Quinn London partner gets Ukrainian state award for pro bono work

Julianne Hughes-Jennett, a London partner at Quinn Emanuel, has been awarded the Order of Merit by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, recognising her pro bono work advising Ukraine in its interstate case against Russia before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

In July 2025, the ECHR ruled in favour of Ukraine and found Russia responsible for multiple human rights breaches. Quinn Emanuel continues to advise on the next phase of the proceedings, which concerns damages.

Hughes-Jennett joined Quinn Emanuel in 2019 as a lateral partner from Hogan Lovells. Her diverse practice spans complex commercial litigation, international arbitration and business and human rights disputes.

The award

The Ukrainian Ministry of Justice said the award, originally created in 1996, is “in recognition of your significant personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation and supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine”.

The two KCs instructed by Quinn Emanuel on the case, Tim Otty of Blackstone Chambers and Lord Guglielmo Verdirame of Twenty Essex, were also awarded the same honour.

What they said

Hughes-Jennett said: “This honour is a testament to all the hard work and contributions by lawyers across Quinn Emanuel.” She added: “Thank you to all of those who continue to support us and Ukraine in these efforts towards accountability for Russia’s war of aggression.”

She personally thanked London associates Marjun Parcasio, Graham Evans, and Ben Evans, as well as Lauren Danckwerts (Sydney) and former associate, James Campbell (NY/Sydney).