ATTORNEY AT LAW ANNA POPOVA LL.M.: LAW AS A CALLING

Extensive experience, a deep understanding of different cultures, the intellect to navigate complex and often contradictory legal matters and the persistence to build a successful career on two continents: these are the qualities that underpin ATTORNEY AT LAW ANNA POPOVA'S remarkable professional biography. Over nearly 20 years, through leading her own law firm in Bulgaria and, more recently, working with Asa Hutchinson Law Group in the United States, Anna Popova has gained impressive experience in high-profile criminal cases, immigration law and human rights protection, as well as international law. She has successfully represented clients before EU courts and institutions, while her US-based consulting company, ANPO Consulting LL.C.,focuses on consultancy work in relation to specific legal and immigration matters in the US and Europe, in collaboration with leading specialists, and on the rights of clients with dual citizenship in matters related to Bulgaria and the EU, including cases involving children.

Anna Popova's professional achievements and interests naturally merge with her active public work. She is the founder and team leader of the international OSMTH initiative "Woman for Women OSMTH", and a delegate of OSMTH to the UN in its Geneva mission.

What is the most important professional and personal lesson you have learned during your long career as a lawyer?

The lessons are many and daily, both personally and professionally, as they are interconnected and go hand in hand. My main lesson in both areas is that perseverance, daily work on yourself as a person and as a professional, and belief in a positive outcome lead to success. In a dynamic and modern world, being informed, having the ability to make decisions, building sound professional strategies and of course standing by your principles are at the core of our profession. Belief in oneself is equally important. Human potential is limitless, as long as we have faith in it. I prove this to myself every day.

What attracted you to international law?

By circumstance, my life has become connected with foreign-language cultures and systems across different continents, and the law and its application form part of our daily lives. From my university years, I began to reflect on issues that are common to people living in different countries but are regulated differently depending on the state in which they reside.

Over time, increasing attention was given to the practice of the European courts and to openly raising questions concerning human rights, international regulations and legal frameworks, and their application in Bulgaria and across Europe. I subsequently completed an LL.M. degree in residence in the US, which shaped my professional development.

Various global issues that fall within the scope of international law and relations are also reflected in both our lives and our work. In brief, this is how my path in this field began, a field that attracted me with its many opportunities for development and their application in different cases across Europe and the US.

Why did you decide to dedicate yourself to the mission of OSMTH?

In my view, one of the things a person should do is contribute to the development of the society in which they live. When more people combine their efforts, the results are evident. OSMTH is a path. Its uniqueness lies in the international element – more than 40 country-members and consultative status with ECOSOC at the UN, where I am a delegate of the Organisation. My position as Advocate General of the organisation is again connected to the international element, which requires knowledge of different systems and national psychology. One of OSMTH's main international initiatives, which I lead, is the Woman for Women Initiative OSMTH, aimed at preventing violence against women in all its forms, promoting gender equality and combating human trafficking of women. The initiative involves more than 16 countries with OSMTH priorities, which have remarkable and strong women. I cannot fail to mention the notable results in North Macedonia, Argentina, Portugal, Romania and the United States. On 19 March, we will participate in CSW 70 at the United Nations in New York. In this context, I would emphasise that non-governmental organisations act as the so-called "red light" of civil society.

One of your missions is to build bridges between the United States and Europe. How does this work in practice? What are your current projects in this area?

This mission is a natural result of my professional and personal development to date. In practice, I divide my life between the US and Bulgaria, and I can confidently call both countries my home. I am grateful for the opportunity given to me by Chicago-Kent College of Law, where I received a scholarship for my LL.M. in American National and Transnational Law, as well as my alma mater New Bulgarian University in Bulgaria, which sparked my love for the law. In Bulgaria I am a practising lawyer, and in the US, I am a licensed Foreign Legal Consultant in the International Section of the Florida Bar. This allows me to work on both continents. I see the need for such a bridge in society, given the interest from American citizens and businesses with questions related to Europe and Bulgaria, or cases in the US arising in relation to Bulgarian citizens, as well as cases involving dual nationals who are in Bulgaria and Europe, and vice versa. The systems are different and the interpretation of evidence is my role. The cases are many – different people and destinies affected by both legal systems.

What is the main activity of your American business, ANPO Consulting LL.C.?

Our work is focused on providing consultancy services related to legal matters and collaborating with leading law firms in the US and Europe. I am proud to note that I am part of the team at Asa Hutchinson Law Group, founded by Governor Asa Hutchinson II. I also work with other leading names on the international stage.

ANPO Consulting is based in the US, its services are aimed at clients who need case assessment, strategy development according to their needs, formation of a legal team in the US or Europe, an individual approach and monitoring of the process until the case is resolved.

The case handled by the law firm Anna Popova that you will never forget?

Every case is a human story and is important to me. One of the high profile cases I will never forget is the the unlawfully prolonged detention of a businessman famed in Bulgaria and abroad, and the subsequent ruling of the European Court of Human Rights against Bulgaria, which is included in the court's textbooks and manuals, and is cited in lectures for law students. This case gave rise to a number of further proceedings, which concluded with judicial decisions establishing new practice in Bulgarian jurisprudence.

The case received extensive media coverage worldwide.

How is your work regarded by the professional and general community?

With gratitude, I would mention some of my awards. I am the recipient of the prestigious "Justice Abroad" award at the National Justice Awards. I have previously been nominated in the category "Woman Lawyer of the Year" as well. I am also a recipient of the Grand Cross of OSMTH and the Red Cross of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul for my overall contribution to supporting the Bulgarian churches in Istanbul, an initiative of the Archimandrite of the Throne, Mr. Nichev. But the greatest award for me is the blessing of His All-Holiness Bartholomew I and the gratitude in the eyes of my clients.

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