Vyacheslav Yuryevich, a monument to Mikhail Speransky will be inaugurated in Vladimir at the end of 2024. What was the reason for this decision?
Vyacheslav Kartukhin: The name of Mikhail Speransky is associated, first of all, with the Vladimir region, because here, in the village of Cherkutino, he was born into the family of a priest. And we are making great efforts so that Speransky’s homeland does not forget him. We started by installing a sign at the entrance to the village: this was the birthplace of the great Mikhail Mikhailovich Speransky. Every person passing by sees the corresponding signs and makes an effort to study what Speransky was doing. We also opened an archive museum in honor of the great legislator and jurist. Excursions and student meetings are held there. For many years we have been awarding the Speransky Prize in Vladimir, together with the Russian Bar Association. Its owners were famous statesmen and lawyers of our country. Consequently, it would be correct to erect a monument in the homeland of Mikhail Mikhailovich. It will also symbolize the contribution of lawyers to the development of the State.
Who is the author of the monument?
Vyacheslav Kartukhin: Sculptor Alexey Stepanenko was also the author of the monument to Anatoly Fedorovich Koni in St. Petersburg, which was erected during the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum on the square near the Russian National Library.
Has the installation location already been determined?
Vyacheslav Kartukhin: It will be a big monument. Its height is about seven meters. It will be installed in an important place for the residents of Vladimir – Victory Square. The building of the Vladimir Regional Court is located on this square. Therefore, this is the place where thousands of residents of our city and region come to attend major events dedicated to the celebration of the Great Victory and other important dates. The regional court symbolizes Speransky’s contribution to the reform of the judicial system.
Please share your impressions of the St. Petersburg Legal Forum: what is its significance for the legal community?
Vyacheslav Kartukhin: First of all, the forum is being held at a very difficult time for the country, when the system of international law is being seriously tested. This is a turbulent period for international law. And, of course, our task is to discuss the accumulated problems and develop approaches that we will strive for in the future.
In addition to international issues, the forum also discusses issues on the domestic agenda of our country, including various aspects of civil, criminal and governmental relations. Another important issue raised at SPBILF was the quality of legal education and the training of future lawyers.
What parting words would you give to future lawyers who are just starting out at university?
Vyacheslav Kartukhin: I myself started as a young lawyer and I want to say that my activity as a student led me to achieve a lot in the profession. I would recommend that students take advantage of all the opportunities offered by the Russian Bar Association. While studying, it is necessary to prove yourself in social activities and participate in providing free legal assistance to citizens. After all, this is, of course, a huge investment in your future, acquiring the ability to communicate with an audience and an investment in competitiveness in the legal services market. I have never regretted becoming a lawyer. This is a profession that allows you to be strong and protect others, work in the interests of the state. And most importantly, the legal profession provides a very high level of legal awareness and understanding of the processes that take place. I would like to note that Russian lawyers have always had a high level of legal culture. And the desire for justice, in my opinion, distinguishes the lawyers of our country from many others. Because we act in an open and transparent way.
