James Cartlidge MP, Junior Justice Minister, has said that “discussions on sanctions remain ongoing”, but declined to confirm whether the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) will look to place sanctions on law firms working for Russian clients.
Steve Reed MP, Shadow Justice Secretary, asked “whether [Dominic Raab] has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of sanctioning law firms working for Russian clients with cases in the English court system”.
Answering on behalf of Raab – the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor – Cartlidge said:
“Discussions on sanctions remain ongoing, but it is an important aspect of the rule of law that individuals can access legal advice.
Lawyers providing advice to sanctioned individuals are required to obtain a license from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) and operate under strict rules. There are severe penalties for breaches, including fines and potential imprisonment.
Many UK law firms are taking a strong stance against the deplorable actions of Russia and those linked to Putin’s regime, including winding down operations in Russia, reviewing client lists and carefully considering new work.”
Reed also asked “what discussions [Raab] has had with the (a) Chancellor of the Exchequer and (b) OFSI on the matter of law firms representing clients that are linked directly or indirectly to the Russian state with pending legal cases in the English judicial system.
Again answering on behalf of Raab, Cartlidge said:
“My officials are in regular discussions with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation and other agencies and regulators to ensure the sanctions regime is adhered to in the legal services market.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has also put out guidance reminding solicitors of their professional obligations and legal requirements.
Legal sector regulators are coming together rapidly to look at what can be done to further improve the enforcement of the restrictions under the current sanction and anti-money laundering (AML) regime. They are already stepping up compliance monitoring and enforcement activity.”
