How solicitors and firms are supporting displaced Ukrainian lawyers

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29 Sep 2022
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Since the illegal invasion of Ukraine began, the solicitor profession has stood in solidarity with the country and its people. We brought together over 100 displaced Ukrainian lawyers and 24 major employers to create networking, employment and training opportunities.
Ukrainian lawyers network with English and Welsh organisations at a jobs fair event at the Law Society's Hall in London
Ukrainian lawyers and representatives from UK organisations network in the Common Room of the Law Society’s Hall in Chancery Lane, London on Monday 26 September. Photograph: Carly Hollingsworth

Over 170 guests attended the job fair on 26 September, which aimed to support Ukrainian lawyers who have moved to the UK following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February.

Over 20 major employers, including Shell, Deutsche Bank, Dentons and LexisNexis, had the opportunity to promote a diverse range of roles and initiatives to more than 100 Ukrainian lawyers and collect applications for vacancies.

UK organisations also provided practical advice and guidance, helping lawyers to understand their options for employment and training.

“Today is an example of solidarity in action,” said chief executive of the Law Society, Ian Jeffrey.

“We have brought together law firms, in-house legal teams, legal service providers, recruitment agencies, training providers and English language schools that Ukrainian lawyers will be able to meet with.”

Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, gave a powerful speech condemning Russia’s illegal invasion of his homeland.

He also highlighted the critical role of initiatives that address local problems experienced by Ukrainian refugees, including the search for employment and housing.

Head of regulatory policy at the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Jackie Griffiths, described the regulatory regime for foreign lawyers and explained their options for employment in England and Wales.

She emphasised the open nature of the UK’s legal sector and the great range of opportunities that it supports.

We would like to thank Helen Savory, Shell’s associate general counsel, and Eugenia Rebotunova, chair of the British-Ukrainian Law Association, for their support organising the event.

We also thank the following organisations for taking part:

  • British Law Centre
  • Barbri
  • Dentons
  • Cleveland & Co
  • Lexis Nexis
  • Blue Pencil Legal Recruitment
  • Slaughter and May
  • Obelisk Support
  • European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
  • Flex Legal
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Eversheds Sutherland
  • British Legal Centre
  • Law Society careers clinic
  • Elevate Services
  • Shell
  • Cambridge Law Studio
  • Roots Law
  • Simmons & Simmons
  • Latham & Watkins
  • Jameson Legal
  • Guildhawk

Since the event, we’ve worked to ensure that all the attendees can connect with each other and discuss any specific roles or opportunities that they are interested in.

Find out more

The Law Society stands in solidarity with people in Ukraine following the Russian Federation’s illegal invasion.

Learn more about the legal issues and how you can help

Are you a Ukrainian lawyer looking for support? England and Wales is open to Ukrainian lawyers and law firms.

Find out how to practise, requalify, open an office and search for employment

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