Fleeing explosions in Kyiv, a Ukrainian lawyer begins a new legal life in England
Ukrainian lawyer Stanislav Schevchenko was running a successful law firm and raising a young family in Kyiv when his life changed abruptly in February 2022. He said he woke to the sound of explosions as bombs fell close to his home, marking the start of a period that would force him to leave his country and rebuild his career from the ground up.
“Everything in my life changed in that moment,” Schevchenko said. He recalled spending the first night listening to the sound of machine guns outside, fearing for the safety of his family.
Faced with the immediate danger, Schevchenko decided to leave Ukraine with his wife and children. The family undertook a 3,000-kilometre journey by car across Europe, eventually reaching Wiltshire. They were offered accommodation with a British family under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which provided a route for Ukrainians displaced by the conflict to find temporary refuge in the UK.
Schevchenko said the decision to leave was driven by responsibility. “My family is my greatest duty, so I had to find a way to keep them safe,” he said. He added that their host family provided significant support, helping him secure his first role in the UK as an office assistant at a small law firm.
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Although the role differed markedly from his previous position as a firm owner in Kyiv, Schevchenko said he welcomed the opportunity. He described being grateful to support his family while learning about the UK legal system.
Schevchenko was permitted to leave Ukraine because he needed to care for his daughter, who has special educational needs. His business partner, however, remained in the country and continues to serve on the front line in the war with Russia.
After settling in England, Schevchenko continued to pursue his legal career. Earlier this year, he joined London-based property firm RSL LAW, where he now assists clients with property transactions. His work includes helping fellow Ukrainians buy homes and establish new lives in the UK.
RSL LAW is led by chief executive Tatiana Sharposhnikova, who was born in Russia and has lived in the UK for more than three decades. Schevchenko said the firm’s focus is firmly on professional objectives rather than political discussion.
“We don’t talk about the conflict,” he said. “We see no need. Our shared understanding is to focus on the business and its objectives. Tatiana took a chance on me and gave me a new start in my career.”
Sharposhnikova said the firm was pleased to support Schevchenko as he develops his career in England. She described him as a dedicated professional and said his background brings a valuable perspective to the firm’s work.
Alongside his role at RSL LAW, Schevchenko is now studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). He hopes that passing the assessments will allow him to become a fully qualified solicitor in England.
Reflecting on his future, Schevchenko said he hopes for peace in Ukraine but remains uncertain about returning. “I don’t know if I will ever return to Ukraine,” he said. “My family are safe and happy here, and I want to continue to learn and work in this country.”
Sharposhnikova said the firm’s priorities remain firmly centred on its clients in the UK. “Our business is not to debate conflicts anywhere in the world,” she said. “Our mission is to deliver outstanding service in the UK to all clients, regardless of nationality, a vision Stan fully shares.”