Integrity in Action: The UP Internship Final for Legal Clinic Students

On April 7–8, 2025, the final round of the UP International Internship for Legal Clinic Students took place in Kyiv. The theme — “Integrity in Practice: Tools and Methods for Implementation in Civil and Local Government Service” — brought together five finalist teams to test themselves in real-life scenarios where theory meets action

The finalist teams represented the following legal clinics:

• Legal Clinic of Vasyl Stus Donetsk National University
• “Legal Protection Center” of the State University of Trade and Economics
• Training Laboratory “Legal Clinic” of the State Tax University
• “Adiutorium” Legal Clinic of Chernihiv Polytechnic National University
• Training Laboratory “Legal Clinic” of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy

The first day kicked off with a hands-on workshop titled “The Role of Civil Servants in Ensuring Integrity in Local Self-Governance: Balancing Principles and Procedures,” led by Oleksandr Solontai — local development expert and head of the NGO “Agency for Recovery and Development.” During the session, participants explored the structure and responsibilities of local government bodies, discussed the role of public servants, and reflected on how principles and procedures intersect in daily decision-making.

Then came the challenge. Teams were given a real-life case developed by experts at the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (NAUCS). The scenario involved a public official facing an ethical dilemma. Students had just one hour to break it down, identify risks, assess the official’s actions, and come up with practical solutions — not just for that one case, but with a view to broader systemic change. And they delivered: each team approached the task in their own way, but all showed solid reasoning, deep understanding, and realistic thinking.

Day two was just as dynamic. Teams presented their research and project work — assignments they had prepared in advance — exploring a wide range of topics — from ethical dilemmas to designing fair and transparent public institutions. After the presentations, participants could also take a mock civil service knowledge test used in the selection of public servants. The test took place at the Evaluation Center of the Higher School of Public Administration and gave everyone a taste of the challenges faced by applicants to public office.

A panel of experts with backgrounds in public service, integrity policy, and institutional development judged the competition:

• Kateryna Datsko, Executive Director of the NGO “Foundation of Institutional Development”;
• Anna Fedorenko, Deputy Chair of the Board, “Foundation of Institutional Development”;
• Mykhailo Sahaidak, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Head of the Department of Management at Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman;
• Anastasiia Myrkieieva, State Expert at the Strategic Human Resource Management Department of the NAUCS;
• Artem Shaipov, Co-founder of the Professional Government Association of Ukraine;
• Aliona Khylko, Project Manager at the Integrity Office, National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP);
• Tetiana Zabuchynska, Expert at the NACP Integrity Office
• Iryna Pyshchymka, Specialist at the Educational Programs and Awareness-Raising Department, NACP.

The jury evaluated the teams for analytical depth and solution quality as well as for their ability to think critically and address issues from a broader institutional perspective.

The winners of the final stage were Kateryna Tamakhina and Arsen Seletskyi, representing the “Students for Integrity” team from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. They earned the opportunity to take part in a two-week internship at the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service.

Although the final event came to an end, something more lasting remains — the sense that the legal clinic community is ready to act. These students don’t just talk about integrity — they explore real issues, try out solutions, learn from mistakes, and offer concrete ideas. For many, the internship was another step in understanding how they can influence change — in their clinics, communities, or future careers.

The final was organized by the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine in partnership with the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service, with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and financial support from the Government of Sweden.