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The practice
A lawyer trained in European law
Strasbourg, home of the European institutions, is the common thread of my career: fifteen years working for fundamental rights, before opening my own law practice in 2025.
Lawyer (avocate) at the Strasbourg Bar
Marina Makarova
A French and Russian national, I studied law at Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University, then in Strasbourg, where I obtained two Master’s degrees (Master 2): one in family law, and one in the protection of human rights in Europe.
I then worked for four years as an assistant lawyer at the European Court of Human Rights, followed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and organisations defending fundamental rights. I have represented applicants before the European Court and before the United Nations Human Rights Committee, and pleaded before the Grand Chamber of the Court.
A member of the Strasbourg Bar since June 2025, I practise on my own. I personally handle each case, from the first conversation to its conclusion.
"The law is first and foremost about people: understanding your situation, then finding the safest way to assert your rights."
Method
How I work
Listening
Taking the time to understand your story, your priorities and your constraints before proposing a strategy.
Clarity
Explaining the procedure, deadlines, risks and cost in plain terms, in the language of your choice.
Rigour
A precise analysis of the legislation and case law, French and European alike, for every document drafted.
Availability
A single point of contact, reachable by telephone, e-mail and secure messaging.
Background
Professional experience
From the European Court of Human Rights to the Strasbourg Bar.
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Since June 2025
Lawyer at the Strasbourg Bar
Advice and representation in family law, criminal law, European law and immigration law.
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2023-2024
Legal officer, International Protection Centre
Representing applicants before the European Court of Human Rights and the UN Human Rights Committee.
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2021-2022
Advocacy officer, CURE
Campaign to Uphold Rights in Europe: relations with the Permanent Representations of member States and the departments of the Council of Europe, training on the European Convention.
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2019-2021
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
Co-Secretary of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights: introductory memoranda, draft reports, hearings and conferences.
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2017-2019
Legal officer, International Protection Centre
Representing applicants before the European Court of Human Rights.
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2016-2017
Legal officer in a law firm, Strasbourg
Family law, criminal law, applications to the European Court and follow-up of the execution of its judgments.
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2014-2015
Representative of applicants before the European Court
Drafting and following up applications, oral submissions before the Grand Chamber (Khoroshenko v. Russia, no. 41418/04).
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2009-2012
Assistant lawyer, European Court of Human Rights
Examining the admissibility of applications, drafting decisions and notes, preparing Chamber cases.
Education
Degrees
- Master 2 in Family LawUniversité Robert Schuman, Strasbourg
- Master 2 in the Protection of Human Rights in EuropeInstitute for Advanced European Studies (IHEE), Université Robert Schuman, Strasbourg
- Law degreeYaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University (Russia)
Languages
Working languages
- FrançaisFrench, everyday working language
- РусскийRussian, native language
- EnglishProfessional English