Legal Cheek report
Eversheds Sutherland has “completed the transition of its operations in Russia” with all lawyers and support staff transferring to a newly-created law firm.
The move comes just weeks after the global outfit announced it was shuttering its operations in Russia in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. It had around 50 lawyers and support staff across two offices in Moscow and St Petersburg.
In a statement yesterday, Eversheds said the new outfit, Birch Legal, will become its “preferred relationship firm in Russia, servicing the needs of its international clients”.
“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,” the firm added.
Birch Legal will be headed up by corporate partner Mikhail Timonov who will be supported by fellow partner Yury Pugach.
A host of firms have now taken action in response to the crisis, with Baker McKenzie and Dentons both announcing last month that their Moscow and St Petersburg offices would become independent outfits.
Other big legal players — including the entire magic circle — have closed down their operations in Russia while pledging financial and pro bono support.
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