My name is Yana Filonenko. I am the managing partner of the law firm «Правовий Альянс», and a practicing lawyer since 2012.
From a single suitcase to a law firm. In 2009, after graduating from university, I moved from Dnipro to Kyiv with no money and no acquaintances, but with a dream of a better life. Without my own laptop or internet access, I managed to find a job despite having no experience in the legal field. Every day, I went to the library and used the free internet; I sent out dozens of résumés and went to job interviews. I gained my first legal skills working at agricultural companies and banks, where employees' rights were often violated. I won my first substantial sums in lawsuits against such employers (for unpaid wages and unlawful layoffs). With the money from those successful cases, I bought my first car, a — Daewoo Lanos with a manual transmission. I advanced quickly in my career and became deputy head of the legal department, but I felt constrained and dreamed of having my own company.
In 2019, I founded the law firm «Правовий Альянс». My company specializes in — immigration law, residence permits and business services for foreigners, and civil law (family law and other areas). My record in the Unified State Register of Court Decisions — includes more than 300 successfully completed cases. One of the most complex and longest-running cases in my practice involved:
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the division of marital property after 27 years of marriage. The court proceedings lasted 10 years, and the wife received her fair share.
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My clients successfully start businesses or find jobs and obtain legal status in Ukraine without being refused by the migration service.
I don't divide business into «men's» or «women's». What matters to me is this: when someone does what they truly enjoy, they don't need to fight for anything — opportunities arise naturally, even if the path to them sometimes involves difficulties.
I always recommend choosing work that gives you a sense of purpose, developing your hobbies, and not forgetting about your personal life. If burnout sets in, it's worth not stopping, but looking for new ways to express yourself — sometimes even within the same field. That's what I did at one point.
Today, I run my business with ease. Even in court proceedings, I defend my position calmly and confidently, maintaining balance and inner strength. At the same time, when a situation calls for it, I can firmly protect myself, my business, and my client.
In five years, I see myself in a happy marriage and as a mother. Professionally, I want to develop a new business that is close to my heart — one that inspires me, brings me fulfillment, and creates value. At the same time, I plan to continue practicing law, particularly immigration law.
The modern world makes it possible to build several well-structured businesses at once, and I don't see a need to choose just one direction. I like the idea of creating another project, perhaps in the beauty industry, as well as developing a personal blog.
I wish everyone relationships built on trust and openness. But if something doesn't go according to plan — I'll make sure you're protected, both in your personal life and in business.
How did you come up with the business idea?
After leaving my job, I searched for my place in the legal field. I started doing what I do best, and gradually it grew into my own business. I moved forward step by step, sometimes without a clear idea of what to do next, but that very process led to the result.
What key skills helped you launch your business?
Determination, adaptability, and strong emotional intelligence.
What were the 3 most difficult challenges you faced in the first years?
The main challenges were a lack of clients, as well as gaps in expertise and practical experience in certain areas.
What crises has your business faced, and how did you overcome them?
In the early years, I faced a shortage of money and clients. I actively looked for opportunities: I sent emails, made phone calls, handed out flyers, built partnerships, set up advertising, and brought in specialists.
A few years ago, I experienced professional burnout — so I put the business on hold and went to Bali. After I returned, I rethought my approach to work: I opened a new practice area that gives me more satisfaction and income, focusing on immigration law. I also added more hobbies and activities to my life and completed professional makeup courses.
What decisions proved most effective in growing the company?
Investing in promotion, working with strong specialists, bringing on lawyers as partners, and opening a new business line.
What mistake do you now consider your most valuable learning experience?
Once, I gave a client's funds to a contract lawyer who failed to meet their obligations and disappeared. That experience was a turning point for me: it helped me develop a new skill set and effectively opened up a separate area of my practice.
