As the one-year of russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, CEE Legal Matters caught up with Redcliffe Partners’ Managing Partner, Olexiy Soshenko, to understand how he has adapted to the new circumstances. The war has profoundly impacted Ukraine, its people and its businesses, including the legal profession.
Safety and emotional well-being were paramount concerns for law firms during the initial period of the war. Soshenko and his colleagues prioritized the welfare of their team members, ensuring their safety and providing assistance when needed. The experience of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has proved invaluable in adjusting to remote working during the war.
Many law firms, including Redcliffe Partners, operate from Kyiv despite the ongoing conflict. With safety precautions in place, they gradually resumed office work while also allowing remote work options. They have made necessary arrangements, such as installing generators and creating shelters, to ensure the physical safety of their team members during missile attacks.
The war has brought changes to the legal workforce. While some lawyers have relocated or are on military service, Redcliffe Partners has retained a significant portion of its team. However, they have seen some departures from the legal profession, with some junior associates shifting to the IT sector and partners taking sabbaticals to focus on family matters during these challenging times.
In terms of mandates, due to the war there has been a significant decline corporate and M&A work. However, disputes, litigation, employment-related matters, technology and real estate remain in demand. Redcliffe Partners has been involved in employment reorganizations, advising on crisis measures, and assisting clients with their expansion plans to other jurisdictions.
Soshenko expressed his gratitude for the support received from colleagues abroad. Foreign law firms have offered accommodation and secondment options, and shared work opportunities with Ukrainian firms. They also volunteered and donated to charitable causes like the Breathe Charity Fund.
As Ukraine moves forward, Soshenko and his colleagues hope for continued support from foreign law firms. They seek access to knowledge and training, particularly in EU law, as Ukraine has obtained EU candidate status. Lobbying for Ukrainian interests, boycotting Russian businesses, and exploring future collaboration opportunities were among the suggestions put forth by Soshenko.
Despite the challenges posed by the war, Olexiy Soshenko and his team remain resilient, adapting to the circumstances while embracing solidarity within the legal community. Their dedication to serving their clients and contributing to the recovery of Ukraine has shone throughout these difficult times.