Few professionals manage to bridge academic excellence with practical influence at a global scale. One of the rare figures who has achieved this distinction is Yevgeniya (Gina) Averina, a Ph.D. in Law, seasoned legal leader, and international authority in notarial practice and cross-border documentation. Her career spans leadership roles in top Ukrainian firms, the founding of her own notarial office in Kyiv, and the establishment of Gina Averina Document Services in California.
As the official U.S. representative of the Ukrainian Academy of Notaries and a member of the National Notary Association, she stands as a recognized voice in shaping dialogue between legal systems across borders.
In this conversation, she shares her challenges, achievements, and aspirations for the future.
Grit Daily: How Did Your Career in Law Begin?
My career began in Ukraine at UkrVostokAudit, one of the country’s leading audit and legal firms. I began as an assistant lawyer and quickly advanced to head of the legal department, establishing a strong foundation in corporate law and cross-border compliance. Later, I transitioned into consulting and translation with Consulting Group Ukraine and the Regional Translation Agency. These roles enabled me to combine law with language expertise, supporting international clients in accordance with ISO quality standards.
In 2014, I took a significant step by opening my own notarial office in Kyiv. For eight years, I provided notarial services, apostilles, and legal support for international matters. It was both challenging and transformative, a chance to merge academic knowledge with real-world application.
Grit Daily: What Inspired You to Specialize in International and Notarial Law?
From the outset, I was fascinated by how different legal systems interact, particularly when individuals or businesses require documents to be recognized across borders. Working with translations and international contracts has shown me the importance of having proper legal frameworks in place to protect rights globally.
This interest culminated in my doctoral research, where I defended my dissertation on “Legal Regulation of Notarial Activities in Legal Relations with a Foreign Element.” I wanted my work to not only serve academic purposes but also to be applied in practice, ensuring legal certainty in international documentation.
Grit Daily: What Do You Consider Your Greatest Professional Achievements?
I take pride in the synergy between my academic and professional paths. Earning my Ph.D. in Law in 2023 was a milestone, but equally important was establishing my notarial practice in Ukraine and later founding Gina Averina Document Services in California.
I am honored to be a member of the Ukrainian Academy of Notaries and to serve as its official representative in the United States. This role enables me to strengthen professional ties between the two countries. Additionally, obtaining international certifications in financial and management law through the Institute of Certified Financial Managers broadened my perspective and allowed me to approach legal challenges from multiple angles.
For me, the actual achievement lies in building bridges that facilitate cooperation across borders.
Grit Daily: What Challenges Have You Faced in Your Career, and How Did They Shape You?
One of the most significant challenges was the forced relocation from Ukraine, following the successful establishment of a practice in Kyiv. Moving to California meant starting from scratch, adapting to new legal frameworks, and proving myself all over again.
Becoming a Notary Public, Legal Document Assistant, and Immigration Consultant in the U.S. required persistence and resilience. It was not only a legal transition but also a profoundly personal journey of reinvention. At the same time, maintaining my academic work and representing the Ukrainian Academy of Notaries allowed me to stay connected to my roots.
These experiences taught me to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to welcome change as a means to innovation.
Grit Daily: Can You Tell Us About Your Current Work in California?
Today, I live and work in California, where I balance academic research with professional services. Through Gina Averina Document Services, I assist individuals and businesses with notarial services, apostilles, translations, and cross-border legal support.
I also remain actively involved in academia, publishing research and presenting at international conferences. As the official representative of the Ukrainian Academy of Notaries in the U.S., I work on building partnerships and strengthening collaboration between legal communities in Ukraine and the United States.
Grit Daily: Looking Ahead, What Are Your Future Aspirations?
My vision is to continue combining science, practice, and international cooperation. Professionally, I plan to expand Gina Averina Document Services, making it a trusted platform for navigating international documentation. Academically, I aim to deepen my research in cross-border notarial regulation and publish findings to support both U.S. and Ukrainian legal professionals.
In the medium term, I hope to join the American Bar Association and develop educational initiatives, such as online courses and training programs, to make specialized knowledge accessible worldwide.
Ultimately, I envision founding an International Law and Notarial Studies Center, which would serve as a hub for research, teaching, and global collaboration.
Grit Daily: What Philosophy Guides Your Work and Life?
At this stage, I see myself as both a scholar and practitioner dedicated to connecting people and knowledge across borders. For me, law is not just about documents; it is about trust, protection, and ensuring that people feel secure during pivotal moments in their lives.
I aspire to continue contributing to international cooperation while inspiring the next generation of legal professionals to think globally and act with integrity.
