Marina Kharchenko:. Rooted in Law. Shaped by the World.

With over 14 years of international experience and a bold vision for legal excellence, Marina Kharchenko is leading not one, but two thriving firms in Cyprus—M.Kharchenko & Co LLC and Pravo Ltd. Her journey from Ukraine to the UAE and eventually to Cyprus is a testament to resilience, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication. A trusted advocate and accreditedmediator and arbitrator fluent in five languages,Marina has developed a strong reputation for her work in corporate law and cross-border legal matters, combining legal precision with a clear understanding of international business dynamics.. Beyond her impressive credentials, she is a passionate community leader and educator, reshaping the legal landscape while empowering others to rise with her.

What first inspired you to pursue both international relations and law, and how do these two fields complement each other in your work today?

My interest in international relations came from a genuine curiosity about how the world works, how countries interact, how decisions are shaped on a global scale. But over time, I realized that understanding those dynamics wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to be part of the process of actually solving problems.

That’s what led me to law. Law gave me the structure, precision, and tools to act effectively. While international relations gave me perspective, law gave me the ability to step in and make a difference.

Today, that combination is especially valuable. Whether I’m navigating a cross-border dispute or dealing with complex international regulations, I rely on both the legal depth I’ve built and the broader, cross-cultural awareness that international relations gave me. One helps me see the big picture, the other helps me move within it clearly, strategically, and with purpose.

You’ve built not just one, but two successful firms from the ground up. What personal values guided you through the most challenging moments of that journey?

At the heart of it, I was guided by a few core values: resilience, integrity, and a deep sense of service.

Resilience was essential – especially in the early days, when there was no clear roadmap and everything had to be built from scratch. It’s also something that defines me personally. I’ve achieved what I have because I don’t give up easily. I adapt, I persevere, and I keep moving forward – even when things are uncertain.

Integrity has always been non-negotiable. Upholding professional standards and acting with honesty, is the foundation of everything I do. It’s not just about doing what’s right in the moment – it’s about building long-term trust with clients, colleagues, and partners. That kind of trust takes time, consistency, and a clear commitment to doing things the right way, every time.

And service – putting people first – has consistently grounded me. Whether it’s clients, colleagues, or the community, I believe in approaching everyone with care and respect.

There were certainly challenges, but I’ve learned that when your values lead the way, you find the strength and clarity to keep going, no matter how complex the journey.

Having worked across Ukraine, the UAE, and now Cyprus, what cultural or professional lessons have shaped how you lead and serve your clients?

I was born and raised in Ukraine, and that’s where everything started. It’s a place that teaches you strength early. I grew up in a demanding environment that shaped my character – resilience wasn’t a choice, it was a necessity. It’s also where I studied international relations, which laid the foundation for the global perspective I bring into my work today, and where I had my first “serious” job that taught me professional responsibility. 

Working in the UAE was a different kind of challenge. It’s a vibrant, fast-moving, international environment. There, I learned how to adapt quickly, stay clear-headed under pressure, and work across cultures with professionalism and respect.

And then there’s Cyprus — my home now, personally and professionally. It’s where I became a lawyer, built my career, and created a life. Here, I’ve learned the value of community, long-term relationships, and showing up with consistency and care. Cyprus taught me not just how to practice law, but how to lead with both structure and heart.

Each place gave me something important—and together, they shaped the way I think, work, and connect with people.

Starting over in a new country can be daunting. What was the turning point that made Cyprus feel like the right place to establish your legal practice?

When I first arrived in Cyprus, I didn’t have a plan to start a firm. I wanted to see how things were and hopefully find a decent job — which I did. I was starting over in many ways: a new legal system, a new language, a new environment. It was definitely challenging.

But something shifted very quickly. I began to build real relationships here — both personally and professionally. I saw that Cyprus, with its international outlook and strong legal infrastructure, could offer more than just stability—it could offer opportunity.

The turning point was realizing that I didn’t just live here — I belonged here. It became clear that I wasn’t building something temporary; I was building a future. Becoming a registered advocate in Cyprus was a major step. I had to simultaneously build my career, learn the language, and study for many years to reach that point.

But what truly made it feel like home was the trust I began to earn — from clients, colleagues, and the community around me. That sense of trust and belonging was what made me certain: this was the right place to grow, lead, and give back.

How do you balance your roles as a lawyer, mediator, arbitrator, and business leader—and still find time to give back to your community?

