Live blog: War in Ukraine

(Our infographic of firm responses is being updated daily here) 

1 June

Hogan Lovells’ Moscow lawyers launch new independent firm

Hogan Lovells has finally ceased its Moscow operation, leaving three lawyers to launch a new independent law firm.

The spin-off firm, called ‘LEVEL Legal Services’, is led by Hogan Lovells’ former CIS disputes head and partner Alexei Dudko, plus M&A counsel Leonid Ervits and disputes counsel Denis Almakaev.

“We are reaching out to relevant clients of the Moscow office to confirm whether they would like to transition some of their current work to the new firm, in line with our legal, regulatory and professional obligations,” the firm said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Hogan Lovells is relocating a small team led by Moscow office’s former managing partner Natalia Gulyaeva to Düsseldorf, where they will continue advising the firm’s clients on intellectual property, media and technology matters.

Several members of the Hogan Lovells’ Moscow team are also to set relocate the firm’s other locations. However, the firm noted that it anticipates “some redundancies as a result of the changes”, with not all Moscow staff members relocating or moving to the new firm.

12 May

9:00 How Quinn developed its relationship with Ukraine

As Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan acts for Ukraine in a claim against Russia, The Lawyer has delved deeper into how the firm has built its relationship with the country’s key ministries and state-owned banks.

A recent episode of a podcast hosted by Quinn Emanuel founder John B Quinn called ‘Law, disrupted’ revealed that the litigation powerhouse began building relationships via marketing trips from as early as 2013.

Taking the initiative was Alex Gerbi, now co-managing partner of Quinn’s London office and one of the lawyers representing Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice pro bono in interstate proceedings against Russia for its breaches of human rights laws arising out of the invasion and ongoing war.

According to Gerbi, relationships with key government ministries stemmed from Quinn Emanuel’s work with Ukraine state-owned bank Oschadbank following Russia’s invasion and annexation of Crimea in early 2014.

Gerbi brought one of the first and largest bilateral investment treaty claims against Russia over the bank’s lost investments in Crimea following the annexation.

The international arbitration resulted in Oschadbank being awarded $1.3bn in compensation in 2018, only for it to be overturned by Russia in the Paris Court of Appeal last year. The matter continues, with parties set to appear before France’s Court of Cassation.

In London, Quinn Emanuel continues to defend Ukraine against Russia in the rumbling Eurobond dispute, which has drawn in lawyers from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton and Norton Rose Fulbright.

That matter centres around Ukraine’s default of $3bn worth of Eurobonds purchased by Russia in 2013. At last year’s Supreme Court hearing, lawyers for Ukraine reiterated arguments that such bonds were issued under duress following Russia’s campaign of economic, political and military aggression. Parties are awaiting judgment.

Quinn’s latest involvement with Ukraine, announced shortly after Russia’s invasion, sees Gerbi and partner Julianne Hughes-Jennett joined by barristers from Blackstone Chambers, led by Timothy Otty QC, and Twenty Essex, led by Guglielmo Verdirame QC.

The lawyers are instructed directly by the Ukraine’s ministry of justice, including minister of justice Denys Leontiyovych Maliuska, among other key personnel.

9 May

9:00 US firms begin relocations from Moscow offices

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is among the firms to have relocated some of its lawyers from its Moscow office, following the firm’s decision to shut down operations.

Corporate and finance partners Yulia Solomakhina, Scott Senecal and Mikhail Suvorov will now work from Cleary’s Abu Dhabi office, bringing its partner headcount there up to six.

The three partners previously worked alongside nine associates and one senior counsel at Cleary’s Moscow office. The Lawyer understands the relocation process is ongoing.

A spokesperson said: “Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has closed its Moscow office, after having ceased its operations there earlier this year. The firm continues to watch the events unfolding in Ukraine with shock and dismay, and our thoughts and support remain with everyone who has been affected by this tragedy.”

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld meanwhile has also relocated many of its lawyers. Abu Dhabi is again the office of choice. The Lawyer understands that seven lawyers from Moscow have relocated there, with one in London.

At the time of its exiting announcement, Akin Gump counted 14 lawyers in Moscow.

Akin Gump and Cleary’s relocations compare with Baker Botts, which is understood not to have relocated any of its Moscow cohort.

It is understood the group may go on to set up their own firm, in a similar way to those at Clifford Chance and Eversheds Sutherland. Clifford Chance’s legal contingent have launched Bortkevicha & Partners, led by managing partner Vika Bortkevicha, while a few other partners have relocated to jurisdictions such as Dusseldorf. Lawyers previously working in Eversheds Sutherland’s Russia offices have set up a new operation, known as Birch Legal.

A group of lawyers from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner have further gone on to launch Alumni Partners. In a statement, BCLP said: “We greatly appreciate their dedication and service over the years, as well as their continued collegiality during the transition period. We wish ALUMNI Partners all the best in their new endeavor.”

29 April

10:45 Clifford Chance expects redundancies amid Moscow wind down

Clifford Chance’s Moscow office has separated from the firm and become its own entity, following swiftly on from Eversheds Sutherland’s similar announcement earlier in the week.

The new firm will launch as Bortkevicha & Partners and be led by managing partner Vika Bortkevicha. The new firm is expected to be running from 1 May.

A handful of Clifford Chance lawyers, including partner Torsten Syrbe, will relocate to Dusseldorf with the firm saying that more lawyers and from the Moscow office will find new homes across the firm’s European network. Further relocations for other Moscow staff are also expected.

However, the firm has said that a “small number of the existing Moscow team will be made redundant as a result of these changes”.

25 April

12:15 Eversheds’ Russia lawyers transfer over to new firm

Lawyers previously working in Eversheds Sutherland’s Russia offices have launched a new operation, after the firm announced its exit from the country.

The firm will be known as Birch Legal, with all lawyers and support staff transferring.

Eversheds had around 40 lawyers in Russia. Birch Legal will become Eversheds’ relationship firm in the country following the transition.

Corporate partner Mikhail Timonov will lead Birch Legal, supported by litigator Yury Pugach. Victoria Goldman had been in charge of Eversheds’ Russia offices; she passed away last month.

In a statement, Eversheds said: “We wish the circumstances leading to the creation of Birch Legal were different, nonetheless we wish our friends and former colleagues in Russia well for their new endeavour.”

Eversheds said it would exit Russia on 9 March. It launched in Russia five years ago when it acquired Hannes Snellman’s entire operation in the country, which included bases in Moscow and St Petersburg.

21 April

12:20 Clifford Chance sets aside $1m for Ukraine humanitarian aid

Clifford Chance has said it will commit $1m to be spent on humanitarian relief for Ukraine over the next 12 months.

Cash will be allocated directly via a global match funding programme launched by the magic circle firm to various humanitarian organisations, including the international UN Refugee Agency and several refugee support NGOs across Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic.

The funding announcement joins pro bono, fund raising and volunteering efforts across the Clifford Chance’s European offices, particularly in Bucharest, Warsaw, Prague, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.

20 April

11:20 Firms respond to US Congressman’s letter calling for travel bans on “foreign enablers of Russian oligarchs”

CMS has said it “strongly rejects the allegations of impropriety” made against it by US Congressman Steve Cohen. A letter, published on Cohen’s Twitter and sent to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, calls for travel bans on “foreign enablers of Russian oligarchs” who “hire lawyers to engage in abusive lawsuits against journalists to silence them.”

Putin’s oligarchs hire Western enablers to do their bidding, including suing journalists into silence. To deter people from working for these corrupt oligarchs, the United States should place travel bans on them. That’s what I’m urging @SecBlinken to do. pic.twitter.com/gbLOx7tYGb

— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) April 18, 2022

In response to Cohen’s letter, a CMS spokesperson said: “We strongly reject the allegations of impropriety that have been made against CMS, and in particular Geraldine Proudler.

“We have reviewed the steps taken in our media litigation practice and are confident that these were compliant with all professional regulations as well as our wider responsibilities at the time. Congressman Cohen says he seeks to sanction lawyers who are currently performing work for Russian clients, but as we have said since the invasion of Ukraine, CMS is no longer accepting new instructions from Russian based entities or from any individuals with connections to the Russian government.”

Last month, the firm closed its offices in Kyiv and Moscow as a result of the Russian invasion.

Schillings is also mentioned in the letter and said it is not acting for any sanctioned entities, Russian or otherwise, and that it also hopes “that sanctions will foreshorten the Russian regime’s horrendous war in Ukraine”.

Shlomo Rechtschaffen, who founded London-based Rechtschaffen Law, added: “It is an illegitimate attempt to stop lawyers who are doing their job and working within the law. I did not act for any oligarch or enabler.” In his letter, Cohen claims Rechtschaffen has acted for Walter Soriano, “an enabler of Oleg Deripaska, Roman Abramovich and Dmitry Rybolovlev”.

A statement provided to The Lawyer on behalf of Hugh Tomlinson QC of Matrix Chambers further said: “Regulatory rules for lawyers are very strict and work to ensure equal entitlement to independent legal advice. Mr Tomlinson acted properly and in accordance with those rules throughout and has never acted as Mr Cohen suggests. There is therefore no proper basis for Mr Cohen’s request.”

Tomlinson is mentioned in Cohen’s letter having acted for Abramovich, Mikhail Fridman and Petr Aven in their defamation case against HarperCollins and Catherine Belton, author of Putin’s People. 

A spokesperson for Harbottle & Lewis, which acted for Abramovich in the same case, said: “The firm has acted at all time in accordance with its professional and legal obligations, and takes these matters very seriously. The firm has not engaged in an abusive lawsuit as alleged, and there was no such suggestion made when the proceedings were considered by a High Court Judge who reviewed the book and ruled that it contained a number of defamatory allegations. Harbottle & Lewis does not and will not act for any sanctioned individuals and nor will it act for any members of the Putin regime or for any person or organisation known to be associated with it. As such there is no basis for any such steps to be taken.”

Carter Ruck, mentioned by Cohen in relation to its work for Rosneft, said: “The claims made against Carter-Ruck are misconceived and are rejected entirely. In addition to other matters, we are not working for any Russian individuals, companies or entities seeking to challenge, overturn, frustrate or minimise sanctions. We have never acted for Russian individuals, companies or entities seeking to challenge sanctions. We condemn the Russian government’s decision to invade Ukraine. We are not acting for, and will not be acting for, any individual, company or entity associated with the Putin regime in any matter or context, whether sanctions-related or otherwise, and will continue to conduct all “know your client” checks in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, as we have always done.”

19 April

12:55 White & Case to sponsor Ukrainian legal scholars at Polish universities

White & Case has joined Linklaters and Weil Gotshal & Manges in contributing towards the Warsaw-based Legal Solidarity Fund.

The fund was initiated by Adam Bodnar, the dean of the Law School of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw, and retired Weil partner Anna Frankowska. Each contribution is valued at PLN 100,000 (£18,184.71).

The goal of the fund is to sponsor an academic from a Ukrainian law school at a Polish university. The fund is expected to include social security and tax payments.

Frankowska previously told The Lawyer that the target of the fund is to sponsor 25 fellowships, and each scholarship will be named after the law firm that grants them.

8 April

15:30 Jones Day starts traineeship for Ukrainian law students

Jones Day has launched a programme for law students from Ukraine who have been displaced as a result of Russian aggression. The firm’s German offices in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich are recruiting temporary roles for students enrolled in a Ukrainian law school and graduates who finished within three years.

Candidates may also work remotely, and the firm offers part-time and full-time roles. Candidates are also expected to be fluent in English.

6 April

13:45 

Simmons & Simmons disputes partner Ed Crosse has posted on LinkedIn that he has welcomed a Ukrainian family into his home, sharing a “starter fund” to support their first experience of living in Bristol.

Case adjourned as City lawyers relay “substantial difficulties” in advising Ukrainian clients 

A recent adjournment in a case involving both Ukrainian businesses and individuals has brought to light the major difficulties facing English lawyers and their clients.

