SETU law student, Kateryna Hrechana, has been named third-place winner in the 2026 Chief State Solicitor’s Office Student Law Essay Competition, recognising her work on EU constitutional law and its impact on Irish legal development.
The second-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) student, Kateryna Hrechana, took part in the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO) third annual competition in May 2026, submitting work focused on the application of EU constitutional principles within the Irish legal system alongside her studies.
The competition invited undergraduate law students from across Ireland to respond to the essay question: ‘As Ireland takes up the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, please describe the impact of the EU Constitutional order in shaping law in Ireland.’
Speaking about the experience, Kateryna said the competition provided an opportunity to deepen her understanding of how European legal principles operate in practice and their continuing influence on Irish law.
“This stage of my education has supported my understanding of EU constitutional law and its influence on the Irish legal system. Working on the essay allowed me to explore how European legal principles are applied in practice and how they shape national law. The experience also recognised the effort I have put into my studies at SETU and provided an opportunity to represent my campus at a national level. It further helped me develop my legal writing and analytical skills.”
Kateryna Hrechana, SETU Student
The winners were announced at a ceremony held at the CSSO’s headquarters in Smithfield Hall, where students met Chief State Solicitor Maria Browne and senior legal professionals from the Office.
The Chief State Solicitor’s Office commended the high standard of submissions, highlighting the strong engagement with EU constitutional law across Ireland’s third-level institutions at a significant time, as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Kateryna expressed her honour at achieving third place, noting the value of engaging with a significant area of law at an early stage in her academic journey.
SETU congratulates Kateryna on her achievement, which reflects both academic excellence and early national recognition in a highly competitive legal field.
