Oleksiy Didkovskiy spoke on market trends, professional challenges, and career development at the UBA's XIII Western Ukrainian Legal Forum

Asters' Managing Partner Oleksiy Didkovskiy participated in the XIII Western Ukrainian Legal Forum, held on 18–19 June 2026 and organised by the Ukrainian Bar Association.

During the panel discussion “Starting a Legal Practice: Candid Insights,” speakers explored key issues shaping the legal market, including shifts in law firm revenues over the past eight years, the balance between income and expenses, challenges faced by regional firms, and effective client acquisition tools. The discussion also focused on the mistakes that influenced the speakers’ professional journeys and the lessons they would share with young lawyers and law firm managers.

Opening the panel, Oleksiy Didkovskiy emphasised that there is no universal model for law firm development. “Every firm follows its own path: some choose to remain highly specialised boutiques, while others scale up, merge, and expand their practices. Building a large firm is always a complex management challenge, as it requires overseeing diverse practices, managing projects efficiently, and developing the team,” he noted.

Addressing early-career pitfalls, Oleksiy highlighted the importance of strategic thinking and long-term decision-making. Key lessons include introducing equity partnerships at the right stage, moving away from excessive micromanagement towards business development, and maintaining a sustainable work-life balance.

“If I could give myself advice 30 years ago, and this is exactly what I tell young lawyers today, it would be simple: be bolder. Take responsibility, do not be afraid to make decisions, and step outside your comfort zone,” he concluded.

Asters is the largest full-service law firm in Ukraine with offices in Kyiv, Brussels, London, and Washington, D.C., and access to over 125 jurisdictions through a well-developed network of partner law firms.