The trial brought by Ukrainian bank PrivatBank against two Ukrainian oligarchs and five corporate defendants with Ukrainian directors, was set to commence on 7 June. However, issues such as fear for defendants’ personal safety, inability to contact Ukrainian law experts, conscription, travel restrictions and defendants’ lack of access to funds were all named as reasons why it should be delayed.

Mr Justice Trower granted adjournment until June 2023 due to the “unexpected, and in some respects chaotic” effects of the Russian invasion on defendants’ and their English lawyers’ ability to prepare for trial, which were detailed in the judgment.

In a series of three witness statements, Fieldfisher partner Andrew Lafferty named some of the difficulties he had trying to prepare his client, billionaire Igor Kolomoisky. Kolomoisky’s significant concerns for his personal safety were said to have prevented him from revealing his exact location to Lafferty and contacting Fieldfisher regularly.

Furthermore, Lafferty said that his contact with Ukrainian law experts, which was crucial to the case, had all but ceased. The principal firm wrote to Fieldfisher on 26 February stating: “There is a war in our country. In the current circumstances our firm’s office has been disbanded for an indefinite time. All employees are busy with high priority tasks related to ensuring safety of their families and relatives.”

Later on, the Ukrainian firm had described frequent air-raids making it impossible for their lawyers to work, while many were also focusing on trying to get their families out of the country or supporting their country through volunteering or territorial defence. In what Trower J called a “graphic account”, Enyo Law’s George Maling also detailed some of the issues facing correspondence with his client, defendant Gennadiy Bogolyubov. Like Kolomoisky, Bogolyubov said he was worried for his personal safety, leading to a reluctance to use his cellular network. The judgment also noted how he found the Russian invasion “very distressing”.

Consequently, Maling expressed the belief that Bogolyubov did not have the “bandwidth” to give instructions on any matters of detail in the case. He added that Bogolyubov had asked him to relay the following message to court: “I would ask the judge to take into consideration whether in such a time it is better for me to be spending my time and energy with lawyers preparing for a hearing that may not happen; or to assist my people prepared to defend their country?”

Stuart McNeill for Pinsent Masons raised another issue facing his firm’s ability to support the five corporate defendants, expressing a temporary prohibition on cross-border foreign currency payments that meant his clients had been unable to pay substantial fees. He evidenced they would rise to £2.38m by the end of May and said it was difficult to engage in “badgering” Ukrainian individuals for unpaid legal fees when their country was at war.

All three lawyers spoke of the martial law introduced in Ukraine, requiring all males between 18 and 60 to remain in the country for potential conscription. This had made contact with several of the defendants and key witnesses difficult.

Despite PrivatBank fundamentally disagreeing with the arguments of the defendants, Trower J said that he believed Kolomoisky and Bogolyubov’s fear for their personal safety was justified and that he cannot conclude “with any degree of certainty” that the argument about funding is contrived.

Granting the adjournment, he warned that “the English court should tread very carefully before concluding that devoting substantial time to litigation here in England should take priority over the wishes of Ukrainian citizens to assist the war effort in Ukraine.”

Reporting by Erin Lister

 

4 April

31 March

14:30 Greenberg puts secondment scheme in place with Ukrainian firm

Greenberg Traurig has teamed up with Ukrainian firm Avellum in a new secondment scheme that could see associates placed in the US outfit’s offices in London, Amsterdam and Berlin. Avellum associates would work on a variety of matters for Greenberg, such as M&A, real estate and competition. At present, only female associates have expressed an interest in the scheme given the military burden placed on the nation’s men. They are working remotely for now as visa arrangements are sorted out.

Greenberg’s executive chair Richard Rosenbaum has just returned from two weeks in Warsaw, where the firm has an office. Staff within the firm’s Polish base have taken in a total of 150 Ukrainian refugees so far, with $2m being raised in charitable donations.

Speaking to The Lawyer on the Avellum scheme, Rosenbaum said multiple Greenberg partners had already been working with Avellum. “We’re not trying to be political experts, but we certainly believe that there will be a positive future for Ukraine and those people showing their strength and determination.

“While we’ve never been involved in an office in Ukraine, we have practices across Continental Europe such as real estate, finance and infrastructure; the kind of things they’re going to need as they rebuild over decades. This looked like something we’d want to be involved in. We also saw there were many people at Avellum who were in need of short-term career opportunities, while trying to remain together as a firm under difficult conditions.”

12:50 Linklaters to sponsor Ukrainian legal scholars at Polish universities

Linklaters has joined Weil Gotshal and Manges in contributing towards the Warsaw-based Legal Solidarity Fund.

The fund was initiated by Adam Bodnar, the dean of the Law School of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw, and retired Weil partner Anna Frankowska. Each contribution is valued at PLN 100,000 (£18,184.71).

The goal of the fund is to sponsor an academic from a Ukrainian law school at a Polish university. The fund is expected to include social security and tax payments.

Frankowska told The Lawyer that the target of the fund is to sponsor 25 fellowships, and each scholarship will be named after the law firm that grants them.

11:10 Withers joins Ukraine’s pro bono war crimes task force

Withers is the latest firm to join a newly-formed task force investigating and demanding criminal accountability for war crimes relating to Russian’s invasion of Ukraine.

The firm will work alongside Covington & Burling and Sygna Partners, as well as Doughty Street’s Amal Clooney, Matrix’s Richard Hermer QC, Blackstone’s Tim Otty QC and Twenty Essex’s Philippa Webb. All advice will be provided pro bono.

Withers’ offering is spearheaded by New York-based international arbitration partner Emma Lindsay, who will be leading a 15-strong team of lawyers across the firm’s UK and US offices.

25 March

11:10 Kirkland pauses relationship with PE client over oligarch ties

Kirkland & Ellis has paused its relationship with client Pamplona Capital Management, a private equity house with ties to Russia-linked LetterOne.

LetterOne is a limited partner investor in funds managed by Pamplona, with the former coming under scrutiny as a result of its shareholders, Mikhail Fridman and Petr Aven.

Earlier this month, Fridman and Aven’s shareholdings were frozen indefinitely by LetterOne. The pair, who also chair Alfa Group, cannot receive dividends or any other financial benefit from LetterOne. There were resignations at LetterOne from German Khan, Alexey Kuzmichev and Andrei Kosogov.

The Lawyer understands that Kirkland recently halted its relationship with Pamplona, as a result of its relationship with LetterOne and sanctioned Fridman and Aven.

In August last year, Kirkland advised Pamplona on its acquisition of pest controller Pelsis, while in February 2021 it advised its client on the purchase of Dutch salad manufacturer Signature Foods from funds managed by IK Investment Partners.

Back in 2018, Kirkland further acted on Pamplona’s sale of European pet food manufacturer Partner in Pet Food (PPF) to Cinven.

While Pamplona is counted as a Kirkland client, there are scores of other private equity giants that turn to Kirkland more regularly, including GIC, Thoma Bravo and Blackstone. The story was first reported in the Financial Times.

LetterOne is currently not sanctioned by the UK.

Yesterday, Pamplona said in a statement it would wind down three funds linked to Letter One as a means to protect shield its portfolio, which would be effective on March 25.

Kirkland and Pamplona were contacted for comment.

24 March

17:00: Bakers re-launches Kyiv operations

Baker McKenzie has said in a statement on its LinkedIn page that it is continuing to operate in the Ukrainian capital in the midst of the Russian invasion. The firm is currently operating remotely and has 14 staff members. It closed the physical office a month ago today.

22 March

15.05 Quinn Emanuel instructed by Ukraine in human rights battle

Quinn Emanuel is set to bring interstate proceedings at the Strasbourg Court on behalf of Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice, as the war-torn country accuses Russia of breaching the European Convention on Human Rights through unlawful acts of aggression and invasion.

Leading the fight is Quinn Emanuel partner duo Alex Gerbi and Julianne Hughes Jennett, who are joined by barristers from Blackstone Chambers, led by Timothy Otty QC, and Twenty Essex, led by Guglielmo Verdirame QC. The work is being undertaken pro-bono.

This action follows Covington & Burling’s recent success at The Hague. Acting for Ukraine, it sought a declaration that Russia’s invasion is unlawful, pursuant to the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which both countries have ratified.

Last week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the Russian Federation should suspend its military operations in Ukraine.

22 March

11:40 Weil to sponsor Ukrainian legal scholars at Polish universities

Weil Gotshal & Manges has agreed to contribute towards the Legal Solidarity Fund, a fellowship initiated by Adam Bodnar, the dean of the Law School of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw, and retired Weil partner Anna Frankowska. Bodnar is a former associate at the firm and practised at its offices in Warsaw between 1999 and 2004.

The Legal Solidarity Fund is searching for law firms to finance fellowships for Ukrainian legal academics who have left the country as a result of the ongoing conflict:

Anna Frankowska, a retired partner from Weil’s corporate department and former head of the Warsaw office’s capital markets practice said in a statement on Linkedin:

18 March

16:15 Legal search firm launches pro-bono service to place Ukrainian refugees

Fides Search has initiated a pro-bono service for Ukrainian legal professionals who are looking for work in the UK after fleeing the war-torn country. The firm has clients in the top 20 UK-based law firms and one of the Big Four, the group is looking to give candidates leaving Ukraine work on a short-term basis.

The firm said in a statement on its Linkedin page that it is looking at candidates that have “landed in the UK, or those that intend to move to the UK”.

The Lawyer has learned the firm are looking to align potential candidates “a normal life” with “stability”. The firm are mindful of not wanting to “hurt Ukrainian businesses”, as many potential candidates wish to return to Ukraine when they can and are working with Ukrainian legal professionals. The firm is also asking its clients’ staff to offer housing to those affected by the war.

The Lawyer also understands the firm is also looking at “potentially hiring people with skillsets outside of legal, including finance, compliance, marketing, HR, administrative roles etc.”

10:00 Linklaters‘ former global head of leveraged finance, Adam Freeman, earlier this week said he was welcoming a Ukrainian family into his home. He’s asked on LinkedIn if any Ukrainian speakers could volunteer some of their time to help with language skills.

17 March

16 March

Can you help this refugee aspiring lawyer resume her career?

Natalia Gorina aspired to take the SQE in the UK before the war and is now searching for legal roles.

14:20 Akin Gump has closed for good in Moscow

Akin Gump has closed its office in Moscow, having said a week ago it was temporarily suspending operations in the country. In a statement, it said: “The firm is in the process of closing its Moscow office, and a team of our lawyers will be relocating to other Akin Gump offices.”

11:00 Firms list their pro bono efforts

Freshfields’ Brussels and Berlin offices are looking to provide unused firm apartments for refugees to use for a period of time, The Lawyer has learnt.

The initiative follows a number of pro bono and humanitarian support offered by lawyers across the firm. Freshfields partners have funded the transport costs of two trucks containing relief supplies collected by staff in Germany , which were driven to the Poland-Ukraine border and handed to an NGO ran by a former employee of the firm.

Another truck of medical supplies worth €130,000 was sent to Ukraine following an appeal organised by a Tokyo-based senior associate. More shipments are said to be in the works.

Freshfields has pledged to match staff donations made to charities supporting Ukraine, bringing the total to a significant six figure sum. The firm is also advising international humanitarian NGOs on their response to the Russia’s invasion. Freshfields was the second magic circle firm to announce its departure from Russia, after 30 years of working in Moscow.

Individual partners are also highlighting work they’re doing. Private equity partner James Goold at Taylor Wessing posted on LinkedIn that he is travelling to Przemysl in Poland to deliver 400 sleeping bags and a consignment of medical kits to help some of the thousands of refugees arriving there daily.

Hogan Lovells, which said it was closing its Moscow office last week, said: “We are working with the European Pro Bono Initiative, a collaboration of 30 firms across Europe, to help Ukrainian refugees. In the UK, we have set up a joint pro bono scheme with other law firms to allow volunteer lawyers to provide basic legal information direct to individuals about the UK Ukrainian refugee scheme. The project is being run in conjunction with Ukraine Advice Project UK. In Germany, our people have arranged to fund 500 overnight room stays for refugees.

