Ukrainian Legal Expert Opinion for International Courts and Arbitration

Are you involved in a cross-border dispute where Ukrainian law applies? Is your case pending before a foreign court or international arbitral tribunal?

In such situations, you may need a Ukrainian legal expert to explain the provisions of Ukrainian legislation, its practical application, and the relevant legal doctrines and judicial trends.

An expert opinion on Ukrainian law may be required in the following cases:

✅ International arbitration (LCIA, ICC, SCC, etc.) where the applicable law is Ukrainian
✅ Foreign court proceedings involving Ukrainian companies or individuals
✅ Recognition and enforcement of foreign court judgments in Ukraine
✅ Interpretation of contractual provisions governed by Ukrainian law
✅ Complex corporate, tax, inheritance, or regulatory matters under Ukrainian jurisdiction

Our legal experts provide well-reasoned and independent legal analysis in line with the expectations of foreign courts and arbitral tribunals.

Formulation of Questions for the Legal Expert

Before issuing an expert opinion, the court, arbitrators, or a party must clearly define the legal issues requiring analysis. These questions are submitted to the expert to:
✅ Confirm the expert’s availability and competence
✅ Ensure no conflict of interest exists
✅ Verify the expert’s impartiality and independence

Requirements for a Legal Expert

To qualify as an expert in Ukrainian law, a candidate must:
✔ Hold a Ph.D. or Doctor of Law degree
✔ Have published scholarly articles or monographs in the relevant legal field
✔ Often teach law at a university or institution of higher education

Note: Legal practice alone is not sufficient for recognition as an expert in court or arbitration.

The expert must remain neutral, independent, and ethically bound to present an unbiased legal analysis.

Preparation of the Expert Legal Opinion

An expert opinion on Ukrainian law is an independent legal analysis intended to assist the court or tribunal.
The expert defines the scope of analysis and clearly states the legal questions and factual assumptions.

Depending on the applicable procedural rules, the opinion may be submitted:
✔ As an affidavit (notarized sworn statement)
✔ As a formal legal report

The expert owes a duty to the court or tribunal, not the appointing party. The role is not advocacy—it is to help the decision-makers correctly apply Ukrainian law.

If another expert provides an opposing opinion, the expert may be asked to respond or provide comments.

Courts or arbitral panels may require live testimony from the expert, applying the rules of cross-examination.

Purpose of the expert hearing:

1. Confirm or challenge the expert’s qualifications
2. Clarify disputed points in the written opinion
3. Address new questions raised during proceedings

Testimony may be provided:

✔ In the official language of the proceedings
✔ With an interpreter, subject to tribunal rules

The attorneys at Jurvneshservice regularly serve as legal experts on Ukrainian law in foreign litigation and arbitration.

🔹 U.S. courts – expert opinions on Ukrainian contract and corporate law
🔹 Investment arbitration – Dr. Ganna Tsirat provided expert opinions in cases against the Russian Federation before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (The Hague), focused on investment protection under bilateral treaties

Need a well-founded legal opinion on Ukrainian law for international arbitration or litigation? We’re ready to assist.

Our team ensures foreign courts and arbitral panels receive accurate, well-documented, and persuasive legal insight into Ukrainian law.

📩 Email: kyiv@jvs.law
📞 Phone: +38 (067) 465-77-73