Philosophy - ENGARDE

Brand concept

ENGARDE takes its name from the fencing command en garde — the call to take position, stay alert, and be ready to act. In French, en garde means “protection of interests”, “defend oneself”, “fight!” In fencing, as in law, success belongs to those who combine precision with the ability to adapt quickly to fast-changing circumstances. We apply the same principles in practising law.

Values

Our core values are to protect and advance our clients’ interests — grounded in trust and the ethics of the legal profession. We have developed an integrated, systemic approach to professionalism and responsibility. Our team is fully committed to these values, and corporate social responsibility is a central element of our firm’s strategy.

Integrated system approach

ENGARDE’s lawyers conduct an in-depth analysis of each situation — studying the nature and specifics of our clients’ business and management models to understand their needs precisely. We review every challenge from all relevant perspectives to determine the best path forward. Once a strategy is established, we assign the right resources from the relevant practice areas and bring to bear a fully integrated team of specialists — real experts in their fields, working together on behalf of our clients.

Professionalism

Our partners, counsels, and associates are recognised internationally as experts in their chosen practice areas, including business law and dispute resolution. But professionalism, for us, means more than expertise alone. It goes beyond developing and delivering effective strategies. It is the energy, commitment, and dedication our team brings to every client matter — every time.

Responsibility

We understand our responsibilities on both a corporate and a human level. We comply fully with our legal obligations to clients, business partners, and employees — and we take seriously our responsibilities to the broader society in which we operate. The quality of our legal services and the outcomes we achieve for clients are the essential measures by which we judge our own success.

Honesty

Our understanding of honesty goes beyond financial integrity. Honesty means rigorously evaluating a client’s position and being truthful about the likely outcome. It means examining the real impact of a result and helping clients plan for it. And it means recognising that the only promise worth making is one that will be kept.

Corporate development

We continuously invest in the personal and professional development of our lawyers, administrators, and everyone who works in and for our firm. In doing so, we have built a committed team of dedicated professionals who contribute to the firm’s growth and to the quality of service we deliver to every client.

Corporate social responsibility

The rule of law in Ukraine is not yet as entrenched as it should be — and as lawyers, we are acutely aware of that. Our lawyers are committed to supporting and strengthening the rule of law wherever they can. This commitment is an essential part of our firm’s culture.

We never lose sight of the fact that, as lawyers, we are in a privileged position to help others. ENGARDE regularly provides pro bono legal advice and supports individuals and organisations in need. Through pro bono work, we deliver legal services and counsel to socially vulnerable groups. Corporate social responsibility is not an afterthought at ENGARDE — it is a core principle and a defining part of who we are.