“We are providing pro bono legal advice to a number of organisations embedded in humanitarian efforts, including eyeWitness to Atrocities, a global NGO which empowers citizens to record evidence of international crimes. We assisted with translation to ensure that the app is available in Ukrainian eyeWitness to Atrocities – Apps on Google Play; Bionabu Ukraine Refugee Virtual Clinic, a telemedicine NGO who are enabling volunteer GPs to provide free virtual consultations for refugees.

“Our Warsaw office is actively supporting refugees entering Poland with financial support, housing, in kind donations, pro bono legal advice, visa applications and pro bono translation services. We are proud that many of our people are welcoming Ukrainian families into their homes, ranging from two up to 11 or 12-person families.
We have established several teams of volunteers responsible for the organisation of urgently needed donations to support Ukrainians on the ground, including first aid kits, sleeping bags, camping beds, blankets, clothing, backpacks. Our Warsaw office is also supporting several local charities through financial and material donations.”

15 March

11.30 Bakers to pull out of Russia 

Baker McKenzie, which has 260 people across its Moscow and St Petersburg offices, is to wind down its operations in Russia. As such, it is the final of the large international firms to have offices in the country, while Akin Gump, Cleary and Skadden all have smaller offerings. These have temporarily been suspended, but not yet officially closed.

Bakers said: “After 33 years operating in the country, Baker McKenzie’s current Russia operations, across both Moscow and St. Petersburg, will become an independent law firm.

“We have made this difficult decision following ongoing consultation with our multinational clients, whose urgent on-the-ground legal needs we are serving, as well as careful consideration of the wellbeing of our many people in the wider region.

“Baker McKenzie was the first global law firm to be registered in Russia, while the country was still part of the Soviet Union. The firm employs more than 260 colleagues, including 130 lawyers, in Russia. We thank, and will continue to support, the many partners, associates, business professionals and others who have worked so hard to build this business. Many have been part of the Baker McKenzie team for decades.

“At the same time, we strongly condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which stands in stark contrast to our values, the values of our clients and those of the wider global business community. We will not act for any individuals or entities that are controlled by, or directly linked to, the Russian state and/or current regime, anywhere in the world. We remain fully focused on the safety of our colleagues in Ukraine and the wider region.”

Bakers opened in Moscow in 1989 and St Petersburg in 1992.

14 March

17.00 Which law firms are closing in Moscow? 

The Lawyer has created an interactive graph charting where law firms’ offices are in the Russian capital, and when or whether they have announced a closure. Scroll and zoom to get a closer look at where firms are located.

 

16:20 Dentons to split away from Russia offices

Dentons is to separate from its teams in Moscow and St Petersburg, expressing “deep regret” for the decision.

The firm said in a statement: “This is a difficult decision which we have taken in full consultation with our colleagues in Russia in order to continue meeting our legal and ethical obligations.

“We have enjoyed more than 30 years of collaboration and friendship with our colleagues in Russia who bear no responsibility for this crisis nor for the circumstances that have led to this decision,” said Elliott Portnoy, Dentons global CEO.

“Our hope is that at a future time we will be able to come back together when it is lawfully and practically possible to do so.”

“We were one of the first global law firms to enter the Russian market more than 30 years ago and quickly differentiated ourselves by virtue of our polycentric approach which allowed us to serve international clients with needs in Russia,” said Joe Andrew, global chairman. “We look forward to a day when we will be able to reunite with our esteemed colleagues with whom we have successfully served clients from all over the world.”

“We stand with the people of Ukraine and have done everything in our power to assist our Ukrainian colleagues, their families, and other civilians displaced by the war,” said Tomasz Dabrowski, Dentons Europe region CEO. “We share the news of our separation process from our offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg with deep regret. We will support our 250+ colleagues in Russia in achieving a smooth and orderly transition in accordance with our professional obligations to our clients.”

“Our team will continue to operate as an independent law firm and we are committed to continue providing first class support to our clients during these difficult times and beyond,” said Alexei Zakharko, the managing partner of Dentons AB in Russia.

16:00 “My family has just welcomed some Ukrainian refugees to our home,” says former Linklaters partner 

Linklaters‘ former global head of leveraged finance, Adam Freeman, has posted on LinkedIn to say that his family has taken in some Ukrainian refugees. Freeman, who left the magic circle firm’s partnership last year, said: “These lovely people fled their home in a car with next to nothing. All they want to do is go home but who knows when that will be possible.”

14:30 Skadden cut ties with Abramovich before sanctions

Last week, it was revealed that Skadden was “ceasing to provide advice to certain clients who appear likely to become subject to sanctions”.

The Lawyer understands that this included Chelsea Football Club and its Russian owner Roman Abramovich, both of which the firm stopped advising prior to sanctions against the billionaire oligarch being announced by UK authorities shortly after.

09:50 CMS and DLA Piper to exit Moscow

CMS is the first firm with an office in Kyiv to reveal it is closing in Moscow. In a statement, the firm said: “We continue to be shocked by the attacks on Ukraine and our thoughts are with all Ukrainians affected by the war. Our focus remains on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and their families in this terrible situation.

“CMS has decided that it is no longer appropriate to have a CMS office in Russia. As such, we as CMS will be withdrawing from the Russian market. We will be making an orderly transition of the business to the current Moscow team. We believe that at this time this decision is in the best interests of our clients who will thus continue to receive local support and of our staff who are experiencing disruption to their lives.

“We will continue to provide financial support to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis caused by this conflict and are working with our charity partner, Médecins Sans Frontières, to assist with its vital work in Ukraine.”

DLA Piper is also leaving Moscow and St Petersburg. The firm had an office in Kyiv until last summer when its office moved over to Kinstellar. 

A spokesperson at DLA said: “In light of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the resulting humanitarian crisis, and our consequent decision not to act for clients connected to the Russian state, we have concluded that maintaining a presence in Russia is not aligned with our values and therefore no longer viable.

“Accordingly, after 17 years in the country, we are withdrawing from our operations and will no longer have DLA Piper offices in Moscow and St Petersburg. Our intention is to transfer the Russian business to our team there. We will ensure an orderly transition in accordance with our legal and professional obligations to both our clients and our people. As previously stated, we will continue to act for our international clients with regard to managing their own responses to the conflict.

“We are acutely aware of the impact this will have on our colleagues and friends in Russia, many of whom have been with the firm for a significant portion of their careers. We will continue to prioritize their safety and support them through this very difficult time and would like to thank them for the many contributions they have made to our firm.

“We stand with the people of Ukraine and all those affected by this tragedy.”

11 March

21:50: Hogan Lovells has decided to close in Moscow  

Hogan Lovells has announced it will exit the Russian capital.

The firm said in a statement: “We continue to be horrified by the war in Ukraine and the growing devastation and the suffering it is causing. We stand with the people of Ukraine and those across the world in condemning Russia’s military aggression, and we support the call for an immediate and complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. 

“We have determined that we can no longer continue to operate in Russia and we will be progressing with an orderly wind down of our operations in Moscow. We deeply care about, and value, our colleagues in Russia and our focus is on their safety and wellbeing. 

“We are also continuing to support a number of organisations and our colleagues are providing humanitarian aid to refugees through help, housing, charitable donations, pro bono legal advice and translation services. We continue to keep the people of Ukraine in our thoughts and hope for a peaceful resolution to this war.”

17:30: Debevoise is “winding down” in Moscow

Yet another US firm has announced that it will be pulling out of Moscow. Debevoise & Plimpton has been in the Russian capital for 25 years but will now “wind down” its office following the invasion into Ukraine.

In a statement from the firm: “Based on a careful review, we have decided to wind down our office in Moscow. “Our firm opened a Moscow office in 1997, and we have provided legal services in Russia for many years. Our Debevoise community includes many long-serving and dedicated employees in Moscow.  Nonetheless, current circumstances have led us to conclude it is no longer tenable for us to operate in Russia.

“We will wind down in an orderly manner consistent with legal requirements and our professional obligations, and with the safety and security of our Moscow colleagues as our top priority. We continue to hope for peace and an end to the violence in Ukraine.”

15:35: White & Case to leave Moscow after over three decades

The latest firm to announce it is pulling out of Russia, White & Case has said it is “horrified” by recent events and will be winding down its Russia operations.

White & Case has been in Moscow since 1990, making the most of a raft of privatisation mandates after the Soviet collapse.

The firm said in a statement: “We are horrified by the terrible events taking place in Ukraine and condemn Russia’s unjustified invasion. White & Case stands with the people of Ukraine.

“Our review of Russian and Belarusian client activity is ongoing, and goes beyond our requirements to comply with sanctions. We are ceasing all representations of Russian and Belarusian state and state-owned entities in accordance with our professional responsibilities, and not accepting any new mandates from Russian and Belarusian state and state-owned entities.

“After careful consideration, we have decided to close our Moscow office. We will continue to support our people there, and their safety and wellbeing remains our priority. We are in the process of winding down our operations in Russia and are committed to an orderly transition.

“White & Case has made a donation of US$1 million to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, and we are matching donations made by our people to qualifying relief organisations. Our lawyers are providing pro bono services to support Ukrainian refugees in several jurisdictions. This includes a legal aid hotline, employment advice, visa application assistance and legal guidance to multiple non-profit organisations.”

The firm has 13 partners in Moscow, plus another 33 qualified lawyers.

13:10 Two US firms pull out of Moscow

There have been a further two significant departures from Russia, with Dechert deciding to close its Moscow base “after careful consideration”.

A brief statement from the US firm confirmed its departure with the firm understood to be donating to a range of humanitarian charities and its lawyers offering pro-bono assistance to victims of the war.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. After careful consideration, we have decided to close the Moscow office. We thank our team for all their contributions and will support them through this transition, including relocation assistance where possible.”

Winston & Strawn has also shut its small office in the Russian capital. “Winston continues to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting loss of life, destruction, and needless suffering,” said firm chairman Tom Fitzgerald.

“We are closing our Moscow operations out of a sense of solidarity with the Ukrainian people. This decision is simply the right thing to do, and our clients understand and respect that.”

“As part of a global community, Winston & Strawn remains vigilant with respect to geopolitical events, and our further operational decisions moving forward will continue to reflect a careful evaluation of the current and potential impact of circumstances as they unfold”. 

The firm said it is providing support from the Winston Foundation to help Ukrainian citizens who are suffering as a result of Russia’s war atrocities.

11:00 Dentons “condemns” Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Dentons has issued a statement denouncing the Russian government hostility and signified further support for its staff in Ukraine and Russia.

The law firm said in a statement: “Dentons is the largest law firm in the world, and we also have the largest presence of any other global law firm in both Russia and Ukraine. We condemn the Russian military’s invasion of Ukraine and its people, and are supporting Ukraine and its people through charitable, pro bono, and other efforts.

“At present, our offices in Russia remain open, where we are focused on our people, who bear no responsibility for the actions taken by their government, and our clients, who need advice regarding their business affairs in Russia, including how to wind down those operations. We continue to comply with our legal and professional obligations, including with regards to international sanctions.

“Further, we are committed not to undertake any new work for Russian state-owned entities, government officials, or others closely connected with the Russian government.”

The firm opened offices in both Kyiv and Moscow in the 90s as both countries started to attract foreign investment. On 2 March, the firm said it was initially reviewing work and acceptance criteria to ensure legal and ethical obligations were met.

10 March

18:40 Baker Botts latest US firm to close Moscow base

Baker Botts joins the raft of firms deciding to “wind down” operations in Moscow.

A spokesperson from the firm said: “Following our prior announcement condemning the invasion of Ukraine, we have decided that the firm will conclude any relationships with state-affiliated entities in Russia. We will withdraw from such engagements in an orderly manner, taking steps to ensure an appropriate transition in accordance with our legal and professional obligations.

“We have also decided to close our Moscow office and wind down our operations there. While this is the right choice for us as a firm, we recognize the impact this will have on our valued colleagues in Russia, with whom we have been privileged to practice for many years. However, in light of the situation in Ukraine, we see no alternative to winding down our operations.

