Yaroslav, in one of first actions as a grand prince, confers numerous freedoms and privileges on the loyal Novgorodians, who had helped him to gain the Kievan throne).

Thus, the foundation of the Novgorodian republic is laid.

For their part, the Novgorodians respect Yaroslav more than they did other Kievan princes; and the princely residence in their city, next to the marketplace (and where the veche often convene) wis named Yaroslavovo Dvorishche ("Yaroslav's Court") after him.

It probably is during this period that Yaroslav promulgated the first code of laws in the East Slavic lands, "Yaroslav's Justice" (now better known as Ruskaia Pravda, "Rus Truth [Law]").