Iuna Potomkina holds a Master of Law and a PhD in Public Administration and is part of the alumni program on negotiation at Harvard Law School. In her work as a lawyer and mediator, Iuna aims to change the culture of dispute resolution among businesses and individuals. As an adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Iuna created a legal framework and implemented the practice of dialogue in the daily interactions of government bodies and international institutions. In 2021, she became an adviser to the Minister of Defenсe.

Iuna is also a member of the Ukrainian Bar Association. She joined the working group of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine on mediation legislation and efficient implementation of the Singapore Convention in Ukraine. As the head of Alternative Dispute Resolution practice in Asters Law firm, Iuna focuses on negotiation, mediation, settlement agreements, drafting ADR provisions for both domestic and international transactions. She is a certified mediator for the CCI Munich and Upper Bavaria.

2023 IVLP Impact Award Project: The Power of Mediation as a Life Skill in War and Post-War Times

The project promoted mediation as a universal life skill and core value in post-war communities in Ukraine through a series of mediation training workshops. The project equipped participants with practical mediation skills, empowering them to resolve conflicts peacefully and effectively. Approximately 80 individuals attended the three mediation training workshops in person and more than 200 participated online. Advocacy and awareness campaigns conducted to promote the use of alternative dispute resolution in legal disputes reached an estimated 500 people through social media and via YouTube.

Iuna moderated the IVLP Impact Awards Alumni Discussion Series panel on “Community Support for Ukraine,” which you can read more about here.

 "The mediation workshop was incredibly insightful and practical. I learned valuable skills that I can apply not only in my professional life but also in my personal interactions. Thank you for this empowering experience!" – Project Participant

2022 IVLP Impact Award Project: EHRG: Compensation of War Damage 

This project provided assistance to victims of war damage on the protection of their rights and interests, and representation of their interests at the national and local level. A series of webinars was conducted to raise awareness on the issue, one series for victims of war crimes and on for civil servants. Information brochures on compensation of war damage were distributed.

"We express our gratitude to [the project team] who helped provide a qualitative and structured approach to the issue of organizing damage documentation and its subsequent assessment." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience

Iuna participated in the IVLP Project Advocacy of Democratic Principles in 2021, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Cultural Vistas, in partnership with Georgia Council for International Visitors, Global Santa Fe and GlobalAustin. She also participated in the IVLP Project Advocacy of Democratic Principles in 2022, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center, in partnership with International House, Georgia Council for International Visitors, Global Ties Sacramento, World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, and the U.S. Department of State Office of International Visitors program branch in New York City.

Iuna's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "IVLP expands horizons and provides opportunities to change the world, with tangible results."

U.S. Communities Visited in 2022

Sacramento, CA; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; New York City, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Charlottesville, VA

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually in 2021

Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Santa Fe, NM; Austin, TX

Country: Ukraine

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