“We are grateful to our entire Moscow team for their friendship and years of dedication to the firm, and it is important to recognize that this situation has been forced upon all of us. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the people in Ukraine and in surrounding countries who are most acutely affected by this tragedy.”

16:15 Clifford Chance announces Moscow exit

Clifford Chance has announced it is to ‘wind down’ its operations in Moscow.

A spokesperson from the firm said: “Following our earlier announcements condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our position on Russia related work, we have decided to progress our steps for an orderly wind down of our operations in Moscow.

“Our priorities are to focus on the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues during this difficult time and on ensuring the winding down of our services is consistent with our legal and professional responsibilities to our clients and our responsible business principles and values.”

15:00 A&O is third magic circle firm to leave Moscow

Allen & Overy has followed the lead of its magic circle peers and is leaving Moscow after almost 30 years.

In a statement, the firm said: “Allen & Overy is to wind down its Moscow office, which will be managed in line with all legal, regulatory and professional obligations.

“This was not an easy decision to make as we have 55 people there and we needed to make sure that we could take this action with their best welfare in mind. We are very grateful for their hard work over many years.

“We are doing everything we can to support and where possible will redeploy them to work elsewhere, in particular with other A&O offices as we continue to help those clients we can and choose to work with through this difficult transition period.

“A&O has had an office in Moscow since 1993, with many longstanding colleagues, so it is with regret that this has been made necessary by the illegal and senseless invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing humanitarian crisis. Our thoughts remain with all those in Ukraine and neighbouring countries who are most directly affected by this crisis.”

The move means Clifford Chance is the last remaining magic circle firm in Moscow, with no announcement so far of its intention to depart.

11:40 Skadden relocates Moscow lawyers, but keeps office open

Skadden is relocating its Moscow-based lawyers outside of Russia to ensure their safety, according to a leaked internal memo seen by The Lawyer.

An internal message sent on Wednesday by Skadden’s executive partner Eric Friedman said the firm’s Moscow-based lawyers will be moved in light of increasing anti-American sentiment within Russia.

The office appears to remain open, however. The firm is understood not to represent any state-owned or state-controlled Russian businesses, and is in the process of ending the representation of one sanctioned client. The Lawyer understands it will stop providing advice to certain individuals who appear likely to become subject to sanctions.

The firm declined to comment.

The Skadden update follows comes after The Lawyer called out several US firms, including Skadden, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and Debevoise & Plimpton, for their reluctance to issue public statements on the war in Ukraine and what it means for their Russia operations. Public comments were made by the other five earlier this week.

10:20 Another closure, this time from Herbert Smith Freehills

Following reviews of their Moscow operations, many firms are deciding to close down offices in the country with HSF the latest to depart.

The firm opened in Moscow in 1999 to provide Russian, English and US law capability. It said: “We strongly condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and are appalled by the humanitarian consequences.

“Following a review of our Russia business, we have taken the decision to close our office in the country. This is a complicated process, being undertaken under difficult circumstances. 

“Our Moscow office has long been a valued and successful part of our business. We are working closely with the team there to support our colleagues who have been directly impacted by this decision.

“We are bringing to an end any work associated with the Russian State, in-line with our legal and professional responsibilities.

“We continue to advise many clients around the world on the practical implications for their businesses.

“We are supporting our global charity partner, Médecins sans Frontières, to help with its work during this humanitarian crisis.”

HSF has 111 people in the Moscow office, including 55 lawyers.

08:50 BCLP is to close its Moscow office of over 200 staff

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is the latest firm to announce a Moscow closure, with its office having a total headcount of approximately 200.

The firm said: “After very thorough, careful thought and consideration, BCLP is ceasing its operations in Moscow in response to Russia’s ongoing actions in Ukraine. Alongside other global businesses, the firm stands in support with the people of Ukraine.

“We are committed to providing support to our colleagues in Moscow and assisting with transitions. The wellbeing of our people continues to be very concerning to us, and it is difficult to part ways under such circumstances. Having been a part of BCLP since 2009, we are grateful for their dedication, friendship and contribution to our firm over the years. We will be stopping and transitioning client work in accordance with our legal and professional obligations, and will not accept mandates from state-owned entities in Russia or related individuals.”

The office was formerly Pepeliaev Goltsblat & Partners and went on to become Goltsblat BLP when the legacy UK firm agreed a local Russian merger. At the time over 70 lawyers became a part of BLP.

For more info, here’s our piece on the merger from 2012.

https://www.thelawyer.com/issues/23-april-2012/what-the-clients-think-blp-the-moscow-merger-and-its-russian-evolution/

9 March

19.00 Linklaters has highlighted its pro bono initiatives 

Following on from Linklaters’ announcement late last week to close its Moscow office, the firm has added what pro bono initiatives it is currently involved in.

“On pro bono/other efforts, we have been overwhelmed by the support across the firm, pulling together to help those affected by the war in Ukraine, including extraordinary efforts by our colleagues in our Warsaw office, who have been opening up their homes to those fleeing the violence and manning help points at train stations to assist those arriving in Poland – amongst a host of other efforts.

“Our immediate response has been a donation from the firm towards the humanitarian needs of refugees fleeing into Poland, through charities we are supporting on the ground, and we have been actively providing pro bono support to organisations in need, including the UN Refugee Agency and KiViN – a not-for-profit pushing out information to those arriving in Germany with no family or friend connections. We are working with our community partners to launch an immediate and longer term pro bono response to the incipient refugee and humanitarian crisis.”

18:10 White & Case’s Moscow office remains open, but review is ongoing

White & Case has expanded on a previous statement, in which it confirms it is not accepting new instructions from Russian and Belarusian state and state-owned entities. The firm said: “We are deeply saddened by the terrible events taking place in Ukraine. We continue to review our Russian and Belarusian client activity and are exiting some representations in accordance with our professional responsibilities.

“We are not accepting new instructions from Russian and Belarusian state and state-owned entities. We are also actively assessing the impact on our Moscow office, prioritising the wellbeing and safety of our people there. The office remains open and operational and we will provide updates when appropriate. We are complying fully with all applicable sanctions, and continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation closely.”

The firm is also understood to be making a million-dollar donation to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society.

17:40 Quinn Emanuel not accepting instructions from those connected to Russian regime

US firm Quinn Emanuel is not accepting instructions from any parties or interests connected with the Russian regime, and is looking to exit existing engagements where possible. The firm closed already closed its Moscow office in 2019, partly in solidarity with Ukraine.

Their statement in full: “Quinn Emanuel represents Ukraine and significant Ukrainian banking institutions in their legal disputes against the Russian Federation, including concerning Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Crimea in 2014. We are proud of our work for Ukraine and will continue vigorously to advocate on behalf of our clients’ interests.

“Quinn Emanuel closed its Moscow office in 2019 in part because of our advocacy for Ukraine against the Russian Federation, we are not accepting instructions from any parties or interests connected with the current Russian regime, and we are looking to exit any existing engagements where possible in accordance with our professional obligations.

“Our firm stands in solidarity with Ukraine and all of our many friends there at this most terrible time. Our firm is committed to assisting the Ukrainian people in every way we can. We will provide legal assistance, including pro bono, to the countless Ukrainians who are suffering, and our firm’s partners have pledged financial support to assist these victims of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war in Ukraine.”

17:00 Three more firms to wind down Moscow operations

Freshfields has become the latest magic circle firm to close its Moscow office. A spokesperson from the firm said: “Further to our decision on Russia-related work, we are announcing today that we will close our office in Moscow.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We have been present in Moscow for 30 years and we are very conscious of the impact this news will have on our valued colleagues in Russia. However, in light of the Russian government’s actions in Ukraine, and the clear stance we have taken on Russia-related work, we believe that this is the right course of action.

“The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues in Russia has remained one of our key priorities as we respond to this unprecedented crisis, and that continues to be the case. We will be taking steps to ensure an orderly transition, in line with our legal, regulatory and professional obligations.

“We are extremely grateful to our Moscow colleagues for their friendship and hard work over many years, and we will do all we can to support them during this difficult period.

“Our thoughts continue to be with all those affected by this crisis.”

Freshfields is the second magic circle firm to exit Russia, following Linklaters’ announcement late last week. This leaves A&O and Clifford Chance, which have both remained silent on the future of their Moscow offices so far.

Squire Patton Boggs has also said it will cease all activity in its Moscow office. A legacy base of Squire Sanders & Dempsey, it opened in 1995 and is currently home to 16 qualified lawyers. It is headed by co-managing partners Alexander Dolgov and Patrick Brooks.

The firm said in a statement: “As circumstances surrounding the conflict in Ukraine continue to change rapidly, it has become clear that it is no longer tenable for us to continue our operations in Russia and we have therefore decided to wind down our Moscow office.

“Our closure will effectively conclude our relationship with a number of clients in adherence with our professional obligations. All other existing work or new matters we undertake on a global basis will continue to remain in full compliance with all applicable laws and sanctions that are in place. Since the beginning of this crisis, our foremost focus has been on the safety of our colleagues, particularly in Moscow. We will continue to provide them with the support they need and extend our sincere gratitude for their valuable contributions to the firm. The humanitarian and economic toll of this conflict continues to be severely distressing and we all continue to hope a peaceful resolution can be found.”

Morgan Lewis & Bockius has announced that its office in Moscow will be wound down with the majority of its lawyers in the Russian capital set to remain with the firm in different jurisdictions. Relationships and mandates with Russian state-backed entities have also been refused or cancelled.

“Over the last two weeks, we have focused intently on our colleagues in Moscow, assisting them in addressing the disruption in their lives, potential threats to their safety, and in implementing their personal plans, including relocating to other jurisdictions where they have made that choice.

“Having taken these steps, we are confirming our wind-down of all operations in Moscow. Many of our lawyers who have previously practised in Moscow will continue practicing with us in other jurisdictions and will continue to assist our global clients.

“We have also made clear that we have been from the outset and will remain in full compliance with the various government sanctions implemented across the free world, and have terminated or declined client engagements inconsistent with the letter or spirit of those sanctions.

“We join with others in condemning the Russian government’s aggression and violence that has caused unspeakable suffering to innocent people.“

16:30: Latham reveals it will close in Russia

Latham & Watkins has said it will “immediately begin an orderly transition” from Russia, the third international firm today to announce its exit from the country.

A statement reads: “Latham & Watkins condemns the war in Ukraine. Latham chair and managing partner Rich Trobman said: “The unfolding humanitarian crisis is devastating to watch and we stand with so many in the world in condemning the violence in Ukraine and the needless human suffering taking place.”

“The firm will immediately begin an orderly transition, consistent with our ethical duties to our clients, to wind down operations in Moscow. During this process our focus will be principally on the safety and well-being of our colleagues in Russia,” added Trobman.

Latham lists 26 lawyers as being based in Moscow, including seven partners. The firm had, until now, been quiet on its Russia operations. It is one of several international firms to have landed high-profile mandates on Russian-backed IPOs over the years, particularly pre-financial crash in the early and mid-noughties. 

Akin Gump suspends operations in Russia

The suspension are beginning to flood in from members of the “Silent Six” as Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld announces that it will pause operations in Moscow “pending further developments”. Cleary Gottlieb too said it will temporarily close its Russia office yesterday, pending further developments.

Akin Gump’s history and business model has been built on a tight relationship with Russian companies given the role name partner Robert Strauss played in building bridges with the Soviet Union.

“As a firm built by Robert Strauss, the last U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union and the first U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Akin Gump is deeply saddened and shocked by the events in Ukraine and the tragic and senseless loss of life of so many innocent Ukrainians. In light of the ongoing crisis, we are suspending operations in Moscow pending further developments. We will do so in an orderly way, as the safety and well-being of our long-time colleagues and ethical obligations to clients in Moscow remain a high priority.  We will continue our efforts to provide humanitarian aid and pro bono assistance to Ukrainian refugees and others in need.”

