Russia and the CIS Market

Moscow
Linklaters CIS, Freshfields, Dewey & LeBouef, and White & Case dominated the international legal market.  These well-established offices boast some of the best work in the Russian market.  There are also various US firms who have established premium work in Russia such as Akin Gump Stauss Hauer & Feld LLP and Skadden Arps Almaty.

Kazakhstan
This city is the centre of commerce for the central steppes.  Demand for energy specialists and corporate specialists high due to the abundance of natural resources.

The Region

Moscow
Moscow is a unique and exciting city to live, work, and thrive in.  Cost of living is high and salaries in the international firms are high as well.

The city has some of the best nightlife of any city in the world and boasts a lively, supportive, and sociable expatriate community.  For lawyers who wish to experience something different but maintain the high quality of work, Moscow is an ideal destination.

St Petersburg
Imperial Russia’s old capital is now Moscow’s little brother.  St. Petersburg is undeniably beautiful, filled with canals, palaces, and bridges that are remarkably untouched following the twentieth century.

Salaries

In Russia, salaries ten to be slightly higher than London counterparts, and are paid in dollars.  Non-residents are taxed at 15%.

Other Requirements

To work as a lawyer in Russia a UK or US (New York bar) qualification is essential, as well as experience working on international transactions and well-known international firms.  It is preferred but not essential to be able to speak Russian.


Current Situation

The economic crisis has significantly affected the Russian market and many law firms are laying off staff.