Center for Law and Global Affairs

Halyna Chyzhyk

Halyna Chyzhyk is a Ukrainian legal researcher and civil society advocate working at the intersection of rule of law, anti-corruption reform, and the protection of cultural heritage. She has led high-impact advocacy campaigns aimed at strengthening judicial accountability and contributed to landmark legislative changes that introduced integrity vetting for judges and judicial governance bodies in Ukraine.

Ms. Chyzhyk holds an LL.M. from Yaroslav the Wise National Law University. She has worked extensively with both governmental and non-governmental institutions in Ukraine and Moldova, providing expert advice on rule of law reform and judicial governance. In 2022, her focus shifted toward advancing accountability for international crimes, particularly those committed during the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Her current research explores the destruction of cultural heritage as a method of genocide. She is the founder of a civic initiative advocating for justice for crimes against cultural heritage and has published on judicial reform and cultural genocide in Ukraine.

Kristen Leanderson Abrams

Kristen Leanderson Abrams is an international human rights lawyer and advocate with deep expertise in combatting forced labor and human trafficking. She served as Chief Program Officer at the McCain Institute where she oversaw programs on human rights, democracy, and leadership. Prior to that role, Abrams directed the Institute’s Combatting Human Trafficking Program, leading strategic initiatives to secure justice for survivors, strengthen global response networks, and harness data and technology to disrupt exploitation.

Abrams began her legal career at DLA Piper, where she provided counsel on matters of public international law, political law, and corporate social responsibility. She also later led international pro bono programs, advancing rule of law, economic development, access to justice, and women’s rights across Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the United States.

She now provides strategic guidance to numerous nonprofits and UN agencies through her own consultancy. She is also a Senior Advisor to EverFree and serves on several nonprofit boards, including Survivor Alliance and JUST TRYAN IT.

Abrams earned her juris doctor degree cum laude from The George Washington University Law School and her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University.