The firm has 14 lawyers based in Moscow, three of whom are partners. Its client list is something of a who’s who of major Russian corporates with the firm having advised the likes of Lukoil, Renova and Norilsk Nickel in the past.

15:40 Gowling WLG is the latest firm to exit Russia

Gowling WLG, which has nearly 30 lawyers in Moscow, has decided to leave Russia. In a statement, the firm said: “We are shocked and deeply concerned about the growing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Gowling WLG stands united with the Ukrainian people.

“We are leaving Russia. Our departure will be orderly as we seek to transition the business to our team in Moscow. This decision is grounded in our values and our deep sense of what is right. We will no longer accept new instructions from Russian clients, sanctioned or not, and we will end relationships with Russian clients in a manner that complies with our professional obligations.

“We are working closely with our charitable partners – including the Red Cross and the UN Refugee Agency – to help deliver humanitarian aid to those who need it most in Ukraine and the surrounding region.”

The office is largely trademark-focused, with five partners based in the Russian capital.

15:30 Birketts makes statement

Not many firms from outside the City have made statements on Ukraine to date, so this from Birketts is mildly notable, even though it doesn’t say very much.

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine is appalling and truly devastating. Birketts stands with the citizens of Ukraine.

Since the start of the conflict, our immigration experts have worked with lawyers across the UK and have written to the Home Office to seek significant improvements on the UK’s provision for Ukraine nationals and residents seeking refuge.

In support of the relief efforts, Birketts’ colleagues have already donated vital tools, medical supplies, clothing and toiletries for those forced to leave their homes due to the conflict. Local haulage companies have transported these donations from our offices in East Anglia.

As the crisis has developed and supplies have become harder to deliver to those in Ukraine, we are now encouraging our colleagues to donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross so they can effectively deliver their humanitarian support.

We have also reviewed all our existing clients and matters in light of the sanctions already announced, and continue to review them as the Government announces further sanctions on Russia and Belarus.”

14:00 Eversheds to pull out of Russia

Eversheds Sutherland has decided that it will no longer have a presence in Russia.

A spokesperson said: “This decision has not been made lightly, and is not a reflection on our valued colleagues in those offices, but we will not continue to operate in Russia given its government’s invasion of Ukraine. Our priority now is to support our 50 colleagues in Russia and to work together to ensure an orderly transition of the business in compliance with our professional obligations.

“As previously stated, our work has been centred on advising multinational clients on their affairs relating to or in Russia. We can confirm that we are not acting for the Russian government, Russian state-controlled entities and oligarchs, nor are we accepting any such mandates.”

This update follows a statement released last week, whereby the firm announced it was reviewing current work but acted for no Russian oligarchs or state entities.

The closure comes just five years after the firm acquired Hannes Snellman’s entire Russia operation, which included bases in Moscow and St Petersburg. At the time, Hannes Snellman entered the Russia market in 2006 as part of its acquisition of Finnish firm ETL Law Offices.

13:15 DLA has sent an updated statement confirming it is reviewing its Russia presence

DLA Piper has expanded on an earlier statement from 3 March, in which it said it was reviewing work, by adding that it is also analysing its presence in Russia. The firm said: “As the tragedy in Ukraine continues to escalate, we remain committed to stand with the people of Ukraine and support them, and our people. One way we can do this is to take a position on which entities we are no longer prepared to represent given their connection with the Russian state.

“We wish to make it clear that we will not act for the Russian government, individuals connected to the state, state-owned enterprises or other prohibited parties from any of our offices globally. We are actively winding down any existing work in accordance with our legal and professional obligations and are refusing new instructions when approached.

“We will continue to act for our international clients with regard to managing their own responses to the conflict. In addition, we are undertaking a strategic review of our presence in Russia. Any decision to restructure our Russian business will be taken in the best interests of our people and clients.

“Last week we pledged to donate to our long-term partner UNHCR to support the humanitarian emergency created by mass displacement from Ukraine. We will also soon formally launch a new global partnership with UNHCR. Amongst other things, the partnership will see DLA Piper direct the equivalent of £3m of pro bono work over a three-year period to address human displacement, which stands at record levels. This is in addition to a myriad of local initiatives our people across the world are actively contributing to in order to assist the people displaced by this terrible conflict.”

11:00 Stewarts to reject any instructions that support the Russian government

Issuing its first statement since the invasion, Stewarts has pledged to not work on any Russian clients that support the Government of Russia.

In a statement the firm commented: “We strongly condemn Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine. We will not act for or accept new instructions from Russian corporates, Russian residents or any corporate or individual anywhere in the world who is enabling or supporting the government of Russia. Our existing Russian connected cases (which are few in number) will now be brought to a close whilst complying with our SRA obligations. We are joining with the international community to provide funding for humanitarian aid and support. Our thoughts are with Ukraine and its people.”

08:50 Debevoise follows Cleary with a statement

Debevoise & Plimpton, which has counted a number of Russian businesses and oligarchs as clients, was tight-lipped on the situation until last night.

The US firm said in a statement: “We have watched with alarm the rapidly unfolding tragedy in Ukraine. The images and stories coming out of Ukraine are heart-wrenching, and although we are all inspired by the courage of the Ukrainian people, more than anything we long for peace.

“Based on an ongoing review of our Moscow client base, we have taken action to terminate several client relationships. We are conducting a review of the status of our Moscow office in light of recent developments and bearing in mind that the safety and security of our Moscow colleagues is paramount. We have determined that at this time we will not take on any new clients in Moscow.”

This means that just a few US firms, with sizeable Russian practices, are yet to comment on the invasion. They are Akin Gump, Latham & Watkins and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom.

08:45 Invasion leads DWF to launch a risk and sanctions committee 

DWF has no offices in Russia or Ukraine, but has been looking at its own internal processes in light of the issues at stake. As a result, the listed firm has set up a special committee to ensure the firm properly reviews new businesses coming in, which may have links to Russia.

“DWF is shocked and appalled by Russia’s assault on Ukraine. We condemn the invasion. We stand together in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution.

“We have no offices in Russia or Ukraine, but we are doing all we can to support any of our colleagues and communities who are affected by this conflict. We are especially proud of our colleagues in Poland who are supporting refugees in the provision of aid, as well as providing pro bono legal advice. In support of the wider humanitarian effort, in conjunction with the DWF Foundation and with the help of colleagues around the world, we aim to raise initial funds of at least £100,000 for Polish charities as part of that effort.

“This conflict has caused us to enhance our process for determining who we represent and engage with, including the establishment of a risk and sanctions committee dedicated to this issue. The purpose of this committee is to ensure a rigorous review of the work that we do or are asked to do, which may have links to Russia, and to ensure that any related business decisions are taken in line with our environmental, social and governance strategy and commitment to ethical business. We will also ensure that we comply with all and any applicable sanctions and rules.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we do not and will not act for the Russian government, Russian state-controlled entities or sanctioned entities or individuals.”

8 March

15:10 Cleary will “temporarily” close its Moscow office

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has broken the silence among US firms with offices in Russia, after confirming it will “temporarily” close its Moscow office. The Lawyer understands it’s the first firm to have opted to shut down operations only temporarily.

A spokesperson for the firm commented: “We have all watched the events unfolding in Ukraine with shock and dismay, and our thoughts and support are with everyone who has been affected by this tragedy.

“We have been exiting our engagements as counsel to Russian governmental and state-owned entities, in a manner consistent with our legal obligations to clients. The firm will continue to comply with U.S., EU and UK sanctions law in all its current and future representations. We also will temporarily close our operations at our Moscow office pending further developments, while continuing to support our Moscow colleagues.

“Additionally, the firm is actively supporting efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Our lawyers and professional staff will be providing pro bono legal support to Ukrainian refugees, in particular relating to immigration and asylum status. The firm also has made a donation to relief efforts and will match employee contributions.”

The statement comes after The Lawyer called out Cleary and five other US firms (Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Debevoise & Plimpton, Latham & Watkins, Morgan Lewis & Bockius and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom) for their reluctance to issue public statements on the war in Ukraine and what this means for their Russian operations.

With Cleary shutting its doors for the time being, Morgan Lewis has now stressed that it is reviewing its Russian work, though there have been few specifics on mandate cancellations or the future of its Moscow office.

A spokesperson for Morgan Lewis has said: “As with other US businesses with operations in Moscow, we are intently focused on the situation, including on ensuring the safety of our people in Moscow. Across our global offices we are and will remain in full compliance with the sanctions regimes outside of Russia where we practice, including with respect to ceasing and declining client representations.”

White & Case’s statement, made at an earlier stage of the invasion, was similar. The firm said: “We are reviewing our Russian and Belarusian client representations and taking steps to exit some representations in accordance with applicable rules of professional responsibility. Our Moscow office is open and continues to operate. We are complying fully with all applicable sanctions, and we continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation.”

12:30 Freshfields undecided on future of Moscow office

Linklaters is the only member of the magic circle to have announced it will close its Moscow office. Commenting on its Moscow base, a spokesperson from Freshfields said: “This is a very fast moving situation. We continue to assess the impact on our Moscow office as a matter of priority and will provide further updates as and when appropriate. As you would expect, one of our top priorities throughout this crisis has been the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues in Moscow.”

12:00 Clyde & Co “monitoring situation”

Clyde & Co has said it is “monitoring the situation closely and ensuring that our portfolio of work complies with all applicable sanctions regulations and our professional and ethical responsibilities.”

However, unlike other firms, it has not addressed whether it will reject future Russia-related mandates. A spokesperson added: “Needless to say, our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people and our colleagues who have family in the country. We have made donations to international organisations focused on the humanitarian response and are looking at how we can most effectively offer pro bono support.”

7 March

17:40 RPC reviewing work 

In a statement, RPC managing partner James Miller says: “At RPC we are united in our condemnation of the unfolding human tragedy in Ukraine. Our thoughts are for the safety of all the people in Ukraine, as well as colleagues, clients and friends who have families and loved ones in the country.

As a business, we are reviewing our existing Russia-related work to ensure we fully comply with all applicable sanctions, as well as our professional obligations.

We will not comment on individual client matters.

We are also very clear that we will refuse to take on any new work for any sanctioned individuals or organisations, or Russian state-owned or state-linked businesses.

We will continue to keep this position under review.

RPC will be making a donation to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.”

????????⚖️⚔️ Sometimes you have to defend the rule of law very literally – Ukrainian Supreme Court judge Ivan Mishchenko has joined the territorial defense force in Kiyv. https://t.co/IYZWbFExYU

— Jakub Jaraczewski (@J_Jaraczewski) March 6, 2022

11:30 VTB currently lawyerless in ‘tuna bond’ mega lawsuit

VTB must now decide whether to instruct another law firm or represent themselves in Mozambique lawsuit following Freshfields’ exit, The Lawyer understands.

This update follows Freshfields’ announcement earlier this morning [see below] that it is “immediately taking steps to terminate our litigation mandate with VTB”. The Lawyer understands it has begun the withdrawal process.

Although terminating its engagement with VTB, Freshfields can still assist any handover of the mega Mozambique matter to another firm. This may involve Freshfields applying to the court to come off the record.

Freshfields was set to represent VTB at the mega High Court trial in 2023, with partners Christopher Pugh and Simon Orton instructing Fountain Court’s David Railton QC, Timothy Howe QC, Adam Sher and Ian Bergson.

The sanctioned Russian bank recently secured a general license from the Treasury to pay reasonable legal fees and expenses to Freshfields. However, this attracted significant criticism, with the firm today announcing it was dropping the case altogether.

VTB’s lawsuit concerns a series of billion-dollar loans taken out by Mozambique between 2013 and 2016. Although earmarked for three maritime projects, it was later alleged that aspects of these loans were purportedly used for other purposes, including bribes.

VTB has been contacted for comment.

09.52 Mishcon de Reya to continue acting for non-sanctioned Russian clients

Late on Friday afternoon, Mishcon de Reya made it clear to The Lawyer that it will continue representing Russian clients that aren’t affected by sanctions, but will not be accepting new mandates from those with close connections to Putin.

