Iuna Potomkina holds a Master of Law and is a certified mediator for the CCI Munich and Upper Bavaria, PhD in Public Administration and 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, 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. 

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. It recognized the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and empowered individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in effective mediation. 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 and more than 200 attended online. Additionally, Iuna conducted advocacy and awareness campaigns to promote the use of alternative dispute resolution in legal disputes that reached an estimated 500 people through social media and YouTube.

Iuna also 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 on the protection of their rights and interests, representation of their interests at the level of national authorities and local authorities. The project raised public awareness on this issue by holding a series of separate webinars for victims of war crimes and civil servants, as well as distributing information brochures.

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

IVLP Exchange Experience

Iuna was a participant in the IVLP Project Advocacy of Democratic Principles in 2021, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Cultural Vistas. She was a participant in the IVLP Project Advocacy of Democratic Principles in 2022, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center.

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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