Baker Botts, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Hogan Lovells, and White & Case have announced they are closing their Moscow offices and exiting the market.
"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," a Baker Botts press statement read, adding the firm has also decided to close its Moscow office: "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." While expressing gratitude to its Moscow team, the firm added that "it is important to recognize that this situation has been forced upon all of us."
"After very thorough, careful thought and consideration, BCLP is ceasing its operations in Moscow in response to Russia's ongoing actions in Ukraine," a BCLP spokesperson said. "Alongside other global businesses, the firm stands in support with the people of Ukraine." The firm noted it is committed to providing support to its 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 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 all Russian forces from Ukraine," a Hogan Lovells press statement announced, adding the firm has "determined that [it] can no longer continue to operate in Russia and will be progressing with an orderly wind-down of [its] operations in Moscow. We deeply care about, and value, our colleagues in Russia and our focus is on their safety and wellbeing."
"We are horrified by the terrible events taking place in Ukraine and condemn Russia’s unjustified invasion," read a White & Case press statement announcing the firm is ceasing all representations of Russian and Belarusian state and state-owned entities and will close its Moscow office. "We will continue to support our people there, and their safety and wellbeing remain our priority. We are in the process of winding down our operations in Russia and are committed to an orderly transition."
With the four, the total number of firms announcing or confirming their exit from the Russian market is 18:
- Allen & Overy (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 11, 2022)
- Borenius (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 7, 2022)
- Clifford Chance (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 11, 2022)
- Eversheds Sutherland (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 10, 2022)
- Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 10, 2022)
- Gowling WLG (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 10, 2022)
- Herbert Smith Freehills (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 11, 2022)
- Latham & Watkins (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 10, 2022)
- Linklaters (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 7, 2022)
- Mannheimer Swartling (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 10, 2022)
- Norton Rose Fulbright (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 8, 2022)
- Morgan Lewis (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 10, 2022)
- Squire Patton Boggs (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 11, 2022)
- Winston & Strawn (reported by CEE Legal Matters on March 11, 2022).
