Old Notes: 2017 Dream Team or Jessup Journey of Young and Talented Guys
Old notes include the articles that were published in FB by me a long time ago. I decided to put all my eggs in one basket and publish them here.
This text was written right after the 2017 Jessup National Rounds: a little (actually big) story where I’ve got stuck this half a year and did not post anything (that is weird for such chatterbox as I am).
The truth is that I was in Jessup this year. Those who know me for a long time were more than surprised by my decision to participate. Having failed once to join the team a few years ago I solemnly swore to turn away from Jessup:) and it led me to national moots (that still are my fancy even after Jessup).
To be honest, my decision surprised foremost myself. I still do not know why I agreed. I consider it as an act of God:) (or persuasive act of Maria Nakonechna).
The amount of work and responsibility was so overwhelming, that I dared to refuse from participance a few times. But not prestige, career, or fear of coaches’ depression persuaded me. Only my teammates.
Since the first days of our meetings they were so motivated, prepared, interested and so many -ed, that I thought: if I was considered as equal to those amazing people, I might be a stunning girl:) Their loyalty to the work encouraged me to do my best (I really tried to).
I am acquainted with Ilona Boliubash for years, we are both fans of land law and loyal disciples of the Land Law Dept. That’s why our rejoining within the Jessup team was more than predictable. I was convinced once again of Ilona's talent and skills. We worked together mostly, and our cooperation was really effective. We understood each other and shared views on issues that is so important in teamwork.
Holubnichaya Hanna was so motivated and single-minded in her work, that I could not resist respect since the first days. Sometimes we had tough discussions and contradictions. But being loyal to one’s opinion based on! cases and doctrine, of course, is one of the most valuable Anya’s traits. Her research, deep penetration into the issues were maybe the most qualified among all of us. I see her as an eminent lawyer in the future. Not even the future, but just now.
Vlada Mitsay was a discovery for me. We have a completely different background, as Vlada got her Bachelor’s in Kharkiv. Her stunning English, grounded research (which she always underestimates) were crucial on many occasions for us and always amused me. But even more important, she contributed a friendly and warm atmosphere in our teamwork. Maybe, we become the team, not just a group of Jessup participants, due to her character and talent.
And, finally, Yevheniy Senchenko. During our first meetings I thought: if we had been in different teams, he would have been the most dangerous competitor for me. His progress, style, and character show that the future of an outstanding lawyer is waiting for him. As co-agent, he is brilliant — concentrated, concise, steady. Those who participated in moots know, how important it is even to feel each other in front of the bench, support the line and consistency, sound within one ambit. All that occurred between us. I do not know whether he is satisfied with my conduct, but it was an honor for me to share the floor before the court with him (I do not exaggerate).
I cannot omit to remember our coaches Maria Nakonechna and Yaroslava Zagoruiko that are the heart of our Jessup ‘operation’. They were strict and mild, persuasive, and imperative, critical, and inspiring. Keeping such a balance was ideal for the preparation of our dream team. As one wise man told, if you sometimes hate your coach before the rounds, you would be grateful to them overwhelmingly after that. It is nothing but true. They devoted so much attention to us. They made from just nerdy law students Jessup eminent speakers and researchers.
The Jessup journey appeared to be unexpectable for our team. It was stressful, overwhelming, but foremost exciting. But I reassure you that it is not the end. Our team has shown its best and will show wherever we are.
P.S. From 2020:)
All we have great professional journeys, including moot courts. Hanna is now working at KPMG as a Senior Consultant. Yev is a legal counsel at VKP Law Firm. Vlada is an associate at SK. Ilona is an associate at Mamunya IP. Your humble servant Kateryna is an in-house legal counsel at SocialTech IT Company.
