Being a student is always an adventure — especially when you are pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in the United States later in life, in your 30s, 40s, or 50s.
Today, more than 30 Ukrainian students are enrolled in the LL.M. program at Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology. Each of us brings a unique personal and professional journey, prior legal experience, strong motivation, and remarkable inner resilience. For many Ukrainian students, legal education in the U.S. is not merely an academic pursuit — it is a continuation of professional identity, and a tool for advocacy during one of the most challenging periods in Ukraine’s history.
Against this backdrop, attending the Annual Conference of the Ukrainian American Bar Association (UABA) in Philadelphia, PA (November 13-15, 2025) became an especially meaningful experience for Chicago-Kent LL.M. students.
The honor to be present at the conference had:
- Yuliia Stelmakh – Legal Project Coordinator at McCarter & English, LLP; LL.M. Candidate at Chicago-Kent College of Law, International, and Transnational Law program; UABA member.
- Olena Yaremchuk – Producer, Senior Partner at Yaremchuk & Partners; LL.M. Candidate at Chicago-Kent College of Law, Intellectual Property Law; UABA member.
- Roman Khmara – Independent Legal Researcher, Attorney at Law in Ukraine; CEO at United Smart Assistance LLC; LL.M. Candidate at Chicago-Kent College of Law, U.S., International, and Transnational Law program; UABA member.
- Iryna Khmara – Chief Manager at United Smart Assistance LLC; LL.M. Candidate at Chicago-Kent College of Law, U.S., International, and Transnational Law program; UABA member.
The conference was a powerful combination of knowledge, professional dialogue, inspiration, and genuine human connection. From the very first moments, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, yet deeply substantive — filled with informative panels, thoughtful discussions, and sincere engagement across generations of legal professionals.
One of the most memorable aspects of the conference was the sense of unity within the Ukrainian legal community in the United States. Conversations flowed naturally — between students, new attorneys, judges, and diplomats. There was an openness to share experiences, exchange ideas, and support one another. Events like this reaffirm that meaningful change is possible when a community stands together.
Students also greatly benefited from the invaluable advice shared by Honorable Orest Jejna, an outstanding judge of Ukrainian heritage, whose words resonated strongly with those at the beginning of their legal careers. It was especially meaningful to congratulate Judge Jeina on becoming the new President of UABA — a moment of pride for the entire community.
Judge Jejna has served for nearly 25 years as a Judge of the Scottsdale Municipal Court and previously practiced law in Arizona for more than two decades. Born in Rochester, New York, to Ukrainian immigrant parents, he represents a powerful example of how immigrant roots and dedication to justice can shape an extraordinary legal career in the United States.
Throughout his professional life, Judge Jejna has remained actively engaged in the Ukrainian American legal community. His commitment to mentorship, ethical leadership, and public service was evident in the invaluable advice he shared with new and aspiring attorneys during the conference.
Panels on the Conference addressed a wide range of critical topics, including the work of non-profit organizations, Intellectual Property, IT in law, and — most painfully — the legal uncertainty faced by Ukrainians who arrived in the U.S. after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The immigration law panel, skillfully led by Hon. Consul Iryna Mazur, Esq., whose professional credentials and advocacy work command deep respect. As the moderator of the immigration panel, Ms. Mazur guided a substantive and candid discussion on the current challenges faced by Ukrainians in the United States, particularly those who arrived after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Her ability to combine legal precision with empathy and advocacy made the panel especially valuable for lawyers seeking to understand both the technical and human dimensions of immigration law. For many of us, her example illustrated what it means to be not only a skilled attorney, but also a committed public servant.
A bill that could help resolve the legal status of Ukrainians in the United States is the Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2025 (H.R. 3104), which would allow eligible Ukrainians to adjust their status to lawful permanent residence.
This bill is essential for providing stability, access to healthcare, and social protection. This is very important especially for families with children who fled Ukraine to raise them in peace and security, to protect them from the trauma of war. Ukrainians are hardworking. and smart people, they contribute to the United States and this bill will help to solve a huge legalization problem.
We were honored that Congressman Brian K. Fitzpatrick, co-sponsor of the bill and a steadfast supporter of Ukraine since the first days of the war, was present at the conference. His continued commitment is vital for advancing this legislation.
Also in attendance was Congresswoman Madeleine Dean. I had the opportunity to personally express gratitude for her ongoing support of Ukraine and Ukrainians in the U.S., and to ask her to support the Ukrainian Adjustment Act. Her words, “You have my support”, were incredibly meaningful and inspiring. Moments like these remind us how crucial advocacy, unity, and persistence truly are.
