Russia presents an interesting opportunity for UK law firms seeking to expand their services to existing clients and explore the markets for advice on English law.
The Russian legal market is relatively new to high-end work and there is a noticeable lack of competition from domestic law firms.
Another benefit of working with Russia is that it is actively developing its laws on capital markets and financial instruments to be on a level with more developed markets. This will allow Russia to provide a similar level of protection for potential investors thus attracting more legal work from those experienced in cross-border transactions.
In addition, Russia allows foreign lawyers to access the Russian market and to provide advice on their home country laws which makes it- possible for UK law firms to actively participate in the market.
The global downturn has reduced the volume of legal work in Russia, particularly in relation to real estate and construction projects, but some areas remain in demand (litigation, employment). In addition, media and IT law, both relatively new and developing areas for the Russian legal market, provide a fresh supply of clients and work.
There are a range of international and Russian law firms involved in the Russian legal industry. Among the US and European law firms who have entered the Russian market are Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Baker & McKenzie, Linklaters, Salans, Allen & Overy.
There are also a number of local Russian and CIS law firms that have secured high-end legal work, namely: Pepeliaev Goltsblat & Partners, Alrud and Magisters. However, small and medium size Russian law firms such as MGAP Attorneys at Law also secure legal work from the UK.
“Best friend” arrangements are used as a form of cooperation between Russian and UK law firms.
Moscow, Russia
16-18, Bolshoy Kharitonjevskiy Pereulok,
107078 Moscow
Russia
Tel. +7 495 9810802
Fax. +7 495 9810803
London, United Kingdom
88 Kingsway,
London
WC2B 6AA
United Kingdom
Tel. +44 (0)20 8959 2480
Web. www.mgap.ru
Established in 1998. Our team are specialists in Russian law, able to deal fluently with clients in either Russian or English. We represent companies and private Russian and foreign clients in national and international cases.
Our main practice areas:
IPO, Corporate and commercial law; Media & Entertainment law
Intellectual property; Taxation
Moscow:
16-18 Bolshoy Kharitonjevskiy Pereulok
107078 Moscow, Russia
Tel: +7 495 981 0802 Fax: +7 495 258 3864
London:
Tel/fax: +44 (0) 20 8959 2480
Clientcare@mgap.co.uk www.mgap.ru