The firm also joins Matrix Chambers’ Danny Friedman QC and Richard Hermer QC as members of the Ukraine Justice Alliance — a coalition of lawyers, law firms and NGOs providing free expertise to support Ukrainians impacted by the invasion.

Its statement in full was issued at 5pm on Friday: “We have reviewed all existing mandates relating to Russia, or where there is a connection to Russia, to ensure that our work remains consistent not only with the letter and the spirit of the international sanctions but also with our responsible business principles and values.

We are not acting for any sanctioned clients. As per the relevant rules if our clients are sanctioned we will not act for them.

We will continue to act for Russian clients who are not affected by sanctions in accordance with our regulatory obligations and ethical values, and also because we have not, nor ever will, discriminate based on nationality or anything else.  For context, some of our Russian clients are themselves the target of President Putin’s government.

We will not accept new mandates from any Russian state entity, Russian state-owned enterprises or individuals identified as having close connections to President Putin.”

09:45 Norton Rose Fulbright to exit Russia

Norton Rose Fulbright is the latest firm to announce it will wind down in Moscow. Here is the statement.

“Norton Rose Fulbright stands unequivocally with the people of Ukraine who are suffering as a result of the increasingly brutal invasion by Russia. Norton Rose Fulbright is taking the following actions:

We are winding down our operations in Russia and will be closing our Moscow office as quickly as we can, in compliance with our professional obligations. The wellbeing of our staff in the region is a priority. We thank our 50 colleagues in Moscow for their loyal service and will support them through this transition

Some immediate actions are possible and we are taking them. We are not accepting any further instructions from businesses, entities or individuals connected with the current Russian regime, irrespective of whether they are sanctioned or not. In addition, we continue to review exiting from existing work for them where our professional obligations as lawyers allow. Where we cannot exit from current matters, we will donate the profits from that work to appropriate humanitarian and charitable causes.

We are working with our charitable partners in every region to raise funds to help the people of Ukraine, as well as providing pro bono support to those Ukrainians and others who are being forced to relocate.”

08:52 Freshfields to drop VTB litigation

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has issued a statement in which it says it has ended its relationship with Russian bank VTB, which has been hit by sanctions and is consequently winding down its European operations.

VTB is currently suing Mozambique in the so-called “tuna bond” scandal, and Freshfields had been set to represent the bank at trial in 2023, having secured a license from the Treasury to fund the claim [see below: 2 March, 16:20]. However, this attracted significant criticism, and the firm has now dropped the case,

The statement reads:

“Like so many others around the world, Freshfields is deeply concerned by the loss of life and unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. We strongly condemn the actions of the Russian government and express our solidarity with all those affected.

From the outset, the firm has acted swiftly and responsibly with regard to both ongoing and new client mandates. We took immediate steps to terminate, suspend or decline mandates, and we are clear that we will not act for companies or individuals with close ties to the Russian state, with connections to the wider leadership regime, and/or who play a role in supporting or facilitating the current Russian military action. In line with this clear position, we are also immediately taking steps to terminate our litigation mandate with VTB.

This approach goes beyond what is required to comply with our legal, regulatory and professional obligations, and reflects our values as a firm and the wider responsibilities of the global business community.”

4 March

19:39 Linklaters to close in Moscow and “wind down operations” in Russia

Here is a late-evening statement from Linklaters, in which is states it will wind down its operations in Russia:

“After careful consideration of our Russia-related work, our firm has now made the following decisions:

1 We will wind down our operations in Russia and close our Moscow office. We will continue supporting our people there in the process, doing all we can to help them transfer to new roles within Linklaters or otherwise. We are grateful to our Moscow team for all their contributions and friendship since we opened the office in 1992.

2 We will not act for individuals or entities that are controlled by, or under the influence of, the Russian state, or connected with the current Russian regime, wherever they are in the world.

3 We will wind down existing work in accordance with our legal and professional obligations.

4 We will continue to assist international clients in dealing with the implications of the current crisis and in unwinding their Russian business interests.

As the appalling war in Ukraine continues, our immediate thoughts remain with the Ukrainian people. We continue working to ensure that our colleagues and their families who are impacted are safe and have all the support they need.”

16:00 Hogan Lovells “terminating some matters”

A brief statement from Hogan Lovells: “We continue to evaluate our portfolio of work and to act quickly to comply with the latest sanctions requirements and government guidance. We are also terminating some ongoing matters or declining new mandates where we believe they go against our values or that they are not aligned to our support for all the innocent people caught up in the invasion of Ukraine. We are strongly focused on supporting refugees financially and through pro bono work and volunteering, as well as on the ongoing safety of our colleagues in Moscow.”

15:00 CMS: Moscow office under ‘critical review’

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang will also be turning down work from the Russian state and is reviewing the future of its Moscow office. CMS was one of the first Western firms to enter Eastern Europe after the Berlin Wall fell and maintains a strong presence right across the capitals of that region.

Its statement in full: “We strongly condemn the brutal and unlawful Russian invasion of Ukraine. We stand with the people of Ukraine and continue to be inspired by their bravery and resilience in the face of unspeakable aggression. Since the start of the invasion, our utmost priority has been to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and their families in Ukraine. Thankfully, all are currently safe and accounted for and we will continue to support them in any way possible.

We are mindful that as lawyers, we have a role in supporting the rule of law and access to justice, principles that should be valued and supported in any democratic society. However, due to the gravity of the current situation, the firm shall not, for now, accept new instructions from Russian based entities or from any individuals with a connection to the Russian Government (wherever they are based). We will continue to act professionally and are undertaking a review of current work, to ensure that the firm remains compliant with international sanctions and its principles and values. The future of the Moscow office is also under critical review.

We are supporting Ukraine and neighbouring countries through pro bono work and joining the international community in fundraising efforts to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis caused by this conflict. We are making donations to Médecins Sans Frontières and the Red Cross to assist in their vital work in Ukraine.”

13:00 Statements from Herbies, Watson Farley and Baker Botts

Herbert Smith Freehills is keeping its Moscow office open but will stop ‘certain’ Russian work. It says: “We have been shocked and deeply saddened by what continues to unfold in Ukraine. Our first immediate concern is looking after our Ukrainian and Russian colleagues. Our Moscow office remains open. The firm’s policy will ensure that we take full account of this rapidly changing landscape in the way in which we conduct our business. This will include our ceasing to act for certain of our Russian clients and on certain Russia-related work.”

Meanwhile, Watson Farley & Williams has made this statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the Russian government’s military invasion of Ukraine and the utterly tragic scenes which are continuing to unfold in the region. We are particularly shocked to see a country, and families, being torn apart by war. It goes without saying that this is against all values which we hold dear as a firm.

We have been reaching out to our friends, colleagues and clients who we know are either directly affected – or have family who are affected – by the crisis and are offering them all the support we can at this incredibly difficult time.

As a firm we are making a donation to the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency to support refugees who are fleeing Ukraine to neighbouring countries.

We are actively reviewing our client relationships to ensure we are compliant with both the letter and the spirit of the fast-moving international sanctions and laws.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people and others affected by the crisis.”

US firm Baker Botts, which has an office in Moscow, has said it is examining the “serious ethical, moral and legal considerations” of how it responds to the invasion, although doesn’t say whether its office will remain open.

A spokesperson said: ‘We condemn the invasion of Ukraine, and we hope for a cessation of hostilities at the earliest moment. We are actively examining the complicated impacts of this conflict on our clients and the future of our work in Russia. These include the serious ethical, moral and legal considerations for the Firm’s next steps and working directly with clients on any necessary transitions. Protecting and supporting the people of our Moscow office remains a top priority for our Firm at this difficult time.”

12:00 Clifford Chance to turn down new Russian state mandates and review current work

Here is a statement from Clifford Chance, just posted on LinkedIn.

“We are shocked and appalled by the continuing and increasing Russian military aggression in #Ukraine and the resulting human suffering in Ukraine and the surrounding countries. We stand together in condemning the invasion which is a clear and blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. We strongly support the rights of the government and the people of Ukraine.

We are united with the governments and fellow members of the legal and wider business community calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukraine in compliance with international law.

In support of these objectives, we will not accept new mandates from any Russian state entity, Russian state-owned enterprises or individuals identified as having close connections to President Putin. We will review all existing and new mandates relating to Russia, or where there is a connection to Russia, to ensure that our work remains consistent not only with the letter and the spirit of the international sanctions but also with our responsible business principles and values.

We always prioritise the safety, security and wellbeing of our people wherever they may be in the world. In particular, we stand in solidarity with both our Ukrainian and Russian colleagues across our offices, our many colleagues and former colleagues in the region, and those with close connections to the people of Ukraine and Russia. These are distressing and emotional times for many, and we commit to help and support wherever we can. We are fully committed to use our skills and resources to provide pro bono and significant financial support in response to the immediate and inevitable long-term impacts of the violence and resulting humanitarian crisis in the region.”

10:00

Leigh Day lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie and retired judge Peter Herbert are among a group of lawyers who have appealed to the UN about racism Black refugees are facing at Ukraine’s borders, reports The Independent.

3 March

16:00 “Come and litigate with London’s lawyers”, Boris told oligarchs in 2012

This week Conservative MP Bob Seely used Parliament to take a swipe at ‘amoral’ UK solicitors who act for Russian oligarchs. “Oligarchs, Putin’s henchmen, teaming up with amoral lawyers,” he raged. “These firms set up a one-stop corruption shop to offer a form of legalised intimidation to silence their rivals but also journalists and authors.”

But there was one high-profile Tory who actively encouraged wealthy Russians to come and use London’s lawyers. Who? Why, none other than former Mayor of London Boris Johnson! “I have no shame in saying to the injured spouses of the world’s billionaires: if you want to take him to the cleaners, take him to the cleaners in London,” he said in a speech to the Confederation of British Industry back in 2012.

“Rouble-fuelled refreshers and retainers” created jobs in London, the now-Prime Minister argued.

“Circus-master Boris is encouraging litigious oligarchs and their disgruntled spouses into the UK courts – and he’ll find little resistance from the City’s litigators,” we wrote when reporting on the news, while Withers partner and family head Julian Lipson said Boris’s opinions were not new, but that it was unusual for a politician to be as forthright as to urge foreign claimants to ‘roll up, roll up’ to the UK courts.

City law firms may not have clean hands over their work for oligarchs, but their dealings were actively championed by the man who is now Prime Minister.

The full speech can be viewed here.

Boris and the oligarchs

15:15 A suspension by Simmons & Simmons on matters that support the Russian and Belarusian economies

The firm said in a statement: “Simmons & Simmons has been carefully reviewing its Russian related matters to ensure that they reflect the firm’s ethos and integrity.

“As such, Simmons will stop advising on matters which support the Russian and Belarusian economies and governments at this time. Additionally, Simmons and its staff are raising funds for humanitarian relief, which includes a donation from the firm to the Red Cross.”

12:00 BDB Pitmans acting for bombed Holocaust memorial

The Russian strike on the Babyn Yar Holocaust memorial, which commemorates 33,771 Jewish civilians massacred by the Nazis, has proved one of the most symbolic and emotive moments of this war to date.

BDB Pitmans had been acting for the Memorial Center as it sought to expand; in the aftermath of the Russian attack the firm has announced it will be supporting not only the work of the Memorial Center but also the Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal which has been established in partnership with the Disasters Emergency Committee. It says: “We stand in solidarity with our friends and clients in Ukraine and all those who have loved ones there.”

9:15 More firms respond and vow to not take on new clients owned by Russian individuals

Osborne Clarke, which has a Russia & CIS disputes team as part of its wider litigation offering, has said it will not take on new clients owned by Russian or Belarusian individuals for the time being. In a statement, the firm said:

“Osborne Clarke is united in its support for the people of Ukraine and deplores the use of violence, the violation of international law and the disregard for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. We are working with a number of national and international humanitarian organisations to offer support through volunteering and charitable donations, and our thoughts go out to all people impacted by this conflict.