It’s definitely a balancing act, but I see all these roles as interconnected. Being a mediator and arbitrator complements my legal work, offering different ways to resolve disputes. Leading a business requires strategic thinking, but also empathy – skills I’ve refined through my legal practice.

Whether I’m advising a client, leading my team, or working on a legal dispute, I’m still using the same core skills: clarity, structure, empathy, and good judgment. So that helps.

What also helps is purpose. I’m not doing all these things just to stay busy — I do them because they make sense together. They serve a shared goal: to resolve complex issues in a fair, effective, and human way.

And giving back isn’t something I do after work; it’s part of the work. Supporting others —reminds me why I started in the first place: to make a difference through the work I know best.

You’re fluent in several languages and work with international clients. How has this multilingual, multicultural lens helped you navigate complex legal matters?

Fluency in several languages has been an invaluable part of my work. 

Language isn’t just about words—it’s about understanding mindset and intention. Being able to communicate directly, without relying on translation, helps avoid misunderstandings and builds trust early on, whether it’s drafting, negotiating, or simply having a conversation, that clarity matters.

It also helps me adapt my approach. Legal practice isn’t one-size-fits-all — what’s appropriate in one context might not land the same way in another. Understanding cultural nuances and speaking the client’s language — both literally and figuratively — allows me to guide them through complex issues more effectively and with more confidence.

What do you believe are the biggest gaps in the legal and corporate services industries today—and how are you working to close them?

One of the biggest gaps I see is the disconnect between legal advice and practical business thinking. Too often, legal services are delivered in isolation — without fully considering how they fit into a client’s broader strategy or operational reality. For international clients especially, this can be frustrating. They don’t just want a legal memo — they want a solution that works in practice.

That’s something I’ve been very intentional about. We don’t just deliver legal answers — we offer perspective, strategy, and long-term support. Our legal and corporate teams work side by side, so clients don’t have to choose between legal compliance and commercial sense — they get both, integrated.

Another gap is trust and transparency. Clients want clarity, not legalese. They want to understand what’s happening and why. So I focus a lot on communication — being clear, human, and honest in how I guide clients through complex decisions.

Closing these gaps isn’t about big slogans — it’s about how you work, case by case, person by person.

Many lawyers focus on cases; you also focus on education and speaking. What drives your passion for sharing knowledge in the legal field?

For me, sharing knowledge is part of the responsibility that comes with experience. I didn’t get to where I am alone — along the way, people helped me, taught me. Now, I see it as my turn to contribute.

Legal knowledge can be powerful, but it can also feel intimidating from the outside. Whether I’m speaking at a conference or lecturing at an institute, my goal is to make the law more accessible, more practical, and more human. I want to help others not just learn the rules, but understand how to apply them in the real world — with clarity and confidence.

It’s also how I stay sharp. Teaching and speaking challenge me to reflect, simplify, and keep learning. In a way, it’s a two-way exchange  – every time I walk away with new insight and a stronger sense of purpose.

In what ways has supporting the Ukrainian community in Cyprus shaped your sense of purpose beyond business success?

Supporting the Ukrainian community here is something very personal to me. I’m Ukrainian — this isn’t just a cause, it’s part of who I am. When people from your own country come to you in difficult circumstances — often confused, overwhelmed, and vulnerable — you don’t think twice. You help. That’s just what you do.
It reminded me that law is not only a profession — it’s a tool for support, protection, and dignity. Offering free consultations, answering questions, or even just helping someone understand their rights — it might seem small, but it means a lot when someone feels lost.

This work has grounded me. It’s easy to get caught up in the business side of things, but these moments bring me back to the reason I started: to use my skills in the service of something meaningful. It’s not about recognition — it’s about responsibility, connection, and staying human in the work I do.

Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope your firm—and your voice in the legal space—will have in the next decade?

I hope the impact goes beyond just successful cases or company growth. I want my firm to stand for something clear: professionalism, responsibility, and human-centered legal work. I want clients to feel not only supported, but understood — and for young professionals to see that you can build something meaningful without compromising your values.

In the next decade, I’d like to continue strengthening the bridge between legal expertise and business reality — to keep offering integrated solutions that are not just legally sound, but also strategic and practical.

I also hope my voice contributes to a more open, collaborative legal culture — one that encourages knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and real dialogue across borders and professions. If I can play even a small part in helping the profession move forward with more clarity and purpose, I’ll be proud of that.