Statement on Ukraine conflict

A DLA Piper spokesperson said: "As the tragedy in Ukraine continues to escalate, we remain committed to stand with the people of Ukraine and support them, and our people.

"One way we can do this is to take a position on which entities we are no longer prepared to represent given their connection with the Russian state.

"We wish to make it clear that we will not act for the Russian government, individuals connected to the state, state-owned enterprises or other prohibited parties from any of our offices globally. We are actively winding down any existing work in accordance with our legal and professional obligations and are refusing new instructions when approached.

"We will continue to act for our international clients with regard to managing their own responses to the conflict.

"In addition, we are undertaking a strategic review of our presence in Russia. Any decision to restructure our Russian business will be taken in the best interests of our people and clients.

"Last week we pledged to donate to our long-term partner UNHCR to support the humanitarian emergency created by mass displacement from Ukraine. We will also soon formally launch a new global partnership with UNHCR. Amongst other things, the partnership will see DLA Piper direct the equivalent of £3 million of pro bono work over a three-year period to address human displacement, which stands at record levels. This is in addition to a myriad of local initiatives our people across the world are actively contributing to in order to assist the people displaced by this terrible conflict."