“We will not act for any individuals or organisations that are subject to sanctions or take on new clients or matters which are inconsistent with our support for Ukraine and its people. This will result in our not taking on new clients that are owned by Russian or Belarusian individuals, corporations or by their governments, for the time being. We are evaluating all matters where we are already engaged that are linked to Russia and Belarus. We will continue to support existing clients that are seeking to exit the Russian market, where it feels right to do so.”

“We hope for a swift end to the conflict, but will continue to review our approach as the situation in Ukraine continues to develop and change.”

Meanwhile Pinsent Masons has said its mandates involving Russian entities is “minimal”.

A spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with all of those who have been caught up in the horrific events unfolding in Ukraine and we are supporting those of our colleagues who have friends and family affected.

“We do not have a presence in Russia and the number of our existing mandates that involve Russian entities is minimal, however we are reviewing these to determine whether we should continue to act.”

A DLA Piper spokesperson said the firm is “urgently reviewing” Russia work.

The firm said: “We have watched in dismay and disbelief at the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We stand with the people of Ukraine and our thoughts are with them and all those in the region, and beyond, who are affected by this tragedy. We are closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation and providing support to our people and their families wherever we can.

“We are of course complying fully with all applicable sanctions worldwide and are urgently reviewing all Russia-related client engagements to ensure we do not act in a way that conflicts with our values.”

Dentons too has said: “In light of the rapidly accumulating sanctions, we are conducting a thorough review of existing work and new business acceptance criteria to ensure compliance with our legal and ethical obligations, firm policies, and our values. As part of this review, we have already concluded certain relationships and declined certain instructions.”

9:10 Dutch firm Houthoff ends relationship with Russian Federation

Houthoff, which ranks as the 31st largest independent firm across Continental Europe (according to The Lawyer Euro100), has terminated its relationship with Russia. In a statement, the firm said:

“Due to the acts of war by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, Houthoff has decided to terminate its relationship with the Russian Federation as well as with associated persons and companies.

“In addition, Houthoff will not accept any new instructions from such parties. Dutch lawyers are subject to strict professional rules of conduct when dealing with a decision of this nature, also when circumstances are as severe as currently the case in Ukraine.

“Houthoff will honour the applicable duty of care in the execution of this decision. It will do so in consultation with the Dean of the Amsterdam Bar.”

2 March

16:20 Freshfields moves to terminate mandates

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has said: “The firm has acted swiftly and responsibly with regard to ongoing mandates and new mandate requests to comply with our legal, regulatory and professional obligations and with a close eye to our values and reputation as a firm, irrespective of the potential business impact that will flow from this. Various mandates have therefore been terminated, suspended or declined.

“We are subject to stringent client confidentiality obligations, so we cannot provide further details about specific clients or mandates. At this time we are focused on the wellbeing of our colleagues in Moscow and ensuring they have adequate support.”

One mandate that The Lawyer understands has not been cancelled is the firm’s work with VTB Capital in its case concerning the Mozambique Tuna Bonds. VTB Capital has been a Freshfields client for several years, though it only took on the German-based VTB subsidiary VTB Europe around 12 months ago. As the sanctions currently stand, Freshfields is not prohibited from advising VTB thanks to a licence handed down by the Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) on 1 March. The OFSI licence permits the payment of “reasonable professional fees for the provision of legal services or reasonable expenses associated with the provision of legal services”.

The OFSI licence is set to expire on 1 March, 2023, with a further trial in the case set to commence in October 2023.

13:45 Allen & Overy to “refuse” new instructions and end Russia-linked work

The firm said: “We have been deeply shocked by the increasingly tragic scenes we are now seeing every day, as Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine causes ever greater damage and a growing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

“We have been very moved by the stories we have heard from the people in Ukraine, who have been put in such a horrific position by this unlawful invasion.

“A&O supports governments around the world in their response to this senseless invasion and condemns Russia’s actions.

“We are reviewing our Russia-related portfolio, and as a result we will refuse new instructions and stop all Russia-linked work that goes against our values. We will, naturally, vigorously implement all political decisions and comply with applicable sanctions and rules.

“A&O prides itself on its values and we are committed to doing all we can to support those friends, colleagues and their families, and clients who are affected, wherever they are in the world.

“Our firm is actively seeking pro bono opportunities and has donated to the Red Cross, which is working on the ground to support Ukrainians in extremely difficult circumstances.

“We support and encourage the international community in bringing pressure to bear to end this brutal conflict, including the selfless efforts of the governments, charities and people in neighbouring countries who are helping refugees.

“The Ukrainian people have shown extraordinary resolve and bravery in the face of appalling attacks. Our thoughts are with them.”

12:15 What are firms saying about their Russian work?

Condemnation of Russia’s invasion is widespread and firms are starting to make positions known through official channels.

Linklaters said: “We’re actively monitoring the situation and working to ensure the safety and support of colleagues and their families. We’re also reviewing all of the firm’s Russia-related work.”

Slaughter and May said: “As the situation develops rapidly, we continue to review our position to ensure we comply fully with sanctions applied to Russian entities and individuals.”

Hogan Lovells said: “We continue to closely monitor the situation and the fast-evolving laws and sanctions globally and to align our client work, and our operations, accordingly.  That may mean ceasing work where appropriate.  We continually evaluate our operations and portfolio of work and any new client mandates to ensure we are complying with sanctions requirements and local government guidance, including the advice from UK, U.S. and other governments.  Our thoughts are with all those people affected by the situation in Ukraine, including many of our own colleagues who have relatives in the region.

“Due to the way our firm is structured, we are able to continue to operate our Moscow office. As this is a fast-evolving situation we are closely monitoring any changes and reviewing our position as required.”

12:00 Carter-Ruck managing partner Nigel Tait defends his firm’s position after MP names him in the Commons

At a Russian sanctions motion in Parliament yesterday, Bob Seely MP for the Isle of Wight named Harbottle & Lewis partner John Kelly, CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang disputes partner Geraldine Proudler and Carter-Ruck managing partner and head of defamation and media law Nigel Tait. Seely also called out Matrix Chambers’ Hugh Tomlinson QC when discussing the ‘corruptive legal system’.

“You’ve got to wonder about the reputations of these people in a few years’ time,” Seely said.

Commenting to The Lawyer, Tait said: “We are not working for any Russian individuals or companies seeking to challenge, overturn, frustrate or minimise sanctions and nor will we do so. We add that we have never acted for Russian individuals or companies seeking to challenge sanctions, nor do we act in the manner alleged by Mr Seely.

“We acted for Rosneft in proceedings for libel but these were concluded last year, well before the invasion of Ukraine, which we obviously deplore. With regard to the report in the Times, Mr Berezovsky was a well-known opponent of Mr Putin and died almost ten years ago.”

Kelly, Proudler and Tomlinson QC have all been approached for comment.

1 March

18:00 Covington acts for Ukraine

Covington & Burling is once again acting for Ukraine, which now seeks a declaration from the International Court of Justice that Russia’s invasion has “no lawful basis”. An urgent hearing on Sunday (6 March) will hear the application, filed by Covington, for provisional measures ordering Russia to immediately suspend military operations to “prevent irreparable prejudice to the rights of Ukraine and its people”.

Ukraine argues that Russia is “intentionally killing and inflicting serious injury” on Ukrainian nationals – in breach of the international Genocide Convention. Leading the charge is Covington’s Washington DC partners Marney Cheek and David Zionts, alongside London partner Jonathan Gimblett.

This isn’t the first time Covington has been in Ukraine’s corner. The firm has a track record of challenging Russia on its behalf.

15:40 A call for a UK investigation by Sir Anthony Hooper

Sir Anthony Hooper, former Court of Appeal judge and deputy chair of the Ethics Council of Ukraine, has called for a UK investigation into potential war crimes committed in Ukraine. He writes:

“On the day after the unlawful invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, I asked the Metropolitan Police to investigate Putin, his associates and generals complicit in the invasion for those war crimes which could be tried in the UK. Unlike in many other countries, aggression is not a crime triable in the UK; and genocide and crimes against humanity are only triable here if committed by UK nationals. However, crimes committed by anyone in breach of the Geneva Conventions Act 1957 are triable here. Likewise, many serious crimes under the legislation criminalising terrorism are triable here whether or not the offender is a UK national. The invasion falls clearly within the definition of terrorism.

“Investigations into the crimes committed by and during the invasion should be followed by arrest warrants to show further support for the people of Ukraine and act as a deterrent. Today’s rocket attacks on civilian targets in Kharkiv show that Putin has decided to crush opposition by means that are unlawful under the Geneva Conventions. Even if one Russian general is deterred, lives may be saved.

“Following a request to a retired prosecutor in Estonia, similar investigations have been launched there. We need these investigations to be started immediately in all European countries – and elsewhere – especially in those countries where aggression is a triable offence irrespective of nationality. Professor Philippe Sands QC has shown in his article in the Financial Times of 28 February that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is an act of unlawful aggression and that those responsible are war criminals.

“Ukrainian citizens, including one and a half million of Jewish origin, suffered tragic losses 80 years ago at the hands of war criminals, some of whom were prosecuted. It is time to be prosecuting war criminals again.

The Right Honourable Sir Anthony Hooper, retired judge of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales and Deputy Chair of the Ethics Council of Ukraine.

15:30: Red Lion Chambers’ Jonathan Fisher QC believes that this conflict will result in a huge amount of work for law firms, both for their clients and for their own internal processes.

“Inevitably, the implementation of these sanctions is going to deliver a terrific amount of work for law firms and there’s no doubt about that.

“There will be a need to review carefully the application of these sanctions, there will be issues arising in relation to the work being done prior to the sanctions, whether there can be payment taken, issues around the withdrawal of services that have been provided, there will be legal issues arising around the contractual arrangements clients will have made, it will impact on the issue of frustration. The Russians will see our sanctions as lacking legitimacy so one can expect proceedings to develop in the fullness of time.”

15:20 A “huge rise in claims” is predicted by VDR’s founding partner

Tomas Vail, founding partner of Vail Dispute Resolution arbitration boutique, believes the volume of sanctions we have seen announced in the last week will lead to a wave of disputes in the coming years.

Vail’s career has involved spells in the arbitration practices at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and White & Case. He left the latter in 2019 to start up his own firm with a specialty in investor-state arbitrations.

“As a result of the conflict and the steps that states are taking in the last few days (in respect of sanctions on Russia), we can expect to see a huge rise in claims. Both at commercial arbitration level and at investor-state arbitration level. What we see with Nord Stream 2, is that we have a bit of a repeat in the current situation to what happened after Fukushima.

“In the Vattenfall Nuclear Power Plant dispute, Germany’s decision to halt nuclear production meant that the Vattenfall site could not reach its full potential. A €7bn claim was brought against Germany which settled for €1.5bn. Now, when it comes to Nord Stream, we see that Germany is taking steps to halt production there and I would not be surprised if we see similar claims in for that project. Energy will be the first place people will look at [for arbitration] for obvious reasons and after that it is likely to then be the financial institutions.”

12:20 Norton Rose update

Following our story yesterday – in which we revealed Norton Rose Fulbright lawyers had been told to “refrain” from commenting on Russian sanctions – the firm has said: “We are shocked by the tragic events unfolding in the Ukraine. Across our global firm, we are donating to humanitarian appeals to support the people of the Ukraine and we hope for a swift and peaceful resolution.

Read more here. 

8.30am: The Chelsea connection

In this morning’s Horizon from The Lawyer, we reflected on Skadden’s long-running ties to Chelsea Football Club and owner Roman Abramovich. Take a look at the full article here. 

28 February

15:30 Ivanyan and Partners closes its London office

Russian firm Ivanyan and Partners has closed its London office. London-based partner and former Clifford Chance senior associate James Dingley announced the news on LinkedIn earlier today.

