The article is devoted to the life and creative path of Mykola Ivanovich Palienko – a famous Ukrainian lawyer of the late XIX - early XX century. His legal positions on topical issues of legal science, in particular, on sovereignty, federalism, the rule of law, and administrative justice, are highlighted. The multifaceted scientific potential of M. I. Palienko is an integral and important component of the history of Ukrainian jurisprudence. Outlined relevant scientific biography of academician M. І. Palienko and some of his legal position which are the most significant for the first scientific decline that is relevant for the year. The article is based on archival materials and the recent research on the life and scientific work of the academician. It contains historiographical essays, starting with small explorations dedicated to specific directions of scientific research of M. I. Palienko and ending with special dissertation research devoted to his views. The article refers to the most complete bibliography of the scientist's works to date, as well as a small historiographical essay. The evolution of scientific views of M.I/ Palienko on the qualification works of a scientist is traced. This is, first of all, a master's thesis "Sovereignty. Historical development of the idea of sovereignty and its legal significance” (Yaroslavl, 1903) and doctoral dissertation “The doctrine of the essence of law and legal connection of the state” (Kharkiv, 1908). The main problems that made the centerpiece of his teaching are briefly covered, and still remain relevant to Ukraine – state sovereignty, decentralization and its forms, federalism, the rule of law, the connectedness of state and power with law, the normative nature of the latter. The less known, but no less relevant, experiences of Mykola Ivanovych Palienko in the field of administrative justice are also considered. These are the early works of a scientist, published in "Universitetskiye Izvestiya" as a trial lecture of the undergraduate. The directions of solution of contemporary problems and conflicts in administrative procedural legislation in the context of pre-revolutionary researches are offered, and also the actual directions for scientific researches in this field are determined.