities discipline in the conventional sense. I would compare it to medicine: there, too, there is narrow specialization, and only within that can one work effectively. To truly help, you need to have a deep understanding of a single area.

The Structure and Operating Principles of the Firm

— Your team has a complex structure. Is this a business model or a deliberate professional project?

I’m critical of the notion that the legal profession is a business. It’s not a business, nor is it a traditional service. A lawyer doesn’t sell a service—he defends a person. Even if a client considers themselves guilty, our task is to objectively evaluate the evidence and defend their rights.

There’s also a principle: take enough from the wealthy to help the poor. Sometimes lawyers work for free, for the public good. This isn’t a formality—it’s part of the profession’s ethics.

First there was the Prime Juris law firm, then the “Ponomarenko & Partners” law firm, and since 2017 we have been practicing as “Barristers.” The team has grown to 9 partners and 55 attorneys.

In 2018, we were ranked among the top 50 law firms in Ukraine, and last year—among the top 10. The team continues to grow while staying true to our philosophy: protecting people is more important than profit.

International Practice

— Do you handle international cases?

Yes, we have an international practice. For example, Ilya Novikov is the only Ukrainian attorney on the International Criminal Court’s panel of counsel. We also represent clients before the European Court of Human Rights and collaborate with foreign companies.

If a case requires knowledge of another country’s national law, we recommend specialists in the relevant jurisdiction.

The golden rule: do no harm to the client.

Qualities and Ethics of a Lawyer

— What qualities define a good lawyer?

First and foremost—honesty. Next—dedication to the profession and continuous self-improvement. A lawyer must defend the client by all lawful means and uphold the profession’s high standards.

The legal profession is not just about knowledge of the law, but also about culture, the ability to persuade, analyze, and explain complex matters clearly. One of my mentors used to say: the legal profession must return to the spirit of the 19th century—to the ideals of honor and service, rather than money.

Unfortunately, today there are lawyers, and then there are people with a license. Formally, the status is there, but the essence of the profession is missing. This leads to complaints and disciplinary cases, which is becoming a systemic problem.

Working with Clients and Complex Cases

— How often do you encounter dishonesty from colleagues and clients?

It’s important to distinguish between clients and lawyers. Sometimes we “revive” cases where the previous defense attorney directly harmed the client. For example, there was a high-profile case involving the signing of documents without the client’s consent. Complaints filed with qualification and disciplinary commissions help put a stop to such violations.

The key is communication: explaining every step. Without trust, there are no results. Many lawyers don’t believe a case can succeed. But how can you defend a client if you don’t believe in the outcome yourself?

— Can a lawyer let a client lead the way?

No. A lawyer must be independent. If a client wants to take actions that harm the case, the lawyer must say, “I cannot participate.” Even in successful cases, the client’s respect for the profession is built through an honest experience of working together.

Interesting Cases from Wartime

— Tell us about the most interesting cases during the war.

One of the first was in March 2022, in the Vinnytsia region. A young man was accused of theft from a church. The prosecutor requested that he be held in custody. We got involved, and the judge in Shargorod demonstrated a high level of competence. The court’s decision: release, upheld on appeal.

Another case involved a 14-year-old teenager in Cherkasy—the Slabenko case. At the appellate stage, we secured an acquittal from the Supreme Court.

These cases demonstrate that the legal profession is a combination of legal expertise, analysis, and personal responsibility.

The Judicial System and the Personnel Crisis

— Is the staffing crisis in the justice system getting worse?

Yes. The reason is not only a shortage of personnel but also the structure of the system. Prosecutors often “decide in place of the court,” which violates the Constitution. There is no high-quality investigation, and “stillborn” cases are emerging.

Judges work under pressure: disciplinary investigations, threats of dismissal, and public criticism. Many prefer to remain silent. Without real protection, judges are leaving the profession.

Bail set at amounts that are knowingly unaffordable often becomes a tool for exerting pressure. In 2025, this remains a systemic problem.

Professional Events and Knowledge Sharing

— Do you participate in professional forums?

Yes. In 2025, the All-Ukrainian Forum on Criminal Law and Procedure named after Yosyp Bronz will be held for the third time. Judges, attorneys, and scholars gather to discuss real-world challenges in the application of criminal law.

The forum is in high demand: in 2024, approximately 500 specialists participated. It serves as a platform for lively professional dialogue, the exchange of experiences, and the development of solutions.

The Role of the Bar and Independence

A lawyer is an independent professional. Even in cases involving collaboration with the enemy or complex economic issues, a lawyer must act objectively. Society and the government must understand that without lawyers, there can be no fair trial.

If lawyers were to stop appearing in court for even a single day, the system would grind to a halt. It is crucial that human rights be strictly upheld in accordance with the law—otherwise, the fight against violations loses its meaning.

Interviewed by Yelena Ovchinnikova