Three International Law Firms Close Their Offices In Kyiv Amid Conflict
Baker McKenzie, CMS, and Dentons have all decided to shut up their offices in Kyiv until further notice as Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues.
Representatives for CMS and Baker McKenzie told Reuters that all their employees based in Ukraine are accounted for. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Dentons said the firm is maintaining regular communication with employees who will work remotely once they have been “safely relocated.”
According to Reuters, Baker Mckenzie has around 100 employees in Ukraine, while Dentons has 49, and CMS has 67.
While Ukraine currently retains control of its capital city Kyiv and its second-largest city Kharkiv, the number of civilian fatalities is rising day by day. On Sunday, the human rights commission in Ukraine estimated the number of civil victims to stand at 210, including several children.
In a statement, CMS told Law360, “We have a dedicated team that has been working to assist colleagues in Kyiv for some time, particularly as issues started to emerge, and we continue to explore arrangements in what is a fast-moving situation.”
Meanwhile, Dentons has emphasised its main concerns remains with the safety of its employees in both Ukraine and Russia. Baker McKenzie has said it is “closely monitoring developments” and is doing everything it can to support its employees.
