When conflict in Ukraine in 2022 forced many professionals to flee their homes, the global legal community responded in a variety of ways. Within the Interlaw network, one response came from Morton Fraser MacRoberts (MFMac) in Scotland, which offered support and employment opportunities to displaced colleagues from Interlaw partner firm Arzinger in Kyiv. 

What began as an immediate act of solidarity evolved into a powerful example of international collaboration, professional resilience, community, and the role law firms can play in supporting talent during times of crisis. In this conversation, Yana Dychakovska, now a senior paralegal at MFMac, and Martin Glover, a consultant at the firm, reflect on the experience and its lasting impact.

“MFMac felt compelled to act because the values underpinning the Interlaw network, trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility, called for a practical response at a moment of global crisis. When colleagues at Arzinger were displaced, the firm believed it had a duty to help,” Martin explains. “For us, this was not simply a professional gesture but a fundamentally human one, reflecting a broader belief in doing the right thing and supporting colleagues in need.” 

Providing both professional opportunities and personal support quickly became an important part of the firm’s culture during this time. Martin notes that colleagues across the organization saw leadership demonstrating its values through action, by offering accommodation under the UK’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, creating bespoke roles, and assisting with everyday practicalities such as registering with a doctor and settling into life in Edinburgh.

These efforts reinforced the message that the firm’s duty of care extended beyond the workplace. The experience strengthened the firm’s sense of community and highlighted how collective action can deepen the fabric of an organization. The support offered to Yana reflected how the firm would hope to be treated if the circumstances were reversed. 

Yana says, “Interlaw's support during the time that I left Ukraine showed me how compassionate and caring the international legal community can be. Leaving Ukraine was one of the most emotional and uncertain moments of my life and knowing that I could rely on the network's support and help gave me courage to start my new journey with hope and confidence.”

For her, the experience demonstrated the compassion and solidarity that can exist within the international legal community. “Working in a supportive, approachable, and collaborative space like MFMac made me feel certain in the fact that I can proceed to pursue my legal career in Scotland. The firm's support through my requalification process made me feel like there was always someone having my back and encouraging me to keep going. As I was constantly surrounded by very open and approachable people in the workplace, I reckon it helped me integrate quicker and gain some sense of belonging. To this day I know I can always rely on my team for support, guidance and understanding.”

Martin adds, “Support for Yana’s requalification was firm‑wide. Colleagues provided guidance, mentorship and encouragement as she navigated the demanding Scottish requalification process while working full‑time. Teams made space for her study commitments, shared knowledge and resources, and freely gave their time.” 

The support was not limited to legal training. It included day‑to‑day advice, integration into the firm’s social and professional networks, and ongoing encouragement that helped her stay focused through 13 examinations. “It was a collective effort that reflected the very best of the MFMac culture and who we are as a firm,” Martin adds. 

For Yana, the combination of professional development and personal encouragement played a decisive role in her long-term growth. The opportunity to expand her knowledge and experience enabled her to pursue her career goals while completing her exams and returning to university to finalize her postgraduate studies. Equally important were the friendships she formed with colleagues, relationships she hopes will remain a lasting source of inspiration and mutual support. Balancing full-time work with the demands of requalification required determination, but Yana says the support of her family and colleagues helped her stay focused and motivated. 

Knowing she could turn to teammates and colleagues across the firm for advice and encouragement made the process far less daunting. That support network allowed her to maintain balance between professional responsibilities and academic commitments. 

Looking back, Martin believes Yana’s journey has brought significant long-term value to MFMac. 

“Yana’s journey has brought long-term value to MFMac on multiple levels. Professionally, the firm has gained a colleague with exceptional resilience, determination and an international perspective, qualities that enrich our teams and our client experience. Her requalification success highlights what is possible when talent is supported and nurtured, reinforcing our culture of ambition and growth. More broadly, her story has strengthened MFMac’s reputation as a firm that invests in people, stands by its values, and is willing to take meaningful action in challenging circumstances. This we hope reinforces our attractiveness to future talent,” he believes. 

The experience also offered important lessons about international collaboration. 

Martin notes that working through the Interlaw network demonstrated how global relationships can enable swift and coordinated support when it matters most. For MFMac, it reaffirmed the idea that talent can flourish regardless of where someone’s professional journey begins, provided the right environment and encouragement are in place. 

For Yana, the experience sends a powerful message about the strength of community within the legal profession. “I have been very lucky to become a part of the firm that has amazing culture, great values, and most importantly, amazing people. Regardless of coming from a completely different culture, every day I am surrounded by supportive, understanding and compassionate people that make me feel like I truly belong in the workplace.”

In her view, the collaboration between Interlaw firms created a life-changing opportunity, one that not only shaped her career but also demonstrated the positive impact that international cooperation and community can have on individuals and the profession as a whole.

Read more on this story here.