AMI launched its first mentoring programme for young lawyers. Three months of practical work in Kharkiv Region developed a professional who subsequently joined the organisation.
1. How it began
In August 2025, AMI opened its first paid internship intake for law students. It sought someone ready to support people affected by war and learn alongside experienced lawyers in the field.
Daryna Potabenko, a student at Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, was selected. Her first two weeks covered internal procedures and initial tasks, followed by over two months of consultations in Kharkiv, electronic enquiries and visits to Vilkhivka, Solonytsivka and Pisochyn communities under Yuliia Biekkiel’s mentorship.
2. Results
Daryna provided 20 initial consultations, supported 12 secondary legal aid cases and joined seven community visits. She also proposed sharing information about AMI through its social media. The team supported the idea, creating another access point for people who did not know where to seek help.
3. Challenges and achievements
War-affected people’s legal problems are intertwined with documents, loss and exhaustion. University training does not fully prepare students for this.
Some visits involved unstable communications and security restrictions, requiring routes to change in real time. Some residents could only be reached in person because reliable Internet was rare. Such conditions develop problem-solving skills, composure under pressure and persistence.
4. Community impact
Each consultation helped someone understand their rights. Internally displaced people and residents rarely reached by lawyers received professional support locally. Data collected during visits demonstrated regional demand for free legal aid and supported discussions with local authorities.
5. The project’s legacy
The internship ended, but Daryna stayed at AMI and now develops her skills in legal protection and good governance.
The programme confirmed that AMI can train professionals, develop its team internally and pass working standards from experienced lawyers to newcomers directly in the field.
Implemented through the Impulse project with support from the International Renaissance Foundation and East Europe Foundation, funded by NORAD and Sida.
