Firm is the latest to join the mass exodus from Russia
Global firm DLA Piper has stepped in to run an advice service for Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK, reported the Law Society Gazette. The service was originally set up by immigration lawyers following Russia’s invasion.
The website Ukraine Advice Project UK has registered over 430 volunteer lawyers and given pro bono advice in nearly 700 requests since it was set up on 28 February by lawyers Jennifer Blair, Miranda Butler, Simon Cox, Alex Piletska and John Vassiliou, supported by CJ McKinney of Free Movement, the Gazette reported
DLA Piper announced that the project had grown to an ‘unmanageable’ scale for the six friends, who set up the project in their spare time, according to the Gazette.
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“We are therefore delighted to confirm that DLA Piper has agreed to provide us with desperately needed help administering volunteers and requests for advice,” the organisation said. “DLA Piper’s pro bono team will draw on their experience running a similar initiative for Afghan refugees to triage and manage requests for advice and offers of assistance from volunteer lawyers.”
DLA Piper is the latest firm to announce its departure from Russia, in view of the escalating crisis in the Ukraine.
A spokesperson for the firm 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.”