At the Conference, we had the great pleasure to listen to Trudy Rubin, a columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer and an expert in international affairs, with decades of experience as a foreign correspondent and analyst. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, Ms. Rubin shared a deeply personal story alongside her professional insights.
Her family originates from the Rivne region of Ukraine, an area where Jewish communities were brutally destroyed. Her family was forced to flee in order to survive. Her family’s history is a powerful reminder of the consequences of persecution and violence. Hearing this story in the context of today’s global and Ukrainian realities added profound emotional depth to the conference discussions.
Impactful was the discussion on Ukrainian anti-corruption legislation, featuring Pavlo Lutsiuk, an attorney at law, doctor of Juridical Sciences, Honored Lawyer of Ukraine and a prominent legal figure with extensive experience in Ukraine’s judicial and disciplinary institutions. His insights bridged theory and practice, offering valuable context for understanding Ukraine’s legal reforms.
The conference also featured a compelling diplomatic panel with Ambassador Andriy Melnyk, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine in the United Nations, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, whose honest and courageous stance sparked important conversation about the situation in the world diplomatic arena.
For Chicago-Kent students, the conference was not only educational, but deeply affirming. It reinforced that we are not alone — that there is a strong, compassionate, and highly professional community ready to support us as we grow into our roles as U.S. attorneys.
This sense of connection did not begin or end in Philadelphia. In December, UABA organized a large-scale networking meeting in Chicago for students and alumni of Chicago-Kent College of Law. Sincere thanks go to Peter Piddubnyi, Yulia Bikbova, Marta Farion, and Yulia Stelmakh for making this gathering possible.
It was one of the first events of its kind, bringing together such a significant number of Ukrainian-American lawyers in Chicago. For many of us, it was a rare opportunity to feel such a powerful professional unity in the U.S.
Thanks to Peter Piddoubny this event was made possible. Peter told an impactful story about the importance of perseverance and endurance in the legal profession.
Peter Piddoubny is a partner at Piddoubny & Pelekh, P.C., a New York–based law firm, with decades of legal experience. Admitted to the New York Bar in 1986, he practices in business and commercial law, international trade, litigation, real estate, and trusts and estates. Educated at the University of Bristol (LL.B.), Mr. Piddoubny represents both individuals and businesses and is fluent in Ukrainian, actively serving the Ukrainian-American community.
Students had an honor to meet and listen to the incredible experience and family story of Timothy Michael Tymkovich who is an American lawyer who has served as a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit since 2003; serving as chief judge from 2015 to 2022. In November 2023, he was designated by Chief Justice John Roberts to serve as a judge of the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review.
Born in Denver, Colorado, Tymkovich is a third-generation Coloradan. His great-grandfather emigrated from Ukraine to the United States via Ellis Island and worked as a miner. Tymkovich graduated from Colorado College in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts. He then attended the University of Colorado Law School, where he was an editor of the University of Colorado Law Review. He graduated in 1982 with a Juris Doctor degree.
Marta Farion encouraged students to be strong and not afraid of difficulties and changes. Marta Farion is an American attorney, a President of Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America, a non-profit organization established to support the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Ukraine.
Ms. Farion received her J.D. degree in 1980 from Chicago Kent College of Law, and M.A. and B.A. degrees from Loyola University Chicago. For over 20 years Ms. Farion worked as inhouse attorney at a research and development company, where her duties included matters related to employee relations, business, and legal transactions. Born in Rome, Italy, after living her early years in Argentina, Ms. Farion came to the United States when her family immigrated to Chicago.
Julia Bikbova showed her courage and unbreakable faith in human ability to educate and succeed. Julia Bikbova is a principal attorney with over 15 years of experience in civil litigation, immigration law, white-collar criminal defense, and international law. A former immigrant from Ukraine, she brings a strategic, results-driven, and compassionate approach to representing individuals and small to mid-sized businesses.
As the founder of Bikbova Law Offices, P.C., Julia is widely recognized for her work in complex litigation, class actions, and immigration matters, as well as for her strong advocacy for immigrants’ rights and human rights within the community. Julia earned a degree of Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in 2007, and LL.M. Tax Law from The John Marshall Law School.
Julia told her story, how she got her education, and passed the Bar exam. She is an example that no matter how hard it is — it is still possible and you can do it.
As a Chicago-Kent law student, I can say with confidence: these experiences matter. They shape us not only as legal professionals, but as advocates and members of a resilient community. Together, we are stronger and we can change the world.
Iryna Khmara, Master of Laws Candidate at Chicago-Kent
College of law, Illinois Institute of Technology
