The Ukrainian Catholic University Legal Clinic Team Represented Ukraine at the 2025 International Client Consultation Competition

In April this year, Ukraine participated in the Brown-Mosten International Client Consultation Competition, held in Glasgow, Scotland. This competition annually brings together the winners of national client consultation contests from around the world. Representing Ukraine were Yevheniia Revnivtseva and Yustyna Shtohryn, first-year master’s students at the School of Law of the Ukrainian Catholic University, who earned the right to compete after winning the National Client Consultation Competition.

During the competition, participants conduct simulated client interviews, with actors playing the role of the client. The team’s task is to listen attentively, gather key facts, identify the legal issues, propose solutions, and demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and tact. Teams are evaluated on their ability to establish rapport, ask clear and relevant questions, and explain complex legal matters in accessible terms.

This year’s theme focused on consumer rights protection, and the teams were challenged with cases ranging from breach of contract to disputes over poor-quality services and contractor errors.

Yevheniia Revnivtseva shared her reflections on the competition:

“This format of consultation brings you as close as possible to real-life situations. You may be highly knowledgeable in law, but a single detail or fact can instantly change your initial approach to resolving a dispute. You have to be able to improvise and stay flexible. The experience of preparing and communicating is incredibly valuable, and I’m convinced it will be indispensable in my future career.”

This year, the winning team came from Sri Lanka, successfully handling a challenging final case involving the use of artificial intelligence. The Ukrainian team also returned home with significant achievements — valuable experience and new connections with law students from across the globe.

Yustyna Shtohryn commented:

“Participating in an international competition is not only a test of professional skills but also an opportunity to see different approaches to client consultation across legal systems. The most important thing I learned was how to truly listen to the client and quickly analyze their problem to offer the most effective solutions. It was also a unique chance to meet law students from around the world, exchange experiences, and see how law schools operate in other countries. And of course, visiting the amazing buildings of the University of Glasgow, where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed, was unforgettable.”

A dedicated team supported the Ukrainian participants in preparing for the competition. Coach Khrystyna Kovtsun guided them through every stage of preparation — from analyzing case studies to practicing communication strategies. Legal consultants Yuliia Navrotska and Khrystyna Tarasenko provided advice on legal issues. Their classmates also played an important role, acting as clients in mock sessions, helping analyze cases, and polishing the team’s skills. During the competition itself, the team was accompanied and supported by Mariia Tsypiashchuk, Ukraine’s national representative at the competition. Thanks to the collective effort and support of many people, a team was built that proudly and capably represented Ukraine on the international stage.

We are proud of the team’s achievements and remain committed to strengthening Ukrainian legal clinics, expanding opportunities for students, and contributing to the development of legal education.