Attorney at Law Magazine sat down with Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene, P.A. associate Lyudmyla Kolyesnik to discuss her outlook on the legal profession in the latest Rising Star profile. Kolyesnik graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2019. In addition to her practice, Kolyesnik is working with the Rotary Club of Jacksonville to support Ukrainian refugees.
AALM: With technology and an ever-global world, how do you see the legal profession evolving over your career? Do you believe this will be positive or negative?
LK: The rapid development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, will increase the accessibility and efficiency of the legal profession. Technology can be utilized to streamline communications and automate repetitive operations. Furthermore, technology can help increase the speed and accuracy of legal research, saving both clients and lawyers time and money. However, this technology may result in reduction in the quality of legal services and loss of any personal relationships with the clients. A balance between the application of technology and human skill in the legal profession will therefore be crucial.
AALM: Working with senior partners, what is a trait they have that you would like to carry through to the next generation of lawyers? As a newer generation lawyer, what traits do you have that you think senior partners should adopt into their practice?
LK: Senior partners in our firm have valuable experience and wisdom, traits that newer lawyers should emulate. They have adapted to changes in the industry and have a deep understanding of legal practice. As a younger attorney, I can offer innovative ideas and a digital-native perspective that senior partners can adopt. A willingness to embrace new technologies and ideas can lead to the evolution of the legal profession, better serving clients’ needs. By combining the experience of senior partners with the innovative ideas of younger lawyers, the legal profession can continue to evolve and meet the challenges of the 21st century.
AALM: When did you first know you wanted to become an attorney? What drew you to this career?
LK: From a young age, I knew that I wanted to become a lawyer due to my fervent desire to help people solve problems. As a seventh grader, I wrote a letter to my future self, expressing my desire to become a lawyer. Because of my quick acquisition of the English language as an immigrant child, I often found myself assisting non-English-speaking adults around me in resolving legal issues. Given my proclivity for effective communication and problem-solving abilities, the legal profession appeared to be a natural fit for me. This early passion has fueled my pursuit of a career in law, where I hope to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
AALM: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Hobbies? Sports?
LK: Outside of work, I enjoy visiting new places with my family. On a more consistent basis, we love to soak in the sun rays at our picturesque Florida beaches.