London was the firm’s only office outside of Russia and leaves Ivanyan and Partners with just two other sites; one in Moscow and one in St Petersburg. The firm has been operating for around 16 years after launching in 2006 and today operates with almost 100 lawyers across its two Russian offices.

13:55 Kinstellar partner addresses lawyers of the Russia Federation

An open letter has been published on LinkedIn by Kyiv-based Kinstellar partner Galyna Zagorodniuk calling on lawyers in the Russian Federation to “publicly express your opinion, protest against the military aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine”.

She adds “Your President claims the people of Russia support him. It is critically important to show now that this is not the case!”

12:30 Norton Rose Fulbright’s internal memo to staff

In an internal communication, seen by The Lawyer, Norton Rose Fulbright effectively placed a blanket ban from any commentary about any sanctions in either a professional or private capacity. Read the full story here. 

25 February

14:25 Manchester United has cut its sponsorship deal with Aeroflot

International sanctions are beginning to take effect with some of the most high-profile examples today coming in the sports world. Manchester United’s cancellation of its deal with sanctioned airline Aeroflot has caught the eye of Mishcon de Reya partner and sports head Simon Leaf.

While Manchester United has confirmed this sponsorship’s termination, Uefa, European football’s governing body, will have a much more challenging time cutting its ties to Gazprom, the principal sponsor of its European club competitions.

“The situation with sponsors is likely to be different though, as these types of agreement tend to be much more heavily negotiated with a much more even distribution of negotiating power. With that in mind, it is likely to be much harder for UEFA to move away from long-term sponsorship deals with Russian parties, such as Gazprom.

“Ultimately, however, UEFA and other similar rightsholders may do more long-term damage to its relationship with its other corporate sponsors and ultimately fans by not curtailing problematic sponsorship deals. This is perhaps why Manchester United have taken such decisive action in ending its own deal with Aeroflot. It is a difficult balance that will need to be struck, and one that will no doubt be keeping UEFA and its lawyers up late to try to resolve.”

13:50: Brick Court’s Maya Lester QC, a sanctions expert who runs the blog europeansanctions.com alongside Peters & Peters senior partner Michael O’Kane, provides a snapshot of how graduated sanctions from the West could stand to impact law firms and their clients. Increased requirements around reporting and licensing look set to be imposed, meaning firms could be about to make some very costly decisions about their client lists.

“There might be retaliatory sanctions by Russia (maybe even on lawyers) but the most immediate consequences for law firms are working out the implications of acting for designated people or on matters (whether transactional or contentious) impacted by the new sanctions. Do the sanctions mean that you can’t recover damages in ongoing litigation because damages can’t be paid to a sanctioned entity in the jurisdiction, or require a licence? Can they be paid in another jurisdiction or in another currency without breaching sanctions? Do the lawyers need a licence to be paid? It’s difficult to give an answer other than it depends – US and EU sanctions can matter here as much as UK sanctions. This is just the latest wave of something that’s been happening for a long while (ie sanctions having an impact on the UK legal market).

Firms don’t necessarily have to cease to act if their clients are sanctioned, but will have to make the calculation about whether they should or could continue with any particular matter. Two obvious requirements firms need to be aware of are the requirement to report to the Treasury on frozen assets or suspected sanctions breaches, and the requirement to be licensed to receive payment from a sanctioned person. This can add long delays to legal proceedings and a significant degree of complexity. There are additional requirements and problems for those that fall within US sanctions jurisdiction too.”

13:30 Reaction from lawyers in Kyiv

There have been updates on the situation from lawyers in Kyiv. In a LinkedIn post, CMS’ former head of disputes in the region Taras Tertychnyi, now a partner at Marushko Law Office, says “we stay united, we support our political leadership regardless of our political views”.

12:20 A statement from the Bar leaders in the UK and Ireland 

A joint press release has said: “The Bar Council of England and Wales, the Bar of Northern Ireland, the Faculty of Advocates and the Bar of Ireland unequivocally condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

“Ukraine is a sovereign state entitled to self-determination. International law requires the Russian Federation to respect Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty. This act of war is a gross violation of international law as set out in the UN Charter.”

The England and Wales body is led by Mark Fenhalls QC, while Bernard Brady QC is in charge over in Northern Ireland. Roddy Dunlop QC is the dean of the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland, while Maura McNally QC is chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland.

9:00: “How fragile has this democracy been shown to be in the face of Russian aggression,” The Lawyer’s Horizon briefing writes this morning. A plea from a Kyiv lawyer an hour or so after the invasion began, relayed by a UK managing partner, illustrates the vulnerability of the country’s money system. ‘Get your clients to pay our bills – we will need that money.’

Read the full article here.

The leading Ukrainian firms collectively employ 792 people in Kyiv

24 February

15:35 Pro bono efforts come to the fore

Ropes & Gray has established a pro-bono support group to provide legal assistance to individuals and families caught up in the crisis in Ukraine. The group will be led by Boston-based employment partner Jenny Rikoski; in 2019 she represented families affected on the southern border of the United States during the US government’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy for controlling the country’s borders.

On her Ukraine work, Rikoski said: “Ropes & Gray, like the world, is watching what is happening in Ukraine. Our firm has a long history of having provided pro bono legal representation to thousands of refugees and asylum seekers over many decades. We are ready to provide humanitarian immigration support to individuals affected by the crisis.”

15:20: A statement from Taylor Wessing

Taylor Wessing has been in Kyiv since 2008 and has four qualified lawyers based in the city, led by partner Olena Stakhurska.

The firm said: “We are in touch and doing everything we can to support our colleagues and clients in Kyiv at this extremely difficult and concerning time. The wellbeing of our people is always of the highest priority.

“Our office in Kyiv is closed at the moment, however we are keeping in close touch with our clients and have assured them that we are able to continue to support them with their legal needs as required, including through our other offices in the CEE region. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adapt our approach as needed. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these events.”

15:10 More UK sanctions expected?

London-based Mayer Brown white-collar and regulatory partner Jason Hungerford believes its’ only a matter of time before sanctions over Russia’s key banks are imposed. His belief is that the sanctions announced earlier in the week were insufficient to deter escalation.

“In the next 12 hours I expect that major Russian banks will be sanctioned. There may be sanctions against Russian energy companies but it doesn’t seem like there is consensus on that point in the EU because of German and Italian dependence on Russian gas supplies. The EU recently said it wasn’t interested in sanctioning SWIFT at this stage so we can assume that will be a last resort.

“It’s likely that we will see more trade restrictions on certain types of goods and technologies. The sanctions that were imposed in the last 48 hours were roundly deemed inadequate, and it isn’t clear what the strategy was. No variety of sanctions is going to result in the tanks turning around. Russia knows the kinds of sanctions that were on the table, they even invaded anyway, and during a UN Security Council meeting that was discussing that very eventuality.”

13:15: Dentons shuts in Ukraine and establishes taskforce to monitor situation

Dentons, too, has elected to shut its office’s doors today in Kyiv. The office’s eight partners and 13 lawyers will now work remotely until further notice. This means that all of the nation’s biggest international law firms have chosen to close their doors for now, signalling the gravity of the situation facing those in Ukraine.

Dentons also has a Moscow office, which opened in 1991, and is roughly three times the size of the Kyiv office with more than 70 lawyers operating there.

The firm said in a statement: “Given the escalation of the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, Dentons has closed its office in Kyiv until further notice and has established a taskforce to monitor and manage the crisis situation.

“Our primary concern remains the safety of our people in both Ukraine and Russia. We are in regular contact with our team in Kyiv and are providing our colleagues with any assistance they need, including relocation assistance in the neighboring countries. Once safely relocated, our Ukrainian team will be working remotely or from other Dentons offices to serve the needs of our clients.”

12:25 CMS is the latest international firm to confirm a closure

With firms such as Baker McKenzie and Kinstellar doing the same, CMS has now confirmed it will be closing its Kyiv operations until further notices. The firm has 27 lawyers in the Ukrainian capital and launched in 1999.

A statement read: “We are concerned and deeply saddened by the situation emerging in Ukraine. The safety and wellbeing of our people is our utmost priority and we have been doing everything over recent weeks and months to support our colleagues, including providing relocation options within the EU.

“We have a dedicated team that have been working to assist colleagues in Kyiv for some time, particularly as issues started to emerge, and we continue to explore arrangements in what is a fast moving situation. Although our communication lines remain open, we have made the decision to close our Kyiv office until further notice. Our thoughts are with our colleagues, clients and friends during this difficult time. We, like many, hope for a peaceful resolution to this conflict.”

The office is led by former Linklaters trainee Graham Conlon who arrived at CMS’ Kyiv site in 2011. At the time of his arrival, he was the only English-qualified and trained M&A lawyer, at partner level, in the whole country. He has since taken over as CMS head of private equity for the CEE/CIS region.

12:20 The IBA says recent events “indisputably violates international law”

The International Bar Association has condemned “in the strongest terms” Russia’s overnight invasion of Ukraine. The IBA’s president Sternford Moyo stated: ‘This act by President Putin is a watershed moment that indisputably violates international law. Member States of the United Nations have, since 1945, agreed that territory should only change hands by consent. This rule is at the centre of maintaining international law and order between States. The IBA, founded to promote and protect the rule of law, strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.’

Executive director, Mark Ellis added: ‘International law is clear and absolute. A state is prohibited from the use or threat of force against another state.

“This is to ensure that the territorial integrity and political independence of the state are not violated. All instances of the use of force by one state against another, regardless of gravity or aims, constitute a violation. This protective principle is inviolable and one of the most fundamental norms of international law.

There are only two main exceptions to this principle – the state is acting in self-defence or acting pursuant to a United Nations Security Council resolution. Neither of these two exceptions is applicable to Russia’s actions against Ukraine.’

11:55 The Law Society issues a statement on its concerns

Stephanie Boyce, the president of the Law Society of England and Wales, has said: “We are gravely concerned by the news from Ukraine. A clear principle of international law is that a state is prohibited from the use or threat of force against another state. We hope for a swift end to hostilities and our thoughts are with all those affected.

“We are supporting and will continue to support our members in the region.”

11:45 Bakers closes its office until situation stabilises

Baker McKenzie has closed its office in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. The firm’s Ukraine base has 15 qualified lawyers, according to its website, covering a range of practice areas including corporate, banking and IP, as well as sectors including healthcare, energy and technology. According to its website, it was the first global law firm to establish an office in Ukraine in 1992.

In a statement the firm said: “In light of the military action underway in Ukraine, we have closed our office in Kyiv until the situation stabilises.

“We are closely monitoring developments at all times and are doing everything possible to support our people during these challenging circumstances. Their safety and wellbeing is our number one priority and our thoughts are with them and everyone affected at this extremely difficult time.

“To the extent feasible, our partners are working with clients affected to determine the options for continuing to provide legal assistance elsewhere, and we are providing further support through our network of offices across Europe.”

11:45 Kinstellar too is closing its office

Central and Eastern European regional firm Kinstellar has taken the opportunity to close its office in the Ukrainian capital. The office is believed to have shut today and staff in its 60-strong office have been told to work from home indefinitely.

The firm, which was previously a four-office network of Linklaters in CEE, had been implementing measures to safeguard its lawyers and partners in Kyiv for several weeks. These included arranging a fund to financially support its people in Ukraine, setting up a 24-hour hotline and the offer to relocate to one of the firm’s 10 other offices. It is understood that the majority of its Ukrainian lawyers elected to stay in Kyiv despite the escalating tensions.

Reactions elsewhere on social media

I spoke to a lawyer in Kiev yesterday morning. She told me her firm was making evacuation plans but they were waiting "to see a real physical danger". Less than 24 hours later that danger has arrived with Russia launching a full-scale invasion #PrayForUkraine

— Ruth Green (@ruthsgreen) February 24, 2022

7 February

As the threat of invasion loomed large earlier this month, The Lawyer published a Horizon on the situation. Firms were already taking action to ensure the safety of their lawyers and business services professionals.

There are more than 100 lawyers with an uncertain future at Kyiv’s four largest international firms